The Hebrew word Birzôwth, represented by H1269, is the name of an Israelite, also rendered as Birzavith. The name's definition is "holes" and is likely derived from an unused root word meaning "to pierce." It appears only 1 time across 1 unique verses in the Bible, exclusively within a genealogical record.
The single appearance of H1269 occurs in the lineage of the tribe of Asher. The verse in 1 Chronicles 7:31 establishes Birzavith's identity through his father, stating, "And the sons of Beriah; Heber, and Malchiel, who is the father of Birzavith." This entry serves to document the family line descending from Asher, one of Jacob's twelve sons, cementing Birzavith's place within the recorded history of Israel.
Several related words from the surrounding genealogy provide context for Birzavith's identity:
- H4439 Malkîyʼêl (king of (i.e. appointed by) God; Malkiel, an Israelite; Malchiel): This is the name of Birzavith's father, directly linking him to his paternal line as recorded in both Genesis and Chronicles (Genesis 46:17, 1 Chronicles 7:31).
- H1283 Bᵉrîyʻâh (in trouble; Beriah, the name of four Israelites; Beriah): This is the name of Birzavith's grandfather. Beriah is noted as a son of Asher, establishing the ancestral connection to the head of the tribe 1 Chronicles 7:30.
- H1 ʼâb (father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application; chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal): This word is the relational key in the passage, used to define Malchiel's role as the father of Birzavith 1 Chronicles 7:31.
- H1121 bên (a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense): The entire genealogical context is built upon the concept of sons, with the verse opening, "And the sons of Beriah," which frames the identity of everyone listed 1 Chronicles 7:31.
The significance of H1269 is tied entirely to its role within biblical genealogies.
- Preservation of Lineage: The name Birzavith is included to ensure a complete and accurate record of the tribe of Asher, demonstrating the meticulous preservation of Israel's heritage.
- Covenant Identity: Being named in the Chronicles is a confirmation of belonging to the covenant people of Israel. The entry for Birzavith solidifies his family's position within the nation's official history.
- Patrilineal Connection: The text identifies Birzavith solely through his father, Malchiel 1 Chronicles 7:31. This highlights the importance of the paternal line in establishing identity, inheritance, and tribal affiliation in ancient Israel.
In summary, H1269 is the proper name of a person, Birzavith, not a theological term. Its sole function is to mark a specific individual within the genealogy of Asher. While the word itself carries little symbolic weight, its presence in scripture underscores the value placed on historical continuity and the precise documentation of family lines as a cornerstone of Israel's national and covenant identity.
TRV