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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 49:4 Uncontrolled as the waters, you will no longer excel, because you went up to your father's bed, onto my couch, and defiled it.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/49-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/01_Gen_49_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 49:4 - Jacob Blesses His Sons" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Uncontrolled as the waters, you will no longer excel, because you went up to your father's bed, onto my couch, and defiled it." /><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/49-4.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/49-4.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 4</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="/ad4.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/49-3.htm" title="Genesis 49:3">◄</a> Genesis 49:4 <a href="/genesis/49-5.htm" title="Genesis 49:5">►</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 />Turbulent as the waters, you will no longer excel, for you went up onto your father&#8217s bed, onto my couch and defiled it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/49.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />But you are as unruly as a flood, and you will be first no longer. For you went to bed with my wife; you defiled my marriage couch.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/49.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Unstable as water, you shall not have preeminence, because you went up to your father’s bed; then you defiled it—he went up to my couch!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/49.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Uncontrolled as the waters, you will no longer excel, because you went up to your father’s bed, onto my couch, and defiled it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/49.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel; because thou wentest up to thy father's bed; then defiledst thou <i>it</i>: he went up to my couch.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/49.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Unstable as water, you shall not excel, Because you went up to your father’s bed; Then you defiled <i>it</i>— He went up to my couch.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/49.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Uncontrollable as water, you shall not have preeminence, Because you went up to your father’s bed; Then you defiled <i>it</i>—he went up to my couch.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/49.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Uncontrolled as water, you shall not have preeminence, Because you went up to your father&#8217s bed; Then you defiled it— he went up to my couch.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/49.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Uncontrolled as water, you shall not have preeminence, Because you went up to your father’s bed; Then you defiled <i>it</i>—he went up to my couch.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/49.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Uncontrolled as water, you shall not have preeminence, Because you went up to your father’s bed; Then you defiled <i>it</i>—he went up to my couch.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/49.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“But unstable <i>and</i> reckless <i>and</i> boiling over like water [in sinful lust], you shall not excel <i>or</i> have the preeminence [of the firstborn], Because you went up to your father’s bed [with Bilhah]; You defiled it—he went up to my couch.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/49.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Turbulent as water, you will not excel, because you got into your father’s bed and you defiled it—he got into my bed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/49.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Turbulent as water, you will no longer excel, because you got into your father&#8217s bed and you defiled it—he got into my bed. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/49.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Boiling over as water, thou shalt not have the pre-eminence; Because thou wentest up to thy father's bed; Then defiledst thou it: he went up to my couch.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/49.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Uncontrollable as a flood, you slept with my wife and disgraced my bed. And so you no longer deserve the place of honor. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/49.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Unstable as water, thou shalt not have the excellency; Because thou wentest up to thy father's bed: Then defiledst thou it: he went up to my couch.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/49.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />You will no longer be first because you were out of control like a flood and you climbed into your father's bed. Then you dishonored it. He climbed up on my couch.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/49.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />You are like a raging flood, But you will not be the most important, For you slept with my concubine And dishonored your father's bed. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/49.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />But you're as undisciplined as a roaring river, so eventually you won't succeed, because you got in your father's bed, defiled it, and then approached my couch."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/49.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />You are destructive like water and will not excel, for you got on your father's bed, then you defiled it--he got on my couch! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/49.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Uncontrolled as the waters, you will not have excel, because you went up to your father's bed, you went up and defiled my couch.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/49.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />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.