KJV ORIGINAL
Reuben, thou art my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power:
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
Reuben, you are my firstborn son, my strength, and the first sign of my power. You should have had the highest honor and greatest authority.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
Jacob is telling his firstborn son Reuben that he was meant to inherit the greatest honor and power as the eldest child.
📚 Historical Context
This is part of Jacob's deathbed blessing to his twelve sons, who would become the fathers of the twelve tribes of Israel. As the firstborn, Reuben traditionally would have received a double inheritance and leadership over his brothers. However, Jacob is about to address Reuben's past failures that cost him these privileges.
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