1275. Beri

Lexical Summary

Beri: Beri

Original Word: בֵּרִי
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Beriy
Pronunciation: beh-REE
Phonetic Spelling: (bay-ree')
KJV: Beri
NASB: Beri
Word Origin: [probably by contraction from H882 (בְּאֵרִי - Beeri)]

1. Beri, an Israelite

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

Beri

Probably by contraction from b'eriy; Beri, an Israelite -- Beri.

see HEBREW b'eriy

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from baar
Definition
a desc. of Asher
NASB Translation
Beri (1).

Brown-Driver-Briggs

בֵּרִי proper name, masculine a descendant of Asher 1 Chronicles 7:86 (perhaps = בְּאֵרִי).

בֵּרִי proper name, masculine see below באר p. 92.

Topical Lexicon

Name and Meaning

Beri is a personal name borne by a descendant of Asher. Though etymological suggestions associate it with the imagery of a “well” or “spring,” Scripture itself offers no explicit explanation of the name’s nuance, leaving its theological weight to the narrative setting in which it appears.

Biblical Occurrence

Beri is mentioned once, in 1 Chronicles 7:36: “The sons of Zophah: Suah, Harnepher, Shual, Beri, Imrah”. His sole appearance situates him deep within the family lists of Asher’s tribe.

Genealogical Context

1. Tribe: Asher, one of the twelve sons of Jacob.
2. Lineage: Jacob → Asher → Beriah → Helem → Zophah → Beri.
3. Era: The Chronicler compiles these records after the exile, drawing from earlier sources to re-affirm Israel’s identity. Beri’s place verifies the continuation of Asherite lines into the post-exilic period.

Historical Insights

The Chronicler’s genealogy serves several purposes:
• Land Rights – Tribal rolls undergirded claims to inherited territories in the northern coastal region allotted to Asher (Joshua 19:24-31). Listing Beri validates the population base that once settled those cities.
• Military Muster – The same chapter counts fighting men (1 Chronicles 7:40). Beri’s generation contributed to the muster that defended Israel’s borders during the united monarchy and afterward.
• Post-Exilic Encouragement – Returning exiles needed tangible proof that God had preserved every tribe. Names such as Beri testified that none of the sons of Jacob were forgotten.

Theological Significance

1. Divine Providence in Details – Even a briefly named individual confirms that “the LORD knows those who are His” (2 Timothy 2:19).
2. Covenant Faithfulness – By recording minor Asherites, Scripture underlines the fullness of God’s promise to Abraham: innumerable descendants, each accounted for (Genesis 22:17).
3. Unity of Scripture – Genealogical threads weave Genesis promises through Chronicles’ histories, reinforcing biblical cohesion.

Lessons for Ministry Today

• Value of Every Believer – Pastors and church leaders are reminded that hidden saints matter. God’s ledger includes the overlooked, urging shepherds to “know well the condition of your flock” (Proverbs 27:23).
• Record-Keeping and Accountability – Accurate rolls protect ministry integrity, stewardship, and inter-generational discipleship.
• Encouragement after Loss – Post-crisis communities can look to Chronicles: God restores names and lines thought lost, inspiring hope for restoration in local congregations.

Christological and Eschatological Connections

Genealogies ultimately converge on Jesus Christ, whose lineage in Matthew and Luke confirms Him as Israel’s promised Son. While Beri stands outside that direct messianic line, his inclusion foreshadows the comprehensive gathering of “a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language” (Revelation 7:9). The meticulous care shown in 1 Chronicles anticipates the final, flawless roll of the redeemed (Revelation 20:15).

Forms and Transliterations

וּבֵרִ֥י וברי ū·ḇê·rî ūḇêrî uveRi

Englishman's Concordance

1 Chronicles 7:36
HEB: וְחַרְנֶ֛פֶר וְשׁוּעָ֖ל וּבֵרִ֥י וְיִמְרָֽה׃
NAS: Harnepher, Shual, Beri and Imrah,
KJV: and Shual, and Beri, and Imrah,
INT: Harnepher Shual Beri and Imrah

1 Occurrence

Strong's Hebrew 1275
1 Occurrence

ū·ḇê·rî — 1 Occ.