OET interlinear GEN 49:4

uW Translation Notes:

פַּ֤חַז

(Some words not found in UHB: unstable like,water not excel that/for/because/then/when went_up bed_of your_father_of,your then defiled bed_of,my went_up )

Alternate translation: [However, you are uncontrollable] or [However, you are reckless]

Note 1 topic: figures-of-speech / simile

כַּ⁠מַּ֨יִם֙

(Some words not found in UHB: unstable like,water not excel that/for/because/then/when went_up bed_of your_father_of,your then defiled bed_of,my went_up )

Here Jacob compares Reuben’s reckless, uncontrolled sexual behavior to turbulent water that is out of control and destructive. Consider whether or not you have a similar comparison in your language that would fit well here. Alternate translation: [like a flood of water]

אַל־תּוֹתַ֔ר

not excel

Alternate translation: [so you will no longer have your high position in our family] or [so you will no longer be first among your brothers]

Note 2 topic: figures-of-speech / euphemism

כִּ֥י עָלִ֖יתָ מִשְׁכְּבֵ֣י אָבִ֑י⁠ךָ אָ֥ז חִלַּ֖לְתָּ

(Some words not found in UHB: unstable like,water not excel that/for/because/then/when went_up bed_of your_father_of,your then defiled bed_of,my went_up )

This clause, along with the rest of the verse, is a euphemistic way of referring to Reuben committing adultery by sleeping with his father’s concubine (secondary wife) Bilhah (Genesis [35:22](../35/22.md)). Alternate translation: [because you got into my bed with my wife and dishonored me!] or [because you dishonored me by getting into my bed and committing adultery with my concubine]

Note 3 topic: figures-of-speech / 123person

יְצוּעִ֥⁠י עָלָֽה

bed_of,my went_up

Here Jacob repeats part of what he said in the previous clause, in order to emphasize Reuben’s sin against him and to communicate how upset he is about it. He may have still been talking to Reuben (switching from second to third person), or he may have been exclaiming about Reuben to himself and the rest of his sons.