1 Chronicles 5:1

KJV

¶ Now the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel, (for he [was] the firstborn; but, forasmuch as he defiled his father's bed, his birthright was given unto the sons of Joseph the son of Israel: and the genealogy is not to be reckoned after the birthright.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now the sons {H1121} of Reuben {H7205} the firstborn {H1060} of Israel {H3478},(for he was the firstborn {H1060}; but, forasmuch as he defiled {H2490} his father's {H1} bed {H3326}, his birthright {H1062} was given {H5414} unto the sons {H1121} of Joseph {H3130} the son {H1121} of Israel {H3478}: and the genealogy is not to be reckoned {H3187} after the birthright {H1062}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of Re'uven the firstborn of Isra'el - he was the firstborn, but because he defiled his father's bed, his birthright was given to the sons of Yosef the son of Isra'el, though not in such a way as for him to be regarded in the genealogy as the firstborn.

Berean Standard Bible

These were the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel. Though he was the firstborn, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph son of Israel, because Reuben defiled his father’s bed. So he is not reckoned according to birthright.

American Standard Version

And the sons of Reuben the first-born of Israel (for he was the first-born; but, forasmuch as he defiled his father’s couch, his birthright was given unto the sons of Joseph the son of Israel; and the genealogy is not to be reckoned after the birthright.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 5:1 serves as a crucial introductory statement to the genealogies of the northern tribes, immediately addressing a significant historical anomaly: the forfeiture of the birthright by Reuben, Israel's firstborn. Despite his natural position, Reuben's grave moral transgression—defiling his father's bed—led to the transfer of his birthright privileges to the sons of Joseph. This verse establishes a foundational principle for the Chronicler's work, emphasizing that divine blessings and genealogical reckoning are not solely based on natural birth order but are profoundly influenced by moral conduct and divine sovereignty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse initiates the detailed tribal genealogies in 1 Chronicles, a book primarily focused on the lineage of Israel and Judah, the establishment of the Davidic dynasty, and the temple worship. The Chronicler's immediate focus on Reuben's forfeited birthright underscores the importance of moral integrity and divine sovereignty over mere birth order, setting a precedent for understanding the subsequent tribal arrangements. Unlike other ancient genealogies that simply list lineage, the Chronicler frequently interjects interpretive comments, moral lessons, or historical notes, making this opening statement about Reuben highly significant. It signals that this is not merely a record of names but a theological commentary on Israel's history and God's dealings with His people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, the "firstborn" (Hebrew: _bekor_) held a position of immense privilege and responsibility. This included a double portion of the inheritance, leadership within the family, and the primary patriarchal blessing. Reuben's act of sleeping with Bilhah, his father Jacob's concubine, as recorded in [Genesis 35:22](/genesis/35-22 "Genesis 35:22 - Reuben's Transgression"), was not merely a sexual transgression but a profound act of disrespect and a direct challenge to Jacob's authority and honor. Such an act was seen as an attempt to usurp the father's position, akin to claiming the headship of the household. This cultural understanding highlights the severity of Reuben's sin and why it warranted such a drastic consequence as the forfeiture of his birthright, a privilege that was otherwise considered inviolable.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully introduces several key themes that resonate throughout 1 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it illustrates the **Consequences of Sin**, demonstrating that grave moral offenses can lead to the forfeiture of significant privileges, even those divinely ordained like the birthright. Reuben's actions had lasting repercussions for his lineage, as foretold by Jacob in [Genesis 49:3-4](/genesis/49-3-4 "Genesis 49:3-4 - Jacob's Prophecy Against Reuben"). Secondly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Justice**, showing that while Reuben was the natural firstborn, God's justice allowed for the transfer of the birthright based on moral conduct, indicating that divine blessings are not always automatic but can be contingent on faithfulness. Thirdly, the **Transfer of Birthright** to [Joseph's sons, Ephraim and Manasseh](/genesis/48-5-6 "Genesis 48:5-6 - Joseph's Sons Receive the Birthright"), meant they received the double portion of inheritance typically reserved for the firstborn, a reordering of tribal significance crucial for understanding later tribal roles and the prominence of Joseph's descendants. Finally, the Chronicler emphasizes that **Genealogy's Purpose** is not merely about birth order but also about the divine hand in history and the moral standing of individuals, underscoring that "the genealogy is not to be reckoned after the birthright" signals a deeper, spiritual principle at play.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **firstborn (Hebrew, _bekor_):** This term denotes the eldest son, who traditionally held a position of preeminence, authority, and a double portion of the inheritance. In the ancient Near East, the firstborn was the natural heir to the father's position and wealth. The Chronicler's immediate qualification of Reuben's "firstborn" status highlights that while he was chronologically the first, he lost the associated privileges due to his actions.
* **defiled (Hebrew, חָלַל, _ḥalal_):** This verb carries a strong connotation of profaning, desecrating, or violating something sacred. It implies more than mere physical defilement; it speaks to a profound moral and spiritual corruption. Reuben's act of "defiling his father's bed" was an egregious violation of familial sanctity, patriarchal authority, and moral purity, rendering him unworthy of the sacred trust associated with the birthright.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel,"**: This opening clause introduces Reuben, establishing his identity as Jacob's (Israel's) firstborn son, setting the stage for the lineage that follows.
* **"(for he [was] the firstborn;"**: This parenthetical statement acknowledges Reuben's natural, chronological position, confirming that he indeed held the status of the eldest son. This emphasizes the gravity of what follows, as his subsequent loss of privilege was not due to a lack of natural claim.
* **"but, forasmuch as he defiled his father's bed,"**: This crucial clause provides the reason for Reuben's forfeiture. It directly references his transgression with Bilhah, Jacob's concubine, as recorded in [Genesis 35:22](/genesis/35-22 "Genesis 35:22 - Reuben's Sin with Bilhah"). The phrase "defiled his father's bed" is a euphemism for a sexual act that was a profound act of disrespect and an attempt to usurp patriarchal authority.
* **"his birthright was given unto the sons of Joseph the son of Israel:"**: This declares the consequence of Reuben's sin: the transfer of his birthright. Specifically, it was given to Joseph's sons (Ephraim and Manasseh), signifying that Joseph received the double portion of inheritance typically reserved for the firstborn. This reordering is a significant theological statement about divine justice and sovereignty.
* **"and the genealogy is not to be reckoned after the birthright."**: This concluding statement is a direct interpretive comment from the Chronicler. It emphasizes that while genealogies typically follow the firstborn, in this case, the spiritual and moral standing superseded the natural order. This highlights that God's ways are not always aligned with human traditions or expectations, and His blessings are often contingent on faithfulness and character rather than mere lineage.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several impactful literary devices. The most prominent is **Parenthesis**, seen in the phrase "(for he [was] the firstborn;)", which serves to acknowledge Reuben's rightful initial status before immediately introducing the reason for its forfeiture. This creates a sense of dramatic irony and underscores the severity of his transgression. The entire verse functions as a **Corrective Statement**, interrupting the expected flow of a genealogy to clarify a crucial historical and theological point regarding the birthright. This correction highlights the Chronicler's didactic purpose, teaching that divine favor and genealogical reckoning are not solely based on natural order but on moral conduct. Furthermore, the verse acts as a **Thematic Statement**, introducing the overarching principle that God's justice and sovereignty dictate the true order of things, even overriding established human customs like primogeniture. The succinct and impactful declaration of the birthright's transfer also serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the later prominence of the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh within Israel's history, a prominence that would not have been possible had Reuben retained his birthright.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 5:1 profoundly illustrates the principle that divine blessings and positions of privilege are not automatically inherited but are subject to moral accountability and God's sovereign will. While God established the principle of primogeniture, He retains the right to alter or revoke it based on human conduct. Reuben's forfeiture serves as a stark reminder that sin, particularly that which undermines familial and divine authority, carries severe and lasting consequences. This act of divine reordering underscores God's justice and His commitment to righteousness, demonstrating that His kingdom operates on principles of character and faithfulness rather than mere human tradition or natural birth order. It sets a precedent for understanding how God works through history, often choosing the unexpected or overlooked to fulfill His purposes, as seen in the elevation of Joseph's lineage.

