Genesis 49:4 bbe — But because you were uncontrolled, the first place will not be yours; for you went up to your father's bed, even his br…

Bible in Basic English

"But because you were uncontrolled, the first place will not be yours; for you went up to your father's bed, even his bride-bed, and made it unclean."

— Genesis 49:4, Bible in Basic English

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Genesis 49:4 in Other Translations

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Genesis 49 — Context

1

And Jacob sent for his sons, and said, Come together, all of you, so that I may give you news of your fate in future times.

2

Come near, O sons of Jacob, and give ear to the words of Israel your father.

3

Reuben, you are my oldest son, the first-fruit of my strength, first in pride and first in power:

4

But because you were uncontrolled, the first place will not be yours; for you went up to your father's bed, even his bride-bed, and made it unclean.

5

Simeon and Levi are brothers; deceit and force are their secret designs.

6

Take no part in their secrets, O my soul; keep far away, O my heart, from their meetings; for in their wrath they put men to death, and for their pleasure even oxen were wounded.

7

A curse on their passion for it was bitter; and on their wrath for it was cruel. I will let their heritage in Jacob be broken up, driving them from their places in Israel.

Genesis 49:4 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Genesis 49:4 say?
Genesis 49:4 in the Bible in Basic English reads: “But because you were uncontrolled, the first place will not be yours; for you went up to your father's bed, even his bride-bed, and made it unclean.”
Where is Genesis 49:4 in the Bible?
Genesis 49:4 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Genesis, chapter 49, verse 4.
Who wrote Genesis?
Genesis is traditionally attributed to Moses (traditional). Anciently attributed to Moses; many modern scholars view Genesis as a compilation of older oral and written sources finalized in or after the Babylonian exile. It was written c. 1446–1406 BC.
What is the book of Genesis about?
Genesis is the book of beginnings — the origin of the universe, humanity, sin, and the covenant family God chose to bless the nations. It traces creation, the fall, the flood, and the lives of the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph, laying the foundation for the rest of Scripture and pointing forward to the redemption that comes through the promised seed.
What are the major themes of Genesis?
Genesis explores themes including Creation, Fall, Covenant, Faith, Family, Promise. These themes shape the meaning and context of Genesis 49:4.
What translation should I read Genesis 49:4 in?
Genesis 49:4 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Genesis 49:4?
Genesis 49:4 reads (BBE): “But because you were uncontrolled, the first place will not be yours; for you went up to your father's bed, even his bride-bed, and made it unclean.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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