בֵּרִים (be.ri)
be.ri
Bichrites
N:N--PGQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--PG
Word Overview
The noun bĕrîm refers to the people known as the Berites, a group mentioned only once in the Hebrew Bible at 2 Samuel 20:14. They are identified as descendants of Beri, an individual who appears earlier in that same chapter as one of David’s allies. The text places them alongside Abel and Beth-maacah, suggesting they were a distinct tribal or clan community located in the northern region of Palestine.
The etymology of the name points to the Hebrew word for "well," meaning "of the well" or "my well." This likely indicates that their identity was tied to a specific water source, which would have been crucial for survival in the arid landscape. While their exact political status remains obscure, their inclusion in the narrative highlights the complex network of local groups involved in the power struggles during King David’s reign.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word bĕrîm appears only once in Scripture, marking a small group of people connected to David’s reign. Their name likely means "of the well," pointing to a community whose life depended on a specific water source. In ancient Palestine, access to water was not just practical but vital for survival and identity.
When we read about them gathering in 2 Samuel 20:14, we see how local clans played roles in larger political struggles. Though they are mentioned briefly, their inclusion reminds us that God’s story involves many people, not just kings and prophets. Even small groups have a place in the biblical narrative.
This brief mention invites reflection on how our own communities shape our faith. Like the Berites, we may be part of larger stories we do not fully control. Yet, our presence matters to God, who sees and remembers every detail of His people’s journey.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ Berites1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/בֵּרִ֑ים\ \ס1×
Key Verses
-
II Samuel 20:14
He went through all the tribes of Israel to Abel, to Beth Maacah, and all the Berites. They were gathered together, and went also after him.
This verse records the Berites joining forces with Joab's army, showing how a small clan became part of a major military campaign during David's crisis.