¹³ And Joseph took both of them, Ephraim on his right toward Israel’s left hand and Manasseh on his left toward Israel’s right hand,^(A) and brought them close to him.

¹⁴ But Israel^(A) reached out his right hand and put it on Ephraim’s head,^(B) though he was the younger,^(C) and crossing his arms, he put his left hand on Manasseh’s head, even though Manasseh was the firstborn.^(D)

¹⁷ When Joseph saw his father placing his right hand^(A) on Ephraim’s head^(B) he was displeased; so he took hold of his father’s hand to move it from Ephraim’s head to Manasseh’s head. ¹⁸ Joseph said to him, “No, my father, this one is the firstborn; put your right hand on his head.”^(C)

¹⁹ But his father refused and said, “I know, my son, I know. He too will become a people, and he too will become great.^(D) Nevertheless, his younger brother will be greater than he,^(E) and his descendants will become a group of nations.^(F)” ²⁰ He blessed^(G) them that day^(H) and said,

So he put Ephraim ahead of Manasseh.