Genesis 49:3
Reuben, you are my firstborn, conceived when I was strong, born when I was vigorous! You were above all others in position, above all others in power.
Free Bible Version
In The King James Version
In Context
2Come here, sons of Jacob, and listen to Israel your father.
Cross References
Genesis 35:22During the time he was living there, Reuben went and slept with Bilhah, his father's concubine, and Israel found out about it. These were the twelve sons of Jacob:
Genesis 46:8The following is the genealogy of Israel and his sons who went to Egypt: Reuben, Jacob's firstborn.
Numbers 1:20The descendants of Reuben (he was Israel's firstborn son), men aged twenty or over, were recorded by name according to the genealogical records of their tribe and families. All those registered who could serve in the army
Deuteronomy 21:17No. He is to recognize the firstborn, the son of the wife he doesn't love through the usual custom of giving him a double portion of all that he owns. The firstborn son is the firstfruits of his father's strength, and so the rights of the firstborn are his.
Deuteronomy 33:6To Reuben he said, “May he live and not die, but may he only have a few men.”
1 Chronicles 5:1The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel. (Though he was the firstborn, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph son of Israel because he had defiled his father's bed. That is why Reuben is not listed in the genealogy according to birthright,
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 →