What number verse is Genesis 11:21 in the Bible?

Genesis 11:21 is the 288th verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Genesis 11:21 sits at position 288.

Translation

King James Version

And Reu lived after he begat Serug two hundred and seven years, and begat sons and daughters.

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KJV (with Strong's)

And Reu ^H7466 lived ^H2421 after ^H310 he begat ^H3205 Serug ^H8286 two hundred ^{H3967 H8141} and seven ^H7651 years ^H8141, and begat ^H3205 sons ^H1121 and daughters ^H1323.

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Complete Jewish Bible

After S’rug was born, Re‘u lived another 207 years and had sons and daughters.

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Berean Standard Bible

And after he had become the father of Serug, Reu lived 207 years and had other sons and daughters.

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American Standard Version

and Reu lived after he begat Serug two hundred and seven years, and begat sons and daughters.

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World English Bible Messianic

Reu lived two hundred seven years after he became the father of Serug, and became the father of sons and daughters.

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Geneva Bible (1599)

So Reu liued, after he begate Serug, two hundreth and seuen yeeres, and begate sonnes and daughters.

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Young's Literal Translation

And Reu liveth after his begetting Serug two hundred and seven years, and begetteth sons and daughters.

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In the KJVVerse 288 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Genesis 11:21 meticulously records a vital link in the post-Flood patriarchal lineage, stating that Reu lived two hundred and seven years after begetting Serug, during which time he also begat other sons and daughters. This seemingly simple genealogical entry is crucial for tracing the unbroken line from Noah's son Shem to Abraham, thereby underscoring God's precise and faithful preservation of the promised seed through whom His redemptive plan would ultimately unfold for all humanity.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: This verse is embedded within the detailed genealogical record of Shem's descendants, spanning Genesis 11:10-26. Following the dramatic account of the Tower of Babel, this genealogy serves as a pivotal bridge, connecting the broader history of humanity after the Flood to the specific, focused narrative of God's covenant with Abraham. Each entry in this section follows a consistent formula: "X lived Y years and begat Z; and X lived after he begat Z A years, and begat sons and daughters; and all the days of X were B years, and he died." This repetitive structure emphasizes the continuity of life, the passing of generations, and the divine preservation of a specific lineage leading to the patriarch of faith. Reu, as the fifth generation from Shem, is an indispensable link, connecting Peleg to Serug, and thus forming a crucial part of the ancestral chain that culminates in Terah and Abram.
Historical & Cultural Context: In the ancient Near East, genealogies were far more than mere lists of names; they served critical functions, establishing identity, validating land claims, demonstrating lineage for leadership, and preserving tribal memory. They were records of historical continuity and social structure. The decreasing lifespans observed in this chapter, with Reu living 239 years in total (32 + 207), stand in stark contrast to the vastly longer lives of pre-Flood patriarchs like Methuselah, who lived 969 years. This decline reflects a significant shift in human vitality in the post-Flood world, possibly due to environmental changes, the cumulative effects of sin, or a direct divine alteration in the human lifespan, underscoring humanity's increasing mortality and dependence on God's grace. The mention of "sons and daughters" beyond the named heir (Serug) reflects the common practice of families having multiple children to ensure the continuation of the family line and the growth of the population, fulfilling God's command to "be fruitful and multiply" given to Noah in Genesis 9:1.
Key Themes: The primary theme underscored by Genesis 11:21 and the surrounding genealogies is the divine faithfulness and preservation of a chosen lineage. Despite humanity's rebellion at Babel, God meticulously maintains the line through which His redemptive plan will unfold. Each "begat" is a testament to God's unwavering commitment to His promises, ensuring that the "seed" promised in Genesis 3:15 will continue. Another significant theme is the decreasing human lifespan, which serves as a theological marker of the escalating impact of the Fall and sin on human existence. This decline highlights humanity's progressive separation from the original vitality of Eden and the increasing grip of mortality, setting the stage for the need for ultimate redemption. Finally, the sovereignty of God in human history is evident, as He orchestrates the lives and generations of individuals, even in seemingly mundane details, to fulfill His overarching redemptive purpose, guiding history toward the ultimate revelation of His covenant with Abraham in Genesis 12.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Genesis 11:21 states, "And Reu lived after he begat Serug two hundred and seven years, and begat sons and daughters." This verse, like others in this genealogical segment, provides a concise summary of a patriarch's life, focusing on the birth of his primary heir and the duration of his life thereafter, while also noting the broader continuation of his family.

