Genesis 11:20

KJV

And Reu lived two and thirty years, and begat Serug:

KJV (with Strong's)

And Reu {H7466} lived {H2421} two {H8147} and thirty {H7970} years {H8141}, and begat {H3205} Serug {H8286}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Re‘u lived thirty-two years and fathered S’rug.

Berean Standard Bible

When Reu was 32 years old, he became the father of Serug.

American Standard Version

And Reu lived two and thirty years, and begat Serug:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 11:20 is a concise genealogical entry, stating, "And Reu lived two and thirty years, and begat Serug." This verse serves as a crucial link in the post-Flood lineage from Shem to Abraham, meticulously documenting the continuity of God's redemptive plan through a chosen family line, even amidst humanity's dispersion and rebellion at Babel. It underscores the historical precision of the biblical narrative and the divine preservation of the ancestral path leading to the patriarchs and ultimately to the Messiah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Following the pivotal account of [the Tower of Babel](/genesis/11-1-9 "The Tower of Babel in Genesis 11:1-9"), where humanity's unified rebellion led to linguistic confusion and global dispersion, the narrative in Genesis shifts back to a detailed genealogical record. This section, spanning [Genesis 11:10-26](/genesis/11-10-26 "The Genealogy of Shem from Arphaxad to Terah"), meticulously chronicles the descendants of Shem, Noah's son, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His divine plan despite human sin. Reu is presented as the son of Peleg, and his son Serug becomes the grandfather of Terah, who is the father of Abram (Abraham), thus bridging the significant gap between Noah's family and the pivotal call of Abraham.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, genealogies were not merely dry lists but vital historical and cultural documents that established identity, legal rights, and social standing. For the biblical authors, they also served a theological purpose, demonstrating God's faithfulness in preserving a chosen lineage. The decreasing lifespans observed from the pre-Flood era (e.g., [Genesis 5](/genesis/5 "The Pre-Flood Genealogies")) to the post-Flood period (as seen in [Genesis 11](/genesis/11 "Genesis 11 - The Tower of Babel and Genealogies")) reflect a gradual decline in human vitality, often interpreted as a consequence of the cumulative effects of sin and the changing environment after the Flood. Reu's age of thirty-two at Serug's birth, while still long by modern standards, is significantly shorter than the hundreds of years lived by earlier patriarchs, highlighting this historical shift.
* **Key Themes:** This genealogical segment, including the entry for Reu and Serug, contributes to several overarching themes in Genesis. Primarily, it underscores God's **sovereign faithfulness** to His redemptive plan, even in the face of widespread human rebellion, such as that at Babel. It highlights the **continuity of the divine promise**, demonstrating how God meticulously preserves a chosen lineage through whom His purposes will be realized. Each 'begat' serves as a deliberate step in the unfolding divine drama, preparing the way for the pivotal **covenant with Abraham** in [Genesis 12](/genesis/12 "Genesis 12 - The Call of Abram and Covenant Promise"), which forms the bedrock of salvation history. The meticulous record emphasizes the historical reality of these individuals as essential links in the chain leading to the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive promises.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Reu (Hebrew, _Rᵉʻûw'_):** Derived from a root meaning "friend" or "shepherd," the name Reu signifies a connection to communal or pastoral roles. In this genealogical context, however, its primary significance is its function as a specific individual, a direct link in the lineage from Shem to Abraham, rather than an emphasis on the meaning of his name.
* **lived (Hebrew, _châyâh'_):** This primitive root signifies existence, vitality, and the state of being alive, whether literally or figuratively. In genealogies, it denotes the span of life before a significant event, in this case, the birth of a son. It emphasizes the continuity of life and the passage of time within the divine plan.
* **begat (Hebrew, _yâlad'_):** A fundamental Hebrew verb meaning "to bear young" or "to beget," this term is central to biblical genealogies. It denotes direct paternity and the continuation of a family line, ensuring the accurate tracing of descent. Its consistent use throughout Genesis highlights the divine orchestration of human procreation to fulfill God's redemptive purposes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Reu lived two and thirty years":** This clause establishes Reu's age at the time of Serug's birth, specifically thirty-two years. This detail is crucial for the chronological framework of the post-Flood narrative, contributing to the overall timeline that connects Noah's family to Abraham. The mention of his age at the birth of his heir is a standard feature of these genealogies, highlighting the orderly progression of generations.
* **"and begat Serug":** This phrase directly states the act of procreation, identifying Serug as Reu's son. The verb "begat" (Hebrew _yâlad_) is a foundational term in biblical genealogies, emphasizing direct paternity and the continuity of the family line. It signifies the divine blessing of fruitfulness and the deliberate preservation of a specific lineage through which God's redemptive plan would unfold.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 11:20, like other entries in this genealogical record, primarily employs **Formulaic Repetition**. The recurring phrase "X lived Y years, and begat Z" creates a predictable and rhythmic pattern, serving to emphasize the continuity and historical precision of the lineage. This **Conciseness** is a deliberate literary choice, as the author prioritizes the factual transmission of the ancestral line over extensive biographical details. The verse functions as a vital component within the broader **Chronological Framework** of Genesis, meticulously charting the passage of time and the progression of generations from the Flood to the advent of Abraham, underscoring the orderly unfolding of God's redemptive plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 11:20, though a simple genealogical entry, is rich with theological significance. It stands as a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and patience in preserving a chosen lineage amidst human sin and dispersion, particularly following the rebellion at Babel. This verse underscores the historical continuity of God's redemptive plan, demonstrating that even in seemingly mundane acts of procreation, God is sovereignly orchestrating events across generations. It highlights the divine commitment to a specific ancestral path, preparing the way for the establishment of His foundational covenant with Abraham, through whom all nations would eventually be blessed. The very existence of Reu and Serug, meticulously recorded, signifies God's deliberate and purposeful work in history, ensuring the fulfillment of His promises.

