בִּנְיָמִין (bin.ya.min)
bin.ya.min
Benjamin
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 147 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name bin.ya.min translates to "son of the right hand," combining the words for son and right side. In biblical culture, the right hand symbolized strength and favor, so this title suggests a child of good fortune or divine blessing. Jacob used this name for his youngest son by Rachel, though Rachel herself called him ben-oni, meaning "son of my sorrow," before she died during childbirth (Genesis 35:18).
The sources note that the name appears frequently in Scripture, not just for the patriarch but also for his descendants and the tribe that bore his name. This tribe is described as warlike in Jacob’s blessing (Genesis 49:27), a characteristic reflected in their prominent role during the period of the Judges. The name also identifies specific individuals, such as Saul, who was a Benjamite (1 Samuel 9:1-2).
Translators consistently render this proper noun as Benjamin across both Old and New Testaments. Its usage extends beyond personal identity to denote the territory and people of that lineage, highlighting how family names in Hebrew often carried significant tribal and geographical weight throughout Israel’s history.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Benjamin carries a dual weight in Scripture, reflecting both deep sorrow and enduring favor. Rachel named him Benoni, meaning son of my sorrow, as she died giving birth. Yet Jacob renamed him Benjamin, son of the right hand, signaling that this child would be a source of strength and divine blessing for the family. This shift from grief to hope reminds us that our deepest pains can become foundations for future grace.
Throughout the Old Testament, Benjamin appears not just as an individual but as a tribe known for its courage and loyalty. Jacob described him as a ravenous wolf, highlighting a fierce protective spirit. This lineage produced King Saul and the apostle Paul, showing how God uses even the most unexpected branches of a family tree to fulfill His purposes. The name stands as a quiet testament to resilience.
When we encounter this word in our reading, it invites us to consider how God redeems difficult beginnings. Just as Benjamin’s story moved from tragedy to prominence, our own seasons of loss or uncertainty may hold seeds for future strength. We can trust that God sees the full picture of our lives, turning what seems like a ending into a new chapter of purpose and blessing.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 147 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Benjamin98×
- and/ Benjamin27×
- to/ Benjamin4×
- of/ Benjamin4×
- of Benjamin4×
- from/ Benjamin4×
- for/ Benjamin3×
- [belongs] to/ Benjamin3×
- in/ Benjamin1×
- and/ to/ Benjamin1×
- and/ in/ Benjamin1×
- and/ against/ Benjamin1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בִנְיָמִ֖ן12×
- בִנְיָמִ֑ן10×
- בִּנְיָמִ֑ן9×
- בִנְיָמִ֔ן9×
- וּ/בִנְיָמִ֔ן7×
- בִּנְיָמִֽן\׃7×
- בִּנְיָמִן֙6×
- בִּנְיָמִ֗ן6×
- וּ/בִנְיָמִ֑ן5×
- בִנְיָמִן֙5×
- בִּנְיָמִ֔ן4×
- מִ/בִּנְיָמִ֔ן3×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 35:18
As her soul was departing (for she died), she named him Benoni, but his father named him Benjamin.
This verse captures the pivotal moment where Rachel’s name for sorrow is replaced by Jacob’s name of favor, establishing the theological tension behind the identity.
-
Genesis 49:27
“Benjamin is a ravenous wolf. In the morning he will devour the prey. At evening he will divide the plunder.”
Jacob’s prophecy here characterizes the tribe with fierce strength and predatory energy, explaining their later reputation as warriors in Israel’s history.
-
Genesis 45:14
He fell on his brother Benjamin’s neck and wept, and Benjamin wept on his neck.
The emotional reunion between Joseph and Benjamin highlights the restoration of family bonds after years of separation and presumed loss.
-
Genesis 43:34
He sent portions to them from before him, but Benjamin’s portion was five times as much as any of theirs. They drank, and were merry with him.
Joseph’s generous gift to Benjamin, five times the amount given to his brothers, serves as a subtle clue to his true identity and favor toward his youngest sibling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Benjamin mean?
Why did Rachel call him Benoni?
What is the significance of the tribe of Benjamin?
How is Benjamin connected to Joseph?
Every Occurrence (147 verses across 17 books)
Genesis 16 verses
As her soul was departing (for she died), she named him Benoni, but his father named him Benjamin.
Genesis 35:24The sons of Rachel: Joseph and Benjamin.
Genesis 42:4But Jacob didn’t send Benjamin, Joseph’s brother, with his brothers; for he said, “Lest perhaps harm happen to him.”
Genesis 42:36Jacob, their father, said to them, “You have bereaved me of my children! Joseph is no more, Simeon is no more, and you…
Genesis 43:14May God Almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may release to you your other brother and Benjamin. If I am…
Genesis 43:15The men took that present, and they took double money in their hand, and Benjamin; and got up, went down to Egypt, and…
Genesis 43:16When Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the steward of his house, “Bring the men into the house, and butcher an…
Genesis 43:29He lifted up his eyes, and saw Benjamin, his brother, his mother’s son, and said, “Is this your youngest brother, of…
Genesis 43:34He sent portions to them from before him, but Benjamin’s portion was five times as much as any of theirs. They drank,…
Genesis 44:12He searched, beginning with the oldest, and ending at the youngest. The cup was found in Benjamin’s sack.
Genesis 45:12Behold, your eyes see, and the eyes of my brother Benjamin, that it is my mouth that speaks to you.
Genesis 45:14He fell on his brother Benjamin’s neck and wept, and Benjamin wept on his neck.
Genesis 45:22He gave each one of them changes of clothing, but to Benjamin he gave three hundred pieces of silver and five changes…
Genesis 46:19The sons of Rachel, Jacob’s wife: Joseph and Benjamin.
Genesis 46:21The sons of Benjamin: Bela, Becher, Ashbel, Gera, Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim, Huppim, and Ard.
Genesis 49:27“Benjamin is a ravenous wolf. In the morning he will devour the prey. At evening he will divide the plunder.”