Βενιαμίν (Beniamin)
Beniamin
Benjamin
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The name Beniamin, derived from the Hebrew בֶּנְיָמִין, translates to "son of the right hand" or "son of good fortune." In Scripture, it identifies Jacob’s youngest son and the eponymous founder of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The New Testament preserves this designation primarily in genealogical and tribal lists, such as Paul’s description of his own lineage in Philippians 3:5 and the listing of tribes in Revelation 7:8.
While the name appears only four times in the Greek New Testament, its presence carries significant weight. In Romans 11:1, Paul invokes Benjamin to affirm his continuity with Israel’s faithful remnant, linking his apostolic identity directly to this specific tribal heritage. The indeclinable nature of the Greek form reflects its status as a proper noun borrowed directly from Hebrew tradition.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Beniamin carries the meaning "son of the right hand," a phrase that suggests strength, favor, and skill. In the biblical narrative, this designation marks the tribe of Benjamin not just as one among twelve, but as a lineage chosen to hold a place of honor and protection. When we encounter this name in Scripture, it reminds us that God assigns specific roles to different families within His broader plan for humanity.
For believers today, this tribal identity offers a quiet assurance of belonging. The Apostle Paul, writing from his own heritage, identifies himself as a descendant of Benjamin to show that the gospel does not erase Jewish roots but fulfills them. This connection bridges the old covenants with the new, showing that faith is built on a continuous history of God’s faithfulness.
Whether reading about the twelve tribes sealed in Revelation or Paul’s personal testimony, the presence of Benjamin highlights how God values every part of His people. It invites us to trust that we are known by name and lineage in the eyes of the Creator, secure in a heritage that spans generations.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- of Benjamin,2×
- of Benjamin.1×
- of Benjamin1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Βενιαμίν,2×
- Βενιαμίν.1×
- Βενιαμὶν1×
Key Verses
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Romans 11:1
I ask then, did God reject his people? May it never be! For I also am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.
Paul uses his Benjaminite heritage to prove that God has not rejected Israel, linking his apostolic authority directly to the faithful remnant of the old covenant.
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Revelation of John 7:8
of the tribe of Zebulun twelve thousand, of the tribe of Joseph twelve thousand, and of the tribe of Benjamin twelve thousand were sealed.
The inclusion of twelve thousand sealed from Benjamin in this final vision confirms that the tribe remains part of God’s redeemed people in the eschatological fulfillment.
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Philippians 3:5
circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee;
Paul lists his tribal origin alongside his Pharisaic status to demonstrate the height of his former righteousness before he counted all things as loss for Christ.