Reuel(2)
Reuel in the Bible — Moses' father-in-law (EXO 2:18, NUM 10:29). Referenced in 8 scripture passages.
Name meaning: “the shepherd or friend of God”
Profile
- Gender
- male
- Scripture References
- 8 references
- Known Names
- 5 names
- Relationships
- 3 connections
Biography
Reuel was a male Kenite who is best known as Moses' father-in-law, a relationship explicitly noted in Exodus 2:18 and Numbers 10:29. His tribal affiliation is not specified, but he is identified as a Kenite in Judges 1:16. This connection places him within the broader Midianite context as the priest of Midian.
Names & Titles
The name Reuel means 'friend of God [El],' reflecting a personal or familial relationship with the God of Israel. He is also known as Jethro, meaning 'remainder,' and holds the title 'Priest of Midian,' indicating his religious role among the Midianites. Additionally, he is referred to as 'the Kenite,' highlighting his ethnic identity, and Hobab, meaning 'beloved' or possibly 'deceit,' is associated with his lineage.
Family
Reuel is the father of Zipporah and Hobab, both relationships inferred from scriptural references in Exodus 2:21 and Numbers 10:29 respectively. He is also connected as an ancestor to Heber, as noted in Judges 4:11. These familial ties situate him within the Midianite and Kenite genealogies relevant to the Exodus narrative.
Significance
Reuel's significance in the biblical narrative centers on his role as Moses' father-in-law, providing a familial and cultural link between Moses and the Midianite people. As a Kenite and priest of Midian, he represents a key figure in the Midianite society, which becomes intertwined with Israel's history through Moses' marriage to Zipporah. His presence underscores God's providential provision for Moses during his exile and preparation for leading Israel.
Names & Labels (5)
- Hebrew
- רְעוּאֵ֖ל
- Transliteration
- rəuel
- Meaning
- friend of G-d [El]
- Greek
- Ραγουηλ
- Reference
- EXO 2:18
- Strong's
- H7467
- Hebrew
- יִתְר֥וֹ
- Transliteration
- yitəro
- Meaning
- remainder
- Greek
- Ιοθορ
- Reference
- EXO 3:1
- Strong's
- H3503
- Hebrew
- כֹּהֵ֣ן מִדְיָ֑ן
- Transliteration
- kohen midəyan
- Meaning
- priest of Midian
- Greek
- ερέως Μαδιαμ
- Reference
- EXO 3:1
- Strong's
- H3548, H4080
- Hebrew
- הַקֵּינִ֔י
- Transliteration
- haqeyniy
- Meaning
- the Kenite
- Greek
- Καιναῖον
- Reference
- JDG 1:16
- Strong's
- H7017
- Hebrew
- חֹבָ֖ב
- Transliteration
- hovav
- Meaning
- beloved; [poss.] deceit
- Greek
- Ιωβαβ
- Reference
- JDG 4:11
- Strong's
- H2246
Notes
Reuel was a Kenite (JDG 1:16)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Reuel in the Bible?
Reuel was a male Kenite who is best known as Moses' father-in-law, a relationship explicitly noted in Exodus 2:18 and Numbers 10:29. His tribal affiliation is not specified, but he is identified as a Kenite in Judges 1:16. This connection places him within the broader Midianite context as the priest of Midian.
What does the name Reuel mean?
The name Reuel means “the shepherd or friend of God” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.