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Genesis 48:18

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Genesis 48:18 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And Joseph said unto his father, Not so, my father; for this is the first-born; put thy right hand upon his head.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And Joseph said unto his father, Not so, my father; for this is the first-born; put thy right hand upon his head.
Genesis 48:18 — American Standard Version

Context — Genesis 48

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
15And he blessed Joseph, and said, The God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk, the God who hath fed me all my life long unto this day,
16the angel who hath redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; and let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.
17And when Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand upon the head of Ephraim, it displeased him: and he held up his father`s hand, to remove it from Ephraim`s head unto Manasseh`s head.
18And Joseph said unto his father, Not so, my father; for this is the first-born; put thy right hand upon his head.
19And his father refused, and said, I know [it], my son, I know [it]. He also shall become a people, and he also shall be great: howbeit his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his seed shall become a multitude of nations.
20And he blessed them that day, saying, In thee will Israel bless, saying, God make thee as Ephraim and as Manasseh: and he set Ephraim before Manasseh.
21And Israel said unto Joseph, Behold, I die: but God will be with you, and bring you again unto the land of your fathers.
← Genesis 48:17Genesis 48:19 →
← Full Chapter 48 Genesis Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And Joseph said unto his father, not so, my father, etc.] It is not right, it should not so be, that the right hand should be put on the youngest, and the left hand on the eldest; for this [is] the firstborn; directing him to Manasseh, and seeking to guide his hand towards him: put thy right hand upon his head; Joseph was for proceeding according to the order of birthright, but Jacob was directed by a spirit of prophecy, as follows.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“- Joseph Visits His Sick Father The right of primogeniture has been forfeited by Reuben. The double portion in the inheritance is now transferred to Joseph. He is the first-born of her who was intended by Jacob to be his first and only wife. He has also been the means of saving all his father’s house, even after he had been sold into slavery by his brethren. He has therefore, undeniable claims to this part of the first-born’s rights. Genesis 48:1-7 After these things. - After the arrangements concerning the funeral, recorded in the chapter. “Menasseh and Ephraim.” They seem to have accompanied their father from respectful affection to their aged relative. “Israel strengthened himself” -…”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification