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:”
Genesis 49:3 in 7 translations
- KJVKing James Version
- Reuben, thou art my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power:
- DRADouay–Rheims
- Ruben, my firstborn, thou art my strength, and the beginning of my sorrow: excelling in gifts, greater in command.
- ASVAmerican Standard Version
- 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.
- DARBYDarby
- Reuben, thou art my firstborn, My might, and the firstfruits of my vigour: Excellency of dignity, and excellency of strength.
- WEBThe World English Bible
- Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength; excelling in dignity, and excelling in power.
- YLTYoung's Literal Translation
- Reuben! my first-born thou, My power, and beginning of my strength, The abundance of exaltation, And the abundance of strength;
- BPVBiblePics Version
- "Reuben, you are my firstborn, my strength, and the beginning of my power, the highest in dignity and might."
Context: Genesis 49
1And Jacob called unto his sons, and said, Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you that which shall befall you in the last days.
2Gather yourselves together, and hear, ye sons of Jacob; and hearken unto Israel your father.
3Reuben, thou art my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power:
4Unstable 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.
5Simeon and Levi are brethren; instruments of cruelty are in their habitations.
About Genesis 49: Jacob's Blessings and Death
Jacob blesses his twelve sons, giving each a prophecy about their descendants.
Commentary
Genesis chapter 49 is a prophetic blessing given by Jacob to his twelve sons. Jacob is nearing the end of his life and is preparing to pass on his legacy to his sons. He begins by blessing Reuben, his eldest son, but then goes on to bless each of his sons in turn. He speaks of their strengths and weaknesses, and of the future of their descendants.