Genesis 49:3

רְאוּבֵן֙ בְּכֹ֣רִי אַ֔תָּה כֹּחִ֖י וְרֵאשִׁ֣ית אוֹנִ֑י יֶ֥תֶר שְׂאֵ֖ת וְיֶ֥תֶר עָֽז
Reuben, thou art my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power:
Select a Hebrew word above to see its details.

רְאוּבֵן֙
רְאוּבֵן֙
Root word a name — transliterate it ("Reuben")
Dictionary form: רְאוּבֵן · reh-oo-BANE

Noun — Proper Name

In the KJV here: reuben
of reuben ×50 reuben ×16 and reuben ×1 as reuben ×1 i say of reuben ×1 let reuben ×1 portion for reuben ×1 you of the tribe of reuben ×1
More options
Reuben — Standard modern spelling; use in nearly all contexts.
Ruben — Alternate spelling used in some modern Bible translations.
the tribe of Reuben — Use when referring to the tribal group collectively.
the Reubenites — Refers to members or descendants of Reuben's tribe.

BDB7671 H7205

BDB7670 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB7672

רְאוּבֵן71 proper name, masculine Reuben, Ρουβην[ιν] (be-hold a son! but Gen 29:32 makes = רָאָה בְּעָנְיִי (!); JosAnt. «JOSEPHUS:Antiquities 1:19»i. 19, 7 and others Ρουβηλος, ᵑ6 , ׳ר then perhaps = Arabic , lion, compare Di); —

1. eldest son of Jacob and Leah Gen 29:32; Gen 30:14 + 11 t. Genesis; Exod 1:2; 1Chr 2:1 as head of family or clan Exod 6:14 (twice in verse); Num 1:20; Num 26:5 (all P), 1Chr 5:1; 1Chr 5:3, compare ׳בְּנֵי אֱלִיאָב בֶּןרְֿא Deut 11:6.
2. as name of clan or tribe Judg 5:15; Judg 5:16; Deut 27:13; Josh 18:7 ( +גָּד; both D), Deut 33:6 (poem), Ezek 48:6; Ezek 48:7; Ezek 48:31; Num 1:5 (P); so ׳מַטֵּה ר Num 1:21; Num 13:4; Josh 20:8; Josh 21:7 (all P), 1Chr 6:48; 1Chr 6:63, ׳מַחֲנֵה ר Num 2:10; Num 2:16; Num 10:18 (all P); ׳בְּנֵי ר, as tribe, Num 16: l b Num 32:37 (both J E), Num 2:10; Num 7:20; Num 26:5; Josh 13:23 (twice in verse) (all P), also (+ Gad and often Manasseh) Num 32:1; Num 32:2; Num 32:6; Num 32:25 (JE), Josh 4:12 (D), Num 32:29; Num 32:31; Num 32:33; Josh 22:9 + 11 t. 22 (all P), compare 1Chr 5:18 ׳בֶּןרֿ as tribe Josh 15:6; Josh 18:7 (both P), מַטֵּה ׳בְנֵיֿ ר Josh 13:15 (P).

reuben
rĕʾûbēn
behold a son
Reuben, a son of Jacob
  • the eldest son of Jacob by Leah
    • "the tribe descended from Reuben"the territory inhabited by the tribe of Reuben

בְּכֹ֣רִ י
בְּכֹ֣רִ
Root word firstborn, firstling, eldest, firstlings, son
י
Suffix — pronoun my / me
Dictionary form: בְּכוֹר · beh-KORE

Noun — Common, masculine singular, construct state "___ of …" — bound to the next word

In the KJV here: art my firstborn
the firstborn ×52 his firstborn ×11 the firstling ×6 firstborn ×5 was the firstborn ×5 and his firstborn ×3 and the firstborn ×2 from the firstborn ×2
More options
firstborn — Most natural modern equivalent; suits narrative and legal contexts.
eldest — Prefer when emphasizing birth-order rank among siblings.
firstling — Use specifically for firstborn animals, not people.
first child — Colloquial; clarifies meaning when 'firstborn' feels formal.
heir — Captures the legal/inheritance nuance in certain contexts.

BDB1104 H1060

BDB1103 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB1105

בְּכוֺר122 noun masculine first-born — Gen 35:23 + 78 t.; בְּכֹר Gen 25:13 + 14 t.; suffix בְּכֹּרִי Gen 49:3 + 14 t.; בְּכוֺרוֺ Gen 38:6 + 3 t.; plural construct בְּכוֺרֵי Neh 10:37 + 2 t.; בְּכוֺרֵיהֶם Ps 136:10 plural feminine בְּכֹרוֺת Gen 4:4; Neh 10:37 בְּכֹרֹת Deut 12:6; Deut 12:17; Deut 14:23 —

1. men and women:
  a. individuals Gen 25:13 + 69 t.
  b. collective Num 3:46; Num 3:50; Num 8:16; Num 18:15.
  c. plural Neh 10:37; Ps 135:8; Ps 136:10.
  d. כל בכור Exod 11:5; Exod 12:12; Exod 12:29; Exod 13:2; Exod 13:13; Exod 13:15 (twice in verse); Exod 22:28; Exod 34:2; Num 3:12 (3 t. in verse); Num 3:13; Num 3:40; Num 3:42; Num 3:43; Num 3:45; Num 8:17 (twice in verse); Num 8:18; Num 33:4; Ps 78:51; Ps 105:36.
2. animals:
  a. individuals Lev 27:26; Num 18:17; Deut 15:19 (twice in verse); Deut 33:17.
  b. collective בכור בהמה Exod 11:5; Exod 12:29; Exod 13:15; Num 3:41; Num 18:15 כל הבכור Deut 15:19.
  c. plural בכרות Gen 4:4; Deut 12:6; Deut 12:17; Deut 14:23; Neh 10:37.
3. figurative, noun of relation בכור מות first-born of death Job 18:13 (deadly disease); בְּכוֺרֵי דַלִּים first-born of the poor (the poorest) Isa 14:30 Israel is the first-born of Yahweh among the nations Exod 4:22 compare Jer 31:9 and the seed of David among dynasties Ps 89:28.