* [Genesis 49:3-4](/genesis/49-3-4 "Genesis 49:3-4 - Jacob's Prophecy Against Reuben")
* [Deuteronomy 21:17](/deuteronomy/21-17 "Deuteronomy 21:17 - The Rights of the Firstborn")
* [Hebrews 12:16](/hebrews/12-16 "Hebrews 12:16 - Esau's Forfeiture of the Birthright")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Reuben's lost birthright in 1 Chronicles 5:1 offers a timeless and sobering lesson for believers today. It powerfully reminds us that while God is merciful and forgiving, there are real and often lasting consequences for our choices, especially those that involve moral compromise or a blatant disregard for God's established order. Our actions, whether in private or public, have ripple effects that can impact not only our own lives but also our families, communities, and even our spiritual inheritance. This verse challenges us to examine our own lives: are we living in a way that honors God and respects the authority He has placed over us? Do we prioritize temporary gratification over eternal principles? True standing before God and others is not solely based on our natural advantages, family lineage, or initial position, but on our character, obedience, and faithfulness to His call. It encourages us to live with integrity, recognizing that God's sovereign hand is always at work, even in the midst of human failings, to accomplish His greater purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be taking God's blessings or privileges for granted, similar to Reuben?**
* **How does the principle of "consequences for sin" in this verse shape my understanding of God's justice and mercy?**
* **What does it mean for me to live a life of integrity and obedience, recognizing that true standing is based on character, not just position?**
* **How can I ensure my actions reflect respect for authority, both divine and human, in my daily life?**

