Praying for the world · Sharing the hope of the Cross and the power of the Resurrection Prayer request Give
Name means
Behold, a son
Role
Firstborn son of Jacob
When
c. 1900 BC (traditional)

What they did

Persuaded his brothers not to kill Joseph and planned to rescue him. Because he defiled his father's bed, he lost the pre-eminence of the firstborn.

Why it matters: the purpose of their role

His tribe was part of Israel, yet his story shows that sin has consequences; the birthright passed to Joseph and the rule to Judah (1 Chronicles 5:1-2).

And Reuben said unto them, Shed no blood, but cast him into this pit that is in the wilderness, and lay no hand upon him; that he might rid him out of their hands, to deliver him to his father again. Genesis 37:22 (KJV)

Bible references

And Leah conceived, and bare a son, and she called his name Reuben: for she said, Surely the LORD hath looked upon my affliction; now therefore my husband will love me. Genesis 29:32 (KJV)
And it came to pass, when Israel dwelt in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father’s concubine: and Israel heard it. Now the sons of Jacob were twelve: Genesis 35:22 (KJV)
And Reuben heard it, and he delivered him out of their hands; and said, Let us not kill him. And Reuben said unto them, Shed no blood, but cast him into this pit that is in the wilderness, and lay no hand upon him; that he might rid him out of their hands, to deliver him to his father again. Genesis 37:21-22 (KJV)
Reuben, thou art my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power: Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel; because thou wentest up to thy father’s bed; then defiledst thou it: he went up to my couch. Genesis 49:3-4 (KJV)
Now the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel, (for he was the firstborn; but, forasmuch as he defiled his father’s bed, his birthright was given unto the sons of Joseph the son of Israel: and the genealogy is not to be reckoned after the birthright. 1 Chronicles 5:1 (KJV)

Family

Father
Jacob
Mother
Leah
Children
Hanoch, Phallu, Hezron, Carmi
Brothers / sisters
Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Dinah; half-brothers Joseph, Benjamin, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher