Ephraim

Second son of Joseph and Asenath, born in Egypt, ancestor of the powerful tribe of Ephraim. Joseph named him “Ephraim” (meaning “fruitful”), saying “God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction” (Genesis 41:52). Though younger than Manasseh, Ephraim received the greater blessing from Jacob, who deliberately crossed his hands to place his right hand on Ephraim’s head, prophesying the younger would surpass the elder (Genesis 48). The tribe of Ephraim became one of Israel’s most powerful; Joshua descended from this tribe. After the monarchy divided, “Ephraim” became virtually synonymous with the northern kingdom of Israel.