19 lines
1021 B
Markdown
19 lines
1021 B
Markdown
## the beginning of my strength ##
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Hebrew parents would dedicate their first child to God. The words "beginning" and "first-fruit" means that Reuben belonged to God in a special way. Alternate translation: "the first-fruit of my manhood."
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## outstanding in dignity, and outstanding in power ##
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"You are first in honor and power."
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## Uncontrollable as rushing water ##
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Jacob compares Reuben to water in a strong current to emphasize that he cannot control his anger and he is not stable. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
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## you shall not have the pre-eminence ##
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"you shall not be first among your brothers"
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## because you went up to your father’s bed. Then you defiled it; you went up to my couch. ##
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This refers to when Reuben slept with Bilhah in [Genesis 35:21](../35/21.md). This can be made explicit: "because you went to my bed and had sex with Bilhah my concubine. You brought shame on me." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]]) |