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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Genesis 49:3 Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, excelling in honor, excelling in power.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/49-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/01_Gen_49_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 49:3 - Jacob Blesses His Sons" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, excelling in honor, excelling in power." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/genesis/49-3.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/genesis/49-3.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/genesis/">Genesis</a> > <a href="/genesis/49.htm">Chapter 49</a> > Verse 3</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad3.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/genesis/49-2.htm" title="Genesis 49:2">◄</a> Genesis 49:3 <a href="/genesis/49-4.htm" title="Genesis 49:4">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/genesis/49.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/genesis/49.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />&#8220Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might, the first sign of my strength, excelling in honor, excelling in power.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/49.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“Reuben, you are my firstborn, my strength, the child of my vigorous youth. You are first in rank and first in power.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/49.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />“Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might, and the firstfruits of my strength, preeminent in dignity and preeminent in power.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/49.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, excelling in honor, excelling in power.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/49.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Reuben, thou <i>art</i> my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/49.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />“Reuben, you are my firstborn, My might and the beginning of my strength, The excellency of dignity and the excellency of power.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/49.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Reuben, you are my firstborn, My might and the beginning of my strength, Preeminent in dignity and preeminent in power.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/49.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Reuben, you are my firstborn; My might and the beginning of my strength, Preeminent in dignity and preeminent in power.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/49.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Reuben, you are my first-born; My might and the beginning of my strength, Preeminent in dignity and preeminent in power.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/49.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />“Reuben, you are my firstborn; My might and the beginning of my vigor, Preeminent in dignity and preeminent in strength.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/49.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“Reuben, you are my firstborn; My might, the beginning of my strength <i>and</i> vigor, Preeminent in dignity and preeminent in power [that should have been your birthright].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/49.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Reuben, you are my firstborn, my strength and the firstfruits of my virility, excelling in prominence, excelling in power.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/49.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Reuben, you are my firstborn, my strength and the firstfruits of my virility, excelling in prominence, excelling in power. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/49.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Reuben, thou art my first-born, my might, and the beginning of my strength; The pre-eminence of dignity, and the pre-eminence of power.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/49.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Reuben, you are my oldest, born at the peak of my powers; you were an honored leader. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/49.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Reuben, thou art my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength; The excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/49.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />"[Reuben], you are my firstborn, my strength, the very first son I had, first in majesty and first in power.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/49.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />"Reuben, my first-born, you are my strength And the first child of my manhood, The proudest and strongest of all my sons. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/49.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"Reuben, you're my firstborn, my strength, and the first fruit of my vitality. You excel in rank and excel in power.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/49.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might and the beginning of my strength, outstanding in dignity, outstanding in power. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/49.