firstborn, firstling, eldest, firstlings, son
bĕkôr
first-born; hence, chief
  • firstborn, firstling
    • of men and women
      • "of animals"noun of relation (figuratively)

Breakdown unavailable for this word. Dictionary form: אַתָּה · at-TAW

Noun — masculine singular

In the KJV here: thou
thou ×485 ye ×157 and thou ×54 art thou ×32 but thou ×31 and ye ×23 but ye ×13 shalt thou ×11
More options
you — Standard modern singular/plural pronoun; default choice.
you yourself — Adds emphasis when the Hebrew is contrastive or emphatic.
you alone — Highlights exclusivity; use when context stresses uniqueness.
as for you — Topicalizing construction; good for sentence-initial emphasis.

BDB614 H859

BDB613 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB615

אַתָּ֫ה, אָ֑תָּה (so regularly; but 26-7 t., with different disjunctive accents, ׃אַ֑תָּה see FrMM 228; Sta§ 178 a (read 8 for 18) pronoun 2 singular masculine thou (for anta, see above; compare נָתַתָּ for נָתַנְתָּ) Gen 3:11; Gen 3:19 + often written אַתָּ 1Sam 24:19; Ps 6:4; Job 1:10; Eccl 7:22; Neh 9:6. Appended to a verb for emphasis, Exod 18:19 (twice in verse); 1Sam 17:56 שְׁאַל אַתָּה inquire thou, 1Sam 20:8; 1Sam 22:18; Isa 43:26 סַפֵּר אַתָּה. Added for the purpose of strengthening a genitive or accusative suffix 1Kgs 21:19; Prov 22:19 (Ges«GKC:135»§ 135.2).

BDB615 H859

BDB614 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB616

אתי, i.e. אַתִּי, the older & more original form of אַתְּ thou (feminine), preserved, probably dialectically, 7 t. in Kt, Judg 17:2; 1Kgs 14:2; 2Kgs 4:16; 2Kgs 4:23; 2Kgs 8:1; Jer 4:30; Ezek 36:13. (V. above as in Syriac, the י may not have been fully sounded: the Masoretes direct אַתְּ to be everywhere read.)

BDB616 H859

BDB615 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB617

אַתְּ, אָ֑תְּ pronoun 2 singular feminine thou (feminine) (shortened from אַתִּי (q. v.); in Syriac the two genders are written differently, , , but, the not being sounded, are pronounced alike: in ᵑ7 both are written אַתְּ or אַנְתְּ) Gen 12:11; Gen 12:13; Gen 24:23 + often Thrice Num 11:15; Deut 5:24; Ezek 28:14 used as a masculine (as in Aramaic of ᵑ7); but probably אַתָּ (see below אַתָּה) should be here read.

BDB617 H859

BDB616 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB618

אַתֶּם pronoun 2 masculine plural you (masculine) (for antem, see above) Gen 9:7; Gen 26:27; Gen 29:4 + often with הֲ, הָאַתֶּם Judg 6:31 following the verb for emphasis Judg 15:12; Jer 34:15 construed inaccurately with a feminine Ezek 13:20.

BDB618 H859

BDB617 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB619

אַתֵּן Ezek 34:31 (many editions אַתֶּן), אַתֵּ֫נָה Gen 31:6; Ezek 13:11; Ezek 13:20 (editions אַתֵּ֫נָּה) Ezek 34:17 pronoun 2 feminine plural you (feminine)

BDB9323 H607 H859

BDB9322 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9324

אנתה Kt14 (i.e. אַנְתָּה, peculiar to Biblical Aramaic; Qr אַנְתְּ) pronoun 2 masculine singular thou (Biblical Hebrew אַתָּה; Cappadocian and Egyptian Aramaic אנת (LabEph. 1. 67; S-CA 11 +, feminine אנתי ib. D9, 11, 26+), Nerab את (Cooke186. 190), Palmyrene אנת (ib. 308); ᵑ7Onk את, ᵑ7J אנת (§ 16. 1); Syriac ); — thou, Dan 2:29; Dan 2:31; Dan 2:37; Dan 2:38 etc., Ezra 7:25.

BDB9324 H608 H859

BDB9323 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9325

אַנְתּוּן pronoun 2 masculine plural ye, you (Biblical Hebrew אַתֶּם), Dan 2:8.

thou, ye, you, thee, thyself, …
ʾattâ
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
  • you (second pers. sing. masc.)

כֹּחִ ֖י
כֹּחִ
Root word strength, power, might, force, ability, …
֖י
Suffix — pronoun my / me
Dictionary form: כֹּחַ · KOH-ah

Noun — Common, masculine singular, construct state "___ of …" — bound to the next word

In the KJV here: my might
power ×19 strength ×15 my strength ×5 in power ×4 by his power ×3 his strength ×3 in strength ×3 my power ×3
More options
strength — Best default; physical or inner capacity to act.
power — Modernizes KJV; broad usage, authority or force implied.
might — Emphasizes intensity; suits poetic or elevated contexts.
ability — Prefer when skill or capability, not brute force, is meant.
energy — Suits contexts of vitality, stamina, or bodily vigor.
resources — Good when כֹּחַ refers to wealth or material substance.

