Old Testament

Genesis 11:20

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

Reu was a significant figure in the lineage of the early patriarchs.

Author
Traditionally attributed to Moses
Written
Around 1400 BC
Genre
Law (Pentateuch)
Original Audience
The Israelites in the wilderness
CBTClear Bible Translation

When Reu was thirty-two years old, he became the father of Serug.

KJVKing James Version

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

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

Reu was a significant figure in the lineage of the early patriarchs. At the age of thirty-two, he became a father to Serug, continuing the family line that would play a crucial role in biblical history. This moment highlights the importance of family and legacy in the ancient world. Each generation builds upon the last, creating a tapestry of relationships and stories. Reu's life, though briefly mentioned, contributes to the unfolding narrative of humanity's journey with God. It reminds us that every individual has a part to play in the larger story of life. The act of becoming a parent is a profound milestone, symbolizing hope and continuity. Reu's experience reflects the universal themes of growth, responsibility, and the passage of time, which resonate with us today. His story encourages us to consider our own legacies and the impact we have on future generations, reminding us that our lives are interconnected in meaningful ways. Every birth is a new beginning, filled with potential and promise.

How to apply Genesis 11:20 to your life

Reflect on your own family history and the legacy you want to leave behind. Consider how your actions today can influence future generations. Embrace the role of nurturing relationships and building connections that matter. Every moment counts in shaping the future, so make it meaningful. Your life story is part of a larger narrative that continues to unfold every day.

Curated for this public verse page. Genesis Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Genesis 11:20 mean?

Genesis 11:20 states that Reu became a father to Serug at the age of thirty-two. This verse highlights the importance of family lineage in biblical history, showing how each generation contributes to the unfolding story of humanity.

What is the significance of Reu in Genesis 11:20?

Reu is a notable figure in the genealogy of the patriarchs, and his role as a father to Serug emphasizes the continuity of family and legacy in the biblical narrative.

What does the phrase 'became the father of' mean in Genesis 11:20?

The phrase 'became the father of' indicates the moment Reu had a child, marking a significant milestone in his life and contributing to the ongoing lineage that is important in the Bible.

How does Genesis 11:20 relate to family legacy?

Genesis 11:20 illustrates the concept of family legacy by showing how each generation, like Reu's, plays a crucial role in the larger narrative of history and faith, emphasizing the importance of nurturing relationships.

The Book of Genesis
Book Summary

The Book of Genesis

Genesis 1: Creation

God creates the heaven and the earth, and the earth is without form and void, covered in darkness as His Spirit moves upon the waters. He speaks light into existence, separates it from darkness, and names them Day and Night. He divides the waters with a firmament called Heaven, gathers the lower waters to reveal dry land called Earth, and commands the earth to bring forth grass, herbs, and fruit trees yielding seed after their kind. He sets the sun, moon, and stars in the firmament to divide day from night, to give light, and to mark seasons, days, and years. He fills the waters with living creatures and the air with fowl, blessing them to multiply, then creates cattle, creeping things, and beasts of the earth. Finally, He creates man in His own image, male and female, gives them dominion over all living things, and appoints every herb and tree for food, and He sees that all He has made is very good.

Premium

Unlock the full Genesis summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of Genesis — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 50 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of Genesis summarized in clear, modern English

How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points

Permanent access — read anytime, on any device

Best Value

Best value • Save over 90%

or

One-time purchase • Access anytime

ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.

Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.