1 Chronicles 5:3
New International Version
the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel: Hanok, Pallu, Hezron and Karmi.

New Living Translation
The sons of Reuben, the oldest son of Israel, were Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi.

English Standard Version
the sons of Reuben, the firstborn of Israel: Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi.

Berean Standard Bible
The sons of Reuben, the firstborn of Israel: Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi.

King James Bible
The sons, I say, of Reuben the firstborn of Israel were, Hanoch, and Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi.

New King James Version
the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel were Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi.

New American Standard Bible
the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel were Hanoch and Pallu, and Hezron and Carmi.

NASB 1995
the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel were Hanoch and Pallu, Hezron and Carmi.

NASB 1977
the sons of Reuben the first-born of Israel were Hanoch and Pallu, Hezron and Carmi.

Legacy Standard Bible
the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel were Hanoch and Pallu, Hezron and Carmi.

Amplified Bible
the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel: Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi.

Christian Standard Bible
The sons of Reuben, Israel’s firstborn: Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The sons of Reuben, Israel’s firstborn: Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi.

American Standard Version
the sons of Reuben the first-born of Israel: Hanoch, and Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi.

Contemporary English Version
Reuben had four sons: Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi.

English Revised Version
the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel; Hanoch, and Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The sons of Reuben, Israel's firstborn, were Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi.

Good News Translation
Reuben, the oldest of Jacob's sons, had four sons: Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi.

International Standard Version
The descendants of Reuben, Israel's firstborn, included Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi.

NET Bible
The sons of Reuben, Israel's firstborn: Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi.

New Heart English Bible
the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel: Hanoch, and Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi.

Webster's Bible Translation
The sons, I say, of Reuben the first-born of Israel were, Hanoch, and Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
The sons of Reuben, the firstborn of Israel: Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi.

World English Bible
the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel: Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
sons of Reuben, firstborn of Israel: Enoch, and Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi.

Young's Literal Translation
Sons of Reuben, first-born of Israel: Hanoch, and Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi.

Smith's Literal Translation
The sons of Reuben, the first-born of Israel, Hanoch, and Pallu, Hezron and Carmi.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
The sons then of Ruben the firstborn of Israel were Enoch, and Phallu, Esron, and Charmi.

Catholic Public Domain Version
So then, the sons of Reuben, the firstborn of Israel, were Hanoch and Pallu, Hezron and Carmi.

New American Bible
The sons of Reuben, the firstborn of Israel, were Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi.

New Revised Standard Version
The sons of Reuben, the firstborn of Israel: Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
The sons of Reuben, the first-born of Israel were Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
The sons of Rubil, the firstborn of Israel: Khenuk and Palu and Khetsrun and Karmi.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
the sons of Reuben the first-born of Israel: Hanoch, and Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
The sons of Ruben the first-born of Israel; Enoch, and Phallus, Asrom, and Charmi.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Descendants of Reuben
2And though Judah prevailed over his brothers and a ruler came from him, the birthright belonged to Joseph. 3The sons of Reuben, the firstborn of Israel: Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi. 4The descendants of Joel: Shemaiah his son, Gog his son, Shimei his son,…

Cross References
Genesis 35:22-26
While Israel was living in that region, Reuben went in and slept with his father’s concubine Bilhah, and Israel heard about it. Jacob had twelve sons: / The sons of Leah were Reuben the firstborn of Jacob, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun. / The sons of Rachel were Joseph and Benjamin. ...

Genesis 49:3-4
Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, excelling in honor, excelling in power. / Uncontrolled as the waters, you will no longer excel, because you went up to your father’s bed, onto my couch, and defiled it.

Deuteronomy 21:17
Instead, he must acknowledge the firstborn, the son of his unloved wife, by giving him a double portion of all that he has. For that son is the firstfruits of his father’s strength; the right of the firstborn belongs to him.

Genesis 29:32
And Leah conceived and gave birth to a son, and she named him Reuben, for she said, “The LORD has seen my affliction. Surely my husband will love me now.”

Genesis 46:8-9
Now these are the names of the sons of Israel (Jacob and his descendants) who went to Egypt: Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn. / The sons of Reuben: Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi.