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Reuben, you are my firstborn, my strength, and the the firstfruits of my virility, preeminent in dignity and preeminent in power.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/49.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Reuben, thou art my first-born, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellence of dignity, and the excellence of power:<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/49.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, excelling in honor, excelling in power.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/49.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />“Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, excelling in dignity, and excelling in power. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/49.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Reuben! You [are] my firstborn, "" My power, and beginning of my strength, "" The abundance of exaltation, "" And the abundance of strength;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/49.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Reuben! my first-born thou, My power, and beginning of my strength, The abundance of exaltation, And the abundance of strength;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/49.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Reuben, my first-born, thou my strength, and the beginning of my strength, the abundance of elevation, and the abundance of might.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/49.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Ruben, my firstborn, thou art my strength, and the beginning of my sorrow: excelling in gifts, greater in command. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/49.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Reuben, my firstborn, you are my strength and the beginning of my sorrow: first in gifts, greater in authority.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/49.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />“You, Reuben, my firstborn, my strength and the first fruit of my vigor, excelling in rank and excelling in power! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/49.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might and the first fruits of my vigor, excelling in rank and excelling in power.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/49.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Reuben, you are my first-born, my might, and the beginning of my strength, and the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/49.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Rubil my first born, you are my power and beginning of my strength, the foundation of exaltation and the foundation of strength<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/49.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Reuben, thou art my first-born, My might, and the first-fruits of my strength; The excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/49.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Ruben, thou <i>art</i> my first-born, thou my strength, and the first of my children, hard to be endured, <i>hard and</i> self-willed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/49-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=12804" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/genesis/49.htm">Jacob Blesses His Sons</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">2</span>Come together and listen, O sons of Jacob; listen to your father Israel. <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7205.htm" title="7205: rə·’ū·ḇên (N-proper-ms) -- From the imperative of ra'ah and ben; see ye a son; Reuben, a son of Jacob.">Reuben,</a> <a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: ’at·tāh (Pro-2ms) -- You (masc. sing.). ">you</a> <a href="/hebrew/1060.htm" title="1060: bə·ḵō·rî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- First-born. From bakar; firstborn; hence, chief.">are my firstborn,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3581.htm" title="3581: kō·ḥî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- Or kowach; from an unused root meaning to be firm; vigor, literally or figuratively; also a large lizard.">my might,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7225.htm" title="7225: wə·rê·šîṯ (Conj-w:: N-fsc) -- Beginning, chief. From the same as ro'sh; the first, in place, time, order or rank.">and the beginning</a> <a href="/hebrew/202.htm" title="202: ’ō·w·nî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- Vigor, wealth. Probably from the same as 'aven; ability, power, wealth.">of my strength,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3499.htm" title="3499: ye·ṯer (N-msc) -- From yathar; properly, an overhanging, i.e. an excess, superiority, remainder; also a small rope.">excelling</a> <a href="/hebrew/7613.htm" title="7613: śə·’êṯ (N-fs) -- From nasa'; an elevation or leprous scab; figuratively, elation or cheerfulness; exaltation in rank or character.">in honor,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3499.htm" title="3499: wə·ye·ṯer (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- From yathar; properly, an overhanging, i.e. an excess, superiority, remainder; also a small rope.">excelling</a> <a href="/hebrew/5794.htm" title="5794: ‘āz (Adj-ms) -- Strong, mighty, fierce. From azaz; strong, vehement, harsh.">in power.</a> </span><span class="reftext">4</span>Uncontrolled as the waters, you will no longer excel, because you went up to your father’s bed, onto my couch, and defiled it.