Verses 13-20 describe a new scene that has no introduction. In it we see how Ephraim is given the primary blessing. Verse 13 follows directly on verse 10a. The purpose of verses 13-20 is expressed at the conclusion of this scene in verse 20: “Thus he put Ephraim before Manasseh.”

Ephraim in his right hand … Israel’s left: while Jacob sits on the side of his bed, Joseph places Ephraim on his own right side and Manasseh on his own left—so that as they approach Jacob, Ephraim will be on Jacob’s left and Manasseh on Jacob’s right. Joseph arranges the boys in this way so that the nearly blind grandfather will not be confused.

Brought them near him: that is, Joseph brought them close to Jacob so that he could easily touch them.

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Genesis. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1997. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .