Breakdown of 1 Chronicles 7:22-27

"And Ephraim their father mourned many days, and his brothers came to comfort him. And Ephraim went in to his wife, and she conceived and bore a son. And he called his name Beriah, because disaster had befallen his house. His daughter was S…" — It's easy to read over this, but notice that the text specifies Ephraim's brothers came to comfort him. This isn't just about a father grieving; it's about a community rallying around one of their…

1 Chronicles 7:22-27 Meaning Explained

All verses

1 Chronicles 7:22-27

And Ephraim their father mourned many days, and his brothers came to comfort him. And Ephraim went in to his wife, and she conceived and bore a son. And he called his name Beriah, because disaster had befallen his house. His daughter was Sheerah, who built both Lower and Upper Beth-horon, and Uzzen-sheerah. Rephah was his son, Resheph his son, Telah his son, Tahan his son, Ladan his son, Ammihud his son, Elishama his son, Nun his son, Joshua his son.

English Standard Version (ESV)

It's easy to read over this, but notice that the text specifies Ephraim's brothers came to comfort him. This isn't just about a father grieving; it's about a community rallying around one of their own, showing how deep, familial bonds often step in to bear the weight of sorrow together. It highlights that even the strongest figures experience profound loss and need the support of their people.

What 1 Chronicles 7:22-27 means

Ephraim's sons, including his father Ephraim himself, had just been killed by soldiers from Gath. This verse immediately follows the account of this devastating raid, showing the profound grief Ephraim experienced and the solidarity of his family as they tried to console him.

The Weight of Loss for a Father

When loss hits, even the strongest can be brought low. This verse shows us a powerful leader gripped by sorrow.

A Father's Deep Sorrow

The text tells us that Ephraim, a prominent figure in the lineage of Israel, 'mourned many days.' This wasn't a fleeting sadness; it was a profound grief. We don't know the exact cause of his mourning, but it likely stemmed from the loss of his sons, as mentioned in the preceding verses. This highlights a fundamental truth: loss is universal, and even those with status and strength experience deep pain.

The Need for Community

In the midst of this intense personal grief, the verse pivots to show the response of Ephraim's family: 'his brothers came to comfort him.' This emphasizes the vital role of community in times of suffering. It's a picture of solidarity, of people showing up for one another when life feels overwhelming.

Comfort Rooted in Hope

Comfort in sorrow isn't just about feeling better; it's about finding a deeper strength. What sustained Ephraim?

Beyond Temporary Solace

While the brothers' presence was crucial, true comfort in the face of loss for an Israelite would have been tethered to God's promises. Though not explicitly stated in this single verse, the broader context of 1 Chronicles points to God's covenant faithfulness. Ephraim's grief was real, but his hope wasn't placed in the absence of pain, but in the God who orchestrates all things, even sorrow, for His ultimate purposes.

God's Presence in Mourning

God is not distant from our suffering. The act of his people coming to comfort Ephraim can be seen as a reflection of God's own compassionate heart. He designed us for connection, and He Himself draws near to the brokenhearted. This story reminds us that even in the deepest valleys, God is present, working through others and His Spirit to offer a comfort that transcends our circumstances.

Understand the original words

Original language

mournedאָבַל

abal · Hebrew Verb

A state of extreme sorrow or grief, typically following a death, often expressed through visible cultural practices like weeping, wearing sackcloth, or fasting. In a biblical context, it is a human reaction to loss that is often accompanied by community support.

comfortנָחַם

nacham · Hebrew Verb

To strengthen, encourage, or console someone in distress. In the Old Testament, this often involves physical presence and words of support to help someone cope with loss or calamity.

disasterרָעָה

ra'ah · Hebrew Noun

A term often signifying misfortune, calamity, or evil. It represents an adverse event or state of affairs that brings suffering, frequently interpreted in Scripture as the result of a fallen world or specific judgment.

houseבַּיִת

bayith · Hebrew Noun

Historical context

Written: Likely compiled in the late 5th or early 4th century BC, following the Babylonian exile.
Author: Traditionally understood as Ezra, though the text itself doesn't name an author.
Location: Written from the perspective of the land of Israel, likely during the post-exilic period.
Genre: Biblical history (or narrative), characterized by genealogies and recounting of Israel's past.

Key themes

01Grief and mourning
02Brotherly comfort
03Family support

Cross-references

Genesis 50:1

This passage shows Joseph mourning deeply for his father Jacob, mirroring the profound grief Ephraim experienced over his lost descendants.

2 Samuel 1:11-12

David's deep lament over the deaths of Saul and Jonathan highlights how leaders and families intensely grieved for their lost loved ones and fallen brethren.

Jeremiah 9:1

The prophet Jeremiah's desperate wish to weep for his people demonstrates the overwhelming sorrow one can feel when their community or family suffers grievous loss.

John 11:33-35

Jesus' weeping at the grave of Lazarus powerfully illustrates the depth of human grief and the emotional toll that loss can take on even the most righteous.

Frequently asked questions

What does 1 Chronicles 7:22-27 mean?

Explain the meaning of 1 Chronicles 7:22-27

What is the context of 1 Chronicles 7:22-27?

Study this verse in Sola

Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.

Open in Sola app Get the app

Ask a follow-up

Ask Sola about this verse

Ask Sola things like:

“What does "mourned" mean in the original Hebrew?”
“Why did Traditionally understood as Ezra, though the text itself doesn't name an author. write 1 Chronicles 7:22-27?”
“How does grief and mourning show up in 1 Chronicles 7:22-27?”

Ask in the Sola app Get the app

Live chat about 1 Chronicles 7:22-27 is available in the Sola app.

This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.