Beri'ah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the genealogies of the tribes of Israel. The name Beri'ah is understood to mean "in evil" or "with a calamity," reflecting the circumstances surrounding his birth or life. Beri'ah is associated with two distinct lineages within the tribes of Israel, both of which are significant in understanding the tribal history and dynamics of the Israelites.

1. Beri'ah, Son of Asher:

Beri'ah is first mentioned as a son of Asher, one of the twelve sons of Jacob, who is also known as Israel. Asher was the eighth son of Jacob, born to Zilpah, Leah's maidservant. Beri'ah is listed among the descendants of Asher in the genealogical records. In Genesis 46:17, the Berean Standard Bible states: "The sons of Asher: Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi, Beri'ah, and their sister Serah." Beri'ah's inclusion in this list highlights his role as a progenitor within the tribe of Asher.

The tribe of Asher was known for its prosperity and abundance, as reflected in the blessings given by Jacob and Moses. Jacob's blessing in Genesis 49:20 states, "Asher’s food will be rich; he will provide royal delicacies." This prosperity is further emphasized in Deuteronomy 33:24 , where Moses blesses Asher, saying, "Most blessed of sons is Asher; let him be favored by his brothers, and let him dip his foot in oil." Beri'ah, as a descendant of Asher, would have been part of this blessed lineage.

2. Beri'ah, Son of Ephraim:

Another Beri'ah is mentioned as a descendant of Ephraim, the son of Joseph. This Beri'ah is noted in the context of a tragic event in the family of Ephraim. In 1 Chronicles 7:20-23 , the genealogy of Ephraim is recounted, and it is noted that Beri'ah was born after a calamity befell the family. The passage states: "The descendants of Ephraim: Shuthelah, Bered his son, Tahath his son, Eleadah his son, Tahath his son, Zabad his son, and Shuthelah his son. Ezer and Elead were killed by the men of Gath, who were born in the land, because they went down to steal their livestock. Their father Ephraim mourned for many days, and his relatives came to comfort him. Then he slept with his wife, and she conceived and gave birth to a son. He named him Beri'ah, because tragedy had come upon his house."

This account highlights the sorrow and loss experienced by Ephraim, and the naming of Beri'ah serves as a reminder of the calamity that struck the family. Despite the tragedy, the lineage of Ephraim continued, and Beri'ah became part of the ancestral line that contributed to the growth and development of the tribe.

Significance in Israelite History:

The mention of Beri'ah in these genealogies underscores the importance of family lineage and tribal identity in ancient Israel. Both the tribe of Asher and the tribe of Ephraim played significant roles in the history of Israel. Asher was known for its fertile land and prosperity, while Ephraim, as one of the leading tribes of the Northern Kingdom, held a prominent position in the history of Israel.

Beri'ah's presence in these genealogies serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of the tribes and the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs. The accounts associated with Beri'ah reflect themes of blessing, tragedy, and continuity, which are central to the narrative of the Israelite people as they navigated their covenant relationship with God.Beri'ah (10 Occurrences)

Genesis 46:17
And the sons of Asher: Imnah, and Ishvah, and Ishvi, and Beriah, and Serah their sister; and the sons of Beriah: Heber, and Malchiel.
(See RSV)

Numbers 26:44
The sons of Asher after their families: of Imnah, the family of the Imnites; of Ishvi, the family of the Ishvites; of Beriah, the family of the Beriites.
(See RSV)

Numbers 26:45
Of the sons of Beriah: of Heber, the family of the Heberites; of Malchiel, the family of the Malchielites.
(See RSV)

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 it went evil with his house.
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 7:30
The sons of Asher: Imnah, and Ishvah, and Ishvi, and Beriah, and Serah their sister.
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 7:31
And the sons of Beriah: Heber, and Malchiel, who was the father of Birzaith.
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 8:13
and Beriah, and Shema, who were heads of fathers' houses of the inhabitants of Aijalon, who put to flight the inhabitants of Gath.
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 8:16
and Michael, and Ishpah, and Joha, were the sons of Beriah.
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 23:10
And the sons of Shimei: Jahath, Zina, and Jeush, and Beriah. These four were the sons of Shimei.
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 23:11
And Jahath was the chief, and Zizah the second; but Jeush and Beriah had not many sons; therefore they became a fathers' house in one reckoning.
(See RSV)

Beri'ah (10 Occurrences)
Beri'ah. Beriah, Beri'ah. Beriite . Multi-Version Concordance Beri'ah
(10 Occurrences). Genesis 46:17 And the sons of Asher: Imnah ...
/b/beri'ah.htm - 8k

Beriah (10 Occurrences)
... be-ri'-a, be-ri'-its (beri`ah, "in shouting," probably derived from a Hebrew root
meaning "to make noise," or "in evil," from another Hebrew root): (1) A son ...
/b/beriah.htm - 10k

Newness (2 Occurrences)
... are chadhath, Aramaic (Ezra 6:4); Tari, "fresh" (Judges 15:15, the Revised Version
(British and American) "a fresh jawbone of an ass"); beri'ah, a "creation ...
/n/newness.htm - 14k

Beriites (1 Occurrence)
... be-ri'-a, be-ri'-its (beri`ah, "in shouting," probably derived from a Hebrew root
meaning "to make noise," or "in evil," from another Hebrew root): (1) A son ...
/b/beriites.htm - 7k

Beriite (1 Occurrence)

/b/beriite.htm - 6k

Messenger (235 Occurrences)
... are chadhath, Aramaic (Ezra 6:4); Tari, "fresh" (Judges 15:15, the Revised Version
(British and American) "a fresh jawbone of an ass"); beri'ah, a "creation ...
/m/messenger.htm - 101k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus