Genesis 48:14

Authorized King James Version

And Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid it upon Ephraim's head, who was the younger, and his left hand upon Manasseh's head, guiding his hands wittingly; for Manasseh was the firstborn.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּשְׁלַח֩

H7971

stretched out

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֨ל

H3478

And Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יְמִינ֜וֹ

H3225

his right hand

the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south

וַיָּ֨שֶׁת

H7896

and laid

to place (in a very wide application)

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

רֹ֣אשׁ

H7218

head

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

אֶפְרַ֙יִם֙

H669

it upon Ephraim's

ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

וְה֣וּא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

#10

הַצָּעִ֔יר

H6810

who was the younger

little; (in number) few; (in age) young, (in value) ignoble

#11

וְאֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#12

שְׂמֹאל֖וֹ

H8040

and his left hand

properly, dark (as enveloped), i.e., the north; hence (by orientation), the left hand

#13

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#14

רֹ֣אשׁ

H7218

head

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

#15

מְנַשֶּׁ֖ה

H4519

for Manasseh

menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

#16

שִׂכֵּל֙

H7919

guiding

to be (causatively, make or act) circumspect and hence, intelligent

#17

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#18

יָדָ֔יו

H3027

his hands

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

#19

כִּ֥י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#20

מְנַשֶּׁ֖ה

H4519

for Manasseh

menashsheh, a grandson of jacob, also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

#21

הַבְּכֽוֹר׃

H1060

was the firstborn

first-born; hence, chief

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Genesis.

Historical Context

The historical context of the patriarchal period (c. 2000-1500 BCE) and primeval history provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The ancient Near Eastern world with its creation myths, flood narratives, and patriarchal social structures provided the cultural backdrop against which God's revelation stands in stark contrast. The ancient Near Eastern cosmology and patriarchal society would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Ancient Near Eastern creation texts like Enuma Elish provide comparative context for understanding Genesis's unique theological perspective.

Questions for Reflection

How does the creation and providence theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this verse's literary context within Genesis chapter 48 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?

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