בֶּן־חַ֫יִל (ben-cha.yil)
ben-cha.yil
Ben-hail
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Ben-hail, meaning “son of strength” or “son of might,” identifies a single official mentioned in the Old Testament. He appears only once, in 2 Chronicles 17:7, during the reign of King Jehoshaphat. The sources define him as a prince or ruler who served under the king.
His title reflects the Hebrew word chayil, which often denotes military strength, valor, or wealth. By bearing this name, Ben-hail likely signified a man of capability and leadership. His brief mention highlights the administrative structure Jehoshaphat established to support his reforms and governance.
This rare occurrence underscores how personal names in Scripture often carried descriptive weight. Ben-hail’s identity is preserved not through extensive narrative, but as part of the broader record of Judah’s royal court. The name itself serves as a testament to the values of strength and service associated with his role.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Ben-hail means "son of strength." It appears only once in Scripture, in 2 Chronicles 17:7. King Jehoshaphat sent him and other officials to teach God's laws throughout Judah. This shows that true strength is not just for battle but for guiding people toward wisdom.
When you face challenges, remember that your strength comes from serving others with truth. Like Ben-hail, you can be a steady presence in your community by sharing hope and understanding. Your quiet faithfulness matters deeply to God.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Hail1×
- <to>/ Ben-1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לְ/בֶן\־1×
- חַ֙יִל֙1×
Key Verses
-
II Chronicles 17:7
Also in the third year of his reign he sent his princes, even Ben Hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Micaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah;
This verse identifies Ben-hail as one of the princes Jehoshaphat sent to teach in Judah's cities, highlighting his role in spreading spiritual instruction rather than military command.