BDB3986 H3581

BDB3985 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB3987

I. כֹּחַ noun [masculine] a small reptile, probably a kind of lizard, in list of unclean creeping things Lev 11:30 ᵐ5 ᵑ9 AV chameleon; on various opinions see Di.

BDB3987 H3581

BDB3986 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB3988

II. כֹּחַ see below כחח.

BDB3990 H3581

BDB3989 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB3991

II. כֹּחַ and ( Dan 11:6) כּוֺחַ noun masculineDeut 4:37 strength, power (Late Hebrew id.); — ׳כ absolute Deut 8:18 +; construct Num 14:17 +; suffix כֹּחִי Gen 31:6 +; כֹּחֲךָ Judg 16:6 +, כֹּחֶ֑ךָ Prov 5:10, כֹּחֶ֑כָה Prov 24:10, etc.; always singular; —

1. human strength:
  a. physical, of Samson Judg 16:5; Judg 16:6; Judg 16:9; Judg 16:15; Judg 16:17; Judg 16:19; Judg 16:30 strength in toil Isa 44:12 (זְרוֺעַ כֹּחוֺ), vIsa 44:12; Lev 26:20; Neh 4:4 of manly vigour (in procreation) אַתָּה כֹּחִי וְרֵאשִׁית אוֺנִי Gen 49:3 (poem in J; said to Reuben); vigour in general Josh 14:11 (twice in verse) (JE), Judg 6:14; 1Sam 28:22; Job 6:11; Job 6:12; Ps 31:11; Ps 38:11; Ps 71:9; Ps 102:24; Prov 20:29 as sustained by food 1Kgs 19:8 lack of such vigour is לֹאכֹֿחַ Job 26:2, compare מִכֹּחַ Jer 48:45 without strength; ׳בְּלֹאכֿ Lam 1:6 ׳יְגִיעֵיכֿ Job 3:17 כֹּחַ לֹאהָֿיָה בוֺ 1Sam 28:20, compare Dan 10:8; Dan 10:17 in Ps 22:16 read חִכִּי, so Ew Ol Che and others; specifically of power of voice Isa 40:9.
  b. more inclusively, ability, efficiency: followed by infinitive, ability to weep 1Sam 30:4 to get wealth Deut 8:18 to bring forth (a child; in figure) 2Kgs 19:3 = Isa 37:3 followed by לַעֲמֹד Dan 1:4; Ezra 10:13, compare Dan 11:15 without infinitive 1Chr 29:2; Ezra 2:69 of efficiency in battle 2Chr 14:10; 2Chr 20:12; 2Chr 26:13 for porter's service in temple אִישׁחַֿיִל בַּכֹּחַ לַעֲבֹדָה 1Chr 26:8 ability or efficiency in general Gen 31:6; Prov 24:5; Prov 24:10; Eccl 4:1; Eccl 9:10, so probably כֹּחַ יְדֵיהֶם Job 30:2 עָצַר כֹּחַ (late, compare עצר) retain ability or strength, followed by infinitive; לְהִתְנַדֵּב ׳נַעְצֹר כ 1Chr 29:14 that we should retain (have) ability to make freewill-oferings; to build 2Chr 2:5 with negative, without infinitive, Dan 10:8; Dan 10:16 (compare Dan 11:6, c).
  c. power of a people, or king, Josh 17:17; Nah 2:2; Hab 1:11; Isa 49:4 (of servant of ׳י), Lam 1:14; Dan 8:22; Dan 8:24 a, also vDan 8:24 b (si vera lectio, see Bev), Dan 11:25 (|| לֵבָב); with עָצַר 2Chr 13:20; 2Chr 22:9; Dan 11:6 (הַזְּרוֺעַ ׳לֹא תַעְצֹר כ, compare b); in Hos 7:9 figurative of body seems combined with that of land yielding produce (see 5 below)
  d. power opposed to that of God Amos 2:14; Isa 10:13 (יָדִי ׳כ), Deut 8:17; 1Sam 2:9; Zech 4:6; Job 36:19; Ps 33:16.
  e. power conferred by God Isa 40:29, compare vIsa 40:31; Isa 41:1 of prophetic power Mic 3:8.
2. strength of angels Ps 103:20.
3. power of God: in creation Jer 10:12; Jer 51:15 (see also Jer 32:17 below), Ps 65:7 in governing the world 1Chr 29:12; 2Chr 20:6; Ps 29:4 in acts of deliverance and judgment Exod 9:16; Exod 15:6; Exod 32:11; Num 14:13; Num 14:17 (JE), Isa 50:2; 2Chr 25:8; Job 9:19; Job 24:22; Job 26:12; Job 30:18; Job 36:22 in combination כֹּחַ גָּדוֺל Deut 4:37 || יָד חֲזָקָה Exod 32:11(JE), Neh 1:10 || זְרוֺעַ נְטוּיָה Deut 9:29; 2Kgs 17:36; Jer 27:5; Jer 32:17 he is רַבכֹּֿחַ Ps 147:5 compare רֹב כֹּחוֺ Isa 63:1; Job 23:6 also גדולכֹּֿחַ Nah 1:3 אַמִּיץ כֹּחַ Isa 40:26; Job 9:4, שַׂגִּיאכֹֿחַ Job 37:23 כֹּחַ מַעֲשָׂיו Ps 111:6 the power of his works; בַּכֹּחַ ׳קוֺל י Ps 29:4 (of thunder); specifically of his wisdom (rather peculiarly, Elihu) כַּבִּיר כֹּחַ לֵב Job 36:5 mighty in strength of mind.
4. of animals: wild ox Job 39:11, horse vJob 39:21, hippopotamus Job 40:16, bullock Prov 14:4 he-goat Dan 8:6 ram vDan 8:7.
5. strength, of soil i.e. produce, Gen 4:12 (J), Job 31:30 (Hos 7:9 see
1. c above); = wealth (compare חַילִ) Prov 5:10; Job 6:22.

