Genesis 11:21

Genesis 11:21 (KJV) continues the genealogical record from Noah's son Shem, specifically focusing on Reu, a key figure in the lineage leading to Abraham. This verse states, "And Reu lived after he begat Serug two hundred and seven years, and begat sons and daughters." It provides a snapshot of his life duration after the birth of his son and confirms the continuation of his family line.

Context

This verse is part of what is often called the "Table of Nations" or, more specifically, the post-Flood genealogy in Genesis chapter 11, verses 10-26. It follows the dramatic account of the Tower of Babel and serves as a vital bridge connecting the general history of humanity after the Flood to the specific call of Abraham, the patriarch through whom God would establish His covenant people. Reu is the fifth generation descendant from Shem, connecting Peleg to Serug, and eventually to Terah and Abram.

Key Themes

• Continuity of God's Plan: The meticulous detailing of these genealogies, though seemingly repetitive, underscores God's precise and unbroken plan to preserve a righteous lineage through which His redemptive purposes would unfold, culminating in the birth of the Messiah.
• Decreasing Lifespans: A noticeable theme throughout Genesis 11 is the gradual decrease in human lifespans compared to the pre-Flood patriarchs (e.g., Methuselah lived 969 years). Reu's total lifespan (239 years: 32 + 207) is significantly shorter than his ancestors, reflecting a post-Flood reality and perhaps the cumulative effects of sin.
• Family and Procreation: The phrase "begat sons and daughters" is a standard biblical formula affirming the continuation of the human race and the fulfillment of God's command to "be fruitful and multiply" (Genesis 9:1) even in a world increasingly marked by sin and judgment.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "begat" (יָלַד, yalad) is consistently used throughout these genealogies, emphasizing the direct paternal lineage and the passing down of life from one generation to the next. The names themselves often carry meaning; "Reu" (רְעוּ) can mean "friend" or "shepherd," while "Serug" (שְׂרוּג) means "branch" or "interwoven," though the primary significance here is their role in the biblical timeline rather than their etymology.

Practical Application

While seemingly a dry list of names and numbers, Genesis 11:21, like the rest of the biblical genealogies, offers profound lessons:

• God's Faithfulness Through Generations: It reminds us that God works through long stretches of time and through ordinary families to accomplish His extraordinary purposes. Every generation plays a part in His larger story.
• The Importance of Lineage: For the original audience, these lists validated the historical claims of their ancestry and the promises made to Abraham. For us, it grounds the biblical narrative in real history, demonstrating God's consistent involvement with humanity.
• Purpose in the Mundane: Even seemingly mundane details in Scripture, like this verse, serve a divine purpose, guiding the narrative toward the pivotal moments of God's redemptive plan, such as the call of Abraham and ultimately, the coming of Christ.