1 Chronicles 7:23
And when hee went in to his wife, shee conceiued and bare a sonne, and he called his name, Beriah, because it went euill with his house. 1 Chronicles 7:23 (KJV)
The verse is presented as part of the genealogical record found in the Book of Chronicles, which traces the lineage of various tribes and families in Israel. In this particular passage we encounter the descendants of Ephraim, one of the twelve sons of Jacob (Israel). The text begins with the statement, “And when he went in to his wife, she conceived,” referring to the intimate act of marital relations that results in the conception of a child. This highlights the continuation of the family line and fulfills God’s command to “be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:28). The passage continues, “and bare a son,” indicating that the wife gave birth to a son, an event of particular significance in ancient Israelite society because it ensures the continuation of the family line and brings honour to the father.
The father, whose name is not explicitly mentioned in the verse, named his son Beriah. Biblical names often carry significant meaning, reflecting the circumstances surrounding the child’s birth or characteristics associated with their life. The verse explains the reason for the name: “because it went evil with his house,” suggesting that the naming reflects difficult circumstances in the household. While the verse itself does not elaborate further, the broader context of Chronicles emphasizes genealogies and historical accounts of Israel’s tribes and families, highlighting their roles in the nation’s history and their connections to prominent figures such as David and Solomon. Studying such genealogical records can provide insight into the continuity and significance of family lineage in ancient Israel and the challenges faced by individuals and households in their journey of faith.
It is noted by some that the quotation does not appear in any known manuscript of the Bible, including the books of 1 Chronicles and 2 Chronicles, and therefore cannot be presented as a verse from the genealogical records of the Book of Chronicles. Readers interested in the genuine genealogical material of Chronicles are encouraged to consult the actual biblical passages, which provide reliable information about the families of Israel and their historical context.
