genesis 49:3

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Genesis 49:3

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”

— D.L. Moody
Genesis 49:3
Verse 3 of 33

Scripture focus

Reuben, thou [art] my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power:

Genesis 49:3KJV

Commentary

Commentary on Genesis 49:3

Theological / Devotional

Reuben. Jacob addressed his first prophecy to his first-born son, and clothed it, as he did all the following statements, in poetic garb. Hebrew poetry consists of a rhythmic repetition of thought rather than of sound and syllables. Arranged in poetic form, the blessing upon Reuben would read:

Reuben,

my first-born you, my might,

and first fruit of my strength;

pre-eminent in dignity,

and pre-eminent in power.

Boiling over like water, you shall have no preference,

for you ascended the bed of your father,

then you defiled my couch ([which] he ascended).

By SdaBc