Genesis 41:52
Genesis 41:52 in Multiple Translations
And the second son he named Ephraim, saying, “God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.”
And the name of the second called he Ephraim: For God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction.
And the name of the second called he Ephraim: For God hath made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.
And to the second he gave the name Ephraim, for he said, God has given me fruit in the land of my sorrow.
His second son he named Ephraim, because he said, “God has made me fruitful in the country of my misery.”
Also hee called the name of the second, Ephraim: For God, sayde he hath made me fruitfull in the land of mine affliction.
and the name of the second he hath called Ephraim: 'for, God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of mine affliction.'
The name of the second, he called Ephraim: “For God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.”
And the name of the second called he Ephraim: for God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction.
And he named the second Ephraim, saying: God hath made me to grow in the land of my poverty.
He named his second son Ephraim, which means ‘to have children’, because, he said, “God has given me children here in this land where I have suffered.”
Joseph named his 2nd son Ephraim. That name means he let me have kids. Joseph said, “You see, God was good to me. He let me have kids in this country, even though I had lots of trouble here.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 41:52
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 41:52 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אֵ֛ת
שֵׁ֥ם
הַ/שֵּׁנִ֖י
קָרָ֣א
אֶפְרָ֑יִם
כִּֽי
הִפְרַ֥/נִי
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
בְּ/אֶ֥רֶץ
עָנְיִֽ/י
וְ/אֵ֛ת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
שֵׁ֥ם
shêm
H8034
name
N-ms
הַ/שֵּׁנִ֖י
shênîy
H8145
second
Art | Adj
קָרָ֣א
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
אֶפְרָ֑יִם
ʼEphrayim
H669
Ephraim
N-proper
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
הִפְרַ֥/נִי
pârâh
H6509
be fruitful
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms | Suff
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
בְּ/אֶ֥רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Prep | N-cs
עָנְיִֽ/י
ʻŏnîy
H6040
affliction
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 41:52
וְ/אֵ֛ת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
שֵׁ֥ם
shêm
H8034
"name"
N-ms
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
הַ/שֵּׁנִ֖י
shênîy
H8145
"second"
Art | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means second or again, like when Moses went up Mount Sinai a second time in Exodus 24:15-18. It can also mean another or something distinct.
Definition: 1) second 1a) second (the ordinal number) 1b) again (a second time) 1c) another, other (something as distinct from something else)
Usage: Occurs in 152 OT verses. KJV: again, either (of them), (an-) other, second (time). See also: Genesis 1:8; 1 Kings 6:1; Isaiah 11:11.
קָרָ֣א
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
אֶפְרָ֑יִם
ʼEphrayim
H669
"Ephraim"
N-proper
Ephraim means doubly fruitful, referring to Joseph's son and the tribe that descended from him. The tribe of Ephraim was a significant part of Israel's history. Ephraim is also the name of a region in the Bible.
Definition: Ephraim = "double ash-heap: I shall be doubly fruitful" the country of the tribe of Ephraim Also named: Ephraim (Ἐφραίμ "Ephraim" G2187)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: Ephraim, Ephraimites. See also: Genesis 41:52; 1 Chronicles 27:20; Psalms 60:9.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
הִפְרַ֥/נִי
pârâh
H6509
"be fruitful"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to be fruitful or produce something, like a tree bearing fruit. It is used in a literal sense, but also figuratively, like in Genesis where God tells humans to be fruitful and multiply. It emphasizes growth and increase.
Definition: 1) to bear fruit, be fruitful, branch off 1a) (Qal) to bear fruit, be fruitful 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to bear fruit 1b2) to make fruitful 1b3) to show fruitfulness, bear fruit Also means: pa.ra (פָּרָא "be fruitful" H6500)
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: bear, bring forth (fruit), (be, cause to be, make) fruitful, grow, increase. See also: Genesis 1:22; Exodus 1:7; Psalms 105:24.
