New International Version“Let Reuben live and not die, nor his people be few.”
New Living TranslationMoses said this about the tribe of Reuben: “Let the tribe of Reuben live and not die out, though they are few in number.”
English Standard Version“Let Reuben live, and not die, but let his men be few.”
Berean Standard BibleLet Reuben live and not die, nor his men be few.”
King James BibleLet Reuben live, and not die; and let not his men be few.
New King James Version“Let Reuben live, and not die, Nor let his men be few.”
New American Standard Bible“May Reuben live and not die, Nor may his people be few.”
NASB 1995“May Reuben live and not die, Nor his men be few.”
NASB 1977 “May Reuben live and not die, Nor his men be few.”
Legacy Standard Bible “May Reuben live and not die, Nor his men be few.”
Amplified Bible“May [the tribe of] Reuben live and not die out, But let his men be few.”
Christian Standard BibleLet Reuben live and not die though his people become few.
Holman Christian Standard BibleLet Reuben live and not die though his people become few.
American Standard VersionLet Reuben live, and not die; Nor let his men be few.
Contemporary English VersionTribe of Reuben, you will live, even though your tribe will always be small.
English Revised VersionLet Reuben live, and not die; Yet let his men be few.
GOD'S WORD® Translation"May the tribe of [Reuben] live and not die out, though their people are few in number."
Good News TranslationMoses said about the tribe of Reuben: "May Reuben never die out, Although their people are few."
International Standard Version"May Reuben live and not die, though his numbers are few."
NET BibleMay Reuben live and not die, and may his people multiply.
New Heart English Bible"Let Reuben live, and not die; Nor let his men be few."
Webster's Bible TranslationLet Reuben live, and not die; and let not his men be few. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleLet Reuben live and not die, nor his men be few.”
World English Bible“Let Reuben live, and not die; Nor let his men be few.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionLet Reuben live, and not die, "" And let his men be an [incalculable] number.
Young's Literal Translation Let Reuben live, and not die, And let his men be a number.
Smith's Literal TranslationReuben shall live and shall not die; and his men shall be of number. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleLet Ruben live, and not die, and be he small in number.
Catholic Public Domain VersionLet Ruben live, and not die, and may he be small in number.”
New American BibleMay Reuben live and not die out, but let his numbers be few.
New Revised Standard VersionMay Reuben live, and not die out, even though his numbers are few. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleLet Reuben live, and not die; and let his people be numerous.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedRubil shall live and will not die and he will be in the number.” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Let Reuben live, and not die In that his men become few.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationLet Ruben live, and not die; and let him be many in number.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Moses Blesses the Twelve Tribes… 5So the LORD became King in Jeshurun when the leaders of the people gathered, when the tribes of Israel came together. 6Let Reuben live and not die, nor his men be few.” 7And concerning Judah he said: “O LORD, hear the cry of Judah and bring him to his people. With his own hands he defends his cause, but may You be a help against his foes.”…
Cross References Genesis 49:3-4Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, excelling in honor, excelling in power. / Uncontrolled as the waters, you will no longer excel, because you went up to your father’s bed, onto my couch, and defiled it.
Numbers 2:10-11On the south side, the divisions of Reuben are to camp under their standard: The leader of the Reubenites is Elizur son of Shedeur, / and his division numbers 46,500.
Numbers 26:5-7Reuben was the firstborn of Israel. These were the descendants of Reuben: The Hanochite clan from Hanoch, the Palluite clan from Pallu, / the Hezronite clan from Hezron, and the Carmite clan from Carmi. / These were the clans of Reuben, and their registration numbered 43,730.
1 Chronicles 5:1-2These were the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel. Though he was the firstborn, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph son of Israel, because Reuben defiled his father’s bed. So he is not reckoned according to birthright. / And though Judah prevailed over his brothers and a ruler came from him, the birthright belonged to Joseph.
Judges 5:14-15Some came from Ephraim, with their roots in Amalek; Benjamin came with your people after you. The commanders came down from Machir, the bearers of the marshal’s staff from Zebulun. / The princes of Issachar were with Deborah, and Issachar was with Barak, rushing into the valley at his heels. In the clans of Reuben there was great indecision.
Hosea 5:11Ephraim is oppressed, crushed in judgment, for he is determined to follow worthless idols.
Hosea 6:7-8But they, like Adam, have transgressed the covenant; there they were unfaithful to Me. / Gilead is a city of evildoers, tracked with footprints of blood.
Revelation 7:5From the tribe of Judah 12,000 were sealed, from the tribe of Reuben 12,000, from the tribe of Gad 12,000,
Matthew 19:28Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, in the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on His glorious throne, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Luke 22:30so that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
1 Corinthians 5:1-2It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is intolerable even among pagans: A man has his father’s wife. / And you are proud! Shouldn’t you rather have been stricken with grief and have removed from your fellowship the man who did this?