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/21-17.htm">Deuteronomy 21:17</a></span><br />Instead, he must acknowledge the firstborn, the son of his unloved wife, by giving him a double portion of all that he has. For that son is the firstfruits of his father’s strength; the right of the firstborn belongs to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/5-1.htm">1 Chronicles 5:1-2</a></span><br />These were the 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 Reuben defiled his father’s bed. So he is not reckoned according to birthright. / And though Judah prevailed over his brothers and a ruler came from him, the birthright belonged to Joseph.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/4-22.htm">Exodus 4:22</a></span><br />Then tell Pharaoh that this is what the LORD says: ‘Israel is My firstborn son,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/78-51.htm">Psalm 78:51</a></span><br />He struck all the firstborn of Egypt, the virility in the tents of Ham.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/105-36.htm">Psalm 105:36</a></span><br />Then He struck all the firstborn in their land, the firstfruits of all their vigor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/12-3.htm">Hosea 12:3</a></span><br />In the womb he grasped his brother’s heel, and in his vigor he wrestled with God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/2-9.htm">1 Kings 2:9</a></span><br />Now therefore, do not hold him guiltless, for you are a wise man. You know what you ought to do to him to bring his gray head down to Sheol in blood.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/26-10.htm">1 Chronicles 26:10</a></span><br />Hosah the Merarite also had sons: Shimri the first (although he was not the firstborn, his father had appointed him as the first),<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/2-1.htm">1 Chronicles 2:1</a></span><br />These were the sons of Israel: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/31-9.htm">Jeremiah 31:9</a></span><br />They will come with weeping, and by their supplication I will lead them; I will make them walk beside streams of waters, on a level path where they will not stumble. For I am Israel’s Father, and Ephraim is My firstborn.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-29.htm">Romans 8:29</a></span><br />For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/1-15.htm">Colossians 1:15</a></span><br />The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/12-16.htm">Hebrews 12:16</a></span><br />See to it that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his birthright.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/1-5.htm">Revelation 1:5</a></span><br />and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and has released us from our sins by His blood,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/1-14.htm">John 1:14</a></span><br />The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power:</p><p class="hdg">my firstborn.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/29-32.htm">Genesis 29:32</a></b></br> And Leah conceived, and bare a son, and she called his name Reuben: for she said, Surely the LORD hath looked upon my affliction; now therefore my husband will love me.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/46-8.htm">Genesis 46:8</a></b></br> And these <i>are</i> the names of the children of Israel, which came into Egypt, Jacob and his sons: Reuben, Jacob's firstborn.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/48-18.htm">Genesis 48:18</a></b></br> And Joseph said unto his father, Not so, my father: for this <i>is</i> the firstborn; put thy right hand upon his head.</p><p class="hdg">my might.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/21-17.htm">Deuteronomy 21:17</a></b></br> But he shall acknowledge the son of the hated <i>for</i> the firstborn, by giving him a double portion of all that he hath: for he <i>is</i> the beginning of his strength; the right of the firstborn <i>is</i> his.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/78-51.htm">Psalm 78:51</a></b></br> And smote all the firstborn in Egypt; the chief of <i>their</i> strength in the tabernacles of Ham:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/105-36.htm">Psalm 105:36</a></b></br> He smote also all the firstborn in their land, the chief of all their strength.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/41-53.htm">Abundance</a> <a href="/genesis/44-12.htm">Beginning</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-8.htm">Dignity</a> <a href="/james/1-9.htm">Exaltation</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-5.htm">Excellence</a> <a href="/philippians/3-8.htm">Excellency</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-31.htm">Excelling</a> <a href="/genesis/43-20.htm">First</a> <a href="/genesis/48-18.htm">Firstborn</a> <a href="/genesis/48-18.htm">First-Born</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-14.htm">First-Fruit</a> <a href="/revelation/14-4.htm">Firstfruits</a> <a href="/revelation/14-4.htm">First-Fruits</a> <a href="/genesis/43-11.htm">Fruits</a> <a href="/genesis/45-13.htm">Honor</a> <a href="/genesis/46-8.htm">Oldest</a> <a href="/genesis/44-15.htm">Power</a> <a href="/3_john/1-9.htm">Pre-Eminence</a> <a href="/esther/10-3.htm">Preeminent</a> <a href="/colossians/1-18.htm">Pre-Eminent</a> <a href="/revelation/13-5.htm">Pride</a> <a href="/genesis/48-5.htm">Reuben</a> <a href="/genesis/48-20.htm">Sign</a> <a href="/genesis/48-2.htm">Strength</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-9.htm">Vigour</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/15-7.htm">Abundance</a> <a