1.1 KiB
now Reuben
The word "now" is used here to mark the change from the lists of descendants to background information about Reuben. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/writing-background)
but his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph son of Israel
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "but Israel gave Reuben's birthright to the sons of Joseph, another of Israel's sons" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive)
Reuben had defiled his father's couch
This is a polite way to speak about Reuben sleeping with his father's secondary wife. The couch is the place where a man and his wife would have slept together. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-euphemism and rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metonymy)
he is not recorded in the genealogy as having the birthright
This can be stated in active form. The word "recorded" carries the idea of a written record, so if your language has such a word, you may want to use it here. Alternate translation: "the family history does not list Reuben as the oldest son" (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive)