Who was Ragau?

Ragau (Greek: Ῥαγαῦ, Rhagau; Hebrew equivalent: Reu, רְעוּ), was a descendant of Shem and an ancestor of Jesus Christ. He is mentioned in Luke 3:35 as part of the genealogy of Jesus. His name in Hebrew, Reu, means “friend” or “pasture”, reflecting connotations of companionship, rest, or provision. Ragau is the Greek form used in the Septuagint and the New Testament for the Hebrew name Reu, who appears in the genealogical record of Genesis.

Ragau (Reu) is known primarily through genealogical listings, both in the Old and New Testaments. Though the biblical record provides few details about his life, his inclusion in the genealogical line of Christ reveals his significance in God’s redemptive plan.

Biblical References

• Luke 3:35 – “the son of Serug, the son of Ragau, the son of Peleg, the son of Eber, the son of Shelah.”

• Genesis 11:18-21 – “When Reu had lived 32 years, he became the father of Serug…”

• 1 Chronicles 1:25 – “Eber, Peleg, Reu.”

These references show Ragau’s place in the post-Flood lineage of Shem, linking him to the patriarchs and ultimately to the Messiah.

Genealogical Significance

Ragau is the son of Peleg and the father of Serug. His line is traced directly from Shem (the son of Noah) and continues through to Abraham. This means Ragau stands within the line of promise—the genealogical path through which God would eventually bring the Savior into the world.

In Genesis 11, Reu is born during a transitional time in human history. He is born after the division of nations at Babel (Genesis 11:1–9), which took place during the days of his father Peleg (“in his days the earth was divided”). Though we are not told explicitly how Reu responded to the scattering of nations or the idolatry that would follow, his faithful lineage continues, suggesting that his family line remained set apart for God’s purpose.

What It Means for Today’s Christians

Though Ragau’s story is brief and contains no recorded acts or personal words, his presence in the genealogy of Jesus emphasizes an essential truth: every person matters in God’s redemptive story. God works through generations, often unseen, to accomplish His purposes.

This reminds Christians today that faithfulness in one generation can bear fruit in many generations to come. While modern culture often celebrates immediate impact, the inclusion of Ragau in Scripture encourages believers to walk in obedience and trust God‘s long-term purposes—even when their lives seem ordinary or hidden.

Connection to Jesus and the Gospel

Ragau’s appearance in Luke 3 connects him directly to the Messiah’s human lineage. Luke’s genealogy traces Jesus’ heritage all the way back to Adam, emphasizing Christ‘s role as the Savior for all humanity. As one of the human links between Adam and Christ, Ragau helps to demonstrate Jesus’ fulfillment of prophecy as the “Seed of the woman” (Genesis 3:15) and the promised descendant of Abraham (Genesis 12:3).

This lineage confirms that Jesus came into the world through real human history. Ragau was one of many who lived, died, and passed on the line of promise—showing the faithfulness of God in preserving a remnant, generation after generation, until the fullness of time.

Broader Biblical Themes

1. God’s Sovereignty Over Generations

Ragau’s inclusion in biblical genealogies highlights the truth that God is sovereign over history. Even when individuals seem insignificant or overlooked, God is at work behind the scenes.

2. Faithfulness in the Midst of a Fallen World

Ragau lived in a time marked by dispersion, disobedience, and the early rise of paganism following the Tower of Babel. Yet God continued His redemptive plan through a faithful remnant.

3. The Importance of Legacy

The line from Shem to Abraham reveals the importance of family, generational blessing, and covenant continuity. Ragau was a part of this legacy. Christians today are called to live in such a way that they too pass on faith to the next generation.

4. Christ as the Fulfillment of All Things

Every name in Luke 3 leads to Christ. These genealogies aren’t just historical records—they are gospel testimonies. Jesus is the goal and culmination of human history.

Reflection Questions

1. How does Ragau’s place in the genealogy of Jesus encourage you to view your own life and legacy?

2. In what ways are you investing in the spiritual health of the next generation?

3. How does God’s faithfulness across generations strengthen your trust in His promises?

4. What does it mean to be part of God’s redemptive story, even if your role seems quiet or behind the scenes?

5. How can you be faithful today, knowing your actions may have eternal consequences beyond your lifetime?

Though silent in Scripture, Ragau speaks through his placement in God’s grand narrative, reminding believers that even seemingly small lives are part of God‘s big gospel plan.