Genesis 11:20 - Reu lived thirty-two years, and became the father of Serug.
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What does "Genesis 11:20" mean?
This verse is part of the genealogy of Shem in Genesis chapter 11, tracing the lineage from Noah's son Shem down to Abraham. It means exactly what it states:
Reu: This is the name of a man in Shem's line.
lived thirty-two years: This is a statement of Reu's age when his son Serug was born. It's a numerical detail given in the genealogy.
and became the father of Serug: This indicates that Reu was Serug's biological father.
Significance within the Genealogy:
Connecting Generations: This verse, and others like it, serve to connect the generations after the flood with Abraham. They establish a direct line of descent.
Tracking Time (Chronology): While not the primary purpose for modern readers, these numbers were likely understood as contributing to a timeline from creation to Abraham.
Historical/Cultural Context: Genealogies were very important in ancient Near Eastern cultures. They established identity, inheritance rights, and social standing. These verses show a concern with lineage and ancestry.
Spiritual Significance (Perspective): Some see the declining lifespans recorded in this chapter (compared to those before the Flood) as evidence of a gradual decline in human health and spiritual vitality.
In short, the verse is a straightforward statement of familial relationship and age at the time of birth, serving as a building block in a larger genealogical narrative.
Genesis 11:20 - Reu lived thirty-two years, and became the father of Serug.
What does "Genesis 11:20" mean?
This verse is part of the genealogy of Shem in Genesis chapter 11, tracing the lineage from Noah's son Shem down to Abraham. It means exactly what it states:
Reu: This is the name of a man in Shem's line.
lived thirty-two years: This is a statement of Reu's age when his son Serug was born. It's a numerical detail given in the genealogy.
and became the father of Serug: This indicates that Reu was Serug's biological father.
Significance within the Genealogy:
Connecting Generations: This verse, and others like it, serve to connect the generations after the flood with Abraham. They establish a direct line of descent.
Tracking Time (Chronology): While not the primary purpose for modern readers, these numbers were likely understood as contributing to a timeline from creation to Abraham.
Historical/Cultural Context: Genealogies were very important in ancient Near Eastern cultures. They established identity, inheritance rights, and social standing. These verses show a concern with lineage and ancestry.
Spiritual Significance (Perspective): Some see the declining lifespans recorded in this chapter (compared to those before the Flood) as evidence of a gradual decline in human health and spiritual vitality.
In short, the verse is a straightforward statement of familial relationship and age at the time of birth, serving as a building block in a larger genealogical narrative.