href="/exodus/12-2.htm">Beginning</a> <a href="/exodus/28-2.htm">Dignity</a> <a href="/job/22-29.htm">Exaltation</a> <a href="/exodus/15-7.htm">Excellence</a> <a href="/genesis/49-4.htm">Excellency</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-4.htm">Excelling</a> <a href="/genesis/49-4.htm">First</a> <a href="/exodus/4-22.htm">Firstborn</a> <a href="/exodus/4-22.htm">First-Born</a> <a href="/exodus/13-12.htm">First-Fruit</a> <a href="/exodus/23-16.htm">Firstfruits</a> <a href="/exodus/23-16.htm">First-Fruits</a> <a href="/exodus/22-29.htm">Fruits</a> <a href="/genesis/49-6.htm">Honor</a> <a href="/exodus/6-14.htm">Oldest</a> <a href="/exodus/1-7.htm">Power</a> <a href="/genesis/49-4.htm">Pre-Eminence</a> <a href="/esther/10-3.htm">Preeminent</a> <a href="/songs/5-10.htm">Pre-Eminent</a> <a href="/exodus/9-17.htm">Pride</a> <a href="/exodus/1-2.htm">Reuben</a> <a href="/exodus/3-12.htm">Sign</a> <a href="/genesis/49-24.htm">Strength</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/21-17.htm">Vigour</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 49</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/49-1.htm">Jacob calls his sons to bless them.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/49-3.htm">Their blessing in particular.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">29. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/49-29.htm">He charges them about his burial.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">33. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/49-33.htm">He dies.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/49.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/genesis/49.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Reuben, you are my firstborn</b><br>Reuben, as the firstborn son of Jacob and Leah, held a position of prominence and privilege in the family. In ancient Near Eastern culture, the firstborn son typically received a double portion of the inheritance and was expected to assume leadership of the family. This status is significant in the biblical narrative, as it sets the stage for the expectations and responsibilities placed upon Reuben. However, Reuben's actions, particularly his sin with Bilhah (<a href="/genesis/35-22.htm">Genesis 35:22</a>), ultimately led to the loss of his birthright, which was later given to Joseph's sons, Ephraim and Manasseh (<a href="/1_chronicles/5.htm">1 Chronicles 5:1-2</a>).<p><b>my might, and the beginning of my strength</b><br>The phrase "my might, and the beginning of my strength" reflects the cultural view of the firstborn as the initial expression of a father's vigor and virility. In the patriarchal society of the time, the firstborn son was seen as the embodiment of the father's strength and the continuation of his lineage. This expression underscores the potential and expectations that Jacob had for Reuben, which were ultimately unfulfilled due to Reuben's actions.<p><b>excelling in honor</b><br>Reuben was expected to excel in honor, a quality highly valued in the ancient world. Honor was associated with reputation, respect, and moral integrity. Despite his potential, Reuben's actions, particularly his indiscretion with Bilhah, brought dishonor upon himself and his family. This failure to live up to the standard of honor expected of him is a recurring theme in the narrative of Jacob's sons, highlighting the consequences of personal failings.<p><b>excelling in power</b><br>The expectation for Reuben to excel in power reflects the leadership role anticipated for the firstborn. Power in this context refers to authority, influence, and the ability to lead and protect the family. Reuben's inability to assert his leadership effectively is evident in various instances, such as his failure to prevent Joseph's sale into slavery (<a href="/genesis/37-21.htm">Genesis 37:21-22</a>) and his unsuccessful attempt to persuade Jacob to send Benjamin to Egypt (<a href="/genesis/42-37.htm">Genesis 42:37</a>). This lack of effective leadership further illustrates the gap between Reuben's potential and his actual achievements.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/r/reuben.htm">Reuben</a></b><br>The firstborn son of Jacob and Leah. As the firstborn, he held a position of prominence and was expected to inherit leadership and a double portion of the inheritance.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/jacob.htm">Jacob</a></b><br>The father of Reuben, who is giving his final blessings and prophecies to his sons in <a href="/bsb/genesis/49.htm">Genesis 49</a>. Jacob's words are both a blessing and a revelation of the future for each of his sons and their descendants.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_blessing_of_jacob.htm">The Blessing of Jacob</a></b><br>This event is Jacob's prophetic declaration over his sons, which outlines the future of the tribes of Israel. It is both a blessing and a judgment, reflecting the character and actions of each son.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_responsibility_of_the_firstborn.htm">The Responsibility of the Firstborn</a></b><br>Reuben's position as the firstborn came with great responsibility and expectation. In our lives, positions of leadership or privilege come with the responsibility to act with integrity and honor.