### FAQ
**Why does the Chronicler begin the genealogies with Reuben's sin and the forfeiture of his birthright?**

Answer: The Chronicler's purpose in beginning with Reuben's sin and the forfeiture of his birthright is highly significant. It immediately establishes a theological framework for the entire book, emphasizing that God's blessings and the true reckoning of lineage are not based solely on natural birth order but on moral conduct and divine sovereignty. By highlighting this early historical correction, the Chronicler signals that he is not merely presenting a dry list of names but a divinely inspired narrative that underscores God's justice, the consequences of sin, and His sovereign hand in shaping Israel's history. It sets the stage for understanding why certain tribes (like Judah, from whom David came, and Levi, the priestly tribe) gained prominence, while others lost their initial preeminence. It teaches that faithfulness and righteousness are paramount in God's eyes, even over established human traditions.

**What exactly did the "birthright" entail in ancient Israelite society?**

Answer: The "birthright" (Hebrew: _bekorah_) was a comprehensive set of privileges and responsibilities traditionally bestowed upon the firstborn son in ancient Israelite society. It typically included a double portion of the father's inheritance, signifying his elevated status and responsibility to care for the family. The firstborn also assumed the spiritual and patriarchal leadership of the family upon the father's death, acting as the head of the household and often serving in a priestly capacity before the establishment of the Levitical priesthood. Furthermore, the firstborn received the primary patriarchal blessing, which carried significant spiritual and prophetic weight, as seen in Jacob's blessings upon his sons in [Genesis 49](/genesis/49 "Genesis 49 - Jacob's Prophecy Over His Sons"). Reuben's forfeiture meant losing all these significant advantages.

**How was the birthright divided among Joseph's sons, Ephraim and Manasseh?**

Answer: The birthright was transferred to Joseph's sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, through Jacob's adoption of them as his own sons, effectively making them full tribes of Israel rather than sub-tribes of Joseph. This is detailed in [Genesis 48:5-6](/genesis/48-5-6 "Genesis 48:5-6 - Jacob Adopts Ephraim and Manasseh"). By adopting them, Jacob ensured that Joseph, through his two sons, received a double portion of the inheritance, equivalent to two full tribal inheritances, thus fulfilling the firstborn's privilege. Interestingly, Jacob also blessed Ephraim, the younger son, over Manasseh, the elder, further demonstrating God's sovereign ability to choose and elevate outside of conventional birth order, a theme also seen with Jacob and Esau ([Genesis 25:23](/genesis/25-23 "Genesis 25:23 - God's Choice of Jacob Over Esau")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Reuben's forfeited birthright in 1 Chronicles 5:1 finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament. While Reuben lost his natural birthright due to sin, Jesus Christ is the true and eternal "firstborn" who never defiled His Father's will or His divine inheritance. He is described as the "firstborn over all creation" in [Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Firstborn of All Creation") and the "firstborn from the dead" in [Colossians 1:18](/colossians/1-18 "Colossians 1:18 - Christ, the Firstborn from the Dead"), signifying His preeminence, authority, and unique relationship with God the Father. Unlike Reuben, whose sin disqualified him, Jesus perfectly fulfilled all righteousness, earning not only His own inheritance but also securing an inheritance for all who are "in Him." Through Christ, believers, regardless of their natural lineage or past failings, are adopted into God's family and receive a spiritual birthright—an "inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you" ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Imperishable Inheritance")). This transfer of spiritual birthright from natural descent to spiritual adoption through faith in Christ ([Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Galatians 3:29 - Heirs According to the Promise")) beautifully mirrors and transcends the historical reordering seen in Reuben's story, demonstrating God's ultimate plan to redeem and restore through His perfect Son.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 35:22

And it came to pass, when Israel dwelt in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father's concubine: and Israel heard [it]. Now the sons of Jacob were twelve:

Genesis 29:32

And Leah conceived, and bare a son, and she called his name Reuben: for she said, Surely the LORD hath looked upon my affliction; now therefore my husband will love me.

Genesis 48:15

And he blessed Joseph, and said, God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk, the God which fed me all my life long unto this day,

Genesis 48:22

Moreover I have given to thee one portion above thy brethren, which I took out of the hand of the Amorite with my sword and with my bow.

Genesis 49:3

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

Genesis 49:4

Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel; because thou wentest up to thy father's bed; then defiledst thou [it]: he went up to my couch.

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.