* [Genesis 5:1-32](/genesis/5-1-32 "The Pre-Flood Genealogies")
* [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "The Call of Abram and the Covenant Promise")
* [Luke 3:23-38](/luke/3-23-38 "The Genealogy of Jesus Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While Genesis 11:20 may appear to be a mere historical record, it offers profound insights for contemporary reflection and application. It serves as a powerful reminder that every life, no matter how briefly documented in Scripture, plays a necessary and divinely ordained role in God's grand narrative of redemption. Just as Reu's existence and procreation were crucial for the unfolding of God's redemptive plan leading to Abraham, so too are our seemingly ordinary lives woven into His larger, eternal tapestry. This verse encourages us to embrace a long-term perspective on God's work, understanding that His plans often unfold patiently over generations, with our present actions contributing to a future reality orchestrated by Him. It fosters an appreciation for our spiritual heritage, recognizing that God has consistently worked throughout history to bring about salvation through a specific lineage that culminates in Christ, inviting us to consider our own place within this ongoing story of faith and divine purpose.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the meticulous nature of biblical genealogies, like Genesis 11:20, deepen your appreciation for God's faithfulness across generations?**
* **In what ways might your seemingly ordinary life be contributing to God's larger, long-term purposes, even if you don't see the full picture now?**
* **How does acknowledging your spiritual heritage, rooted in God's historical work, impact your sense of identity and mission today?**

### FAQ
**Why are these genealogies so brief compared to other biblical narratives?**

Answer: The brevity of verses like [Genesis 11:20](/genesis/11-20 "Genesis 11:20 - Reu Begets Serug") in these genealogies serves a specific theological and historical purpose: to establish the direct, unbroken lineage from Noah to Abraham. The focus is not on individual biographies or dramatic events but on the continuity of the divinely chosen line through which God's redemptive plan would unfold. The "begat" formula efficiently demonstrates this historical progression without unnecessary detail, emphasizing the crucial links in the chain leading to the covenant with Abraham and, ultimately, to Christ.

**Does this verse have any direct relevance for believers today?**

Answer: While not a command or a moral lesson in itself, [Genesis 11:20](/genesis/11-20 "Genesis 11:20 - Reu Begets Serug") is highly relevant as it underscores God's faithfulness and patience in working through generations. It reminds us that God's plans are long-term and often involve seemingly ordinary individuals. It encourages us to see our own lives as part of a larger divine narrative, contributing to God's ongoing work in the world, and to appreciate the historical foundation upon which our faith is built. It also highlights the meticulous way God prepared the way for the coming of the Messiah, ensuring the lineage was preserved.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 11:20, by meticulously tracing the lineage through Reu and Serug, contributes directly and indispensably to the grand messianic genealogy that culminates in Jesus Christ. Serug, the son of Reu, is explicitly named in the genealogy of Jesus presented in [Luke 3:35](/luke/3-35 "Luke 3:35 - Serug in Jesus' Genealogy"), affirming his vital place in the ancestral line that leads to the promised Seed. This seemingly minor verse thus powerfully points to Christ by demonstrating God's meticulous and sovereign preservation of a specific human lineage, ensuring that the covenant promises made to Abraham in [Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - All Families Blessed Through Abraham")—that through his offspring all the families of the earth would be blessed—would ultimately be fulfilled. The existence of Reu and Serug, recorded here, represents another deliberate step in God's unfolding plan to bring forth the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), who would take away the sin of the world, making this seemingly simple genealogical entry a foundational stone in the edifice of salvation history culminating in the person and work of [Jesus Christ, our Lord](/romans/10-9 "Romans 10:9 - Confess Jesus as Lord").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 3:35

Which was [the son] of Saruch, which was [the son] of Ragau, which was [the son] of Phalec, which was [the son] of Heber, which was [the son] of Sala,