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_sin.htm">Consequences of Sin</a></b><br>Reuben's actions had lasting consequences, affecting not only his life but also the future of his descendants. Our choices can have far-reaching impacts, and we must consider the long-term effects of our actions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_character.htm">The Importance of Character</a></b><br>Jacob's words to Reuben highlight the importance of character over position. Excelling in honor and power is not enough if one's character is flawed. We should strive to cultivate a character that aligns with God's standards.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_family_dynamics.htm">God's Sovereignty in Family Dynamics</a></b><br>Despite human failings, God's purposes prevail. The shifting of the birthright from Reuben to Joseph's sons demonstrates God's sovereignty and His ability to work through imperfect people to fulfill His plans.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_49.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 49</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/jacob's_blessings_for_his_sons.htm">What are Jacob's prophetic blessings for his sons?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/names_and_meanings_of_israel's_tribes.htm">What are the names and meanings of Israel's twelve tribes?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/jacob's_prophecies_in_the_bible.htm">What are Jacob's prophecies in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_reuben_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Reuben in the Bible?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/genesis/49.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3) <span class= "bld">The beginning of my strength.</span>--In <a href="/genesis/35-18.htm" title="And it came to pass, as her soul was in departing, (for she died) that she called his name Benoni: but his father called him Benjamin.">Genesis 35:18</a>, the word <span class= "ital">oni </span>means "my sorrow," and it is so translated here by the Vulg., Aquila, and Symmachus. But in this verse Jacob magnifies the prerogatives of the firstborn, and our version is undoubtedly right in deriving <span class= "ital">oni </span>from a different and not uncommon word signifying strength. It occurs in <a href="/deuteronomy/21-17.htm" title="But he shall acknowledge the son of the hated for the firstborn, by giving him a double portion of all that he has: for he is the beginning of his strength; the right of the firstborn is his.">Deuteronomy 21:17</a>; <a href="/job/40-16.htm" title="See now, his strength is in his loins, and his force is in the navel of his belly.">Job 40:16</a>; <a href="/psalms/78-51.htm" title="And smote all the firstborn in Egypt; the chief of their strength in the tabernacles of Ham:">Psalm 78:51</a>; <a href="/psalms/105-36.htm" title="He smote also all the firstborn in their land, the chief of all their strength.">Psalm 105:36</a>, &c.<p><span class= "bld">The excellency . . . --</span>We must here supply, "And therefore to thee as the firstborn belonged," first, <span class= "ital">the excellency of dignity, </span>that is, the priesthood; and secondly, <span class= "ital">the excellency of power, </span>that is, the kingly office. As a matter of history no king, judge, or prophet is recorded as having sprung from the tribe of Reuben. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/49.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 3, 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Reuben, thou art my</span> <span class="cmt_word">firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power</span>: - Jacob's patriarchal benediction takes the form of an elevated poem, or sublime religious hymn, exhibiting the well-known classes of parallelism, the synthetic the antithetic, and the synonymous, not alone in its separate clauses, but sometimes also in its stanzas or verses. As was perhaps to be expected, it begins with Reuben, who is characterized by a threefold designation, viz., <p><span class="note_emph">(1)</span> by his position in the family, as Jacob's firstborn; <p><span class="note_emph">(2)</span> by his relation to Jacob, as the patriarch's "might," <span class="hebrew">כּחַ</span>, or <span class="accented">robur virile</span>, and "the beginning" of his "strength," not "of his sorrow" (Vulgate, Aquila, Symmachus), though <span class="hebrew">און</span> might be so translated (cf. <a href="/genesis/35-18.htm">Genesis 35:18</a>), and the sense would sufficiently accord with the allusion of ver. 4, but, as required by the parallelism, "of his vigor," <span class="hebrew">און</span> being here equivalent to <span class="hebrew">כּחַ</span> (Rosenmuller, Kalisch, Keil, 'Speaker's Commentary,' et <span class="accented">alii</span>); and <p><span class="note_emph">(3)</span> by the natural prominence which as Jacob's eldest son belonged to him, "the excellency of dignity" or "elevation," i.e. the dignity of the chieftainship, and "<span class="accented">the</span> excellency of power," or authority, which the first born claimed and received as his prerogative. Yet the natural advantages enjoyed by Reuben as Jacob's firstborn were to be taken from him, as the patriarch proceeded to announce - <span class="cmt_word">Unstable as water</span>, - literally, <span class="accented">boiling over like water</span>, the import of which is not <span class="accented">effusus es sicut aqua</span> (Vulgate), but either <span class="greek">ἐξύβρισας ὡς ὑδωρ</span> (LXX.), or lasciviousness (<span class="accented">sc</span>. was to thee) as the boiling of water (Gesenius, Rosenmüller, Keil, Kalisch, etc.), the same root in Arabic conveying the notion of pride, and in Syriac that of wantonness - <span class="cmt_word">thou shalt not excel</span>; - literally, <span class="accented">thou shalt not have the</span> <span class="hebrew">ישׂנךללךשׂצך רו יֶרֶת</span> (ver. 3), <span class="accented">i.e.