Rav Huna, a second-generation Babylonian Amora, was born in the third century in the town of Drukeret in Babylonia. His father was named Natan, and he descended from the family of the Exilarch, to whose household he remained close. His wife was Chova; among their children was Rabbah bar Rav Huna.

He studied Torah under Rav and Shmuel. In his youth he was very poor: he worked the land himself and once had to pawn his belt to buy wine for the Shabbat Kiddush. Rav then blessed him with wealth. He later traded in wine, prospered and became rich.

After the death of Shmuel he was appointed head of the academy of Sura, which he led for some forty years. His regular students numbered eight hundred, all supported at his expense, and thirteen Amoraim from among his disciples relayed his words to the crowds of listeners. Rav Chisda, Rav Sheshet and Rabbah were among his students.

His generosity was renowned. The Talmud relates that when he was about to eat, he would open the doors of his house and say: "Whoever is in need, let him come and eat" (Taanit 20b).

He died in 4057 (297 CE), at more than eighty years of age. At his request his remains were brought up to the Land of Israel and buried beside Rabbi Chiya, in the burial cave of Rabbi Chiya and his sons; the Talmud explains that both had spread Torah among the Jewish people (Moed Katan 25a).