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/49.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Uncontrolled as the waters, you will no longer excel, because you went up to your father’s bed, onto my couch, and defiled it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/49.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Boiling over like water, you shall not excel, because you went up to your father’s bed, then defiled it. He went up to my couch. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/49.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Unstable as water, you are not abundant; For you have gone up your father’s bed; Then you have defiled [it]: He went up my couch!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/49.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Unstable as water, thou art not abundant; For thou hast gone up thy father's bed; Then thou hast polluted: My couch he went up!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/49.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Vain glorious as water, thou shalt not be preeminent; for thou didst go up out of thy father's bed; then didst thou defile, going up to my couch.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/49.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Thou art poured out as water, grow thou not: because thou wentest up to thy father's bed, and didst defile his couch. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/49.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />You are being poured out like water, may you not increase. For you climbed onto your father’s bed, and you defiled his resting place.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/49.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Turbulent as water, you shall no longer excel, for you climbed into your father’s bed and defiled my couch to my sorrow. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/49.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Unstable as water, you shall no longer excel because you went up onto your father’s bed; then you defiled it—you went up onto my couch!<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/49.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />You went astray like water, you shall not excel; because you went up to your father's bed; truly, you have defiled my bed by going up into it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/49.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />You wandered as waters; you will not persist, for you went up to the bedroom of your father; truly you defiled my bed and you went up.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/49.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Unstable as water, have not thou the excellency; Because thou wentest up to thy father's bed; Then defiledst thou it--he went up to my couch.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/49.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Thou wast insolent like water, burst not forth with violence, for thou wentest up to the bed of thy father; then thou defiledst the couch, whereupon thou wentest up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/49-4.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=12812" 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">3</span>Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, excelling in honor, excelling in power. <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6349.htm" title="6349: pa·ḥaz (N-ms) -- Wantonness, recklessness. From pachaz; ebullition, i.e. Froth.">Uncontrolled</a> <a href="/hebrew/4325.htm" title="4325: kam·ma·yim (Prep-k, Art:: N-mp) -- Waters, water. Dual of a primitive noun; water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen.">as the waters,</a> <a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: ’al- (Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">you will no</a> <a href="/hebrew/3498.htm" title="3498: tō·w·ṯar (V-Hifil-Imperf.Jus-2ms) -- A primitive root; to jut over or exceed; by implication, to excel; to remain or be left; causatively, to leave, cause to abound, preserve.">longer excel,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">because</a> <a href="/hebrew/5927.htm" title="5927: ‘ā·lî·ṯā (V-Qal-Perf-2ms) -- A primitive root; to ascend, intransitively or actively; used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative.">you went up</a> <a href="/hebrew/1.htm" title="1: ’ā·ḇî·ḵā (N-msc:: 2ms) -- Father. A primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application).">to your father’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/4904.htm" title="4904: miš·kə·ḇê (N-mpc) -- Place of lying, a couch, act of lying. From shakab; a bed; abstractly, sleep; by euphemism, carnal intercourse.">bed,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5927.htm" title="5927: ‘ā·lāh (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to ascend, intransitively or actively; used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative.">onto</a> <a href="/hebrew/3326.htm" title="3326: yə·ṣū·‘î (N-msc:: 1cs) -- A couch, bed. Passive participle of yatsa'; spread, i.e. A bed; an extension, i.e. Wing or lean-to.">my couch,</a> <a href="/hebrew/227.htm" title="227: ’āz (Adv) -- At that time. A demonstrative adverb; at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore.">and</a> <a href="/hebrew/2490.htm" title="2490: ḥil·lal·tā (V-Piel-Perf-2ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to bore, i.e. to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane, to break, to begin; denom. to play.">defiled it.</a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>Simeon and Levi are brothers; their swords are weapons of violence.…<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="/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="/deuteronomy/33-6.htm">Deuteronomy 33:6</a></span><br />Let Reuben live and not die, nor his men be few.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/2-35.htm">1 Kings 2:35</a></span><br />And the king appointed Benaiah son of Jehoiada in Joab’s place over the army, and he appointed Zadok the priest in Abiathar’s place.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/12-20.htm">1 Kings 12:20</a></span><br />When all Israel heard that Jeroboam had returned, they summoned him to the assembly and made him king over all Israel. Only the tribe of Judah followed the house of David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/11-11.htm">1 Kings 11:11</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to Solomon, “Because you have done this and have not kept My covenant and My statutes, which I have commanded you, I will tear the kingdom away from you and give it to your servant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/11-31.htm">1 Kings 11:31</a></span><br />and said to Jeroboam, “Take ten pieces for yourself, for this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Behold, I will tear the kingdom out of the hand of Solomon, and I will give you ten tribes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/11-37.htm">1 Kings 11:37</a></span><br />But as for you, I will take you, and you shall reign over all that your heart desires, and you will be king over Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/12-16.htm">1 Kings 12:16</a></span><br />When all Israel saw that the king had refused to listen to them, they answered the king: “What portion do we have in David, and what inheritance in the son of Jesse? To your tents, O Israel! Look now to your own house, O David!” So the Israelites went home,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/12-26.htm">1 Kings 12:26-27</a></span><br />Jeroboam said in his heart, “Now the kingdom might revert to the house of David. / If these people go up to offer sacrifices in the house of the LORD at Jerusalem, their hearts will return to their lord, Rehoboam king of Judah; then they will kill me and return to Rehoboam king of Judah.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/12-33.htm">1 Kings 12:33</a></span><br />On the fifteenth day of the eighth month, a month of his own choosing, Jeroboam offered sacrifices on the altar he had set up in Bethel. So he ordained a feast for the Israelites, offered sacrifices on the altar, and burned incense.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/14-7.htm">1 Kings 14:7-8</a></span><br />Go, tell Jeroboam that this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘I raised you up from among the people and appointed you ruler over My people Israel. / I tore the kingdom away from the house of David and gave it to you. But you have not been like My servant David, who kept My commandments and followed Me with all his heart, doing only what was right in My eyes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/14-10.htm">1 Kings 14:10</a></span><br />Because of all this, behold, I am bringing disaster on the house of Jeroboam: I will cut off from Jeroboam every male, both slave and free, in Israel; I will burn up the house of Jeroboam as one burns up dung until it is gone!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/14-14.htm">1 Kings 14:14</a></span><br />Moreover, the LORD will raise up for Himself a king over Israel who will cut off the house of Jeroboam. This is the day—yes, even today!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/15-29.htm">1 Kings 15:29</a></span><br />As soon as Baasha became king, he struck down the entire household of Jeroboam. He did not leave to Jeroboam anyone who breathed, but destroyed them all according to the word that the LORD had spoken through His servant Ahijah the Shilonite,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/16-3.htm">1 Kings 16:3</a></span><br />So now I will consume Baasha and his house, and I will make your house like that of Jeroboam son of Nebat:</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Unstable as water, you shall not excel; because you went up to your father's bed; then defiled you it: he went up to my couch.</p><p class="hdg">Unstable.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/james/1-6.htm">James 1:6-8</a></b></br> But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_peter/2-14.htm">2 Peter 2:14</a></b></br> Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_peter/3-16.htm">2 Peter 3:16</a></b></br> As also in all <i>his</i> epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as <i>they do</i> also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.</p><p class="hdg">thou shall not excel.</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="/numbers/32-1.htm">Numbers 32:1-42</a></b></br> Now the children of Reuben and the children of Gad had a very great multitude of cattle: and when they saw the land of Jazer, and the land of Gilead, that, behold, the place <i>was</i> a place for cattle; … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/33-6.htm">Deuteronomy 33:6</a></b></br> Let Reuben live, and not die; and let <i>not</i> his men be few.</p><p class="hdg">because.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/35-22.htm">Genesis 35:22</a></b></br> And it came to pass, when Israel dwelt in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father's concubine: and Israel heard <i>it</i>. Now the sons of Jacob were twelve:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/5-21.htm">Deuteronomy 5:21</a></b></br> Neither shalt thou desire thy neighbour's wife, neither shalt thou covet thy neighbour's house, his field, or his manservant, or his maidservant, his ox, or his ass, or any <i>thing</i> that <i>is</i> thy neighbour's.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/27-20.htm">Deuteronomy 27:20</a></b></br> Cursed <i>be</i> he that lieth with his father's wife; because he uncovereth his father's skirt. And all the people shall say, Amen.</p><p class="hdg">he went up to my couch.