Genesis 49:4
“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.”
Genesis 49:4 in 7 translations
- KJVKing James Version
- 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.
- DRADouay–Rheims
- Thou art poured out as water, grow thou not: because thou wentest up to thy father's bed, and didst defile his couch.
- ASVAmerican Standard Version
- 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.
- DARBYDarby
- Impetuous as the waters, thou shalt have no pre-eminence; Because thou wentest up to thy father's couch: Then defiledst thou it: he went up to my bed.
- WEBThe World English Bible
- Boiling over as water, you shall not excel; because you went up to your father's bed, then defiled it. He went up to my couch.
- YLTYoung's Literal Translation
- 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!
- BPVBiblePics Version
- "Unstable as water, you will not excel; for you went up to your father's bed and defiled it. You went up to my couch."
Context: Genesis 49
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.
6O my soul, come not thou into their secret; unto their assembly, mine honour, be not thou united: for in their anger they slew a man, and in their selfwill they digged down a wall.
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.