</span> the pre-eminence belonging to the firstborn, a sense which the versions have more or less successfully expressed: <span class="greek">μὴ περισσεύσης</span> (Aquila), <span class="greek">οὐκ ἔση</span> <span class="greek">περισσότερος</span> (Symmachus), <span class="greek">μὴ ἐκζέσης</span> (LXX.), <span class="accented">non crescas</span> (Vulgate) - <span class="cmt_word">because thou wentest up to thy father's bed</span> (<span class="accented">vide</span> <a href="/genesis/35-22.htm">Genesis 35:22</a>; <a href="/1_chronicles/5-1.htm">1 Chronicles 5:1</a>); then defiledst thou it: - the verb is used absolutely, as meaning that Reuben had desecrated what ought to have been regarded by him as sacred (cf. <a href="/deuteronomy/27-20.htm">Deuteronomy 27:20</a>) - <span class="cmt_word">he went up to my couch</span> - literally, <span class="accented">my couch he ascends</span>; the order of the words and the change from the second to the third person helping to give expression to the horror and indignation with which, even at that distance of time, the venerable patriarch contemplated the shameful deed. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/49-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Reuben,</span><br /><span class="heb">רְאוּבֵן֙</span> <span class="translit">(rə·’ū·ḇên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7205.htm">Strong's 7205: </a> </span><span class="str2">Reuben -- 'behold a son!' oldest son of Jacob, also his desc</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you</span><br /><span class="heb">אַ֔תָּה</span> <span class="translit">(’at·tāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> </span><span class="str2">Thou and thee, ye and you</span><br /><br /><span class="word">are my firstborn,</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּכֹ֣רִי</span> <span class="translit">(bə·ḵō·rî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1060.htm">Strong's 1060: </a> </span><span class="str2">Firstborn, chief</span><br /><br /><span class="word">my might,</span><br /><span class="heb">כֹּחִ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(kō·ḥî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3581.htm">Strong's 3581: </a> </span><span class="str2">A small reptile (of unknown species)</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and the beginning</span><br /><span class="heb">וְרֵאשִׁ֣ית</span> <span class="translit">(wə·rê·šîṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7225.htm">Strong's 7225: </a> </span><span class="str2">The first, in place, time, order, rank</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of my strength,</span><br /><span class="heb">אוֹנִ֑י</span> <span class="translit">(’ō·w·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_202.htm">Strong's 202: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ability, power, wealth</span><br /><br /><span class="word">excelling</span><br /><span class="heb">יֶ֥תֶר</span> <span class="translit">(ye·ṯer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3499.htm">Strong's 3499: </a> </span><span class="str2">An overhanging, an excess, superiority, remainder, a small rope</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in honor,</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׂאֵ֖ת</span> <span class="translit">(śə·’êṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7613.htm">Strong's 7613: </a> </span><span class="str2">An elevation, leprous scab, elation, cheerfulness, exaltation in rank, character</span><br /><br /><span class="word">excelling</span><br /><span class="heb">וְיֶ֥תֶר</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ye·ṯer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3499.htm">Strong's 3499: </a> </span><span class="str2">An overhanging, an excess, superiority, remainder, a small rope</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in power.</span><br /><span class="heb">עָֽז׃</span> <span class="translit">(‘āz)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5794.htm">Strong's 5794: </a> </span><span class="str2">Strong, vehement, harsh</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/49-3.htm">Genesis 49:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/49-3.htm">Genesis 49:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/49-3.htm">Genesis 49:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/49-3.htm">Genesis 49:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/49-3.htm">Genesis 49:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/49-3.htm">Genesis 49:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/49-3.htm">Genesis 49:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/49-3.htm">Genesis 49:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/49-3.htm">Genesis 49:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/49-3.htm">Genesis 49:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/49-3.htm">OT Law: Genesis 49:3 Reuben you are my firstborn my might (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/49-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 49:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 49:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/49-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 49:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 49:4" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>