Who was Beriah in the Bible?

Beriah was a Levite who lived during the reign of King David. He is noted for having only a few sons, as recorded in the genealogies of the tribe of Levi (1 Chronicles 23:10-11).

What is the significance of Beriah having few sons?

In the context of Israelite genealogy, having many sons was often seen as a sign of blessing and continuity for a family line. Beriah's few sons are mentioned to provide an accurate historical record of the Levitical divisions for temple service (1 Chronicles 24:27).

What role did Beriah play during David's reign?

As a Levite, Beriah was part of the tribe set apart for religious duties. His lineage was included in the organization of the priests and Levites for the temple service that David established (1 Chronicles 23:6).

Beriah

Old TestamentEgypt & WildernessMaleLevite

Beriah, a Levite during David's reign, had few sons.

Beriah

Biography

This Beriah was a Levite during the reign of King David, belonging to the sons of Shimei within the Gershonite branch of the tribe of Levi (1 Chronicles 23:10–11). The text specifically notes that Beriah and his brother Jeush "did not have many sons, so they were counted as one family with one assignment." This administrative detail reflects the careful organization of Levitical duties that David undertook in his later years to prepare for Temple worship under Solomon. Beriah's smaller household meant his family's service responsibilities were consolidated with a brother's family, a practical accommodation reflecting the diversity of Levitical family sizes within the organized system of priestly duties.

Significance

The brief notice about Beriah's small household in 1 Chronicles 23 offers an unexpectedly human glimpse into the organization of Israel's worship community. The fact that fewer sons meant a different administrative arrangement speaks to the practical realities underlying Israel's sacred institutions. Theologically, this detail illustrates that God's design for worship incorporates human circumstances, large families and small ones alike have a place in service. No household was excluded from the priestly register simply because it was modest in size. This principle extends to the broader covenant community: all are called to serve according to their circumstances, and God's purposes accommodate the full diversity of his people.

Authority Records

Wikidata

FatherAsherChildHeberChildMalchielSiblingSerahSiblingJimnahSiblingIshuahSiblingIshvi

Verse Appearances (2)

1Chr

1Chr 23:10 1Chr 23:11

References

Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Individualised Proper Names with all References (TIPNR). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
Wikidata contributors (n.d.) Wikidata. Available at: https://www.wikidata.org. [CC0]
Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]

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