Lexical Summary Rhoubén: Reuben Original Word: Ῥουβήν Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Reuben. Of Hebrew origin (r'uwben); Ruben (i.e. Reuben), an Israelite -- Reuben. see HEBREW r'uwben NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Hebrew origin Reuben Definition Reuben, a son of Jacob, also a tribe of Isr. NASB Translation Reuben (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4502: ΡουβηνΡουβην (in Josephus, Antiquities 1, 19, 8 Ρ᾽ουβηλος), ὁ, (רֲאוּבֵן, i. e. Behold ye, a son! Genesis 29:32 (cf. B. D. under the word)), Reuben, Jacob's firstborn son by Leah: Revelation 7:5. Topical Lexicon Identity within the CanonReuben is both the name of Jacob’s firstborn son (Genesis 29:32) and, by extension, the tribal grouping that descended from him. Although Strong’s Greek 4502 (Ῥουβὴν) appears only once in the Greek New Testament (Revelation 7:5), the name is woven throughout the Old Testament narrative and prophetic literature, making it integral to the larger biblical storyline. Birth and Early Narrative Reuben’s birth to Jacob and Leah is recorded in Genesis 29:32: “Leah conceived and gave birth to a son, and she named him Reuben, for she said, ‘Because the LORD has seen my affliction; surely now my husband will love me.’”. His name, sounding like “Behold, a son,” also carries the sense of Yahweh’s compassion toward Leah’s distress. Reuben later exhibits both concern and moral weakness: he seeks to rescue Joseph from his brothers’ murderous intent (Genesis 37:21-22) yet forfeits his pre-eminence by sleeping with Bilhah, his father’s concubine (Genesis 35:22; 49:3-4). Patriarchal Blessing and Prophetic Word In Jacob’s final oracle, Reuben hears a bittersweet verdict: “Reuben, you are my firstborn… excelling in honor, excelling in power. Turbulent as water, you will no longer excel” (Genesis 49:3-4). The imagery of unstable water anticipates a tribe that, though numerous at the census of Numbers 1:20-21, produces no major judge, prophet, or king. Moses likewise prays, “Let Reuben live and not die, nor his men be few” (Deuteronomy 33:6), hinting at later demographic decline. Tribal Allotment and Wilderness Role At the Exodus the tribe encamps south of the Tabernacle (Numbers 2:10-16) and marches second behind Judah. Reuben’s allotment east of the Jordan (Numbers 32:1-33) includes grazing land ideal for herds but geographically distant from the sanctuary at Shiloh. This separation contributes to periodic tensions, such as the altar-building episode in Joshua 22:10-34, where Reuben, Gad, and half-Manasseh must defend their orthodox intentions. Later Old Testament History In Judges 5:15-16 Deborah rebukes Reuben’s hesitant “great searchings of heart” during Barak’s mobilization, spotlighting tribal indecision. By the reigns of Saul and David, Reuben’s military might has waned (1 Chronicles 5:18-22). Tiglath-Pileser III ultimately deports the Reubenites during Assyria’s campaigns (1 Chronicles 5:26), fulfilling earlier prophetic warnings of decline. New Testament Usage The sole New Testament occurrence, Revelation 7:5, lists Reuben first among the sealed servants: “From the tribe of Reuben twelve thousand were sealed.”. John’s vision underscores God’s faithfulness to every tribe despite historical failures. Reuben’s inclusion—restored to first position—anticipates eschatological mercy and the unbroken continuity of God’s covenant purposes. Eschatological Significance Reuben’s re-elevation in Revelation suggests two complementary truths: (1) divine discipline never nullifies the promises given to the patriarchs, and (2) corporate repentance and future restoration remain possible even for tribes that have seemed lost to history. By sealing twelve thousand, the prophecy confirms that God preserves a remnant and vindicates His covenant name. Theological and Ministry Implications 1. Firstborn Responsibility and Instability Reuben’s life warns against forfeiting privilege through moral lapse. Leaders today must guard personal holiness lest instability undermine calling (cf. 1 Corinthians 10:12). 2. Divine Compassion toward the Afflicted Leah’s testimony at Reuben’s birth reminds believers that the Lord sees hidden sorrow and acts redemptively (Psalm 34:18). 3. Restoration after Failure Revelation’s sealing of Reuben encourages those bearing the weight of past sin; God can re-position the repentant for future service (Joel 2:25-27). 4. Covenant Faithfulness across Generations From Genesis to Revelation, Reuben illustrates that God weaves even flawed strands into His redemptive tapestry, reinforcing trust in the Lord’s unchanging character (Malachi 3:6). Key References Genesis 29:32; 35:22; 37:21-22 Numbers 1:20-21; 2:10-16; 32:1-33 Forms and Transliterations Ρουβην Ῥουβὴν Rhouben Rhoubēn Rhoubḕn Rouben RoubēnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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