Lexical Summary Birzoth: Fortifications, Enclosures Original Word: בִּרְזוֹת Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Birzavith Probably feminine plural from an unused root (apparently mean to pierce); holes; Birzoth, an Israelite -- Birzavith (from the marg.). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom an unused word Definition a desc. of Asher NASB Translation Birzaith (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs ברזות proper name, feminine (?) descendant of Asher (perhaps בִּרְזָא foramen, Thes, or  woman whose beauties are apparent) 1 Chronicles 7:31 Kt (Qr בִּרְזָ֑יִת). Topical Lexicon Identification and Singular Occurrence Birzoth (also rendered Birzaith or Birzavith) appears only once in Scripture, in 1 Chronicles 7:31. This sole mention situates it within the genealogy of the tribe of Asher: “The sons of Beriah: Heber and Malchiel (who was the father of Birzaith)” (Berean Standard Bible). The text suggests that Birzoth was a locality or clan that sprang from Malchiel, a grandson of Asher. Genealogical Context 1 Chronicles 7 preserves post-exilic tribal records that helped the returning community reconnect with its ancestral land grants. The Chronicler’s inclusion of Birzoth underscores the care God took to preserve every family line within His covenant people. Asher’s genealogy is notable for its repeated mention of daughters and smaller clans, reflecting the tribe’s fruitfulness and the Chronicler’s interest in complete representation (compare 1 Chronicles 7:30-40). Geographical Considerations Asher’s inheritance stretched along the northwestern Galilean coast toward Sidon (Joshua 19:24-31). Birzoth was likely situated within this fertile, olive-rich region. Some have tentatively linked the name to Arabic Bir Zeit (“well of olive”), though that identification lies farther south in the central hill country and lacks firm evidence. More plausibly, Birzoth was a small settlement or estate in the coastal plain where Asher was renowned for its “rich food” and “royal delicacies” (Genesis 49:20). The Chronicler’s phrase “father of Birzaith” points to Malchiel as founder or chief, a common idiom for establishing a town or clan (see 1 Chronicles 2:51; 4:14). Historical Significance Even the obscure Birzoth testifies that Israel’s tribal structure included countless hamlets whose names are now lost to archaeology but preserved in God’s Word. These scattered communities secured Israel’s claim to the land during the Judges and early monarchy and later provided genealogical proof for repatriation after the Babylonian exile (Ezra 2:59-63). By listing Birzoth, the Chronicler affirms the continuity of Asher and safeguards its legal territory. Theological Insights 1. Divine Faithfulness in Detail: The Spirit-inspired record of a single, otherwise unknown village reminds readers that “the LORD knows those who are His” (2 Timothy 2:19) and that no portion of His covenant people is overlooked. Ministry Implications • Pastoral Care: Leaders are encouraged to value every member of the flock, remembering that the Lord records even seemingly insignificant names (Philippians 4:3; Revelation 3:5). Lessons for Today’s Church 1. Obscurity Does Not Equal Insignificance—Birzoth shows that God’s purposes often advance through small, faithful communities. Related Passages • Joshua 19:24-31 – Territorial allotment of Asher Forms and Transliterations בִרְזָֽיִת׃ ברזית׃ ḇir·zā·yiṯ ḇirzāyiṯ virZayitLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 7:31 HEB: [בִרְזֹות כ] (בִרְזָֽיִת׃ ק) NAS: who was the father of Birzaith. KJV: who [is] the father of Birzavith. INT: who was the father Birzavith from the marg 1 Occurrence |
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