strength, power, might, force, ability, …
kōaḥ
vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce); also (from its hardiness) a large lizard
  • strength, power, might
    • human strength
      • "strength (of angels)"power (of God)"strength (of animals)"strength, produce, wealth (of soil)
    a small reptile, probably a kind of lizard, which is unclean
    • perhaps an extinct animal, exact meaning is unknown

וְ רֵאשִׁ֣ית
וְ
Prefix — connector and (sometimes: but, so, then)
רֵאשִׁ֣ית
Root word beginning, firstfruits, first, chief, chiefest, …
Dictionary form: רֵאשִׁית · ray-SHEET

Noun — Common, feminine singular, construct state "___ of …" — bound to the next word

In the KJV here: and the beginning
in the beginning ×5 is the beginning ×4 the chief ×4 the firstfruits ×4 of the first ×3 the first ×3 and the first ×2 and the firstfruits ×2
More options
beginning — Temporal sense; best for origins or start of something.
first — Ordinal sense; suits ranked or sequential contexts.
firstfruits — Ritual/agricultural offering of initial harvest yield.
best — Qualitative sense; when 'chief' or 'choicest' is meant.
prime — Highlights supremacy or top quality in formal register.
origin — Abstract sense; emphasizes source rather than sequence.

BDB7684 H7225

BDB7683 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB7685

[רֵאשִׁית] noun feminine beginning, chief (for *רְאֵשִׁית NöGGA 1884, 1019, compare HolzHexateuch 465; Syriac ); — absolute ׳ר Deut 33:21+, construct ׳ר Gen 10:10+, רֵשִׁית Deut 11:12 suffix רֵאשִׁיתוֺ Eccl 7:8, רֵאשִׁתוֺ Job 42:12, etc.; —

1.
  a. beginning of kingdom Gen 10:10 (J), year Deut 11:12, reign Jer 26:1; Jer 27:1; Jer 28:1; Jer 49:34= first phase, step, or element in course of events Isa 46:10 (opposed to אַחֲרִית); of a thing (דָּבָר) Eccl 7:8 (opposed to id.); of sin Mic 1:13, strife Prov 17:14, wisdom Ps 111:10, knowledge Prov 1:7 thy beginning Job 8:7 = thine early life so his beginning Job 42:12 (both opposed to אַחֲרִית), ׳ר before clause, ׳בָּרָא א ׳בְּר Gen 1:1 in the beginning when god created (> absolute in the beginning God created); אֹנִי ׳ר Gen 49:3 (poem) beginning (first product) of my manly vigour (|| בְּכֹרִי כֹּחִי so Deut 21:17; Ps 78:51 (both || בְּכוֺת Ps 105:36 compare דֵּרְכֵי אֵל ׳ר Job 40:19 (of hippopotamus), דַּרְכּוֺ ׳ר Prov 8:22 (of wisdom);=first season (of a tree) Hos 9:10 גּוֺיִם׳ר Num 24:20 (JE), first, earliest, of nations.
  b. first of fruits Exod 23:19 (E), Exod 34:26 (JE), Deut 26:2; Deut 26:10; Ezek 44:30.a, of harvest Lev 23:10 (H), grain Deut 18:4; 2Chr 31:5 dough Num 15:20; Num 15:21 (P), Ezek 44:30b Neh 10:38, wool Deut 18:4 of כָּלתְּֿבוּאָתֶ֑ךָ Prov 3:9 Israel is תְּבוּאָתֹה ׳ר Jer 2:3 (i.e. of ׳יs increase); ׳ר=first-fruits Lev 2:12 (P), Num 18:12 (P), Neh 12:44 הָאָרֶץ ׳ר Ezek 48:14
2. first chief, Amos 6:1 גְּבוּרָתָם ׳ר Jer 49:35 (of bows); so apparently בְּנֵי עַמּוֺן ׳ר Dan 11:41, i.e. the principal part of them (Buhl Marti conjecture שְׁאֵרִית after ᵑ6); מַשְׁאוֺתֵיכֶם ׳ר Ezek 20:40, i.e. your chief oblations; שְׁמָנִים ׳ר Amos 6:6, i.e. choice oils; = choice part, of land Deut 33:21, offering 1Sam 2:29, הַחֵרֶם 1Sam 15:21 absolute chief thing Prov 4:7 (of wisdom).

beginning, firstfruits, first, chief, chiefest, …
rēʾšît
the first, in place, time, order or rank (specifically, a firstfruit)
  • first, beginning, best, chief
    • beginning
      • "first"chief"choice part

אוֹנִ ֑י
אוֹנִ
Root word strength, might, substance, force, goods
֑י
Suffix — pronoun my / me
Dictionary form: אוֹן · one

Noun — Common, masculine singular, construct state "___ of …" — bound to the next word

In the KJV here: of my strength
of his strength ×2 and by his strength ×1 and his force ×1 his strength ×1 might ×1 of his might ×1 of my strength ×1 of their strength ×1
More options
strength — Broadest fit; physical or procreative power.
vigor — Preferred for vitality or prime of life contexts.
might — Slightly more formal; emphasizes forceful capacity.
potency — Useful for procreative or generative power nuance.
force — Highlights dynamic, active energy or effort.
wealth — Use when context stresses material resources or goods.