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/36-7.htm">Abundant</a> <a href="/genesis/48-2.htm">Bed</a> <a href="/genesis/25-29.htm">Boiling</a> <a href="/revelation/2-22.htm">Couch</a> <a href="/genesis/34-27.htm">Defiled</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-10.htm">Excel</a> <a href="/genesis/49-3.htm">Excellency</a> <a href="/genesis/48-17.htm">Father's</a> <a href="/genesis/49-3.htm">First</a> <a href="/acts/2-2.htm">Impetuous</a> <a href="/genesis/48-10.htm">Longer</a> <a href="/revelation/21-8.htm">Polluted</a> <a href="/3_john/1-9.htm">Preeminence</a> <a href="/genesis/49-3.htm">Pre-Eminence</a> <a href="/ezekiel/5-7.htm">Turbulent</a> <a href="/genesis/43-32.htm">Unclean</a> <a href="/titus/1-6.htm">Uncontrolled</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-16.htm">Unstable</a> <a href="/genesis/43-24.htm">Water</a> <a href="/genesis/11-10.htm">Waters</a> <a href="/acts/11-3.htm">Wentest</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/34-6.htm">Abundant</a> <a href="/genesis/49-33.htm">Bed</a> <a href="/exodus/12-9.htm">Boiling</a> <a href="/exodus/8-3.htm">Couch</a> <a href="/leviticus/5-3.htm">Defiled</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/15-21.htm">Excel</a> <a href="/exodus/15-7.htm">Excellency</a> <a href="/genesis/49-8.htm">Father's</a> <a href="/exodus/4-8.htm">First</a> <a href="/job/6-3.htm">Impetuous</a> <a href="/exodus/2-3.htm">Longer</a> <a href="/exodus/20-25.htm">Polluted</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-19.htm">Preeminence</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-29.htm">Pre-Eminence</a> <a href="/job/40-23.htm">Turbulent</a> <a href="/exodus/6-12.htm">Unclean</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/21-18.htm">Uncontrolled</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-6.htm">Unstable</a> <a href="/exodus/2-3.htm">Water</a> <a href="/exodus/7-17.htm">Waters</a> <a href="/judges/5-4.htm">Wentest</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>Uncontrolled as the waters</b><br>This phrase suggests instability and lack of restraint, akin to the unpredictable and forceful nature of water. In biblical symbolism, water can represent chaos and disorder, as seen in <a href="/genesis/1-2.htm">Genesis 1:2</a> where the Spirit of God hovers over the waters before creation brings order. Reuben's character is likened to this chaotic force, indicating a lack of self-control and discipline. This imagery is consistent with other biblical references to water as a symbol of instability, such as in <a href="/james/1-6.htm">James 1:6</a>, where a doubter is compared to a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.<p><b>You will no longer excel</b><br>Reuben, as the firstborn, was expected to inherit leadership and a double portion of the inheritance. However, this pronouncement indicates a loss of preeminence and blessing. Historically, the tribe of Reuben did not produce significant leaders or prophets in Israel, fulfilling this prophecy. This loss of status is a recurring theme in the Bible, where the firstborn often loses their birthright due to sin or divine choice, as seen with Esau and Jacob in <a href="/genesis/25-29.htm">Genesis 25:29-34</a>.<p><b>Because you went up to your father’s bed</b><br>This refers to Reuben's sin with Bilhah, his father's concubine, as recorded in <a href="/genesis/35-22.htm">Genesis 35:22</a>. This act was not only a personal sin but also a challenge to his father's authority and an attempt to assert dominance, a grave offense in the cultural context of the time. Such actions were seen as a violation of family honor and were severely condemned, as reflected in <a href="/leviticus/18-8.htm">Leviticus 18:8</a>, which prohibits uncovering the nakedness of a father's wife.<p><b>Onto my couch, and defiled it</b><br>The couch or bed is a symbol of intimacy and family sanctity. By defiling it, Reuben brought shame and dishonor upon his family. This act of defilement had lasting consequences, as seen in the diminished role of the tribe of Reuben in Israel's history. The concept of defilement is significant in biblical law and theology, often associated with sin that separates individuals from God, as seen in <a href="/isaiah/59-2.htm">Isaiah 59:2</a>. This phrase underscores the seriousness of Reuben's transgression and its impact on his future and legacy.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jacob.htm">Jacob (Israel)</a></b><br>The patriarch of the twelve tribes of Israel, who is giving his final blessings and prophecies to his sons.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/r/reuben.htm">Reuben</a></b><br>Jacob's firstborn son, who is being addressed in this verse. He lost his birthright due to his actions.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/b/bilhah.htm">Bilhah</a></b><br>Jacob's concubine, with whom Reuben committed the sin that led to his downfall.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_bed/couch.htm">The Bed/Couch</a></b><br>Symbolic of the violation of family honor and the sanctity of Jacob's household.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_blessing_ceremony.htm">The Blessing Ceremony</a></b><br>The event where Jacob gathers his sons to pronounce blessings and prophecies over them before his death.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_sin.htm">The Consequences of Sin</a></b><br>Reuben's actions serve as a stark reminder that sin, especially within the family, can have long-lasting consequences. His loss of preeminence illustrates the cost of uncontrolled desires.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_self-control.htm">The Importance of Self-Control</a></b><br>The metaphor of being "uncontrolled as the waters" highlights the need for self-discipline. Believers are called to exercise self-control as a fruit of the Spirit (<a href="/galatians/5-22.htm">Galatians 5:22-23</a>).<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_sanctity_of_family_relationships.htm">The Sanctity of Family Relationships</a></b><br>Reuben's sin was not just against his father but against the family unit. Maintaining the sanctity and honor of family relationships is crucial for a godly legacy.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/repentance_and_restoration.htm">Repentance and Restoration</a></b><br>While Reuben faced consequences, the broader biblical account shows that God offers forgiveness and restoration. Believers should seek repentance and strive to restore broken relationships.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_leadership_and_responsibility.htm">The Role of Leadership and Responsibility</a></b><br>As the firstborn, Reuben had a responsibility to lead by example. His failure serves as a lesson on the importance of integrity and responsibility in leadership roles.<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/why_is_the_tribe_of_reuben_important.htm">What is the significance of the Tribe of Reuben?