Genesis 49:3
Genesis 49:3 in Multiple Translations
Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, excelling in honor, excelling in power.
¶ Reuben, thou art my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power:
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.
Reuben, you are my oldest son, the first-fruit of my strength, first in pride and first in power:
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.
Reuben mine eldest sonne, thou art my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellencie of dignitie, and the excellencie of power:
Reuben! my first-born thou, My power, and beginning of my strength, The abundance of exaltation, And the abundance of strength;
“Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, excelling in dignity, and excelling in power.
Reuben, thou art my first-born, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellence of dignity, and the excellence of power:
Ruben, my firstborn, thou art my strength, and the beginning of my sorrow: excelling in gifts, greater in command.
Reuben, you are my oldest son. You were born when I was young and energetic/strong. You are prouder and stronger than all the rest of my sons.
Then Jacob said, “Reuben, you are my oldest son. You were born first. You were born at that time when I was a strong young man. You were the most important and the most powerful of all my sons.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 49:3
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 49:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
רְאוּבֵן֙
בְּכֹ֣רִ/י
אַ֔תָּה
כֹּחִ֖/י
וְ/רֵאשִׁ֣ית
אוֹנִ֑/י
יֶ֥תֶר
שְׂאֵ֖ת
וְ/יֶ֥תֶר
עָֽז
רְאוּבֵן֙
Rᵉʼûwbên
H7205
Reuben
N-proper
בְּכֹ֣רִ/י
bᵉkôwr
H1060
firstborn
N-ms | Suff
אַ֔תָּה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
כֹּחִ֖/י
kôach
H3581
reptile
N-ms | Suff
וְ/רֵאשִׁ֣ית
rêʼshîyth
H7225
first
Conj | N-fs
אוֹנִ֑/י
ʼôwn
H202
strength
N-ms | Suff
יֶ֥תֶר
yether
H3499
remainder
N-ms
שְׂאֵ֖ת
sᵉʼêth
H7613
elevation
N-fs
וְ/יֶ֥תֶר
yether
H3499
remainder
Conj | N-ms
עָֽז
ʻaz
H5794
strong
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 49:3
רְאוּבֵן֙
Rᵉʼûwbên
H7205
"Reuben"
N-proper
Reuben was the firstborn son of Jacob and Leah, and the ancestor of the tribe of Reuben. He is mentioned in Genesis as the brother of Simeon, Levi, and Judah, and the father of Hanoch and Pallu.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Reuben living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.32; son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812); brother of: Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Hanoch (H2585J), Pallu (H6396), Hezron (H2696) and Carmi (H3756) § Reuben = "behold a son" 1) the eldest son of Jacob by Leah 2) the tribe descended from Reuben 3) the territory inhabited by the tribe of Reuben
Usage: Occurs in 68 OT verses. KJV: Reuben. See also: Genesis 29:32; Deuteronomy 27:13; Ezekiel 48:31.
בְּכֹ֣רִ/י
bᵉkôwr
H1060
"firstborn"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to the firstborn child or animal, often holding a special status or responsibility. It appears in stories like Genesis and Exodus, highlighting the importance of birth order. The KJV translates it as 'eldest' or 'firstborn'.
Definition: 1) firstborn, firstling 1a) of men and women 1b) of animals 1c) noun of relation (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 96 OT verses. KJV: eldest (son), firstborn(-ling). See also: Genesis 10:15; Deuteronomy 21:17; Psalms 78:51.
אַ֔תָּה
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
כֹּחִ֖/י
kôach
H3581
"reptile"
N-ms | Suff
Koach means strength or power, referring to human, angelic, or God's might. It can also describe the strength of animals or the produce of soil.
Definition: 1) a small reptile, probably a kind of lizard, which is unclean 1a) perhaps an extinct animal, exact meaning is unknown
Usage: Occurs in 121 OT verses. KJV: ability, able, chameleon, force, fruits, might, power(-ful), strength, substance, wealth. See also: Genesis 4:12; Job 36:5; Psalms 22:16.