BDB226 H202

BDB225 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB227

I. אוֺן noun masculine vigour, wealth — absolute Hos 12:9, suffix אוֺנִי Gen 49:3 + etc.; plural אוֺנִים Ps 78:51 +.

1. manly vigour בְּאוֺנוֺ שָׂרָה אֶתאֱֿלֹהִים Hos 12:4 (of Jacob); רֵאשִׁית אוֺן beginning of manly vigour Gen 49:3 (of Reuben, first-born of Jacob); Deut 21:17; Ps 105:36 (firstborn Egyptians), so Ps 78:51, רֵאשִׁית אוֺנִים where ׳א is assimilated to מִצְרַיִם, or intensive plural
2. strength of man Job 18:7; Job 18:12 behemoth Job 40:16 plural intensive מֵרֹב אוֺנִים Isa 40:26 because of the abundance of great strength (of God); of man אֵין אוֺנִים Isa 40:29 one not having strength; תּוֺחֶלֶת אוֺנִים Prov 11:7 hope in strength (not the hope of iniquity RV, or of unjust men AV).
3. wealth Job 20:10; Hos 12:9 לִי ׳מָצָאתִי א (|| עָשַׁרְתִּי).

strength, might, substance, force, goods
ʾôn
ability, power, (figuratively) wealth
  • vigour, generative power
    • "wealth"physical strength (of men and behemoth)

יֶ֥תֶר
יֶ֥תֶר
Root word rest, remnant, residue, left, excellency, …
Dictionary form: יֶתֶר · yeh-TER

Noun — Common, masculine singular, construct state "___ of …" — bound to the next word

In the KJV here: the excellency
now the rest ×30 and the rest ×21 the rest ×8 the residue ×5 hath left ×3 of the remnant ×3 and the residue ×2 the remnant ×2
More options
remainder — Clearest general term for what is left over.
remnant — Prefer when survivors or a surviving portion are implied.
rest — Informal shorthand; good in narrative contexts.
surplus — Use when abundance or excess is the emphasis.
cord — Concrete meaning; use for bowstrings or rope contexts.
excellence — Rare poetic sense; use in elevated or wisdom literature.

BDB3852 H3499

BDB3851 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB3853

I. יֶ֫תֶר94 noun masculineNeh 2:16 remainder, excellence, excess; — absolute יֶ֫תֶר Neh 2:16 + 2 t.; יָ֑תֶר Prov 17:7 construct יֶ֫תֶר Gen 49:3 + 84 t.; יֶ֫תֶר Isa 56:12 (see Baer's note); suffix יִתְרוֺ Isa 44:19 יִתְרָם Exod 23:11 + 2 t. (not Job 4:21, q. v. below II. יֶתֶר); —

1.
  a. remainder, remnant (with implied inferiority in number or quality), of crops, etc. יִתְרָם Exod 23:11 (JE), their remnant, i.e. what they (the enemy) leave, so יֶתֶר הַגָּזָם Joel 1:4 יֶתֶר הָאַרְבֶּה vJoel 1:4 יֶתֶר הַיֶּלֶק vJoel 1:4 יֶתֶר הַפְּלֵטָה הַנִּשְׁאֶרֶת Exod 10:5 (J); of vessels, יֶתֶר הַכֵּלִים הַנּוֺתָרִים Jer 27:19 of a tree Isa 44:19 (= שְׁאֵרִית vIsa 44:17); elsewhere of person Deut 3:11 = Josh 12:4; Josh 3:12 (both D), Deut 28:54; Josh 23:12 (D), 2Sam 21:2; 2Kgs 25:11 = Jer 52:15; Ezek 34:18 of a rescued remnant of Israel (Judah) Mic 5:2; Zeph 2:9 (|| שְׁאֵרִית), Zech 14:2 יֶתֶר הַקָּדֵשׁ אֲשֶׁר נִשְׁאַר 1Kgs 22:47 יֶתֶר הָעָם הַנִּשְׁאָרִים Jer 36:9 (twice in verse); 2Kgs 25:11 = Jer 52:15 .
  b. remainder, rest, other part of people, elders, etc., 2Sam 10:10 = 1Chr 19:11; 2Sam 12:28; 1Kgs 12:23; Jer 29:1; Hab 2:8; Ezek 48:23 sometimes including a majority Judg 7:6; 1Sam 13:2 of common people (opposed to rulers) Neh 2:16; Neh 4:8; Neh 4:13 compare Neh 6:1 of land Deut 3:13; Josh 13:27 (P); of other inanimate things Lev 14:17 (P), Num 31:32 (id.), of years Isa 38:10 elsewhere in phrase יֶחֶר דִּבְרֵי the rest of the affairs of, in summaries of reigns of kings of Israel and Judah 1Kgs 11:41 + 41 t. Kings Chronicles; יֶתֶר כָּלדִּֿבְרֵי 1Kgs 15:23 יֶתֶר דְּבָרָיו 2Chr 28:26.
2. a. excess, שְׂפַת יָ֑תֶר Prov 17:7 a lip of excess = arrogant speech (see VB).
  b. in adverb phrases, עַל יֶתֶר Ps 31:24 on the basis of abundance = abundantly, as adverb accusative גָּדוֺל יֶתֶר מְאֹד Isa 56:12 great, in abundance, exceedingly, Dan 8:9 וַתִּגְדַּליֶֿתֶר and grew great in excess, exceedingly (compare much, more than).
  c. specifically what is over and above immediate necessities, abundance, affluence Job 22:20; Ps 17:14.
3. superiority, excellency יֶתֶר שְׂאֵת וְיֶתֶר עָ֫ז Gen 49:3. — On Job 4:1 see II. יֶתֶר.

