Genesis 49:3

Reuben you are my firstborn, my strength and the first-fruit of my manhood. First in dignity and strength.

Open English Bible (UK)

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

2Assemble, sons of Jacob, and listen to Israel your father.

4Boiling over like water, you will not be first, For you climbed into my concubine’s the bed, you defiled your father’s couch.

Read all of Genesis 49

Cross References

Genesis 35:22While Israel was living in that land, Reuben went and lay with his father’s concubine Bilhah and Israel heard of it. Now the sons of Jacob were twelve:

Genesis 46:8Now these are the names of the Israelites, Jacob and his family, who came to Egypt. Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn,

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 49:3