1 Chronicles 5:1-2

Reuben’s Descendants

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.)

[5:1]  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.

[5:1]  ² tn Heb “and not to be listed in the genealogical records as (having) the right of the firstborn.”

[5:2]  ³ tn Heb “and [one] for a leader [was] from him.” This probably refers to the Davidic king.