Strong's Lexicon R'uw: To associate with, to be a friend, to companion. Original Word: רְעוּ Word Origin: Derived from the root רָעָה (ra'ah), which means "to pasture" or "to tend." Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The Greek equivalent often used in the Septuagint for similar concepts is ποιμαίνω (poimaino), which means "to shepherd" or "to tend." This is seen in the New Testament, such as in John 10:11, where Jesus describes Himself as the "good shepherd." Usage: The Hebrew verb רְעוּ (R'uw) primarily conveys the idea of companionship or association. It is often used in contexts where individuals are described as being in close relationship or fellowship with one another. This term emphasizes the aspect of mutual support, care, and shared experiences, akin to the relationship between shepherd and sheep, which is a common metaphor in biblical literature. Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient Hebrew culture, relationships and community were central to daily life. The concept of companionship was not merely about social interaction but involved deep bonds of loyalty, trust, and mutual responsibility. The pastoral lifestyle of ancient Israel, where shepherds tended their flocks, serves as a backdrop for understanding the relational dynamics implied by רְעוּ. Shepherds were seen as protectors and guides, and this imagery is often used to describe God's relationship with His people. Brown-Driver-Briggs רְעוּ proper name, masculine (properly name of a god, DuvalZA vi.126 MezHarrân 23, compare HomA. u. A. ii. 208); — son of Peleg: Genesis 11:18,19,20,21(P), 1 Chronicles 1:25; Ραγαυ. Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Reu For r'iy in the sense of rea'; friend; Reu, a postdiluvian patriarch -- Reu. see HEBREW r'iy see HEBREW rea' Forms and Transliterations רְע֔וּ רְע֗וּ רְעֽוּ׃ רעו רעו׃ rə‘ū rə·‘ū reULinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 11:18 HEB: וַיּ֖וֹלֶד אֶת־ רְעֽוּ׃ NAS: years, and became the father of Reu; KJV: years, and begat Reu: INT: years and became of Reu Genesis 11:19 Genesis 11:20 Genesis 11:21 1 Chronicles 1:25 5 Occurrences |
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