Biblical Genealogy
From Jacob to the Great Commander of Israel
1 Chronicles 7:20–27 | Genesis 48 | Joshua 1:1
Unlike other tribes, Joseph's inheritance was divided between his two sons — Ephraim and Manasseh — each receiving a full tribal portion. Jacob (Israel) blessed both grandsons as his own sons (Genesis 48). Joshua descended from the line of Ephraim.
Patriarch of the 12 Tribes
Son of Jacob · Vizier of Egypt
Joseph's Firstborn
Machir → Gilead → (6 clans)
Key figures: Zelophehad's daughters, Jair, Gideon
Joshua's Line ✦
Tribe Patriarch
Son of Ephraim
Son of Shuthelah
Son of Bered
Son of Tahath
(2nd of this name)
Son of Eleadah
Son of Tahath
(2nd of this name)
Son of Zabad
Father of Joshua
Son of Nun · Commander of Israel
"The LORD saves"
Biblical Foundation
Primary Genealogy
The descendants of Ephraim, listing the ancestors of Joshua son of Nun — the only biblical passage providing the complete genealogical chain from the Tribe Patriarch to the Great Commander.
The Twelve Spies
"Of the tribe of Ephraim, Hoshea son of Nun" — Joshua listed among the 12 spies sent to explore the Promised Land, still bearing his birth name Hoshea.
Jacob Blesses Joseph's Sons
Jacob adopts Ephraim and Manasseh as his own sons, crossing his hands to give Ephraim the greater blessing — making Ephraim's tribe the leading tribe of the northern kingdom.
Spirit of Wisdom
"Now Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him." — The transfer of spiritual authority from Moses to Joshua.
The Great Commission
"After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses' aide: 'Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them.'" — The moment Joshua steps into his calling as Commander of Israel.
1 Chronicles 7:20–27 provides the only biblical genealogy connecting Ephraim directly to Joshua. This lineage traces the ancestry of one of Scripture's most pivotal figures — Joshua, the man chosen by God to succeed Moses and lead the Israelites into the Promised Land.
Joshua was originally named Hoshea (meaning "salvation"). Moses renamed him Joshua (Yehoshua — "The LORD saves") as recorded in Numbers 13:16. This name change reflected the divine mission entrusted to him.
The genealogy also includes notable details: some of Ephraim's descendants, including Ezer and Eleadah, were killed by men of Gath in a cattle raid (1 Chronicles 7:21). Ephraim mourned for many days, and his relatives came to comfort him. Despite this tragedy, the lineage continued — ultimately producing Joshua, the great commander.
Naming Pattern
Two names repeat in this genealogy: Shuthelah (Generations 3 and 9) and Tahath (Generations 5 and 7) — a common ancient Israelite practice of honoring ancestors by naming descendants after them.
Test your knowledge of Joshua's genealogy
Historical Context
From Joseph to the Conquest
Approximate dates based on biblical chronology and scholarly estimates
Note: Biblical chronology dates vary among scholars. These are approximate estimates based on the Masoretic text and traditional chronology.