5:1a These were the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel.

Reuben was the firstborn of Israel.
-or-
The oldest son of Israel was Reuben.

5:1b Though he was the firstborn,

Even though he was born first,
-or-
Reuben was Israel’s firstborn ⌊son ⌋ ,

5:1c his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph son of Israel,

⌊his father Jacob/Israel⌋ gave Reuben’s birthright to his other son Joseph and his sons,
-or-
but he no longer had his rights as firstborn of Israel. Joseph and his sons received those rights.

5:1d because Reuben defiled his father’s bed.

because he slept with one of his father’s concubines and this dishonored his father.
-or-
This was because Reuben had sex with one of his father’s wives of lower status.

5:1e So he is not reckoned according to birthright.

For that reason, Reuben was not listed in the genealogical records as the firstborn son.
-or-
That is why Reuben did not get the first place in the list of Israel’s sons.

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