King James Version

What Does 1 Chronicles 7:23 Mean?

1 Chronicles 7:23 in the King James Version says “And when he went in to his wife, she conceived, and bare a son, and he called his name Beriah, because it went evil with...” — study this verse from 1 Chronicles chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And when he went in to his wife, she conceived, and bare a son, and he called his name Beriah, because it went evil with his house.”

1 Chronicles 7:23 · KJV

Context

21

And Zabad his son, and Shuthelah his son, and Ezer, and Elead, whom the men of Gath that were born in that land slew, because they came down to take away their cattle.

22

And Ephraim their father mourned many days, and his brethren came to comfort him.

23

And when he went in to his wife, she conceived, and bare a son, and he called his name Beriah, because it went evil with his house.

24

(And his daughter was Sherah, who built Bethhoron the nether, and the upper, and Uzzensherah.)

25

And Rephah was his son, also Resheph, and Telah his son, and Tahan his son,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Genealogical Significance: This verse appears within the Northern tribes and their heritage section of Chronicles' genealogical framework. The Hebrew term שֵׁבֶט (shevet) - tribe/scepter is central to understanding this passage's purpose. The Chronicler, writing to post-exilic Israel (c. 450-400 BCE), uses these genealogies not merely as historical records but as theological statements about covenant continuity and divine faithfulness.

The genealogical structure serves multiple purposes: (1) establishing Israel's connection to God's creatio n plan from Adam, (2) legitimizing post-exilic community's claim to covenant promises, (3) emphasizing Judah and Levi's special roles in God's redemptive plan, and (4) demonstrating that despite exile, God's covenant purposes continue. The selection and arrangement of names is intentional, highlighting All Israel included in God's covenant.

Chronicles diverges from Genesis and Samuel-Kings in its genealogical presentation, reflecting the Chronicler's distinct theological agenda. Where earlier texts focus on narrative history, Chronicles emphasizes continuity, legitimacy, and hope for restoration. This verse contributes to the larger argument that the post-exilic community is the rightful heir of God's ancient covenant promises.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Post-Exilic Context: The Chronicler wrote during the Persian period (450-400 BCE) to a community returned from Babylonian exile, struggling with identity and purpose. These genealogies answered crucial questions: Who are we? What is our relationship to ancient Israel? Do God's promises still apply to us?

The historical setting influences the text's emphasis on Northern tribal genealogies: Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, Asher. Ancient Near Eastern cultures valued genealogies for establishing land rights, royal legitimacy, and tribal identity. Chronicles' genealogies served similar functions while adding theological depth. The inclusion of specific names and details reflects the author's access to temple archives, royal records, and earlier biblical texts.

Archaeological evidence from Persian-period Judah shows a small, struggling community centered around Jerusalem and the rebuilt temple. The genealogies reinforced their connection to the glorious past and provided hope for future restoration through God's covenant faithfulness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding genealogies as theological statements rather than mere historical records change your reading of Chronicles and other biblical genealogies?
  2. What does this verse teach about God's faithfulness across generations, and how does that apply to your own family's spiritual legacy?
  3. How does All Israel included in God's covenant connect to the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of Old Testament promises?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וַיָּבֹא֙1 of 14

“And when he went in”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל2 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אִשְׁתּ֔וֹ3 of 14

“to his wife”

H802

a woman

וַתַּ֖הַר4 of 14

“she conceived”

H2029

to be (or become) pregnant, conceive (literally or figuratively)

וַתֵּ֣לֶד5 of 14

“and bare”

H3205

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

בֵּ֑ן6 of 14

“a son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

וַיִּקְרָ֤א7 of 14

“and he called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

אֶת8 of 14
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

שְׁמוֹ֙9 of 14

“his name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

בְּרִיעָ֔ה10 of 14

“Beriah”

H1283

beriah, the name of four israelites

כִּ֥י11 of 14
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

בְרָעָ֖ה12 of 14

“because it went evil”

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

הָֽיְתָ֥ה13 of 14
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בְּבֵיתֽוֹ׃14 of 14

“with his house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Chronicles. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Chronicles 7:23 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Chronicles 7:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 23:5

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