KJV ORIGINAL
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.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
You are as unstable as water, and you will not have the place of honor, because you went to your father's bed and defiled it by sleeping there.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
Jacob is telling his son Reuben that because of his past unfaithfulness, he has lost his right to leadership and honor in the family.
📚 Historical Context
This is part of Jacob's final blessing to his twelve sons before his death. Reuben, as the firstborn, would normally have received a double portion and leadership position in the family. However, he had previously slept with Bilhah, his father's concubine, which was considered a grave offense and an act of rebellion against his father's authority.
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