Genesis 49:4

But you are like the floodwater. You cannot say, ‘No’ to yourself. You went and slept with one of my wives. You shamed me, and so you cannot be the leader of the family.

Barkly (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

3Reuben. You were born first when I was young and strong. And you showed everyone that I could be a father. You are the first born son. You are strong and you should be the leader for the family.

5Simeon and Levi used their the wrong way and were violent. They are both like that.

Read all of Genesis 49

Cross References

Genesis 46:8This is a list of the names of Israel's sons and the families that went to Egypt. And Israel's other name was Jacob. Reuben was Jacob's first son.

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