1 Chronicles 7:31

KJV

And the sons of Beriah; Heber, and Malchiel, who [is] the father of Birzavith.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the sons {H1121} of Beriah {H1283}; Heber {H2268}, and Malchiel {H4439}, who is the father {H1} of Birzavith {H1269}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The sons of B'ri'ah were: Hever and Malki'el, who fathered Birzayit.

Berean Standard Bible

The sons of Beriah: Heber, as well as Malchiel, who was the father of Birzaith.

American Standard Version

And the sons of Beriah: Heber, and Malchiel, who was the father of Birzaith.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 7:31 is a concise yet significant verse embedded within the extensive genealogical records of the tribe of Asher. It meticulously names Beriah's sons, Heber and Malchiel, further specifying Malchiel as the father of Birzavith. This seemingly simple entry is part of a larger divine tapestry, underscoring the ancient Israelite emphasis on lineage, tribal identity, and the meticulous preservation of family lines, which were crucial for understanding land inheritance, covenant continuity, and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through generations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the first nine chapters of 1 Chronicles, a section overwhelmingly dedicated to genealogies. These lists trace the lineage of Israel from Adam through the various tribes, culminating in the family of King Saul and King David. Specifically, 1 Chronicles 7 focuses on the descendants of Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Asher. The inclusion of such detailed family trees, even for seemingly minor figures like those mentioned in this verse, highlights the Chronicler's primary concern with establishing the continuity of God's covenant people and their rightful claim to the land after the Babylonian exile. The meticulous nature of these records serves to validate the identity and heritage of the returning exiles, connecting them directly to their patriarchal roots and the divine promises.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles was likely compiled in the post-exilic period, around the 5th to 4th century BCE. For the returning Jewish community, establishing and maintaining tribal identity was paramount. Genealogies served as legal documents, verifying claims to ancestral land, ensuring the purity of priestly and Levitical lines, and affirming membership within the covenant community. In a society where identity was deeply communal and tied to lineage, these records provided a sense of belonging, continuity, and hope for the future. The mention of specific individuals, even within a long list, reflects a culture that valued every link in the ancestral chain, seeing each person as a vital part of the collective history and divine purpose.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous genealogical records, including 1 Chronicles 7:31, contribute to several overarching themes in Chronicles. First, they emphasize **Covenant Faithfulness**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His people across generations, even through periods of judgment and exile. Second, they highlight **Identity and Continuity**, affirming that the post-exilic community is the legitimate heir to the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and that their heritage is unbroken. The tribe of Asher, to which Beriah belonged, was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, born to Jacob through Zilpah, Leah's handmaid, as recorded in [Genesis 30:13](/genesis/30-13 "Genesis 30:13 - Birth of Asher"). Third, there is a subtle theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Meticulous Care**, suggesting that God's plan is so comprehensive that even seemingly obscure individuals are known and recorded within His grand narrative. This attention to detail underscores that every life, no matter how briefly mentioned, has a place in God's unfolding story, echoing the sentiment found in [Psalm 139:13-16](/psalms/139-13 "Psalm 139:13-16 - God's Intimate Knowledge").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Beriah (בְּרִיעַ, _bərîaʿ_):** This name is somewhat unique and has been interpreted in various ways, often associated with "with evil," "in calamity," or "in misfortune." While its exact etymology is debated, it may reflect the circumstances of his birth or a significant event in his family's history, serving as a memorial.
* **Malchiel (מַלְכִּיאֵל, _malkîʾēl_):** A name with profound theological significance, translating to "my king is God" or "God is my king." This name is a powerful declaration of faith and allegiance to Yahweh. Its inclusion in a genealogical list suggests that even in the naming of children, there was an opportunity to declare one's spiritual convictions and acknowledge God's sovereignty over the family line.
* **Birzavith (בִּרְזָוִית, _birzāwîṯ_):** The meaning of this name is less certain. Possible interpretations include "well of olives" or "chosen well," potentially referencing a place, a source of sustenance, or a quality associated with the individual or their family. Its specific mention indicates a significant branch within Malchiel's lineage.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the sons of Beriah;":** This opening clause immediately establishes the familial context, identifying the lineage being traced. Beriah is presented as the patriarch whose direct descendants are about to be named, continuing the meticulous record-keeping characteristic of Chronicles.
* **"Heber, and Malchiel,":** These are the two named sons of Beriah. The explicit listing of their names is crucial for maintaining the unbroken chain of descent within the tribe of Asher. Each name represents a distinct branch or sub-family within the larger tribal structure, contributing to the comprehensive record.
* **"who [is] the father of Birzavith.":** This final phrase provides further detail about Malchiel's lineage, specifically identifying his son, Birzavith. This additional layer of detail demonstrates the Chronicler's commitment to precision and thoroughness in documenting the family trees, ensuring that even specific sub-branches are recorded for future reference, likely for purposes of land inheritance or tribal identification.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in 1 Chronicles 7:31, and indeed throughout the initial chapters of Chronicles, is **Genealogy**. This is not merely a list of names but a highly structured literary form with specific theological and historical functions. Genealogies serve to establish legitimacy, demonstrate continuity, and confirm identity. In Chronicles, they are used to bridge the gap between the past (patriarchs, covenant) and the present (post-exilic community), asserting that the returning exiles are the true heirs of God's promises. The meticulous detail, even for seemingly minor figures, emphasizes the Chronicler's commitment to historical accuracy and the divine preservation of the chosen line. Furthermore, the very act of listing names can be seen as a form of **Emphasis**, highlighting the importance of each individual within the collective history of God's people, even if their stories are not elaborated upon.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Chronicles 7:31, though a single verse in a long list, profoundly contributes to the biblical understanding of God's meticulous care, the importance of lineage in His redemptive plan, and the continuity of His covenant. It reminds us that God is a God of order and detail, who knows each individual within His vast creation and meticulously orchestrates the unfolding of history through specific families and generations. The preservation of these genealogies underscores the faithfulness of God to His promises, ensuring that the chosen line through which the Messiah would eventually come was carefully documented. It speaks to the enduring nature of God's covenant with Israel, even when the nation faced exile and dispersion, affirming their identity and hope for restoration.