Key Word Analysis

lived (Hebrew, châyâh', H2421): A primitive root meaning "to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive." In this context, it denotes the biological continuation of life, emphasizing the longevity of the patriarchs and the unbroken chain of existence. The use of this verb highlights God's sustained blessing of life even in a post-Fall, post-Flood world, ensuring the propagation of humanity.
begat (Hebrew, yâlad', H3205): A primitive root meaning "to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage." This verb is central to the genealogical formula, underscoring the direct paternal lineage. It signifies the act of procreation and the establishment of the next generation, vital for tracing the ancestral line that leads to the Messiah. Its repetition emphasizes the divine command to be fruitful and multiply.
sons (Hebrew, bên', H1121): Meaning "a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition, etc.)."
daughters (Hebrew, bath', H1323): Meaning "a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)." The inclusion of "sons and daughters" beyond the named heir (Serug) signifies the normal family unit and the broader population growth, affirming the general command for humanity to fill the earth, even as the narrative focuses on the specific messianic line.

Verse Breakdown

"And Reu lived after he begat Serug two hundred and seven years": This clause provides a precise chronological detail, dating Reu's life relative to the birth of his son, Serug. According to Genesis 11:20, Reu was 32 years old when Serug was born. Therefore, his total lifespan was 32 + 207 = 239 years. This specific dating is crucial for the meticulous biblical chronology, allowing for the calculation of time from creation to the patriarchs and beyond. It also continues the pattern of significantly decreasing lifespans compared to the antediluvian patriarchs, a theological indicator of humanity's increasing mortality.
"and begat sons and daughters": This concluding phrase, a standard element in these genealogies, indicates that Reu had other children in addition to Serug, who is singled out as the primary heir for the purpose of tracing the messianic line. While the names of these other children are not recorded, their mention highlights the ongoing fulfillment of God's command to humanity to "be fruitful and multiply" (Genesis 9:1). It also implies the establishment of a broader family and clan, contributing to the growth of the post-Flood population, even as the biblical narrative narrows its focus to the specific lineage of promise.

Literary Devices

The primary literary device at play in Genesis 11:21 and the surrounding genealogical passages is Formulaic Language and Repetition. The consistent structure ("X lived Y years and begat Z; and X lived after he begat Z A years, and begat sons and daughters; and all the days of X were B years, and he died") creates a predictable rhythm that emphasizes continuity and the passage of time. This repetition serves to reinforce the historical reliability of the lineage and the divine order in the progression of generations. Furthermore, the inclusion of specific numerical data for lifespans and ages at fatherhood points to Precision and Verisimilitude, lending an air of historical accuracy to the narrative, even if the numbers themselves carry symbolic or theological weight. The contrast in lifespans between the pre-Flood and post-Flood eras also functions as a form of Theological Symbolism, subtly communicating the escalating consequences of sin and the progressive decline of human vitality.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

The meticulous detailing of genealogies, such as the entry for Reu in Genesis 11:21, might appear dry, but it profoundly underscores God's unwavering faithfulness and the precise unfolding of His redemptive plan. Each "begat" is not merely a biological fact but a theological statement, affirming God's active preservation of a specific lineage through which the promised deliverer would come. This continuity, even amidst human sin and dispersion (as seen at Babel), demonstrates God's sovereignty over history, guiding humanity towards His ultimate purposes. The decreasing lifespans, evident in Reu's 239 years compared to earlier patriarchs, serve as a stark reminder of the cumulative impact of the Fall and the increasing grip of mortality on humanity, highlighting the urgent need for divine intervention and the ultimate conquest of death.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

While Genesis 11:21 might seem like a mere historical detail in a long list of names, it offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God works through long stretches of time and through ordinary families to accomplish His extraordinary purposes. Every generation, including our own, plays a part in His larger story, even in seemingly mundane details like a birth or a lifespan. This verse encourages us to trust in God's faithfulness across generations, recognizing that His grand plan unfolds through consistent, sometimes quiet, acts of providence. It grounds our faith in a historical reality, assuring us that God is actively involved in the lineage of humanity, guiding it towards His ultimate redemptive climax. We are called to recognize our place in this ongoing story, to live faithfully in our own generation, and to contribute to the legacy of faith that will be passed on to those who come after us, trusting that God's purposes will prevail through all ages.

Questions for Reflection

How does understanding the meticulous nature of biblical genealogies, like Reu's, deepen your trust in God's faithfulness to His long-term plans?
In what ways can we, in our own lives and families, contribute to the "legacy of faith" that is passed down through generations?
What does the theme of decreasing lifespans in Genesis 11 teach us about the consequences of sin and the human condition, and how does this point to our need for a Savior?

FAQ

Why are these genealogies so meticulously detailed in the Bible?

Answer: The meticulous detailing of genealogies, such as Reu's entry in Genesis 11:21, serves several crucial purposes. Primarily, they establish the historical authenticity and continuity of the biblical narrative, connecting key figures and events through an unbroken chain of descent. For the original Israelite audience, they validated tribal claims, inheritance rights, and the historical reality of their covenant relationship with God. Theologically, they demonstrate God's unwavering faithfulness in preserving a specific lineage—the line of the promised "seed" from Genesis 3:15—through which His covenant promises would be fulfilled and the Messiah would ultimately come. They show that God's grand plan unfolds precisely through specific individuals and generations, highlighting His sovereignty over human history.