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
בְּ/אֶ֥רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Prep | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
עָנְיִֽ/י
ʻŏnîy
H6040
"affliction"
N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means affliction or misery, describing a state of trouble or hardship, as seen in the experiences of the Israelites in the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) affliction, poverty, misery 1a) affliction 1b) poverty
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: afflicted(-ion), trouble. See also: Genesis 16:11; Job 36:21; Psalms 9:14.
Study Notes — Genesis 41:52
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 41:52 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 41:52
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 41:52
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 41:52
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 41:52
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 41:52
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 41:52
- Sermons on Genesis 41:52
Context — The Seven Years of Plenty
50Before the years of famine arrived, two sons were born to Joseph by Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On.
51Joseph named the firstborn Manasseh, saying, “God has made me forget all my hardship and all my father’s household.”
52And the second son he named Ephraim, saying, “God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.”
53When the seven years of abundance in the land of Egypt came to an end, 54the seven years of famine began, just as Joseph had said. And although there was famine in every country, there was food throughout the land of Egypt.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 49:22 | Joseph is a fruitful vine— a fruitful vine by a spring, whose branches scale the wall. |
| 2 | Genesis 50:23 | He saw Ephraim’s sons to the third generation, and indeed the sons of Machir son of Manasseh were brought up on Joseph’s knees. |
| 3 | Genesis 17:6 | I will make you exceedingly fruitful; I will make nations of you, and kings will descend from you. |
| 4 | Genesis 28:3 | May God Almighty bless you and make you fruitful and multiply you, so that you may become a company of peoples. |
| 5 | Amos 6:6 | You drink wine by the bowlful and anoint yourselves with the finest oils, but you fail to grieve over the ruin of Joseph. |
| 6 | Genesis 30:6–13 | Then Rachel said, “God has vindicated me; He has heard my plea and given me a son.” So she named him Dan. And Rachel’s servant Bilhah conceived again and bore Jacob a second son. Then Rachel said, “In my great struggles, I have wrestled with my sister and won.” So she named him Naphtali. When Leah saw that she had stopped having children, she gave her servant Zilpah to Jacob as a wife. And Leah’s servant Zilpah bore Jacob a son. Then Leah said, “How fortunate!” So she named him Gad. When Leah’s servant Zilpah bore Jacob a second son, Leah said, “How happy I am! For the women call me happy.” So she named him Asher. |
| 7 | Genesis 48:16–19 | the angel who has redeemed me from all harm— may He bless these boys. And may they be called by my name and the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac, and may they grow into a multitude upon the earth.” When Joseph saw that his father had placed his right hand on Ephraim’s head, he was displeased and took his father’s hand to move it from Ephraim’s head to Manasseh’s. “Not so, my father!” Joseph said. “This one is the firstborn; put your right hand on his head.” But his father refused. “I know, my son, I know!” he said. “He too shall become a people, and he too shall be great; nevertheless, his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his offspring shall become a multitude of nations.” |
| 8 | Genesis 29:32–35 | And Leah conceived and gave birth to a son, and she named him Reuben, for she said, “The LORD has seen my affliction. Surely my husband will love me now.” Again she conceived and gave birth to a son, and she said, “Because the LORD has heard that I am unloved, He has given me this son as well.” So she named him Simeon. Once again Leah conceived and gave birth to a son, and she said, “Now at last my husband will become attached to me, because I have borne him three sons.” So he was named Levi. And once more she conceived and gave birth to a son and said, “This time I will praise the LORD.” So she named him Judah. Then Leah stopped having children. |
| 9 | Isaiah 40:1–2 | “Comfort, comfort My people,” says your God. “Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her forced labor has been completed; her iniquity has been pardoned. For she has received from the hand of the LORD double for all her sins.” |
| 10 | Psalms 105:17–18 | He sent a man before them— Joseph, sold as a slave. They bruised his feet with shackles and placed his neck in irons, |
Genesis 41:52 Summary
[Genesis 41:52 tells us that Joseph named his second son Ephraim, which means 'fruitful', because God had made him successful and blessed him with a family in Egypt, even though he had faced many challenges and hardships. This shows that God can bring good out of difficult situations, as seen in Romans 8:28. Joseph's story teaches us to trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, even when things seem impossible, and to look for ways that He is making us fruitful and blessed, even in the midst of affliction. By trusting in God, we can find purpose and meaning in our lives, just like Joseph did, and fulfill our calling as believers, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Ephraim mean and why did Joseph choose it for his second son?
