Tribe of Ephraim

Tribe of Ephraim (Hebrew alphabet אֶפְרַיִם / אֶפְרָיִם "double fruitfulness", Standard Hebrew Efráyim, Tiberian Hebrew ʾEp̄ráyim / ʾEp̄rāyim) took precedence over that of Manasseh by virtue of Jacob's blessing (Gen. 41:52; 48:1). The descendants of Joseph formed two of the tribes of Israel, whereas each of the other sons of Jacob was the founder of only one tribe. Thus there were in reality thirteen tribes; but the number twelve was preserved by excluding that of Levi when Ephraim and Manasseh are mentioned separately (Num. 1:32-34; Josh. 17:14, 17; 1 Chr. 7:20).

Related Topics:
Hebrew alphabet - Standard Hebrew - Tiberian Hebrew - Manasseh - Jacob - Joseph - Israel - Levi - Ephraim

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