In spite of Joseph’s careful arrangement of the boys, Jacob has clearly decided that Ephraim is to be given preference over his older brother.

Crossing his hands: Revised Standard Version follows the Hebrew clause order, which makes this statement a summary of what Jacob does. Note that Good News Translation and others give this information as the principal action following a contrasting connector: “But Jacob crossed his hands and….” What Jacob does is contrary to Joseph’s expectations.

For Manasseh was the first-born: that is, “although [or, in spite of the fact that] Manasseh was the older brother.”

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 .