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H1283 · Hebrew · Old Testament
בְּרִיעָה
Beriah
Proper noun, masculine
in evil; in trouble; or gift

Definition

Beriah is the name of multiple biblical figures. Most notably: (1) A son of Asher (Genesis 46:17; Numbers 26:44-45); (2) A son of Ephraim, named 'because disaster had come upon his house' (1 Chronicles 7:23) after Philistines killed his other sons. The name likely derives from ra'ah (evil/trouble) or possibly from bara (to create/gift). The name's dual meaning — suffering and gift — captures the paradox of grace.

Usage & Theological Significance

Ephraim named his son Beriah 'because it had gone badly with his house' (1 Chronicles 7:23). Out of grief came a child — born into trouble, yet still a gift. This mirrors the pattern of redemptive suffering throughout Scripture: from the depths of loss, God brings forth life. Joseph was sold into slavery; Christ descended into death. The son of trouble becomes the seed of restoration.

Key Verses

1 Chronicles 7:23 And he went in to his wife, and she conceived and bore a son. And he called his name Beriah, because disaster had befallen his house.
Genesis 46:17 The sons of Asher: Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi, and Beriah, with Serah their sister.
Numbers 26:44 The sons of Asher according to their clans: of Beriah, the clan of the Beriites.
Romans 5:3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance.
Job 1:21 Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.

Related Words

External Resources

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