Thematic Bible: Could be forfeited by misconduct
Thematic Bible
the First-born » Privileges of » Could be forfeited by misconduct
Reuben, you are my first-born, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity and the excellency of power. Unstable as water, you shall not excel, because you went up to your father's bed; then you defiled it. He went up to my couch.
And the sons of Reuben, the first-born of Israel (for he was the first-born; but since he defiled his father's bed, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph the son of Israel, and the genealogy is not to be counted according to the birthright;
Judah, may your brothers praise you. May your hand be in the neck of your enemies. May your father's sons bow before you.