1 Chronicles 7:23 (KJV)

What does 1 Chronicles 7:23 mean?

1 Chronicles 7:23 tells how a man went in to his wife, she became pregnant, and gave birth to a son whom he named Beriah, because trouble had come to his family. The verse explains the reason for the son's name, linking it to a time of hardship in the household.

This verse is part of a genealogy listing the descendants of Ephraim, one of Joseph’s sons. The context is that Ephraim’s family had experienced sorrow, likely referring to earlier verses where his sons were killed. Naming the child Beriah, which is connected to the idea of “evil” or “trouble,” reflects the family’s grief and the circumstances surrounding his birth.

The Hebrew behind 1 Chronicles 7:23

• בְּרִיעָה (Beriah, transliterated "Beriah"): This name is given because of the family's misfortune. The name is related to the Hebrew word רַע (ra‘, “evil” or “trouble”), highlighting that the birth took place during a difficult time.
• רַע (ra‘, transliterated "ra"): This word means “evil” or “trouble.” The verse says “it went evil with his house,” showing that the naming of Beriah was directly tied to a painful event in the family.
• בַּיִת (bayit, transliterated "bayit"): This word means “house” or “household.” The trouble affected the whole family, not just an individual, which is why the name carries such weight.

Why 1 Chronicles 7:23 matters

• This verse shows how names in the Bible often carry deep meaning, reflecting personal or family experiences rather than being chosen at random.
• The verse connects the genealogy to real-life events, making the list of names more than just a record—it tells a story of loss and resilience within Ephraim’s family.
• Understanding the reason behind Beriah’s name helps readers see how the Bible weaves together history, emotion, and faith even in brief genealogical notes.