The name Ephraim means 'fruitful' or 'fertile', and Joseph chose it because God had made him fruitful in the land of Egypt, despite the affliction he had faced, as seen in Genesis 41:52.
How does Joseph's statement in Genesis 41:52 relate to his overall story in the book of Genesis?
Joseph's statement highlights God's sovereignty and faithfulness in his life, as he was able to find fruitfulness and success in Egypt, even after being sold into slavery and imprisoned, as seen in Genesis 37:28 and Genesis 39:20-23.
What can we learn from Joseph's attitude towards his affliction in Genesis 41:52?
Joseph's attitude towards his affliction shows that he trusted in God's goodness and sovereignty, even in difficult circumstances, which is a lesson for believers today, as seen in Romans 8:28 and Jeremiah 29:11.
How does Genesis 41:52 relate to the broader theme of God's promise to the patriarchs in the book of Genesis?
Genesis 41:52 shows how God was fulfilling His promise to make the patriarchs fruitful and multiply their descendants, as seen in Genesis 12:2 and Genesis 17:6, and how Joseph's story fits into the larger narrative of God's covenant with His people.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that God has made you fruitful in your own life, despite difficult circumstances?
- How can you, like Joseph, trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when faced with affliction or hardship?
- What does Genesis 41:52 teach you about the importance of perseverance and faith in the face of adversity?
- How can you apply the lesson of Genesis 41:52 to your own life, by finding fruitfulness and purpose in the midst of challenging circumstances?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 41:52
And the name of the second called he Ephraim,.... Which signifies fruits or fruitfulness; and being of the dual number, may intend both his spiritual and temporal fruitfulness God had blessed him
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 41:52
And the name of the second called he Ephraim: For God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 41:52
1711 In the land which hitherto hath been to me a land of affliction.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 41:52
Genesis 41:52 And the name of the second called he Ephraim: For God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction. Ver. 52. This Ephraim was afterwards, by Jacob, set before his older brother.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 41:52
(52) Ephraim.—That is, fruitfulness. The dual ending probably intensifies the meaning.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 41:52
52. Ephraim] For the Hebrew word to be fruitful, cf. Genesis 28:3, Genesis 35:11, Genesis 48:4. There is a play on the resemblance in the sound of the name to the Hebrew root (prh) meaning “fruitfulness.” The same play on the two words is found in Hosea 13:15, “fruitful among his brethren,” referring to Ephraim. made me fruitful] i.e. “hath given me sons.” But, as a title for the tribe of Ephraim, it is natural to connect it with the fertility of the territory which it occupied.
Sermons on Genesis 41:52
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
It's Raining Blessing by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman delivers a powerful sermon on finding blessings in the midst of afflictions, using the analogy of rain bringing forth beautiful flowers to illustrate how God's lo |
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(Genesis) Genesis 49:22-27 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the blessings and prophecies given by Jacob to his sons before his death. He starts by discussing Joseph, who was described as a fruitful bo |
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(Genesis) - Part 30 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the examples of ordinary men in the Bible who lived by the spirit of Christ without the presence of scriptures. He highlights the story of Jos |
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Blessed to Bless by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of vital truths in the Bible. He explains that while all truths should be studied, there are certain truths that are more esse |
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Jacob's Last Words by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the significance of the rock in biblical stories. He starts by referencing the interpretation of Daniel's dream, where the rock symboli |
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The History, Mystery and Tragedy of Samson - Part 3 by Ian Paisley | This sermon delves into the life of Samson, exploring the lessons from his journey, including his backsliding, rebellion, and ultimate return to God. Despite his flaws, Samson's fa |
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Sorrow, God's Plowshare by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches about the transformative power of sorrow when under Divine grace, revealing hidden depths in the soul, unknown capabilities, and the importance of intros |