Exodus 6:14
These were the heads of their fathers’ houses: The sons of Reuben, the firstborn of Israel, were Hanoch and Pallu, Hezron and Carmi. These were the clans of Reuben.

Numbers 1:20-21
From the sons of Reuben, the firstborn of Israel, according to the records of their clans and families, counting one by one the names of every male twenty years of age or older who could serve in the army, / those registered to the tribe of Reuben numbered 46,500.

Numbers 26:5-7
Reuben was the firstborn of Israel. These were the descendants of Reuben: The Hanochite clan from Hanoch, the Palluite clan from Pallu, / the Hezronite clan from Hezron, and the Carmite clan from Carmi. / These were the clans of Reuben, and their registration numbered 43,730.

1 Chronicles 2:1-2
These were the sons of Israel: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, / Dan, Joseph, Benjamin, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher.

1 Chronicles 12:37
And from east of the Jordan, from Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh there: 120,000 armed with every kind of weapon of war.

1 Chronicles 27:16
These officers were in charge of the tribes of Israel: Over the Reubenites was Eliezer son of Zichri; over the Simeonites was Shephatiah son of Maacah;

2 Kings 10:30
Nevertheless, the LORD said to Jehu, “Because you have done well in carrying out what is right in My sight and have done to the house of Ahab all that was in My heart, four generations of your sons will sit on the throne of Israel.”

Matthew 1:2
Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers.

Luke 3:33
the son of Amminadab, the son of Admin, the son of Arni, the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son of Judah,

Hebrews 7:14
For it is clear that our Lord descended from Judah, a tribe as to which Moses said nothing about priests.


Treasury of Scripture

The sons, I say, of Reuben the firstborn of Israel were, Hanoch, and Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi.

sons.

Genesis 46:9
And the sons of Reuben; Hanoch, and Phallu, and Hezron, and Carmi.

Exodus 6:14
These be the heads of their fathers' houses: The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel; Hanoch, and Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi: these be the families of Reuben.

Numbers 26:5-9
Reuben, the eldest son of Israel: the children of Reuben; Hanoch, of whom cometh the family of the Hanochites: of Pallu, the family of the Palluites: …

Hanoch.

Genesis 25:4
And the sons of Midian; Ephah, and Epher, and Hanoch, and Abida, and Eldaah. All these were the children of Keturah.

Pallu.

Genesis 46:9
And the sons of Reuben; Hanoch, and Phallu, and Hezron, and Carmi.

Phallu.

Numbers 26:5
Reuben, the eldest son of Israel: the children of Reuben; Hanoch, of whom cometh the family of the Hanochites: of Pallu, the family of the Palluites:

Hezron.

Genesis 46:9
And the sons of Reuben; Hanoch, and Phallu, and Hezron, and Carmi.

Carmi.

1 Chronicles 4:1
The sons of Judah; Pharez, Hezron, and Carmi, and Hur, and Shobal.

Jump to Previous
Carmi Enoch Firstborn First-Born Hanoch Hezron Israel Oldest Pallu Phallu Reuben
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Carmi Enoch Firstborn First-Born Hanoch Hezron Israel Oldest Pallu Phallu Reuben
1 Chronicles 5
1. Judah and Joseph preferred before Reuben, who forfeited his birthright.
3. Ruben's descendants; some of whom vanquish the Hagarites.
11. The chief men of Gad, and their habitations.
18. Ruben, Gad, and half of Manasseh, obtain a victory over the Hagarites.
23. The habitations and chief men of that half of Manasseh.
25. The captivity of the two tribes and half, for their sins.














The sons of Reuben, the firstborn of Israel:
Reuben was the firstborn son of Jacob and Leah, making him the first in line for the birthright traditionally given to the eldest son. However, due to Reuben's transgression with Bilhah, his father's concubine, he lost his birthright, which was then divided among Joseph and Judah (Genesis 35:22, 49:3-4; 1 Chronicles 5:1-2). This passage highlights the importance of Reuben's lineage despite his loss of status. The tribe of Reuben settled east of the Jordan River, in the region of Gilead, which is modern-day Jordan. This location was significant for its fertile land and strategic position.

Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi:
These names represent the sons of Reuben and the heads of their respective families or clans. Hanoch is also mentioned in Genesis 46:9 and Exodus 6:14, indicating the continuity of Reuben's lineage. Pallu is noted in Numbers 26:5, where his descendants, the Palluites, are listed during the census in the wilderness. Hezron is a name that appears in various genealogies, including those of Judah, suggesting a commonality or shared heritage among the tribes (Ruth 4:18-19). Carmi is less frequently mentioned, but his inclusion here underscores the completeness of Reuben's family line. These genealogies serve to establish the historical and covenantal identity of the tribes of Israel, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Reuben
The firstborn son of Jacob (Israel) and Leah. Despite being the firstborn, he lost his birthright due to his transgression against his father (Genesis 35:22).

2. Hanoch
One of the sons of Reuben. His name means "dedicated" or "initiated" in Hebrew.

3. Pallu
Another son of Reuben. His name means "distinguished" or "separated" in Hebrew.

4. Hezron
A son of Reuben. His name means "enclosed" or "surrounded by a wall" in Hebrew.

5. Carmi
The fourth son of Reuben. His name means "vineyard" or "garden" in Hebrew.
Teaching Points
The Consequences of Sin
Reuben's account is a reminder that sin can have lasting consequences, affecting not only the individual but also their descendants. It is crucial to live a life of integrity and obedience to God.

God's Grace and Redemption
Despite Reuben's failings, his lineage continued, and his tribe was blessed by Moses. This demonstrates God's grace and the possibility of redemption and restoration.

The Importance of Legacy
The mention of Reuben's sons highlights the importance of legacy and the impact of one's actions on future generations. We should strive to leave a positive spiritual legacy.

Names and Identity
The meanings of the names of Reuben's sons can inspire us to consider the significance of our own names and identities in Christ. We are called to live lives that reflect our identity as children of God.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 1 Chronicles 5:3?

2. How does 1 Chronicles 5:3 highlight Reuben's role as Jacob's firstborn son?

3. What lessons can we learn from Reuben's actions and their consequences?

4. How does Reuben's story connect with Genesis 49:3-4 regarding his inheritance?

5. In what ways can we ensure faithfulness to God's calling in our lives?

6. How can Reuben's example guide us in maintaining integrity and responsibility today?

7. What is the significance of Reuben being Israel's firstborn in 1 Chronicles 5:3?

8. How does Reuben's birthright affect the tribes of Israel according to 1 Chronicles 5:3?

9. Why is Reuben's lineage important in the context of 1 Chronicles 5:3?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Chronicles 5?

11. How reliable are the long genealogies in 1 Chronicles 5:3 when compared to other ancient records?

12. Who were the children of King David?

13. How do we reconcile the apparent capacity discrepancy of the bronze sea between 1 Kings 7:26 (2,000 baths) and 2 Chronicles 4:5 (3,000 baths)?

14. Who were the sons of David?
What Does 1 Chronicles 5:3 Mean
The sons of Reuben

• First Chronicles often pauses its sweeping narrative to list families, underscoring that God remembers real people and real lines of descent (cf. 1 Chron 9:1).

• By opening Reuben’s genealogy with the phrase “The sons of Reuben,” the writer ties the tribe back to its patriarch, reminding us that Israel’s story is rooted in literal history (Genesis 29:32; Exodus 6:14).

• This list mirrors earlier census records in Genesis 46:9 and Numbers 26:5–11, showing divine consistency: what God recorded in Moses’ day He preserves centuries later.


the firstborn of Israel

• Reuben was Jacob’s firstborn (Genesis 49:3). Though he forfeited the rights of primogeniture by his sin (Genesis 35:22; 1 Chron 5:1–2), Scripture still calls him “the firstborn.”

• The mention here balances grace and consequence: Reuben retains the position of birth, yet Joseph’s line receives the double inheritance. God’s Word holds both truths together without contradiction.