1 Corinthians 6:9-11Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts, / nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. / And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
Romans 11:1-5I ask then, did God reject His people? Certainly not! I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin. / God did not reject His people, whom He foreknew. Do you not know what the Scripture says about Elijah, how he appealed to God against Israel: / “Lord, they have killed Your prophets and torn down Your altars. I am the only one left, and they are seeking my life as well”? ...
Hebrews 7:14For it is clear that our Lord descended from Judah, a tribe as to which Moses said nothing about priests.
Philippians 3:5circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin; a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee;
Genesis 49:3,4,8
Reuben, thou art my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power: … Numbers 32:31,32
And the children of Gad and the children of Reuben answered, saying, As the LORD hath said unto thy servants, so will we do… Joshua 22:1-9
Then Joshua called the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh, … Jump to Previous Death Die Live Reuben SmallJump to Next Death Die Live Reuben SmallDeuteronomy 33 1. The majesty of God6. The blessings of the twelve tribes26. The excellence of IsraelLet Reuben live and not dieThis phrase is a blessing pronounced by Moses over the tribe of Reuben. Reuben was the firstborn son of Jacob and Leah, but he lost his birthright due to an indiscretion with his father's concubine ( Genesis 35:22, 49:3-4). Despite this, Moses prays for the survival and continuation of Reuben's lineage. The blessing reflects a desire for the tribe's preservation and vitality, countering Jacob's earlier words that Reuben would not excel. Historically, the tribe of Reuben settled east of the Jordan River, an area prone to conflicts and invasions, which may have threatened their survival. This blessing can be seen as a plea for divine protection and favor. nor his men be few.
This part of the blessing emphasizes the hope for the tribe's growth and strength in numbers. In ancient Israelite culture, a tribe's power and influence were often measured by its population and military capability. The concern for Reuben's numbers may reflect historical realities, as the tribe was one of the smaller and less prominent among the Israelites. The phrase suggests a reversal of potential decline, ensuring that Reuben's descendants would not diminish. This blessing aligns with God's promises to the patriarchs about multiplying their descendants (Genesis 22:17). It also underscores the importance of community and continuity within the covenant people of Israel. Persons / Places / Events 1. ReubenThe firstborn son of Jacob and Leah, Reuben is the ancestor of the tribe of Reuben. His tribe settled on the east side of the Jordan River. 2. MosesThe leader of the Israelites who delivers this blessing to the tribes of Israel before his death. 3. The IsraelitesThe descendants of the twelve sons of Jacob, who are about to enter the Promised Land. 4. The Promised LandThe land of Canaan, which God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 5. The Blessing of MosesThis chapter contains Moses' final blessings to the tribes of Israel, similar to Jacob's blessings in Genesis 49. Teaching Points The Power of BlessingMoses' blessing over Reuben emphasizes the importance of speaking life and hope over others, even when past actions have led to negative consequences. Redemption and RestorationDespite Reuben's past failures, Moses' blessing shows God's willingness to restore and sustain His people. This teaches us about God's grace and the possibility of redemption. The Importance of LegacyThe blessing highlights the significance of legacy and continuity. It encourages us to consider the impact of our actions on future generations. Intercession for OthersMoses intercedes for Reuben, demonstrating the power of prayer and intercession for those who may be struggling or facing consequences of past actions. Community and UnityThe blessing of Reuben within the larger context of Israel's tribes underscores the importance of unity and support within the community of believers. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 33:6?
2. How does Deuteronomy 33:6 emphasize the importance of life for Reuben's descendants?
3. What can we learn about God's promises from Deuteronomy 33:6?
4. How does Deuteronomy 33:6 connect to God's covenant with Israel?
5. In what ways can we ensure our "men be few" through faithfulness today?
6. How can we apply the blessing of life from Deuteronomy 33:6 in our community?
7. What is the significance of Moses' blessing for Reuben in Deuteronomy 33:6?
8. How does Deuteronomy 33:6 reflect God's promise to the tribes of Israel?
9. Why is the preservation of Reuben's tribe important in Deuteronomy 33:6?
10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 33?
11. What is the significance of the Tribe of Reuben?
12. What are Jacob's prophecies in the Bible?
13. In Ecclesiastes 7:16, being 'overly righteous' is discouraged--doesn't this conflict with biblical commands to live righteously (e.g., Matthew 6:33)?
