Genesis 49:4

But 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.”

Anindilyakwa (portions)

In The King James Version

Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel; because thou wentest up to thy father’s bed; then defiledst thou it: he went up to my couch.

In Context

3First 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.

5Then Jacob spoke to his sons Simeon and Levi and said, “Simeon and Levi, you have the same mother. But you both have swords to fight hard.

Read all of Genesis 49

Cross References

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

Study Genesis 49:4