• This reminds believers that our choices matter, yet God’s faithfulness to His covenant purposes remains intact (Deuteronomy 32:4; 2 Timothy 2:13).


Hanoch

• Hanoch heads the Hanochite clan (Numbers 26:5). Though little is said about him personally, his name being kept signals that every family matters to God.

• His inclusion reinforces that God tracks entire households, not just prominent leaders (Acts 10:2; 16:31).

• The Hanochites settled east of the Jordan, part of Reuben’s inheritance (Joshua 13:15–23), illustrating how a single ancestor’s name marked out territory for thousands.


Pallu

• Pallu’s descendants, the Palluites (Numbers 26:5), were another key branch of Reuben.

• The family produced figures like Dathan and Abiram, who famously rebelled with Korah (Numbers 16:1–2). Their story shows that lineage offers privilege but not immunity from discipline (1 Corinthians 10:11–12).

• Still, God preserved the clan, proving His mercy even amid judgment.


Hezron

• Hezron’s clan (Numbers 26:6) multiplied despite wilderness hardships, reflecting God’s promise of fruitfulness to Abraham’s seed (Genesis 15:5; Deuteronomy 1:10).

• Chronicles later mentions another Hezron in Judah’s line (1 Chron 2:5), but the two families are distinct. Even shared names cannot blur God’s precise record-keeping.

• For believers, this underscores personal accountability within the wider covenant community (Romans 14:12).


Carmi

• Carmi rounds out the four sons (Genesis 46:9). His family, the Carmites (Numbers 26:6), shared in Reuben’s land east of the Dead Sea.

• Some suggest a descendant, “Carmi son of Reuben,” was the ancestor of Achan (Joshua 7:1); regardless, the name ties back to Reuben’s heritage and its mixed record of faith and failure.

• The presence of both faithful and wayward figures among Carmi’s line teaches that each generation must choose obedience (Ezekiel 18:20).


summary

1 Chronicles 5:3 is more than a dry list; it is a snapshot of God’s meticulous faithfulness. He remembers Reuben—the literal firstborn—and each of his four sons. Though Reuben’s privilege was diminished by sin, the tribe remained part of Israel’s story, receiving land, preservation, and ongoing opportunity to walk with the Lord. In every name we see a reminder that God values families, tracks history accurately, and weaves both warning and hope into His unfolding plan.

(3) Hanoch, and Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi.--So Genesis 46:9; Exodus 6:14; Numbers 26:5-7. Considering the prominence of Hezron and Carmi among the clans of Judah, it is remarkable to find their names recurring among the main branches of Reuben.

Verse 3. - The four sons of Reuben here given are first enumerated in Genesis 46:9; then in Exodus 6:14; and again in Numbers 26:5-7, where are also found the corresponding chief families of the tribe, the total of their fighting numbers amounting to 43,730, compared with 46,500 at the time of the Sinai census (Numbers 2:11), a diminution due to the plague for the idolatry of Baal-peor (Numbers 25:9).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
The sons
בְּנֵ֥י (bə·nê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Reuben,
רְאוּבֵ֖ן (rə·’ū·ḇên)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7205: Reuben -- 'behold a son!' oldest son of Jacob, also his desc

the firstborn
בְּכ֣וֹר (bə·ḵō·wr)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1060: Firstborn, chief

of Israel:
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

Hanoch,
חֲנ֥וֹךְ (ḥă·nō·wḵ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2585: Enoch -- four Israelites, sons of Cain, Jered, Midian and Reuben

Pallu,
וּפַלּ֖וּא (ū·p̄al·lū)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6396: Pallu -- a son of Reuben

Hezron,
חֶצְר֥וֹן (ḥeṣ·rō·wn)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2696: Hezron -- two Israelites, also two places in Judah

and Carmi.
וְכַרְמִֽי׃ (wə·ḵar·mî)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3756: Carmi -- two Israelites


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OT History: 1 Chronicles 5:3 The sons of Reuben the firstborn (1 Chron. 1Ch iCh i Ch 1 chr 1chr)
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