BDB3853 H3499

BDB3852 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB3854

II. יֶ֫תֶר noun masculineJudg 16:7 cord (properly as hanging over or down; Aramaic יַתְרָא part of the intestines, ᵑ7 יְתָרַיָּא ropes, cord, rope, chord of arc; Arabic bow-string, lute-string; Ethiopic sinew, cord; stretch bowstring, strain (eyes), be intent, eager, etc.) — יֶתֶ֑ר Ps 11:2 + 3 t.; suffix יִתְרוֺ Kt Job 30:11 (יִתְרִי Qr); יִתְרָם Job 4:21 — cord, for binding a man Judg 16:7; Judg 16:8; Judg 16:9 bowstring Ps 11:2; Job 30:11 (according to Qr, opposed to Job 29:20 b; Kt = his cord, with which he reins in my assailants; compare Di Da). Job 4:21 tent-cord Ew De Di RV; yet read perhaps יְתֵדָם their tent-peg, so Ol Hi Sgfr ( > AV their excellency, from I. יֶתֶר).

rest, remnant, residue, left, excellency, …
yeter
properly, an overhanging, i.e., (by implication) an excess, superiority, remainder
  • remainder, excess, rest, remnant, excellence
    • remainder, remnant
      • "remainder, rest, other part"excess"abundantly (adv)"abundance, affluence"superiority, excellency

שְׂאֵ֖ת
שְׂאֵ֖ת
Root word rising, dignity, excellency, highness, up, …
Dictionary form: שְׂאֵת · seh-ATE

Noun — Common, feminine singular, absolute state

In the KJV here: of dignity
if the rising ×2 a rising ×1 and for a rising ×1 and their dignity ×1 be accepted ×1 from his excellency ×1 his excellency ×1 in the rising ×1
More options
elevation — Covers both physical rising and social exaltation.
dignity — Best for contexts of personal honor or status.
swelling — Preferred for skin-disease/medical contexts (Leviticus).
exaltation — Stronger than elevation; suits royal or divine contexts.
prominence — Good for social or positional superiority.
rising — Retain when a literal upward movement is in view.

BDB5397 H7613

BDB5396 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB5398

שְׂאֵת

noun feminine 1. exaltation, dignity.
2. swelling.
3. uprising; — ׳שׂ absolute Gen 4:7 +, construct Lev 13:28 +; suffix שְׂאֵתוֺ Job 13:11 +; (מִ)שֵּׂתוֺ Job 41:17 —
1. dignity Gen 49:3 (dignity of first-born), Ps 62:5, of Chaldeans Hab 1:7 of God, his exaltation, loftiness Job 13:11; Job 31:23.
2. swelling, eruption, בְּעוֺר בֶּשָׂר Lev 13:2 ( + סַפַּחַת, בַּהֶרֶת ), compare Lev 14:56 (+ id.); also Lev 13:10 (twice in verse); Lev 13:19; Lev 13:28, הַנֶּגַע vLev 13:43 (all P).
3. uprising, Job 41:17 at his uprising the mighty are in dread.
4. Gen 4:7 is dubious; — is there not acceptance ? ᵑ6 ᵑ9 and others; forgiveness ᵑ7 Holz and others; uplifting of countenance, cheerfulness, Ew De Ke Di Kau.

rising, dignity, excellency, highness, up, …
śĕʾēt
an elevation or leprous scab; figuratively, elation or cheerfulness; exaltation in rank or character
  • elevation, exaltation, dignity, swelling, uprising
    • dignity, exaltation, loftiness
      • "swelling"uprising

וְ יֶ֥תֶר
וְ
Prefix — connector and (sometimes: but, so, then)
יֶ֥תֶר
Root word rest, remnant, residue, left, excellency, …
Dictionary form: יֶתֶר · yeh-TER

Noun — Common, masculine singular, construct state "___ of …" — bound to the next word

In the KJV here: and the excellency
now the rest ×30 and the rest ×21 the rest ×8 the residue ×5 hath left ×3 of the remnant ×3 and the residue ×2 the remnant ×2
More options
remainder — Clearest general term for what is left over.
remnant — Prefer when survivors or a surviving portion are implied.
rest — Informal shorthand; good in narrative contexts.
surplus — Use when abundance or excess is the emphasis.
cord — Concrete meaning; use for bowstrings or rope contexts.
excellence — Rare poetic sense; use in elevated or wisdom literature.

BDB3852 H3499

BDB3851 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB3853

I. יֶ֫תֶר94 noun masculineNeh 2:16 remainder, excellence, excess; — absolute יֶ֫תֶר Neh 2:16 + 2 t.; יָ֑תֶר Prov 17:7 construct יֶ֫תֶר Gen 49:3 + 84 t.; יֶ֫תֶר Isa 56:12 (see Baer's note); suffix יִתְרוֺ Isa 44:19 יִתְרָם Exod 23:11 + 2 t. (not Job 4:21, q. v. below II. יֶתֶר); —

