Reuben is the name of Jacob's firstborn son, borne by Leah, whose naming etymology plays on the phrase re'u ben ('behold, a son!'), though Genesis 29:32 connects it instead to God's seeing (ra'ah) her affliction. As firstborn, Reuben held the birthright — yet forfeited preeminence by defiling his father's bed (Gen 35:22; 49:3-4; 1 Chr 5:1). The tribe of Reuben received territory east of the Jordan alongside Gad and half-Manasseh (Num 32; Josh 13:15-23), rich pastureland suited to their considerable livestock. Deborah's song delivers a memorable reproach: Reuben's 'searchings of heart' kept the tribe from joining the fight against Sisera (Judg 5:15-16). In Ezekiel's eschatological vision, Reuben receives a restored allotment (Ezek 48:6-7, 31). Spanish Ruben, French Ruben, and German Ruben all transliterate directly.