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_reuben's_act_with_bilhah_brief.htm">(Genesis 35:22) Why is Reuben’s act with Bilhah mentioned only briefly here, and does it conflict with other passages describing moral or legal consequences?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_reuben's_birthright_given_to_joseph.htm">In 1 Chronicles 5:1, why is Reuben's birthright transferred to Joseph instead of Judah, given other texts stress Judah's prominence?</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><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/genesis/49.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) <span class= "bld">Unstable.</span>--This translation is shown to be right by the use of the word in <a href="/judges/9-4.htm" title="And they gave him three score and ten pieces of silver out of the house of Baalberith, with which Abimelech hired vain and light persons, which followed him.">Judges 9:4</a>; <a href="/zephaniah/3-4.htm" title="Her prophets are light and treacherous persons: her priests have polluted the sanctuary, they have done violence to the law.">Zephaniah 3:4</a>, in both which places it is translated <span class= "ital">light. </span>Out of this sense of lightness and frivolity naturally arose the meaning which the word has in Syriac of wantonness. In Arabic it means <span class= "ital">boastful, </span>another side of feebleness. With this sense the comparison with water well agrees; for it is its nature to seek a dull level, and while yielding to every impression to retain none. The other meaning given to it by many able critics is "boiling over like water," a description of the unrestrained violence of Reuben's passions.<p><span class= "bld">Thou shalt not excel.</span>--That is, thou shalt not have that excellency which was thine by right of birth.<p><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/49-4.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">Uncontrolled</span><br /><span class="heb">פַּ֤חַז</span> <span class="translit">(pa·ḥaz)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6349.htm">Strong's 6349: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wantonness, recklessness</span><br /><br /><span class="word">as the waters,</span><br /><span class="heb">כַּמַּ֙יִם֙</span> <span class="translit">(kam·ma·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4325.htm">Strong's 4325: </a> </span><span class="str2">Water, juice, urine, semen</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you will no</span><br /><span class="heb">אַל־</span> <span class="translit">(’al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">longer excel,</span><br /><span class="heb">תּוֹתַ֔ר</span> <span class="translit">(tō·w·ṯar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect Jussive - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3498.htm">Strong's 3498: </a> </span><span class="str2">To jut over, exceed, to excel, to remain, be left, to leave, cause to abound, preserve</span><br /><br /><span class="word">because</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(kî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you went up</span><br /><span class="heb">עָלִ֖יתָ</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·lî·ṯā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5927.htm">Strong's 5927: </a> </span><span class="str2">To ascend, in, actively</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to your father’s</span><br /><span class="heb">אָבִ֑יךָ</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·ḇî·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1.htm">Strong's 1: </a> </span><span class="str2">Father</span><br /><br /><span class="word">bed,</span><br /><span class="heb">מִשְׁכְּבֵ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(miš·kə·ḇê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4904.htm">Strong's 4904: </a> </span><span class="str2">Place of lying, a couch, act of lying</span><br /><br /><span class="word">onto</span><br /><span class="heb">עָלָֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·lāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5927.htm">Strong's 5927: </a> </span><span class="str2">To ascend, in, actively</span><br /><br /><span class="word">my couch</span><br /><span class="heb">יְצוּעִ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(yə·ṣū·‘î)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3326.htm">Strong's 3326: </a> </span><span class="str2">Spread, a bed, an extension, wing, lean-to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="heb">אָ֥ז</span> <span class="translit">(’āz)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_227.htm">Strong's 227: </a> </span><span class="str2">At that time, place, therefore</span><br /><br /><span class="word">defiled it.</span><br /><span class="heb">חִלַּ֖לְתָּ</span> <span class="translit">(ḥil·lal·tā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Perfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2490.htm">Strong's 2490: </a> </span><span class="str2">To bore, to wound, to dissolve, to profane, to break, to begin, to play</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/49-4.htm">Genesis 49:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/49-4.htm">Genesis 49:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/49-4.htm">Genesis 49:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/49-4.htm">Genesis 49:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/49-4.htm">Genesis 49:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/49-4.htm">Genesis 49:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/49-4.htm">Genesis 49:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/49-4.htm">Genesis 49:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/49-4.htm">Genesis 49:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/49-4.htm">Genesis 49:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/49-4.htm">OT Law: Genesis 49:4 Boiling over as water you shall not (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/49-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 49:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 49:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/49-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 49:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 49:5" /></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>