### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word Ῥουβήν (G4502, *Rhoubḗn*) is a direct transliteration of the Hebrew name רְאוּבֵן (`{{H7205}}`, *Re'uven*). Its etymological root is commonly understood to derive from the Hebrew verb רָאָה (*ra'ah*, "to see" or "behold") and the noun בֵּן (*ben*, "son"), yielding the meaning "behold, a son!" This interpretation is explicitly given by Leah, Jacob's wife, at his birth in [[Genesis 29:32]], where she says, "For she said, 'The LORD has looked on my affliction; for now my husband will love me.'" While the specific etymology of "Reuben" is debated among scholars (some connect it to *ra'ah* and *'ōven*, "trouble" or "sorrow"), the most widely accepted and biblically attested meaning is "behold, a son!" As a proper noun, its semantic range is restricted to the individual son of Jacob and the tribal lineage that descended from him.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the New Testament, G4502 appears in two distinct contexts:
* **Genealogy of Jesus:** In [[Luke 3:34]], Reuben is listed as an ancestor in the lineage of Jesus, tracing back through Jacob to Adam. This inclusion highlights the comprehensive nature of salvation history, encompassing all twelve patriarchs as part of God's redemptive plan.
* **Symbolic Sealing of Israel:** In [[Revelation 7:5]], Reuben is listed first among the tribes from whom 12,000 are sealed, preceding Judah. This sequence is notable as Reuben was the firstborn but lost his birthright. His prominent placement here, despite his historical failings, underscores the symbolic and inclusive nature of the redeemed people of God in the eschatological vision.
In the Old Testament (referencing `{{H7205}}`), Reuben's narrative is more extensive:
* **Birth and Naming:** [[Genesis 29:32]] records his birth as Leah's firstborn, and her naming of him reflects her hope that Jacob would now love her, as the Lord had "looked on" her affliction.
* **Loss of Birthright:** Reuben's most significant act is his defilement of Bilhah, his father's concubine, recounted in [[Genesis 35:22]]. This egregious sin led to Jacob's prophetic denunciation in [[Genesis 49:3-4]], where he declared that Reuben would not excel or retain his preeminence, having "defiled [his] father's bed."
* **Compassion for Joseph:** Despite his flaws, Reuben showed compassion by attempting to save Joseph from his brothers, suggesting they throw him into a pit rather than kill him, intending to rescue him later ([[Genesis 37:21-22]]).
* **Tribal Settlement:** The tribe of Reuben, along with Gad and half the tribe of Manasseh, settled on the east side of the Jordan River ([[Numbers 32:1-33]], [[Deuteronomy 3:12-16]]), a decision that sometimes led to their isolation from the other tribes.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Hebrew Equivalent:** The direct Hebrew origin and counterpart to G4502 is רְאוּבֵן (`{{H7205}}`, *Re'uven*). Understanding the Hebrew narrative is essential for a full grasp of the Greek transliteration.
* **Patriarchs and Tribes:** Reuben is intrinsically linked to the broader family of Jacob/Israel, including his brothers (e.g., Judah `{{H3063}}`/`{{G2455}}`, Levi `{{H3878}}`/`{{G3017}}`, Simeon `{{H8095}}`/`{{G4826}}`) and the concept of the twelve tribes of Israel.
* **Birthright (בְּכוֹרָה, *bekorah*):** The theological concept of the firstborn's privileges and responsibilities, which Reuben forfeited due to his sin. This theme is crucial for understanding his diminished status.
* **Covenant (בְּרִית, *berit*):** Despite individual failures, the inclusion of Reuben and his tribe within the covenant people of Israel highlights God's enduring faithfulness to His promises.
* **Genealogy (γενεαλογία, *genealogia*):** The practice of tracing lineage, particularly significant in biblical narratives for establishing identity, inheritance, and the Messianic line.
### Theological Significance
The figure of Reuben, as represented by G4502 and its Hebrew antecedent, carries several layers of theological significance:
* **Divine Awareness of Human Suffering:** Leah's naming of Reuben in [[Genesis 29:32]] underscores the biblical theme of God's attentiveness to the cries of the afflicted. Her declaration, "The LORD has looked on my affliction," speaks to a divine compassion that sees and responds to human pain, even in complex family dynamics.
* **Consequences of Sin and Loss of Privilege:** Reuben's defilement of Bilhah ([[Genesis 35:22]]) serves as a powerful biblical illustration of how sin, particularly moral transgression, can lead to the forfeiture of inherent privilege and preeminence. Jacob's prophecy in [[Genesis 49:3-4]] ("unstable as water, you shall not excel") is a stark reminder that even the firstborn is accountable to divine and moral order. This narrative teaches about the gravity of sin and its lasting repercussions.
* **God's Enduring Faithfulness Amidst Human Failure:** Despite Reuben's personal failings and the resulting loss of his birthright, his tribe remains an integral part of the twelve tribes of Israel throughout biblical history and is included in the symbolic sealing of God's people in [[Revelation 7:5]]. This demonstrates God's unwavering covenant faithfulness, which extends even to those who falter, ensuring the ultimate fulfillment of His redemptive plan for His chosen people.
* **Inclusion in the Messianic Lineage:** Reuben's presence in the genealogy of Jesus in [[Luke 3:34]] highlights the comprehensive and sometimes unexpected nature of God's sovereign plan. The Messiah's lineage embraces the full spectrum of Israel's history, including its imperfections, demonstrating that God works through fallen humanity to bring about His perfect purposes.
### Summary
G4502, *Rhoubḗn*, is the Greek transliteration of Reuben (`{{H7205}}`), meaning "behold, a son!" It identifies the firstborn son of Jacob and Leah, and subsequently, the tribe descended from him. In the New Testament, its usage is limited to genealogical lists ([[Luke 3:34]]) and the symbolic enumeration of the sealed tribes in Revelation ([[Revelation 7:5]]). The Old Testament narrative of Reuben is rich with theological lessons: the divine recognition of human suffering at his birth, the severe consequences of sin leading to his loss of birthright ([[Genesis 49:3-4]]), and yet, God's enduring covenant faithfulness that maintains his tribal identity within Israel's history and ultimate redemption. Reuben's story serves as a poignant reminder of human fallibility juxtaposed with God's steadfast purpose and grace.
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