Metaphysical meaning of Ephraim (mbd)
Ephraim, e'-phra-lm (Heb.)--doubly fruitful; very fruitful; productive.
Second son of Joseph, and brother of Manasseh (Gen. 48: 14).
Meta. The will
In Genesis 41:50-52 it is stated that Joseph had two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim. "And Joseph called the name of the first-born Manasseh: For, said he, God hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father's house. And the name of the second called he Ephraim: For God hath made me fruitful in the land of my affliction."
It is very plain that Manasseh means the thought of forgetfulness, or denial, and Ephraim means the thought of adding to, or affirmation. We also perceive that these two sons represent the understanding and the will. The first step that a beginner in Truth takes is to set up a new and better state of consciousness, based upon the absolute. He forgets, or denies, the "not good," and brings into vivid remembrance the very good by affirming it to be the real.
These two sons of Joseph, the understanding and the will, are to be especially active in the one who would overcome and master the sensations of the body. Their allotment in the Promised Land was in joint ownership. This shows that they should go hand in hand. In all building of permanent character and body, the action of the will (Ephraim) must be based upon understanding (Manasseh).
"The crown of pride of the drunkards of Ephraim" see TIMNATH-HERES and foot" (Isa. 28:3) is the pride of personality. The egotist builds up false states of mind, the thought back of them being sense gratification.
The fruits that such states of mind bring forth are chaff and humiliation. The mind becomes confused and unstable, producing disease and weakness of body.
The true "crown of glory" and the "diadem of beauty" are the attainment of understanding of the principles of Truth, and the understanding of how to express these principles in mind, body, and affairs.
For information on "the hill-country of Ephraim" see TIMNATH--HERES and JOSHUA.
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Preceding Entry: ephphatha
Following Entry: Ephraimite
