for רְעִי in the sense of רֵעַ; friend; Reu, a postdiluvian patriarch; Reu.
Transliteration:Rᵉʻûw
Pronunciation:reh-oo'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H7466}}`, transliterated as *Rᵉʻûw* (Reu), functions primarily as a proper noun, designating a postdiluvian patriarch. Its base definition indicates a derivation from רְעִי (re'i) in the sense of רֵעַ (rea'), meaning "friend," "companion," or "neighbor." Thus, while `{{H7466}}` itself refers to an individual, the underlying semantic root points to the concept of companionship and close relationship. This connection to `{{H7453}}` (rea') is crucial for understanding the potential layers of meaning embedded within the name. The broader semantic field also includes `{{H7462}}` (ra'ah), which signifies "to shepherd," "to tend," and by extension, "to associate with" or "to befriend," suggesting a protective and relational aspect.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Reu (`{{H7466}}`) appears exclusively within the genealogical records of the Old Testament. His primary occurrences are found in the book of Genesis and later reiterated in 1 Chronicles:
* **[[Genesis 11:18-21]]**: Here, Reu is introduced as the son of Peleg and the father of Serug. He is presented as part of the lineage from Shem, Noah's son, leading directly to Terah and ultimately to Abraham. The text notes his age at the birth of his son (32 years) and his total lifespan (207 years), a typical pattern for the patriarchal genealogies in this period.
* **[[1 Chronicles 1:25]]**: This verse serves as a concise recapitulation of the same patriarchal line, confirming Reu's place within the ancestry of Abraham.
In both contexts, Reu's role is purely genealogical. He is not depicted with any specific narrative actions or character traits; his significance lies solely in his position as a vital link in the divinely preserved lineage that would ultimately lead to the covenant people. His existence marks a specific point in the post-Flood history, bridging the gap between the dispersion at Babel and the call of Abraham.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation to `{{H7466}}` is `{{H7453}}` (rea'), meaning "friend," "companion," or "neighbor." This root is pervasive in the Hebrew Bible, describing various forms of interpersonal relationships, from intimate friendship ([[Proverbs 18:24]]) to one's fellow human being ([[Leviticus 19:18]]). Another significant related term is `{{H7462}}` (ra'ah), the verb "to shepherd" or "to tend," which also carries the nuance of "to associate with" or "to befriend." This connection suggests that the name Reu might subtly evoke concepts of communal belonging, mutual care, or even divine oversight. The broader concepts tied to Reu's existence include:
* **Genealogy**: The meticulous tracing of lineage, crucial for establishing identity, inheritance, and the fulfillment of divine promises.
* **Patriarchs**: The foundational figures of early biblical history, through whom God's plan unfolds.
* **Salvation History**: Reu's place within the line from Noah to Abraham highlights the continuous, unfolding nature of God's redemptive purpose for humanity.
### Theological Significance
Although Reu is a silent figure in the biblical narrative, his theological significance is profound due to his position in the Messianic lineage. He is a crucial link in the chain from Noah to Abraham, and subsequently to David and ultimately to Christ ([[Matthew 1:1-17]], [[Luke 3:23-38]]). His inclusion in these genealogies underscores God's faithfulness in preserving a chosen line through which His covenant promises would be realized.
The very meaning of his name, "friend," while not explicitly tied to Reu's character in the text, can be seen as a subtle theological echo. It foreshadows the nature of God's relationship with Abraham, who would famously be called "the friend of God" ([[Isaiah 41:8]], [[James 2:23]]). In this sense, Reu's name, though applied to a seemingly unremarkable individual, points to the overarching theme of divine friendship and covenantal relationship that defines God's interaction with humanity, particularly through His chosen people. His lifespan, like those of other pre-Abrahamic patriarchs, also contributes to the biblical chronology, demonstrating the gradual decrease in human longevity after the Flood and before the Mosaic era, a subtle witness to the consequences of sin and the unfolding of God's sovereign plan.
### Summary
Reu (`{{H7466}}`) is a postdiluvian patriarch whose name, derived from the Hebrew word for "friend," signifies a connection to companionship and mutual relationship. His biblical appearances are exclusively within the genealogies of Genesis and 1 Chronicles, where he serves as a vital link in the lineage from Noah to Abraham. Though no narrative actions are attributed to him, his inclusion is critical for establishing the unbroken line through which God's covenant promises would be fulfilled, culminating in the person of Jesus Christ. The theological significance of Reu lies in his silent yet essential contribution to salvation history, demonstrating God's faithful preservation of a chosen line and subtly reflecting the theme of divine friendship that characterizes God's relationship with humanity.
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