1.
  a. remainder, remnant (with implied inferiority in number or quality), of crops, etc. יִתְרָם Exod 23:11 (JE), their remnant, i.e. what they (the enemy) leave, so יֶתֶר הַגָּזָם Joel 1:4 יֶתֶר הָאַרְבֶּה vJoel 1:4 יֶתֶר הַיֶּלֶק vJoel 1:4 יֶתֶר הַפְּלֵטָה הַנִּשְׁאֶרֶת Exod 10:5 (J); of vessels, יֶתֶר הַכֵּלִים הַנּוֺתָרִים Jer 27:19 of a tree Isa 44:19 (= שְׁאֵרִית vIsa 44:17); elsewhere of person Deut 3:11 = Josh 12:4; Josh 3:12 (both D), Deut 28:54; Josh 23:12 (D), 2Sam 21:2; 2Kgs 25:11 = Jer 52:15; Ezek 34:18 of a rescued remnant of Israel (Judah) Mic 5:2; Zeph 2:9 (|| שְׁאֵרִית), Zech 14:2 יֶתֶר הַקָּדֵשׁ אֲשֶׁר נִשְׁאַר 1Kgs 22:47 יֶתֶר הָעָם הַנִּשְׁאָרִים Jer 36:9 (twice in verse); 2Kgs 25:11 = Jer 52:15 .
  b. remainder, rest, other part of people, elders, etc., 2Sam 10:10 = 1Chr 19:11; 2Sam 12:28; 1Kgs 12:23; Jer 29:1; Hab 2:8; Ezek 48:23 sometimes including a majority Judg 7:6; 1Sam 13:2 of common people (opposed to rulers) Neh 2:16; Neh 4:8; Neh 4:13 compare Neh 6:1 of land Deut 3:13; Josh 13:27 (P); of other inanimate things Lev 14:17 (P), Num 31:32 (id.), of years Isa 38:10 elsewhere in phrase יֶחֶר דִּבְרֵי the rest of the affairs of, in summaries of reigns of kings of Israel and Judah 1Kgs 11:41 + 41 t. Kings Chronicles; יֶתֶר כָּלדִּֿבְרֵי 1Kgs 15:23 יֶתֶר דְּבָרָיו 2Chr 28:26.
2. a. excess, שְׂפַת יָ֑תֶר Prov 17:7 a lip of excess = arrogant speech (see VB).
  b. in adverb phrases, עַל יֶתֶר Ps 31:24 on the basis of abundance = abundantly, as adverb accusative גָּדוֺל יֶתֶר מְאֹד Isa 56:12 great, in abundance, exceedingly, Dan 8:9 וַתִּגְדַּליֶֿתֶר and grew great in excess, exceedingly (compare much, more than).
  c. specifically what is over and above immediate necessities, abundance, affluence Job 22:20; Ps 17:14.
3. superiority, excellency יֶתֶר שְׂאֵת וְיֶתֶר עָ֫ז Gen 49:3. — On Job 4:1 see II. יֶתֶר.

BDB3853 H3499

BDB3852 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB3854

II. יֶ֫תֶר noun masculineJudg 16:7 cord (properly as hanging over or down; Aramaic יַתְרָא part of the intestines, ᵑ7 יְתָרַיָּא ropes, cord, rope, chord of arc; Arabic bow-string, lute-string; Ethiopic sinew, cord; stretch bowstring, strain (eyes), be intent, eager, etc.) — יֶתֶ֑ר Ps 11:2 + 3 t.; suffix יִתְרוֺ Kt Job 30:11 (יִתְרִי Qr); יִתְרָם Job 4:21 — cord, for binding a man Judg 16:7; Judg 16:8; Judg 16:9 bowstring Ps 11:2; Job 30:11 (according to Qr, opposed to Job 29:20 b; Kt = his cord, with which he reins in my assailants; compare Di Da). Job 4:21 tent-cord Ew De Di RV; yet read perhaps יְתֵדָם their tent-peg, so Ol Hi Sgfr ( > AV their excellency, from I. יֶתֶר).

rest, remnant, residue, left, excellency, …
yeter
properly, an overhanging, i.e., (by implication) an excess, superiority, remainder
  • remainder, excess, rest, remnant, excellence
    • remainder, remnant
      • "remainder, rest, other part"excess"abundantly (adv)"abundance, affluence"superiority, excellency

עָֽז
עָֽז
Root word strong, fierce, mighty, power, roughly, …
Dictionary form: עַז · adz

Noun — Common, masculine singular, absolute state

In the KJV here: of power
me from my strong ×2 of fierce ×2 strong ×2 and a fierce ×1 and out of the strong ×1 back by a strong ×1 be strong ×1 in the mighty ×1
More options
fierce — Best for contexts of violent intensity or aggression.
mighty — Emphasizes great power or imposing strength.
powerful — Neutral, broadly applicable modern rendering.
bold — Suits contexts of audacious or brazen behavior.
ferocious — Strongest option; use for wild, unrestrained force.
relentless — Good when persistence or greed is the nuance.

BDB5944 H5794

BDB5943 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB5945

עַז adjective strong, mighty, fierce; — ׳ע absolute Num 13:28 + 2 t., עָז Judg 14:18, עָ֑ז Amos 5:9 + 4 t.; עַז construct Deut 28:50; Dan 8:23 feminine עַזָּה Exod 14:21 + 2 t.; plural עַזִּים Ezek 7:24 + 3 t.; feminine עַזּוֺת Prov 18:23 construct עַזֵּי Isa 56:11 — strong, mighty, wind Exod 14:21 (J); border Num 21:24 (JE), but read probably יַעְזֵר (ᵐ5 Di and others) Ya`zer was t. border; of people Prov 30:25 (figurative of ants), מַיִם עַזִּים Isa 43:16 (|| הַיָּם), Neh 9:11 of love Song 8:6 = substantive the mighty Amos 5:9; Ezek 7:24 + Prov 24:5 (of physical force; reading טוֺב מֵעַז or the like ᵐ5 ᵑ6 ᵑ7 KmpKau Wild Toy); formidable, fierce, of lion Judg 14:18, so (= substantive) vJudg 14:14, of king Isa 19:4 (|| אֲדֹנִים קָשֶׁה, of people Num 13:28 (JE), Isa 25:3 (|| עָרִיצִים); of enemy 2Sam 22:18 = Ps 18:18, so as substantive Ps 59:4 עַז פָּנִים Deut 28:50 fierce of countenance, Dan 8:23, so perhaps = impudent Eccl 8:1 (reading עַז for עֹז q. v. ); of anger (אַף) Gen 49:7 (poem in J), wrath (חֵמָה) Prov 21:14 הַכְּלָבִים עַזֵּינֶֿפֶשׁ Isa 56:11 dogs fierce of appetite (|| לֹא יָָֽדְעוּ שָׂבְעָה); feminine plural as adverb accusative יַעֲנֶה עַזּוֺת Prov 18:23 the rich answereth fiercely.

