Reu
malePatriarchalMeaning: “Friend; shepherd”
A patriarch in the line of Shem, son of Peleg and father of Serug, in the genealogy leading from Noah to Abraham.
Biography
Reu was a son of Peleg in the line of Shem and an ancestor of Abraham (Genesis 11:18–21). He fathered Serug and lived 239 years. Like the other post-flood patriarchs of this genealogy, his significance is the line he carries forward toward the call of Abraham — and he appears in Luke's genealogy of Jesus as "Ragau" (Luke 3:35).
Life Timeline
Becomes the father of Serug
On the Bible timeline
Reu belongs to the Creation & the Early World era (Beginning – c. 2100 BC).
- c. 2400 BC (traditional)The Flood
- c. 2200 BCThe Tower of Babel
Family Tree
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Themes & lessons from Reu
Biblical themes that run through the passages where Reu appears.
People they appear with
Scripture Appearances
5 verses in 2 booksGenesis4 verses
Genesis 11:18
And Peleg lived thirty years, and begat Reu:
Genesis 11:19
And Peleg lived after he begat Reu two hundred and nine years, and begat sons and daughters.
Genesis 11:20
And Reu lived two and thirty years, and begat Serug: Serug: Gr. Saruch
Genesis 11:21
And Reu lived after he begat Serug two hundred and seven years, and begat sons and daughters.
1 Chronicles1 verse
1 Chronicles 1:25
Eber, Peleg, Reu,
Frequently asked about Reu
Who was Reu in the Bible?
A patriarch in the line of Shem, son of Peleg and father of Serug, in the genealogy leading from Noah to Abraham.
What does the name Reu mean?
The name Reu means “Friend; shepherd”.
Who were Reu's children?
Reu's children include Serug.
Who were Reu's parents?
Reu was the child of Peleg.
Where does Reu appear in the Bible?
Reu is mentioned 5 times across 2 books: Genesis, 1 Chronicles.
What can we learn from Reu?
The story of Reu touches on themes of genealogy, ragau, reu, shem — explore each to study the lessons drawn from Reu's life.
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