### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Rhoubḗn**, represented by `{{G4502}}`, is of Hebrew origin and refers to **Reuben**, an Israelite. It is a highly specific term, appearing only **1 time** across **1 unique verse** in the Bible. Its sole function is to identify the tribe of Reuben in a significant prophetic list.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single appearance of `{{G4502}}` is found in the book of Revelation. In a vision where a specific number of people from the tribes of Israel are marked for preservation, the tribe of **Reuben** is explicitly named. The text states, "Of the **tribe** of **Reuben** were sealed twelve thousand" [[Revelation 7:5]]. It is listed alongside other tribes, such as Juda and Gad, as part of this divinely counted and protected group.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide the context for the significance of **Reuben**:
* `{{G5443}}` **phylḗ**: This word, meaning "an offshoot, i.e. race or clan," is used for **tribe** and serves as the direct identifier for the group to which **Reuben** belongs [[Revelation 7:5]].
* `{{G4972}}` **sphragízō**: This verb means "to stamp (with a signet or private mark) for security or preservation." It describes the action taken upon the twelve thousand members of the **tribe** of **Reuben** [[Revelation 7:5]].
* `{{G2455}}` **Ioúdas**: Referring to **Judah**, this name appears for the **tribe** of Juda, which is listed in the same verse and context as **Reuben** [[Revelation 7:5]].
* `{{G1045}}` **Gád**: This refers to **Gad**, a tribe of Israelites. The **tribe** of **Gad** is also mentioned immediately after **Reuben** in the same enumeration [[Revelation 7:5]].
* `{{G1427}}` **dṓdeka**: Meaning **twelve**, this word is a key part of the number of individuals sealed from the tribe of Reuben [[Revelation 7:5]].
* `{{G5505}}` **chiliás**: This word for **thousand** completes the number of those sealed from the tribe of **Reuben**, specified as twelve **thousand** [[Revelation 7:5]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4502}}` is derived entirely from its singular context:
* **Inclusion in God's Preservation:** The naming of **Reuben** confirms its place among the tribes of Israel whose people are sealed, an act of divine security and preservation before a period of judgment [[Revelation 7:5]].
* **Prophetic Fulfillment:** The mention of **Reuben** highlights the continued significance of the individual tribes of Israel within God's eschatological framework. The tribe is counted as part of the total 144,000 who are sealed from all the tribes [[Revelation 7:4]].
* **Equal Standing:** In this specific divine census, the **tribe** of **Reuben** contributes twelve thousand people, the same number as the other tribes mentioned, such as Juda and Gad, signifying its equal part in the composition of this sealed group [[Revelation 7:5]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4502}}` **Rhoubḗn** functions as a precise biblical label. Although used only once, its appearance in Revelation is crucial, cementing the tribe of **Reuben**'s role within the prophetic narrative of God's people. It underscores the tribe's distinct identity while affirming its integral and equal part in the collective of Israel that is divinely marked for preservation.
TRV