Genesis 46:20

And vnto Ioseph in the lande of Egypt, were borne Manasseh and Ephraim, which Asenath the daughter of Poti-pherah Priest of On bare vnto him. Genesis 46:20 (KJV)

This verse is significant because it highlights the fulfillment of God’s promise to bless Joseph and make him fruitful. In Genesis 48, Jacob adopts Joseph’s two sons as his own and blesses them, giving the younger son, Ephraim, a greater blessing than the elder son, Manasseh. This act of Jacob, guided by God’s inspiration, became a prophetic indication of the future prominence of the tribe of Ephraim in Israel’s history.

Furthermore, the mention of Asenath being the daughter of Potipherah, the priest of On, holds cultural and historical significance. On, also known as Heliopolis, was a renowned city in ancient Egypt associated with sun worship. The marriage of Joseph, a Hebrew, to an Egyptian woman of such high status shows the divine favour Joseph received in a foreign land.

Overall, this verse not only highlights the fulfillment of God’s promises to Joseph but also demonstrates God’s faithfulness in preserving the lineage of Jacob’s family and orchestrating events to bring about His plans and purposes.

It is worth noting that the Bible contains numerous other passages and stories that provide further insights into the life of Joseph, his family, and the significance of their roles within God’s plan of salvation.