רְעוּאֵל (re.u.el)
re.u.el
Reuel
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 10 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Reuel, meaning "friend of God," appears in Genesis and Chronicles as part of Israel’s complex family history. It identifies two distinct figures: a son of Esau who helped establish Edom, and the father-in-law of Moses, also known as Jethro.
In Genesis 36, Reuel is listed among the chiefs of Edom, marking the lineage of Abraham’s brother through Esau. Later, in Exodus, the same name refers to the Midianite priest who sheltered Moses and provided wise counsel during the Israelites’ early wilderness journey. This dual usage highlights how biblical names often connect different branches of a sprawling ancestral tree.
Translators usually render this name as Reuel or Raguel, depending on the manuscript tradition. The consistency of the meaning "friend of God" across these separate individuals suggests a theological theme where even those outside the primary covenant line are recognized by their relationship to the divine.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Reuel carries the gentle meaning 'friend of God.' It appears in Scripture as a bridge between two distinct family lines: the descendants of Esau, who became Edom, and the household of Moses through his father-in-law. This dual presence reminds us that God’s care extends beyond the immediate covenant family to include those connected by marriage and community.
In the wilderness narrative, Reuel (also known as Jethro) offers practical wisdom that strengthens Moses’ leadership. His example shows that godly counsel often comes from unexpected places. Whether in genealogies or life stories, this name points to relationships grounded in reverence for the divine.
For your faith, this word invites you to value connections with others who honor God. It encourages openness to wisdom from diverse backgrounds and trust in God’s providence within your own family tree.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 10 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Reuel11×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- רְעוּאֵל֙2×
- רְעוּאֵֽל\׃2×
- רְעוּאֵ֖ל2×
- רְעוּאֵ֥ל1×
- רְעוּאֵ֣ל1×
- רְעוּאֵ֕ל1×
- רְעוּאֵ֔ל1×
- רְעוּאֵ֑ל1×
Key Verses
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Exodus 2:18
When they came to Reuel, their father, he said, “How is it that you have returned so early today?”
This verse introduces Reuel as the father who welcomes Moses’ sisters, highlighting his role as a host and patriarch in Midian.
-
Numbers 10:29
Moses said to Hobab, the son of Reuel the Midianite, Moses’ father-in-law, “We are journeying to the place of which Yahweh said, ‘I will give it to you.’ Come with us, and we will treat you well; for Yahweh has spoken good concerning Israel.”
Here Reuel is identified as Hobab’s father and Moses’ father-in-law, linking the Midianite priestly line to Israel’s leadership journey.
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Genesis 36:17
These are the sons of Reuel, Esau’s son: chief Nahath, chief Zerah, chief Shammah, chief Mizzah. These are the chiefs who came of Reuel in the land of Edom. These are the sons of Basemath, Esau’s wife.
This passage lists Reuel’s sons as chiefs in Edom, showing how his lineage established political structure among Esau’s descendants.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Reuel mean?
Is Reuel the same person as Jethro?
Why does Reuel appear in both Genesis and Exodus?
What role does Reuel play in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (10 verses across 4 books)
Genesis 4 verses
Adah bore to Esau Eliphaz. Basemath bore Reuel.
Genesis 36:10these are the names of Esau’s sons: Eliphaz, the son of Adah, the wife of Esau; and Reuel, the son of Basemath, the…
Genesis 36:13These are the sons of Reuel: Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah. These were the descendants of Basemath, Esau’s wife.
Genesis 36:17These are the sons of Reuel, Esau’s son: chief Nahath, chief Zerah, chief Shammah, chief Mizzah. These are the chiefs…