וְ/רֵאשִׁ֣ית
rêʼshîyth
H7225
"first"
Conj | N-fs
This Hebrew word refers to the beginning or first part of something, like the firstfruits of a harvest. It is used in Exodus 23:19 to describe the best of the harvest. The idea is to give God the best.
Definition: : beginning 1) first, beginning, best, chief 1a) beginning 1b) first 1c) chief 1d) choice part Also means: re.shit (רֵאשִׁית ": best" H7225H)
Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: beginning, chief(-est), first(-fruits, part, time), principal thing. See also: Genesis 1:1; Job 42:12; Psalms 78:51.
אוֹנִ֑/י
ʼôwn
H202
"strength"
N-ms | Suff
In the book of Job, this word refers to physical strength, wealth, or ability, highlighting God's power and might.
Definition: 1) vigour, generative power 2) wealth 3) physical strength (of men and behemoth)
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: force, goods, might, strength, substance. See also: Genesis 49:3; Psalms 78:51; Psalms 105:36.
יֶ֥תֶר
yether
H3499
"remainder"
N-ms
A cord or rope, also meaning excess or remainder, as seen in the Bible's descriptions of leftovers or abundant resources.
Definition: 1) remainder, excess, rest, remnant, excellence 1a) remainder, remnant 1b) remainder, rest, other part 1c) excess 1d) abundantly (adv) 1e) abundance, affluence 1f) superiority, excellency
Usage: Occurs in 95 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] abundant, cord, exceeding, excellancy(-ent), what they leave, that hath left, plentifully, remnant, residue, rest, string, with. See also: Genesis 49:3; 2 Kings 15:26; Psalms 11:2.
שְׂאֵ֖ת
sᵉʼêth
H7613
"elevation"
N-fs
In the Bible, elevation can refer to a physical rise in the land or a sense of pride and dignity. It is used to describe the exaltation of God and the dignity of kings. The word appears in books like Psalms and Proverbs.
Definition: 1) elevation, exaltation, dignity, swelling, uprising 1a) dignity, exaltation, loftiness 1b) swelling 1c) uprising
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, dignity, excellency, highness, raise up self, rising. See also: Genesis 4:7; Leviticus 13:43; Psalms 62:5.
וְ/יֶ֥תֶר
yether
H3499
"remainder"
Conj | N-ms
A cord or rope, also meaning excess or remainder, as seen in the Bible's descriptions of leftovers or abundant resources.
Definition: 1) remainder, excess, rest, remnant, excellence 1a) remainder, remnant 1b) remainder, rest, other part 1c) excess 1d) abundantly (adv) 1e) abundance, affluence 1f) superiority, excellency
Usage: Occurs in 95 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] abundant, cord, exceeding, excellancy(-ent), what they leave, that hath left, plentifully, remnant, residue, rest, string, with. See also: Genesis 49:3; 2 Kings 15:26; Psalms 11:2.
עָֽז
ʻaz
H5794
"strong"
N-ms
Means strong or fierce, used to describe powerful forces or intense emotions in the Bible, like greedy desires or mighty powers.
Definition: strong, mighty, fierce
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: fierce, [phrase] greedy, mighty, power, roughly, strong. See also: Genesis 49:3; Proverbs 18:23; Psalms 18:18.
Study Notes — Genesis 49:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 49:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 49:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 49:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 49:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 49:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 49:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 49:3
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 49:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 49:3
- Sermons on Genesis 49:3
Context — Jacob Blesses His Sons
1Then Jacob called for his sons and said, “Gather around so that I can tell you what will happen to you in the days to come:
2Come together and listen, O sons of Jacob; listen to your father Israel.
3Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, excelling in honor, excelling in power.
