Ephraim

Second son of Joseph and Asenath, born in Egypt. Ancestor of the tribe of Ephraim.

Name

Joseph named him Ephraim, meaning “fruitful,” saying “God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction” (Genesis 41:52).

Jacob’s Blessing

When Jacob blessed Joseph’s sons, he deliberately placed his right hand (the hand of greater blessing) on Ephraim, the younger son, rather than Manasseh the firstborn (Genesis 48). Jacob prophesied that Ephraim would be greater than his brother.

Tribe

The tribe of Ephraim became one of the most powerful tribes. Joshua was from Ephraim. The name “Ephraim” later became synonymous with the northern kingdom of Israel after the division of the monarchy.