5:1 The sons of Reuben, Israel’s firstborn –
(Now he was the firstborn, but when he defiled his father’s bed, 1 his rights as firstborn were given to the sons of Joseph, Israel’s son. So Reuben is not listed as firstborn in the genealogical records. 2 5:2 Though Judah was the strongest among his brothers and a leader descended from him, 3 the right of the firstborn belonged to Joseph.)
1 sn The phrase when he defiled his father’s bed refers to Reuben having sexual relations with his father Jacob’s concubine Bilhah. This incident is recorded in Gen 35:22.
2 tn Heb “and not to be listed in the genealogical records as (having) the right of the firstborn.”
3 tn Heb “and [one] for a leader [was] from him.” This probably refers to the Davidic king.