Commentators unanimously agree that Reuben's sin of sleeping with his father's concubine, though committed 40 years prior, resulted in the forfeiture of his birthright. Jacob's prophecy declares that the preeminence—the double portion, leadership, and priesthood—would pass to his brothers. Scholars note this act left a permanent stain on Reuben's family, whose tribe never rose to prominence, demonstrating that uncontrolled passion can have devastating, long-term consequences.