Why Did Jacob Cross His Hands When Blessing Ephraim and Manasseh?
The scene of Jacob blessing Joseph’s sons in Genesis 48 is one of the most meaningful moments in the patriarchal narrative. As Jacob neared the end of his life, Joseph brought his two sons—Manasseh, the firstborn, and Ephraim, the younger—to receive their grandfather’s blessing. Yet something unexpected happened: Jacob crossed his hands, placing his right hand on Ephraim, the younger, and his left hand on Manasseh, the firstborn.
This deliberate action puzzled Joseph, who attempted to correct his father. But Jacob refused, insisting that the crossing of hands was intentional and divinely guided. Understanding why Jacob did this reveals rich theological and spiritual truths.
1. Jacob Crossed His Hands Because God Reversed the Expected Order
In ancient Near Eastern culture, the right hand symbolized strength, authority, and the greater blessing. Normally, the firstborn received this blessing and inheritance rights.
But Jacob declared:
“I know, my son, I know… his younger brother shall be greater than he.”
(Genesis 48:19)
Jacob’s gesture reflected God’s plan to elevate Ephraim above Manasseh. Throughout Scripture, God repeatedly overturns human expectations:
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Isaac over Ishmael
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Jacob over Esau
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Joseph over his older brothers
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David over his older brothers
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Ephraim over Manasseh
By crossing his hands, Jacob affirmed that God’s choice does not depend on human traditions or birth order but on divine purpose.
2. Jacob Acted Under Divine Guidance, Not Personal Preference
Jacob was nearly blind (Genesis 48:10), but his spiritual perception was clear. When Joseph tried to reposition his hands, Jacob insisted:
“I know what I am doing.”
(Genesis 48:19)
This demonstrated:
● Prophetic Insight
Jacob spoke as one guided by God, revealing the future greatness of Ephraim’s descendants.
● Submission to God’s Will
Despite cultural norms, Jacob yielded to God’s sovereign plan.
● A Spiritual Lesson for Joseph
Joseph needed to understand that God’s blessings flow according to His purpose, not human expectation or rank.
Jacob’s crossed hands thus became a symbol of heavenly direction.
3. The Crossing of Hands Signified a Prophetic Future
Jacob’s action was more than symbolic—it was prophetic.
Ephraim’s Future Greatness
Ephraim became:
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The dominant tribe of Northern Israel
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A symbol of the entire northern kingdom
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A tribe associated with leadership and fruitfulness
The prophecy proved accurate centuries later.
Manasseh’s Blessing Still Stood
Jacob did not deny Manasseh’s blessing. He promised:
“He also shall become a people, and he also shall be great.”
(Genesis 48:19)
But Ephraim would surpass him.
The crossed hands represented a dual blessing, one of greatness and one of supremacy, each according to God’s design.
4. Jacob’s Crossed Hands Reflect His Own Life Story
Jacob himself was a younger son who received the greater blessing. God had once reversed the birth order in his favor, and now, at the end of his life, Jacob recognized the same divine pattern. This moment mirrored Jacob’s experiences:
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God chose Jacob over Esau
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Jacob’s own blessing from Isaac involved misunderstanding and reversal
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Jacob lived a life shaped by God’s unexpected choices
Crossing his hands symbolized a deeper truth Jacob learned throughout his life:
God chooses whom He wills, regardless of human customs.
5. A Picture of God’s Grace Over Human Entitlement
The crossed hands symbolize the nature of God’s grace:
Grace chooses the unlikely
Ephraim was younger and normally would not receive preeminence.
Grace overturns expectations
God does not bind Himself to human rules.
Grace flows where God desires
His blessings reach beyond tradition, culture, and human judgment.
Jacob’s action teaches that God’s grace is sovereign, surprising, and generous.
6. A Spiritual Symbol: The “Crossed Hands” Represent God’s Unexpected Blessing
Many Bible students see symbolism in the crossing itself:
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The “crossing” mirrors the pattern of Christ’s redemptive work.
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It pictures how God often works through unexpected means.
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It represents blessings that come not by natural right, but by God’s mercy.
Jacob’s hands formed an “X”—a symbol that blessings come by God’s design, not man’s strength.
Conclusion
Jacob crossed his hands when blessing Ephraim and Manasseh because he was acting:
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Under divine guidance,
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According to prophecy,
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In line with God’s pattern of choosing the unexpected,
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And with symbolic meaning demonstrating sovereign grace.
This simple gesture became a profound moment in biblical history, showing how God works beyond human norms and elevates the unlikely to fulfill His redemptive purposes.