4Uncontrolled as the waters, you will no longer excel, because you went up to your father’s bed, onto my couch, and defiled it. 5Simeon and Levi are brothers; their swords are weapons of violence.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 21:17 | 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. |
| 2 | Psalms 78:51 | He struck all the firstborn of Egypt, the virility in the tents of Ham. |
| 3 | Psalms 105:36 | Then He struck all the firstborn in their land, the firstfruits of all their vigor. |
| 4 | Genesis 29:32 | And Leah conceived and gave birth to a son, and she named him Reuben, for she said, “The LORD has seen my affliction. Surely my husband will love me now.” |
| 5 | 1 Chronicles 2:1 | These were the sons of Israel: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, |
| 6 | 1 Chronicles 5:3 | The sons of Reuben, the firstborn of Israel: Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi. |
| 7 | 1 Chronicles 5:1 | 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. |
| 8 | Numbers 1:20 | From the sons of Reuben, the firstborn of Israel, according to the records of their clans and families, counting one by one the names of every male twenty years of age or older who could serve in the army, |
| 9 | Genesis 48:18 | “Not so, my father!” Joseph said. “This one is the firstborn; put your right hand on his head.” |
| 10 | Numbers 26:5 | Reuben was the firstborn of Israel. These were the descendants of Reuben: The Hanochite clan from Hanoch, the Palluite clan from Pallu, |
Genesis 49:3 Summary
This verse is talking about Reuben, the firstborn son of Jacob, and how he was expected to be a leader and have a high position of honor. However, as we see in the next verse, Genesis 49:4, Reuben's actions led to a loss of this privilege. This reminds us that our actions have consequences, as seen in Galatians 6:7-8, and that God desires us to live a life of integrity and honor, as described in Proverbs 10:9. We can learn from Reuben's mistakes and seek to live a life that is pleasing to God, as described in 2 Corinthians 5:9.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that Reuben is the 'beginning of my strength'?
This phrase likely refers to Reuben being the firstborn son of Jacob, and as such, he was expected to be a source of strength and leadership for his family, as seen in Genesis 49:3, and as described in Deuteronomy 21:17, the firstborn son was to receive a double portion of the inheritance.
How does this verse relate to the rest of Jacob's blessing?
This verse is part of Jacob's blessing to his sons, where he is prophesying over each of them and declaring their future, as seen in Genesis 49:1-2, and it sets the stage for the specific blessings and warnings that follow for Reuben and the other sons.
What is the significance of Reuben 'excelling in honor' and 'excelling in power'?
These phrases suggest that Reuben was expected to be a leader and to have a high position of honor and authority among his brothers, as seen in Genesis 49:3, but as we see in the next verse, Genesis 49:4, his actions led to a loss of this privilege.
How does this verse reflect the character of God?
This verse reflects the character of God as a father who desires to bless and honor his children, as seen in Genesis 49:3, and as described in Psalm 103:13, God's love for his children is like a father's love, and he desires to bless and prosper them.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I, like Reuben, may have been given a position of honor or leadership, and how can I use this for God's glory?
- How can I, like Jacob, bless and encourage those around me, especially my family members, as seen in Genesis 49:1-28?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be 'excelling in power' but lacking in humility, and how can I seek to balance these, as warned against in 1 Peter 5:6?
- How can I learn from Reuben's mistakes, as seen in Genesis 49:4, and seek to live a life of integrity and honor, as described in Proverbs 10:9?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 49:3
Reuben, thou art my firstborn,.... Jacob addressed himself to Reuben first, in the presence of his brethren, owned him as his firstborn, as he was, Genesis 29:31 did not cashier him from his family,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 49:3
Reuben, thou art my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power: Reuben, thou art my first-born.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 49:3
The beginning of my strength; the first instance or evidence of my might or strength, or of that masculine rigour whereby God enabled me to beget a child. Compare . Or the first of my children, which are the strength, the stays, and supports of a father, and of his family; thence called his arrows, as , and by other authors, the pillars of the house. The excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power. As first-born thou hadst the right of precedency before all thy brethren in point of dignity and power or privilege; the double portion, the priesthood, the dominion over thy brethren were thine.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 49:3
