Genesis 49:3

Reuben, thou art my first-born, my strength, and the beginning of my power. Thine should it have been taking to take the three portions, the birthright, the priesthood, and the kingdom: but because thou hast proceeded perversely,

Targum Onkelos

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, and hearken, O sons of Jakob, and receive instruction from Israel your father.

4Behold, as water outpoured thou wilt not prosper, neither wilt thou receive the excellent portion; because thou wentest up to thy father’s place of sleep: then, my son, didst thou become profane, when thou wentest up to my bed.

Read all of Genesis 49

Cross References

Genesis 35:22And it was while Israel dwelt in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah, the concubine of his father. And Israel heard it. And the sons of Jakob were twelve.

Genesis 46:8And these are the names of the sons of Israel which came into Mizraim, Jakob and his sons. The firstborn of Jakob, Reuben.

Numbers 1:20And the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel, by their generations and their families, according to the house of their fathers, with the number of their names, by their polls; every male from twenty years old and upward, all going forth in the host:

Deuteronomy 21:17For he shall distribute to the firstborn the son of the hated by giving him two parts of all his possession; for he is the beginning of his strength, and to him pertaineth the birthright.

Deuteronomy 33:6Let Reuben live in life eternal, and not die the second death; and let his children receive their inheritance according to their numbers.

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 →

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