Genesis 49:2-4

International Children’s Bible

²“Come together and listen, sons of Jacob.
Listen to Israel, your father.

³“Reuben, my first son, you are my strength.
    Your birth showed I could be a father.
You have the highest position among my sons.
    You are the most powerful.
⁴But you are uncontrolled like water.
    So you will no longer lead your brothers.
This is because you got into your father’s bed.
    You shamed me by having physical relations with my slave girl.

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Genesis 49:2-4

New International Version

²“Assemble^(A) and listen, sons of Jacob;
listen to your father Israel.^(B)

³“Reuben, you are my firstborn,^(C)
    my might, the first sign of my strength,^(D)
    excelling in honor,^(E) excelling in power.
⁴Turbulent as the waters,^(F) you will no longer excel,
    for you went up onto your father’s bed,
    onto my couch and defiled it.^(G)

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Genesis 49:2-4

New King James Version

²“Gather together and hear, you sons of Jacob,
And listen to Israel your father.

³“Reuben, you are ^(A)my firstborn,
My might and the beginning of my strength,
The excellency of dignity and the excellency of power.
⁴Unstable as water, you shall not excel,
Because you ^(B)went up to your father’s bed;
Then you defiled it—
He went up to my couch.