14. What are Jacob's prophetic blessings for his sons?What Does Deuteronomy 33:6 Mean Let Reuben liveReuben was Jacob’s firstborn, yet Genesis 49:3-4 recalls how he forfeited his full inheritance through sin. Moses, aware of that past, now blesses the tribe with renewed life: • “Live” speaks of covenant vitality—continued existence in the land promised to Abraham (Genesis 13:15). • The prayer reverses earlier discipline; despite earlier failures, God’s grace preserves His people (Numbers 32:1-5 shows Reuben already settled east of the Jordan, alive and thriving). • Similar wording appears in Deuteronomy 30:19, where choosing life is tied to obedience; Moses’ blessing aligns Reuben with that path.
and not dieMoses goes beyond mere physical survival, asking God to spare Reuben from extinction: • Corporate death—loss of identity or absorption into other tribes—was a real threat (Judges 21:6-7 illustrates how a tribe could come near to disappearing). • Numbers 16:1-3 notes Reubenites joined Korah’s rebellion; this plea looks for protection from further judgment. • Psalm 118:17 echoes the heart of the request: “I will not die, but live, and proclaim what the LORD has done.”
nor his men be fewThe blessing culminates with a prayer for fruitfulness: • Military and familial strength mattered for holding territory (Joshua 22:1-4 records Reuben’s fighting men returning home after conquest). • 1 Chronicles 5:1-10 lists Reuben’s later population and victories, evidence that God answered Moses’ words. • God’s promise of multiplied descendants to Abraham (Genesis 22:17) is applied specifically to this tribe, showcasing God’s faithfulness even to those who once stumbled.
summaryMoses’ brief blessing over Reuben asks God to preserve the tribe’s life, guard them from extinction, and grant them continued growth. Despite past failures, the firstborn’s descendants are welcomed into covenant vitality, protected from judgment, and assured of fruitfulness—clear testimony that the LORD’s mercy triumphs over deserved loss and that His promises to Abraham remain intact for every branch of the family. (6) Let Reuben live, and not die.--"'Live' in this world." says Rashi, "and 'not die' in the world to come." That his misdeed should not be remembered ( Genesis 35:22). Rashi also notices the juxtaposition of this record with the sentence, "the sons of Jacob were twelve." Reuben was not cut off, but he was disinherited ( 1Chronicles 5:1), and his father's blessing had so much in it of disapproval, that Moses' prayer for him was not unnecessary. And let not his men be few.--The sentence is difficult. The LXX. insert Simeon, "let Simeon be many in number." But there is no need for this. The most terrible destruction ever wrought in Israel by the word of Moses came on Dathan and Abiram (who were Reubenites), when "they and all that appertained to them went down alive into the pit." We cannot say how far the tribe was diminished by this terrible visitation and the plague that followed (Numbers 16), but the fighting men of the tribe had slightly decreased in the second census (Numbers 1:21; Numbers 26:7), and only two of all the twelve tribes had a smaller force than Reuben at this time. It seems best, therefore, to take the whole verse as applying to Reuben, and the negative in the first clause as covering the second clause also. "Let not his men be a (small) number." The omission of Simeon may be accounted for by his coming within the inheritance of Judah, in Canaan, and enjoying the blessing and protection of that most distinguished tribe. Rashi also takes this view. Verses 6-25. - Blessings on the tribes individually. With these may be compared the blessing which Jacob pronounced on his sons as representing the tribes of which they were the heads. The two resemble each other in many points; the differences are such as naturally arose from the different relations of the speakers to the objects of their address, and the changes in the condition and prospects of the tribes which during the lapse of centuries had come to pass. Verse 6. - And let not his men be few. The negative, though not expressed in the Hebrew, is to be carried into this clause from the preceding. Though the rights of primogeniture had been withdrawn from Reuben, and Jacob had declared that he should not excel, Moses here assures the tribe of continuance, and even prosperity. Their number was not to be small; which was, perhaps, said to comfort them, in view of the fact that their numbers had greatly diminished in the course of their wanderings in the desert (comp. Numbers 1:21 with Numbers 26:7). At no time, however, was this tribe numerous as compared with the others; nor was it ever distinguished either by the enterprise of its members or by the eminence of any of them in the councils of the nation or the management of affairs.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Let Reubenרְאוּבֵ֖ן (rə·’ū·ḇên)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7205: Reuben -- 'behold a son!' oldest son of Jacob, also his descliveיְחִ֥י (yə·ḥî)Verb - Qal - Imperfect Jussive - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2421: To live, to reviveand notוְאַל־ (wə·’al-)Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 408: Notdie,יָמֹ֑ת (yā·mōṯ)Verb - Qal - Imperfect Jussive - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4191: To die, to killnorוִיהִ֥י (wî·hî)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Jussive - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, behis menמְתָ֖יו (mə·ṯāw)Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4962: An adult, a manbe few.”מִסְפָּֽר׃ (mis·pār)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4557: A number, definite, indefinite, narration
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OT Law: Deuteronomy 33:6 Let Reuben live and not die (Deut. De Du) |