What is the significance of the decreasing lifespans seen in Genesis 11?

Answer: The gradual decrease in human lifespans, from the centuries-long lives of pre-Flood patriarchs (e.g., Methuselah at 969 years) to figures like Reu, who lived 239 years, is a significant thematic element in Genesis 11. Theologically, it is widely understood as a consequence of the Fall and the cumulative impact of sin on humanity, leading to a progressive decline in vitality and an acceleration towards mortality. It may also reflect changes in the post-Flood environment or a direct divine alteration to the human constitution. This trend underscores humanity's increasing separation from the original state of Eden and the pervasive power of death, thereby highlighting the profound need for divine intervention and redemption to overcome mortality.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

The seemingly dry genealogical record in Genesis 11:21 is profoundly Christ-centered, as Reu's life and progeny represent a vital, divinely preserved link in the unbroken chain leading directly to the Messiah. Each "begat" in this lineage, from Adam through Noah, Shem, and Reu, meticulously traces the path God sovereignly maintained to bring forth the promised seed. This verse, by affirming the continuation of Reu's line through Serug, ensures the historical and biological continuity necessary for the eventual birth of Abraham, through whom the covenant promises of a Savior would be established. The meticulous preservation of this lineage culminates in Jesus Christ, the ultimate "seed" of the woman (Galatians 3:16), the Son of David (Matthew 1:1), and the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). Thus, Reu's existence, like every name in the biblical genealogies, points forward to the fulfillment of God's redemptive purposes in Christ.

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Commentary on Genesis 11 verses 10–26

10 ¶ These are the generations of Shem: Shem was an hundred years old, and begat Arphaxad two years after the flood:

11 And Shem lived after he begat Arphaxad five hundred years, and begat sons and daughters.

12 And Arphaxad lived five and thirty years, and begat Salah:

13 And Arphaxad lived after he begat Salah four hundred and three years, and begat sons and daughters.

14 And Salah lived thirty years, and begat Eber:

15 And Salah lived after he begat Eber four hundred and three years, and begat sons and daughters.

16 And Eber lived four and thirty years, and begat Peleg:

17 And Eber lived after he begat Peleg four hundred and thirty years, and begat sons and daughters.

18 And Peleg lived thirty years, and begat Reu:

19 And Peleg lived after he begat Reu two hundred and nine years, and begat sons and daughters.

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

21 And Reu lived after he begat Serug two hundred and seven years, and begat sons and daughters.

22 And Serug lived thirty years, and begat Nahor:

23 And Serug lived after he begat Nahor two hundred years, and begat sons and daughters.

24 And Nahor lived nine and twenty years, and begat Terah:

25 And Nahor lived after he begat Terah an hundred and nineteen years, and begat sons and daughters.

26 And Terah lived seventy years, and begat Abram, Nahor, and Haran.

We have here a genealogy, not an endless genealogy, for here it ends in Abram, the friend of God, and leads further to Christ, the promised seed, who was the son of Abram, and from Abram the genealogy of Christ is reckoned (Mat 1:1, etc.); so that put ch. 5, ch. 11, and Mt. 1, together, and you have such an entire genealogy of Jesus Christ as cannot be produced, for aught I know, concerning any person in the world, out of his line, and at such a distance from the fountain-head. And, laying these three genealogies together, we shall find that twice ten, and thrice fourteen, generations or descents, passed between the first and second Adam, making it clear concerning Christ that he was not only the Son of Abraham, but the Son of man, and the seed of woman. Observe here, 1. Nothing is left upon record concerning those of this line but their names and ages, the Holy Ghost seeming to hasten through them to the story of Abram. How little do we know of those that have gone before us in this world, even those that lived in the same places where we live, as we likewise know little of those that are our contemporaries in distant places! we have enough to do to mind the work of our own day, and let God alone to require that which is past, Ecc 3:15. 2. There was an observable gradual decrease in the years of their lives. Shem reached to 600 years, which yet fell short of the age of the patriarchs before the flood; the next three came short of 500; the next three did not reach to 300; after them we read not of any that attained to 200, except Terah; and, not many ages after this, Moses reckoned seventy, or eighty, to be the utmost men ordinarily arrive at. When the earth began to be replenished, men's lives began to shorten; so that the decrease is to be imputed to the wise disposal of Providence, rather than to any decay of nature. For the elect's sake, men's days are shortened; and, being evil, it is well they are few, and attain not to the years of the lives of our fathers, Gen 47:9. 3. Eber, from whom the Hebrews were denominated, was the longest-lived of any that was born after the flood, which perhaps was the reward of his singular piety and strict adherence to the ways of God.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 10–26. Public domain.

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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.

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