9. Joseph told his father, "They’re my sons, whom God gave me here."Israel said, "Bring them to me and I will bless them."
10. Because Israel’s eyesight had failed from old age and he wasn’t able to see, Joseph brought them close to him, and he kissed and embraced them.
11. Israel said to Joseph, "I didn’t expect I’d see your face, but now God has shown me your children too."
12. Then Joseph took them from Israel’s knees, and he bowed low with his face to the ground.
13. Joseph took both of them, Ephraim in his right hand at Israel’s left hand, and Manasseh in his left hand at Israel’s right hand, and brought them close to him.
14. But Israel put out his right hand and placed it on the head of Ephraim, the younger one, and his left hand on Manasseh’s head, crossing his hands because Manasseh was the oldest son.
15. He blessed them and said,"May the God before whom my fathersAbraham and Isaac walked,may the God who was my shepherdfrom the beginning until this day,
16. may the divine messenger who protected me from all harm,bless the young men.Through them may my name be kept aliveand the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac.May they grow into a great multitudethroughout the land."