1 Chronicles 7:23

KJV

And when he went in to his wife, she conceived, and bare a son, and he called his name Beriah, because it went evil with his house.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when he went in {H935} to his wife {H802}, she conceived {H2029}, and bare {H3205} a son {H1121}, and he called {H7121} his name {H8034} Beriah {H1283}, because it went evil {H7451} with his house {H1004}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then he had sexual relations with his wife, and she conceived and bore a son whom he called B'ri'ah [in calamity], because his household had suffered a calamity.

Berean Standard Bible

And again he slept with his wife, and she conceived and gave birth to a son. So he named him Beriah, because tragedy had come upon his house.

American Standard Version

And he went in to his wife, and she conceived, and bare a son, and he called his name Beriah, because it went evil with his house.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 7:23 records a poignant moment within the genealogy of Ephraim, detailing the birth of a son named Beriah. This name, meaning "in evil" or "with evil," was bestowed to commemorate a profound family tragedy—the violent death of Ephraim's sons, Ezer and Elead, at the hands of the men of Gath. The verse highlights the ancient Israelite practice of naming children to reflect significant life events, particularly those marked by sorrow and misfortune, thereby embedding personal and communal history directly into the family's identity and memory.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a lengthy genealogical section spanning [1 Chronicles 1-9](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles 1-9 - Genealogies from Adam to the Exile"), which meticulously traces the lineage of Israel from Adam through the various tribes. Specifically, [1 Chronicles 7](/1_chronicles/7 "1 Chronicles 7 - Genealogies of Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Asher") focuses on the tribes of Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Asher. Verses [1 Chronicles 7:20-22](/1_chronicles/7-20 "1 Chronicles 7:20-22 - The Tragedy of Ephraim's Sons") immediately precede our verse, recounting the tragic death of Ephraim's sons, Ezer and Elead, who were slain by the men of Gath while attempting to raid their cattle. The naming of Beriah in verse 23 serves as the direct, emotional consequence and memorial of this calamity, demonstrating how personal suffering was woven into the fabric of the genealogical record, even amidst the Chronicler's broader aim of establishing tribal identity and continuity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, names were far more than mere identifiers; they were often prophetic, descriptive, or commemorative, reflecting the circumstances of birth, parental hopes, or significant events. The practice of naming a child to acknowledge sorrow or a difficult period was common, as seen in Rachel naming her son Ben-Oni ("son of my sorrow") before her death in [Genesis 35:18](/genesis/35-18 "Genesis 35:18 - Rachel's Naming of Ben-Oni"). The "men of Gath" were Philistines, a perennial enemy of Israel, and their presence here underscores the constant dangers faced by early Israelite tribes in establishing and defending their territory. The term "evil" (Hebrew: _ra'_) in this context refers not to moral wickedness but to calamity, misfortune, or disaster that befell the household, highlighting the profound impact of the loss of Ephraim's sons on the family's well-being and future.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several key themes within Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **The Significance of Names**, demonstrating their power to encapsulate personal and communal history, grief, and identity. Secondly, it highlights the **Acknowledgement of Sorrow and Loss** within the divine plan; even in meticulously preserved genealogies, human suffering is not ignored but integrated into the narrative, serving as a testament to the realities of life in a fallen world. Thirdly, despite the tragedy, the verse subtly emphasizes **God's Preservation of Lineage**. The birth of Beriah ensures the continuation of Ephraim's line, which is crucial for the Chronicler's purpose of tracing the continuity of Israel's tribes and their connection to the covenant, ultimately pointing towards the enduring nature of God's promises even through hardship, as seen in the broader narrative of God's faithfulness to Abraham's descendants throughout [the book of Genesis](/genesis/1 "Genesis - The Book of Beginnings").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Beriah (Hebrew, _bĕrîʿāh_):** This name is derived from the Hebrew preposition בְּ (bĕ-, "in" or "with") and the noun רַע (raʿ, "evil" or "calamity"). Thus, Beriah literally means "in evil" or "with evil," directly reflecting the reason given for his naming: "because it went evil with his house." The name serves as a perpetual memorial to the profound sorrow and misfortune that befell Ephraim's family, symbolizing the deep impact of the loss of Ezer and Elead.
* **evil (Hebrew, _raʿ_):** The Hebrew word רַע (_raʿ_) is a broad term that can denote moral evil, wickedness, or, as in this context, misfortune, calamity, or disaster. Here, it specifically refers to the devastating loss of Ephraim's sons, which brought great distress and adversity upon his household. It signifies a state of deep trouble and suffering, underscoring the severity of the event that prompted Beriah's naming.
* **house (Hebrew, _bayit_):** The term בַּיִת (_bayit_), while literally meaning "house" or "physical dwelling," often extends metaphorically to signify "household," "family," "lineage," or "dynasty" in biblical Hebrew. In this verse, "his house" refers to Ephraim's extended family or lineage, indicating that the calamity of his sons' deaths impacted not just him personally but the entire family unit and its future continuity. The naming of Beriah was a response to this broader familial distress.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when he went in to his wife, she conceived, and bare a son":** This phrase describes the natural progression of procreation, emphasizing the continuation of the lineage despite the recent tragedy. The "he" refers to Ephraim, or a direct descendant in his line, whose wife conceived. This act of conception and birth immediately follows the account of loss, highlighting the resilience and divine providence in maintaining the family line.
* **"and he called his name Beriah":** This clause details the specific act of naming the newborn son. The choice of "Beriah" is deliberate and significant, directly linking the child's identity to the family's recent suffering. In ancient Israelite culture, the naming of a child was a weighty act, often reflecting circumstances, hopes, or a memorial of events, as is clearly the case here.
* **"because it went evil with his house":** This final clause provides the explicit etymology and rationale for Beriah's name. The "evil" refers to the calamitous event of Ezer and Elead's deaths, which brought great sorrow and disruption to Ephraim's family. The naming serves as a public and enduring acknowledgment of this profound misfortune, embedding the family's grief into the very identity of the child.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 7:23 is **Etiology**, where the verse explains the origin and meaning of the name "Beriah" by connecting it directly to a preceding event. The name itself becomes a narrative device, serving as a concise summary and perpetual reminder of the family's profound suffering. This etiological naming also functions as a form of **Symbolism**, where the child's name symbolizes the family's collective experience of "evil" or calamity. Furthermore, there's a subtle use of **Contrast** or **Juxtaposition**, as the act of new life (birth) immediately follows and is directly influenced by the recent experience of death and loss. This highlights the ongoing cycle of life and death, joy and sorrow, within the human experience, even as genealogies emphasize continuity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The naming of Beriah in 1 Chronicles 7:23 offers profound theological insights into God's relationship with His people amidst suffering. It demonstrates that even within the meticulously ordered genealogies of Israel, the raw reality of human pain and loss is neither ignored nor sanitized. God's narrative includes the bitter alongside the sweet, acknowledging that His people experience genuine calamity. Yet, the continuation of the lineage through Beriah, despite the "evil" that befell the house, subtly points to God's enduring faithfulness and His sovereign plan to preserve His covenant people. Even when human circumstances are dire, God's purposes for His chosen line persist, ensuring that the necessary connections for His redemptive plan remain unbroken. This passage reminds us that God is present in our sorrow, and even out of profound loss, new life and continuity can emerge, testifying to a deeper, unseen divine hand at work.

