Ephraim is one of the twelve tribes of Israel in the Bible. He is the second son of Joseph and Asenath, and is considered to be the ancestor of one of the major tribes of Israel. According to the Bible, Ephraim was blessed by Jacob (Israel) and given the birthright of the firstborn, even though he was not the eldest son. Ephraim is also mentioned in the book of Isaiah as a symbol of the entire northern kingdom of Israel.