* [Genesis 46:17](/genesis/46-17 "Genesis 46:17 - Sons of Asher")
* [Numbers 26:44-46](/numbers/26-44 "Numbers 26:44-46 - Census of Asher")
* [Matthew 1:1-17](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1-17 - Genealogy of Jesus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While a simple genealogical entry, 1 Chronicles 7:31 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It encourages us to appreciate the rich tapestry of our own heritage, both familial and spiritual, recognizing that our lives are part of a larger, divinely orchestrated narrative. Just as God meticulously recorded the lineage of Asher, He knows each of us intimately, having woven us together in our mothers' wombs and ordained our days before one of them came to be. This verse invites us to consider the significance of our own names and the legacy we are building, prompting us to live lives that declare, like Malchiel, "My King is God." It reminds us that even in the seemingly mundane details of life, God's sovereign hand is at work, shaping history and fulfilling His purposes through ordinary people. Our lives, though perhaps not recorded in a biblical genealogy, are nonetheless known and valued by God, contributing to His ongoing story of redemption.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of biblical genealogies, like 1 Chronicles 7:31, challenge or affirm your understanding of God's character?**
* **In what ways does knowing that God pays attention to "every link in the chain" encourage you in your own walk of faith?**
* **What "declaration of faith" does your life embody, and how might you more intentionally live out the truth that "God is my King"?**
* **How can understanding your own family or spiritual heritage deepen your appreciation for God's faithfulness across generations?**

### FAQ
**Why are genealogies, like the one in 1 Chronicles 7:31, so detailed and important in the Bible?**

Answer: Genealogies were critically important in ancient Israel for several reasons. They served as legal documents to establish tribal identity, verify claims to ancestral land, and ensure the purity of priestly and royal lines. For the post-exilic community, as addressed in Chronicles, these lists provided a vital connection to their past, affirming their identity as God's covenant people and their rightful inheritance in the land of Israel. The meticulous detail underscores God's faithfulness in preserving His chosen people and the specific lines through which His redemptive plan, culminating in the Messiah, would unfold. They demonstrate that God works through specific individuals and families across generations to accomplish His purposes, as seen in the broader narrative from [Genesis 10](/genesis/10 "Genesis 10 - Table of Nations") to [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - Genealogy of Jesus").

**What is the significance of names like "Malchiel" in these genealogical lists?**

Answer: Many Hebrew names carried significant meaning, often reflecting the circumstances of birth, a parent's hope, or a declaration of faith. "Malchiel," meaning "my king is God" or "God is my king," is a powerful example of a theophoric name—one that incorporates a divine name or attribute. Such names served as constant reminders of God's sovereignty and the family's allegiance to Him. In a genealogical list, these names subtly weave theological truths into the historical record, indicating that even in the seemingly mundane act of naming children, there was an acknowledgment of God's presence and rule over their lives and lineage. This practice highlights a culture where faith was deeply integrated into daily life and identity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Chronicles 7:31 is a specific genealogical entry within the tribe of Asher, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the broader theological purpose of all biblical genealogies: to trace the lineage through which God's redemptive plan would culminate in Jesus Christ. The meticulous recording of family lines, even those seemingly obscure, underscores God's sovereign hand in history, ensuring the preservation of the covenant seed. Every name, every generation, points to the faithfulness of God in bringing forth the promised Messiah. Jesus, the ultimate "seed" of Abraham and "son" of David, is the fulfillment of all these lineages, uniting Jew and Gentile into one new family under His headship. His genealogies in [Matthew 1](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - Genealogy of Jesus") and [Luke 3](/luke/3 "Luke 3 - Genealogy of Jesus") demonstrate that He is the rightful heir to all the promises made to Israel, the true King whose name, "God is with us" ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel")), perfectly encapsulates the "Malchiel" declaration. In Christ, the significance of every individual within God's plan is magnified, as He invites all who believe into His eternal family, fulfilling the deepest longings for identity, belonging, and an unbroken heritage with God.

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.