Lexicon
Rhoubén: Reuben
Original Word: Ῥουβήν
Part of Speech: Proper Noun, Indeclinable
Transliteration: Rhoubén
Pronunciation: roo-BAYN
Phonetic Spelling: (hroo-bane')
Definition: Reuben
Meaning: Reuben, eldest son of the patriarch Jacob and founder of a tribe.
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
ReubenDefinitionReuben, a son of Jacob, also a tribe of Isr.
NASB TranslationReuben (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
Word Origin: Derived from the Hebrew רְאוּבֵן (Re'uven)Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: H7205 רְאוּבֵן (Re'uven)
Usage: The name Reuben is used in the New Testament to refer to the firstborn son of Jacob and Leah, and the tribe that descended from him.
Context: Reuben is a significant figure in biblical history, known as the firstborn son of Jacob and Leah. His birth is recorded in Genesis 29:32, where Leah names him Reuben, saying, "Because the LORD has seen my affliction; surely now my husband will love me." The name Reuben is understood to mean "behold, a son," reflecting Leah's hope for her husband's affection.
Reuben's life is marked by both privilege and failure. As the firstborn, he held a position of prominence among Jacob's sons. However, he forfeited his birthright due to an indiscretion with Bilhah, his father's concubine, as recorded in Genesis 35:22. This act led to Jacob's rebuke and the eventual transfer of the birthright to Joseph, as noted in 1 Chronicles 5:1-2.
Despite this, Reuben played a role in the preservation of Joseph's life. When his brothers plotted to kill Joseph, Reuben intervened, suggesting they throw him into a pit instead, intending to rescue him later (Genesis 37:21-22). His actions, though not entirely successful, demonstrated a degree of responsibility and compassion.
In the New Testament, Reuben is mentioned in the genealogies of Jesus, specifically in the context of the tribes of Israel. Revelation 7:5 lists the tribe of Reuben among those sealed, indicating its continued significance in the eschatological vision.
The tribe of Reuben settled east of the Jordan River, as described in Numbers 32. Their territory was known for its pastoral lands, suitable for their large flocks and herds. Despite their geographical separation from the other tribes, the Reubenites participated in the collective history and battles of Israel.
Reuben's legacy is a complex blend of leadership potential and personal failure, serving as a reminder of the consequences of actions and the enduring grace found in God's plans for His people.
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
