### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Bᵉrâʼyâh**, represented by `{{H1256}}`, is a proper name meaning **Jah has created**. It is derived from the words בָּרָא and שְׁמוּאֵל. According to usage statistics, it appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible, identifying a specific Israelite named Beraiah.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H1256}}` occurs within a genealogical list in the book of 1 Chronicles. The verse identifies Beraiah as one of the "sons of Shimhi," listed alongside his brothers [[1 Chronicles 8:21]]. In this context, the name functions purely to identify an individual within a specific ancestral line, contributing to the detailed record of Israelite families.
### Related Words & Concepts
The context of Beraiah's mention in [[1 Chronicles 8:21]] connects him to several other individuals and familial terms:
* `{{H5718}}` **ʻĂdâyâh** (Adaiah): Meaning "Jah has adorned," this is the name of Beraiah's brother. Adaiah is a name that appears in multiple genealogies throughout scripture [[1 Chronicles 9:12]].
* `{{H8119}}` **Shimrâth** (Shimrath): Defined as "guardship," this name belongs to another of Beraiah's brothers listed in the same verse [[1 Chronicles 8:21]].
* `{{H8096}}` **Shimʻîy** (Shimhi): Meaning "famous," this is the name of Beraiah's father. The name Shimhi is a variant of Shimei, which identifies various Israelites in the biblical record [[Esther 2:5]].
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (son): This foundational term, meaning "a son (as a builder of the family name)," establishes the direct familial relationship of Beraiah, Adaiah, and Shimrath to their father, Shimhi [[1 Chronicles 8:21]]. The word is critical for tracing generational continuity [[Deuteronomy 4:9]].
### Theological Significance
While appearing only once, the name `{{H1256}}` carries theological weight through its direct meaning.
* **Divine Creation:** The name **Beraiah** literally translates to "Jah has created." It serves as a personal and permanent testament to the creative power of God, a foundational belief in Israelite faith.
* **Genealogical Significance:** By being included in a biblical genealogy, the name reinforces the idea that God is the author and builder of families and lineages. Each individual, including Beraiah, is part of a divinely recorded history, and his very name points back to the Creator as the source of his existence.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1256}}` is a Hebrew personal name used to identify the Israelite Beraiah. Its singular appearance in a genealogical record in 1 Chronicles places him within the family of Shimhi. Though its use is limited, the name's powerful meaning, "Jah has created," embeds a core theological truth into the biblical record of family history, subtly reminding the reader that God is the ultimate author of every individual's life.
TRV