strong, fierce, mighty, power, roughly, …
ʿaz
strong, vehement, harsh
  • strong, mighty, fierce

The cantillation accents are the Masoretes' punctuation: each group below ends at a pausing accent. Translate a group as one unit.
רְאוּבֵן֙ Pashta — a lesser break בְּכֹ֣רִי אַ֔תָּה Zaqef Qatan — a strong break כֹּחִ֖י Tipeha — a lesser break וְרֵאשִׁ֣ית אוֹנִ֑י Etnahta — the verse's main pause — take a breath here יֶ֥תֶר שְׂאֵ֖ת Tipeha — a lesser break וְיֶ֥תֶר עָֽז Silluq — end of the verse

רְאוּבֵן בְּכֹרִי אַתָּה כֹּחִי וְרֵאשִׁית אוֹנִי יֶתֶר שְׂאֵת וְיֶתֶר עָֽז׃
3
Reuben, thou art my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power:
Cross References

Psalms 78:51

וַיַּךְ כָּל-בְּכוֹר בְּמִצְרָיִם רֵאשִׁית אוֹנִים בְּאָהֳלֵי-חָֽם׃
51
And smote all the firstborn in Egypt; the chief of their strength in the tabernacles of Ham:

Deuteronomy 21:17

כִּי אֶת-הַבְּכֹר בֶּן-הַשְּׂנוּאָה יַכִּיר לָתֶת לוֹ פִּי שְׁנַיִם בְּכֹל אֲשֶׁר-יִמָּצֵא לוֹ כִּי-הוּא רֵאשִׁית אֹנוֹ לוֹ מִשְׁפַּט הַבְּכֹרָֽה׃
17
But he shall acknowledge the son of the hated for the firstborn, by giving him a double portion of all that he hath: for he is the beginning of his strength; the right of the firstborn is his.

Psalms 105:36

וַיַּךְ כָּל-בְּכוֹר בְּאַרְצָם רֵאשִׁית לְכָל-אוֹנָֽם׃
36
He smote also all the firstborn in their land, the chief of all their strength.

Genesis 29:32

וַתַּהַר לֵאָה וַתֵּלֶד בֵּן וַתִּקְרָא שְׁמוֹ רְאוּבֵן כִּי אָֽמְרָה כִּֽי-רָאָה יְהוָה בְּעָנְיִי כִּי עַתָּה יֶֽאֱהָבַנִי אִישִֽׁי׃
32
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 48:18

וַיֹּאמֶר יוֹסֵף אֶל-אָבִיו לֹא-כֵן אָבִי כִּי-זֶה הַבְּכֹר שִׂים יְמִֽינְךָ עַל-רֹאשֽׁוֹ׃
18
And Joseph said unto his father, Not so, my father: for this is the firstborn; put thy right hand upon his head.

1 Chronicles 5:1

וּבְנֵי רְאוּבֵן בְּכֽוֹר-יִשְׂרָאֵל כִּי הוּא הַבְּכוֹר וּֽבְחַלְּלוֹ יְצוּעֵי אָבִיו נִתְּנָה בְּכֹרָתוֹ לִבְנֵי יוֹסֵף בֶּן-יִשְׂרָאֵל וְלֹא לְהִתְיַחֵשׂ לַבְּכֹרָֽה׃
1
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 2:1

אֵלֶּה בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל רְאוּבֵן שִׁמְעוֹן לֵוִי וִֽיהוּדָה יִשָׂשכָר וּזְבֻלֽוּן׃
1
These are the sons of Israel; Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun,

1 Chronicles 5:3

בְּנֵי רְאוּבֵן בְּכוֹר יִשְׂרָאֵל חֲנוֹךְ וּפַלּוּא חֶצְרוֹן וְכַרְמִֽי׃
3
The sons, I say, of Reuben the firstborn of Israel were, Hanoch, and Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi.

Numbers 1:20

וַיִּֽהְיוּ בְנֵֽי-רְאוּבֵן בְּכֹר יִשְׂרָאֵל תּֽוֹלְדֹתָם לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָם לְבֵית אֲבֹתָם בְּמִסְפַּר שֵׁמוֹת לְגֻלְגְּלֹתָם כָּל-זָכָר מִבֶּן עֶשְׂרִים שָׁנָה וָמַעְלָה כֹּל יֹצֵא צָבָֽא׃
20
And the children of Reuben, Israel's eldest son, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, by their polls, every male from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;

Numbers 26:5

רְאוּבֵן בְּכוֹר יִשְׂרָאֵל בְּנֵי רְאוּבֵן חֲנוֹךְ מִשְׁפַּחַת הַֽחֲנֹכִי לְפַלּוּא מִשְׁפַּחַת הַפַּלֻּאִֽי׃
5
Reuben, the eldest son of Israel: the children of Reuben; Hanoch, of whom cometh the family of the Hanochites: of Pallu, the family of the Palluites:

Genesis 46:8

וְאֵלֶּה שְׁמוֹת בְּנֵֽי-יִשְׂרָאֵל הַבָּאִים מִצְרַיְמָה יַֽעֲקֹב וּבָנָיו בְּכֹר יַֽעֲקֹב רְאוּבֵֽן׃
8
And these are the names of the children of Israel, which came into Egypt, Jacob and his sons: Reuben, Jacob's firstborn.
Genesis 49:2
Read Genesis 49
Genesis 49:4