* [Genesis 35:18](/genesis/35-18 "Genesis 35:18 - Rachel's Naming of Ben-Oni"): Rachel names her son Ben-Oni ("son of my sorrow") as she dies in childbirth, reflecting her personal suffering, similar to Beriah's name reflecting family tragedy.
* [Ruth 1:20](/ruth/1-20 "Ruth 1:20 - Naomi's Bitter Name"): Naomi, returning to Bethlehem after great loss, tells the women, "Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me," illustrating how personal suffering could lead to a desire for a name change reflecting hardship.
* [Job 1:21](/job/1-21 "Job 1:21 - Job's Response to Loss"): Job's response to immense personal loss—"The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord"—shows a theological perspective on suffering, acknowledging God's sovereignty even in calamity, a deeper theological reflection on the "evil" that can befall a house.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Chronicles 7:23 offers a poignant reminder that life, even within the covenant community, is not immune to profound sorrow and unexpected tragedy. The naming of Beriah is a testament to the raw honesty with which ancient Israelites processed their pain, integrating it into the very fabric of their identity. In a world that often encourages us to suppress or quickly move past grief, this verse validates the experience of deep loss and the necessity of acknowledging it. It teaches us that it is permissible, even vital, to name our sorrows, to articulate the "evil" that befalls our "house," whether it be personal illness, relational brokenness, or collective trauma. Yet, the narrative doesn't end with despair; the birth of Beriah signifies continuity and hope. Even in the midst of profound grief, life goes on, and God's overarching plan for His people endures. This encourages us to find ways to honor our past pains while embracing the present and future, trusting that God is at work, preserving and sustaining us, even when our circumstances feel overwhelming. Our stories of suffering, like Beriah's, become part of a larger narrative of resilience and divine faithfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I acknowledge and process the "evil" or difficult circumstances that have affected my "house" or family?**
* **In what ways do I allow past sorrows to shape my current identity, and is that shaping healthy or hindering?**
* **How can I find hope and continuity, even when faced with profound loss or unexpected tragedy?**
* **What does it mean to trust in God's preservation and faithfulness when circumstances seem to contradict His goodness?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "he" who went in to his wife and named Beriah?**

