Reu רְעוּ
Son of Peleg, ancestor of Abraham
Who is Reu in the Bible?
Reu was the son of Peleg and a significant figure in the genealogical line leading to Abraham, as recorded in Genesis 11:18-21 and 1 Chronicles 1:25. He lived to be 239 years old, fathering Serug at the age of 32 and continuing to have other sons and daughters throughout his extended lifetime. As a descendant of Shem, Noah's son, Reu is part of the critical lineage that connects Adam through Abraham to Jesus Christ, as further documented in Luke 3:35. His inclusion in these biblical genealogies underscores the preservation of the godly line through multiple generations and the continuity of God's plan of redemption across human history.
Biography
Reu, mentioned in the genealogies of Genesis 11, 1 Chronicles 1, and Luke 3, was the son of Peleg and an ancestor of Abraham. He was born when Peleg was 30 years old (Gen.11.18) and lived for a total of 239 years (Gen.11.20-21). Reu fathered Serug at the age of 32 and lived an additional 207 years, having other sons and daughters (Gen.11.19-21). He is listed as one of the descendants of Shem, the son of Noah, and is part of the lineage that traces from Adam to Abraham, and ultimately to Jesus Christ (Luk.3.35). The name Reu means "friend" or "associate" in Hebrew. His inclusion in the genealogies emphasizes the continuity of the godly line from which the Messiah would eventually come.
Family
In Scripture
3 biblical books ; 2 with study contentGenesis 4 verses
- Genesis 11:18
"When Peleg was 30 years old, he became the father of Reu."
Study Genesis → - Genesis 11:19
"And after he had become the father of Reu, Peleg lived 209 years and had other sons and daughters."
Study Genesis → - Genesis 11:20
"When Reu was 32 years old, he became the father of Serug."
Study Genesis → - Genesis 11:21
"And after he had become the father of Serug, Reu lived 207 years and had other sons and daughters."
Study Genesis →
1 Chronicles 1 verse
- 1 Chronicles 1:25
"Eber, Peleg, Reu,"
Luke 1 verse
- Luke 3:35
"the son of Serug, the son of Reu, the son of Peleg, the son of Eber, the son of Shelah,"
Study Luke →
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | רְעוּ |
| Greek | Greek | Ῥαγαῦ |
Encyclopedia Article
ISBE 1915 (Public Domain)