Genesis 49:3

First he said to Reuben, “Reuben, you are my firstborn son. When you were born, people knew that I was a strong man. And you are stronger than your brothers today.

Anindilyakwa (portions)

In The King James Version

Reuben, thou art my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power:

In Context

2The old man had two names. One was Jacob, but God had given him another important name, Israel. He said to his sons, “Come together and listen to me. Listen to your father Israel.” Then he spoke his last words to them one by one, before he died.

4But you did a very bad thing to me, because you slept with my servant. You didn't respect me, your father. You are like rain that none of us can control, because no one can control you. So, because of the wrong you did, you will no longer be greater than your brothers, you will always be less important.”

Read all of Genesis 49

Cross References

Genesis 35:22While Jacob and his family were living there, Jacob's son Reuben took Bilhah, his father's servant woman. His father heard about it and he was very angry. Jacob had twelve sons.

Genesis 46:8Jacob's oldest son Reuben went with him to Egypt

Matthew Henry on Genesis 49:2-5

Jacob's Prophecy Concerning His Sons. ( b. c. 1689.) 1 And Jacob called unto his sons, and said, Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you that which shall befal you in the last days. 2 Gather yourselves together, and hear, ye sons of Jacob; and hearken unto Israel your father. 3 Reuben, thou art my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power: 4 Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel; because thou wentest up to thy father's bed; then… Read the whole commentary →

This Verse In Other Editions

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