The Man Born to Overcome Evil
The name Beriah (Hebrew: Bĕrî’â) is unique and powerful. It is generally understood to mean “in evil” or “with a friend,” but the biblical account provides a clearer, interpretive meaning: “Son of Misfortune,” or “He in Whom There Was Evil.” This name was given specifically to commemorate a family tragedy or an encounter with great adversity.
1. Beriah, The Son of Ephraim (The Overcomer)
The most notable figure named Beriah is a son of Ephraim (Joseph’s son). His birth and naming are recorded in 1 Chronicles 7:
“And the sons of Ephraim; Shuthelah, and Bered his son, and Tahath his son, and Eladah his son, and Tahath his son, 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. And Ephraim their father mourned many days, and his brethren came to comfort him. 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 7:20-23, KJV)
- Significance: Beriah was born after the death of his brothers, Ezer and Elead, who were slain while attempting to raid the cattle of Gath. Ephraim named this new son to memorialize the “evil” (ra’ah) that had befallen his household. Beriah’s name, therefore, became a testament to the profound loss and affliction the family endured, and also served as a symbol of rebuilding the line despite disaster.
2. Beriah, Son of Asher (The Tribe’s Last Line)
A second Beriah is also found in the genealogical records, this time as one of the four sons of Asher, Jacob’s eighth son:
“And the sons of Asher; Imnah, and Ishuah, and Ishui, and Beriah, and Serah their sister.” (Genesis 46:17, KJV)
This Beriah traveled with Jacob’s family into Egypt. He became the ancestor of the family of the Beriites, one of the four chief clans of the tribe of Asher (Numbers 26:44, KJV). His name suggests that the family may have experienced a specific hardship or tragedy around the time of his birth.
3. Beriah, Son of Shimei (The Levite)
A third Beriah is recorded among the descendants of Gershon, a Levite family line responsible for the care of the Tabernacle and Temple:
“The sons of Shimei; Jahath, Zina, and Jeush, and Beriah. These four were the sons of Shimei.” (1 Chronicles 23:10, KJV)
This Beriah was organized for service by King David, ensuring that the necessary hands were present for the holy work of God’s house.
A Lesson in Redemptive Naming
The name Beriah, regardless of which individual carries it, captures a profound biblical concept: God works redemption through affliction. The name is a solemn, factual reminder of human suffering—the “evil” that goes with a family. Yet, by being recorded in the sacred text, Beriah becomes a symbol of the covenant promise that even the sons born in the deepest shadow of misfortune are still counted, blessed, and established as part of the lineage of God’s chosen people.