Answer: The immediate literary context of [1 Chronicles 7:20-22](/1_chronicles/7-20 "1 Chronicles 7:20-22 - The Tragedy of Ephraim's Sons") describes the deaths of Ephraim's sons, Ezer and Elead. While the text doesn't explicitly state "Ephraim" as the one who "went in to his wife," the flow of the genealogy strongly implies that this is Ephraim himself, or at least a direct descendant whose birth is directly connected to the immediate aftermath of the tragedy that befell Ephraim's "house." The Chronicler often compresses generations or focuses on the most prominent figure in a lineage. Given the sorrow and mourning mentioned, it's most likely Ephraim himself, experiencing this new birth as a solace after the loss of his other sons.

**What is the deeper significance of naming a child after a misfortune?**

Answer: Naming a child after a misfortune, as seen with Beriah, carried significant cultural and spiritual weight in ancient Israel. It was not merely an expression of grief but a way of embedding the family's history and experience directly into the child's identity. Such a name served as a perpetual memorial, ensuring that the tragedy and its impact would not be forgotten. It also reflected a deep sense of realism about life's hardships, acknowledging that suffering is a part of the human condition. Theologically, it can also be seen as an act of lament and honest expression before God, trusting that even in sorrow, God's presence and purposes endure. It contrasts with names of joy or hope, emphasizing the full spectrum of human experience within God's covenant.

**How does this seemingly minor genealogical detail contribute to the Chronicler's overall purpose?**

Answer: While seemingly a minor detail, the naming of Beriah serves several key purposes for the Chronicler. Firstly, it underscores the **continuity of the lineage** despite severe hardship, a central theme in Chronicles which aims to demonstrate God's faithfulness in preserving His people and their tribal identities, particularly after the exile. Secondly, it adds **humanity and pathos** to the otherwise dry genealogical lists, reminding the reader that these are real families with real experiences of joy and sorrow. Thirdly, it highlights the **importance of names** as carriers of history and meaning, reinforcing a cultural practice that was deeply significant to Israelite identity. Finally, it subtly points to God's **sovereignty over adversity**, showing that even when "evil" befalls a house, the divine plan for the continuation of the covenant people proceeds. This continuity is vital for tracing the lineage that ultimately leads to the Davidic monarchy and, implicitly, to the Messiah, as explored in [Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The story of Beriah, named "in evil" because of the calamity that befell his house, finds a profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Beriah's name marked a family's sorrow, Jesus is the ultimate one who was "in evil" for us, bearing the weight of humanity's sin and suffering. The prophet Isaiah foretold of the Suffering Servant, declaring, "Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted" ([Isaiah 53:4](/isaiah/53-4 "Isaiah 53:4 - Christ Bearing Our Sorrows")). Jesus, the Lamb of God, took upon Himself the "evil" of sin, enduring the cross not because of His own transgression but because of ours, as [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us") states, "For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." Through His suffering, death, and resurrection, Christ transformed the ultimate "evil" of sin and death into the ultimate good of salvation and eternal life. Just as Beriah's birth ensured the continuation of Ephraim's line despite tragedy, Christ's sacrifice ensures the spiritual lineage of all who believe, bringing forth new life and hope out of the greatest sorrow, fulfilling the promise of a preserved people through the ultimate Son, who was perfected through suffering for our sake ([Hebrews 2:10](/hebrews/2-10 "Hebrews 2:10 - Jesus Perfected Through Suffering")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Samuel 23:5

Although my house [be] not so with God; yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all [things], and sure: for [this is] all my salvation, and all [my] desire, although he make [it] not to grow.