Boy · Hebrew · Old Testament

Reuben

ROO-ben · from Reuven · means “Behold, a son”

Reuben is a Hebrew name traditionally understood as "behold, a son," spoken by his mother Leah, who said the Lord had seen her misery (Genesis 29:32). Reuben was Jacob's firstborn and the ancestor of one of Israel's twelve tribes, remembered for both a serious failure and a rare moment of protecting his brother Joseph.

“Leah conceived and gave birth to a son. She named him Reuben, for she said, "It is because the Lord has seen my misery."”

The story behind the name

Reuben was Jacob's firstborn son, and his mother Leah named him Reuben, saying the Lord had seen her misery and now her husband would love her (Genesis 29:32). As firstborn he held a place of honor, though his father Jacob later said he was as unruly as water because of a serious sin against his father's household.

When Reuben's brothers plotted to kill young Joseph out of jealousy, it was Reuben who urged them not to take his life, quietly planning to rescue Joseph and return him to their father, though the plan did not fully succeed (Genesis 37).

Reuben lost his father's blessing of the firstborn because of his earlier failure, yet his moment of conscience toward Joseph stands out in his story. A boy named Reuben carries a name that reminds us God still sees us, failures and good intentions alike.

Middle names that sing with Reuben

Chosen for rhythm and meanings that speak to each other.

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