Genesis 49:3 Reuben, thou [art] my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power:Ver. 3. My might, and beginning of my strength.] Nate meae vires … The word here used signifieth the straining of the body forcibly to effect a thing much desired: such as was that of St Paul, and that of Elijah, when he prayed and prayed, as St James hath it, that is, with utmost intention of affection (προσευχηπροσνυξατο, James 5:17). The excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power.] That is, saith the Chaldee Paraphrast, Excellens principatu et sacerdotio. Both these he forfeited and fell from; so cannot Christians.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 49:3
(3) The beginning of my strength.—In Genesis 35:18, the word oni 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 oni from a different and not uncommon word signifying strength. It occurs in Deuteronomy 21:17; Job 40:16; Psalms 78:51; Psalms 105:36, &c. The excellency . . . —We must here supply, “And therefore to thee as the firstborn belonged,” first, the excellency of dignity, that is, the priesthood; and secondly, the excellency of power, 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.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 49:3
3. Reuben, my first-born art thou! My might, and the prime of my strength, Excelling in eminence, and excelling in power: 4. Pouring out like the waters:-thou shalt not excel, For thou wentest up to the bed of thy father, - Then thou didst defile: to my couch he went up! Verse 3. Reuben as the first-born had a right to a double portion of all that the father had; see Deuteronomy 21:17. The eminence or dignity mentioned here may refer to the priesthood; the power, to the regal government or kingdom. In this sense it has been understood by all the ancient Targumists. The Targum of Onkelos paraphrases it thus: "Thou shouldst have received three portions, the birthright, the priesthood, and the kingdom:" and to this the Targums of Jonathan ben Uzziel and Jerusalem add: "But because thou hast sinned, the birthright is given to Joseph, the kingdom to Judah, and the priesthood to Levi." That the birthright was given to the sons of Joseph we have the fullest proof from 1 Chronicles 5:1.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 49:3
3. Reuben] Reuben’s early pre-eminence is forfeited. The tribe’s loss of power is here ascribed to the curse of Jacob for an act of incest (see Genesis 35:22; 1 Chronicles 5:1). The territory of the tribe of Reuben lay on the east side of the Dead Sea. In Biblical history, the Reubenites are practically unknown, except for one successful campaign against the Hagarenes (1 Chronicles 5:8-10). In the Song of Deborah (Judges 5:16), Reuben is denounced for apathy. beginning] Better, as R.V. marg., firstfruits. The firstborn was expected to inherit the full strength of the parent. Cf. Deuteronomy 21:17; Psalms 78:51; Psalms 105:36. The versions follow a different text.
LXX ἀρχὴτέκνωνμου; Lat. principium doloris mei; Aquila κεφάλαιονλύπηςμου; Symmachus ἀρχὴὀδύνης. The excellency] This word in Early English had the meaning of “superiority,” owing to its derivation from “excel.” But this has now been lost sight of. Vulg. major in donis, major in imperio; Targ. Onk. paraphrases “for thee it was provided to receive three portions, the right of firstborn, the priesthood, and the kingdom.” LXX must here follow a different text, σκληρὸςφέρεσθαικαὶσκληρὸςαὐθάδης.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 49:3
3. My firstborn, thou — By this form of expression poetic emphasis is given to the direct address.
Sermons on Genesis 49:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Through the Bible) Genesis 47-50 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker references the story of Abraham in Genesis 15, where God reveals to him that his descendants will go down to Egypt for 400 years before being brought ou |
|
12 Real Christian Morals by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of sexual immorality and its consequences. He shares a personal experience of dealing with similar situations and emphasizes the imp |
|
(Genesis) Genesis 49-50 by Joe Focht | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jacob and his sons from the Bible. He highlights the downfall of Ruben, Jacob's firstborn, who was given to lust and committed a |
|
What Does It Mean to Be Firstborn? by Anton Bosch | Anton Bosch delves into the privileges and responsibilities of being the firstborn in the Old Testament, highlighting the greater inheritance, blessing, succession rights, and spec |
|
A Double Portion of Elijah's Spirit by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer explores the profound relationship between Elijah and Elisha, emphasizing Elisha's request for a double portion of Elijah's spirit as a testament to his commitment and s |
|
Requirements for Service by Denis Lyle | Denis Lyle preaches about the requirements for service in the ministry, emphasizing the importance of patience and preparation as we wait for God's timing and direction in our live |
|
|
Our Daily Homily - 1 Chronicles by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer reflects on the genealogies in 1 Chronicles, emphasizing the significance of each name as a testament to God's love and purpose for humanity. He warns that while our liv |