Gen 48:5 | MHM | STEP | v. 5 : Jacob formally adopts Ephraim and Manasseh as his own sons, giving them the same status as Reuben and Simeon ( v. 5 ). This means that each will become the head of a tribe in Israel, even though they were born in Egypt.

‏ Genesis 48:5

v. 5: Jacob formally adopts Ephraim and Manasseh as his own sons, giving them the same status as Reuben and Simeon (v. 5 ^a). This means that each will become the head of a tribe in Israel, even though they were born in Egypt.