בֶּן־יְמִינִי (ben-y.mi.ni)
ben-y.mi.ni
Benjaminite
N:N--PGQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--PG
Word Overview
The term ben-yemiyni identifies a member of the tribe of Benjamin, literally translating to "son of the right hand." This name reflects the lineage of Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel, whose birth is recorded in Genesis 35:18. The phrase suggests a position of favor or strength, associating the tribe with the powerful side of the body.
With only seven occurrences in the Hebrew Bible, this specific adjective appears primarily in the books of Judges and Samuel. It serves to distinguish individuals by their tribal heritage, such as when Saul is introduced as a Benjamite in 1 Samuel 9:1-4. The sources note that while the tribe is often called Benjamin, the individual form ben-yemiyni provides precise ethnic identification in historical narratives.
The etymology highlights the cultural value placed on the right hand, symbolizing honor and capability. By using this term, the biblical text anchors characters like Saul within their specific familial and tribal context, emphasizing their identity as descendants of Rachel’s favored son rather than just generic Israelites.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ben-yemiyni identifies someone as a member of the tribe of Benjamin. Literally meaning 'son of the right hand,' it connects the bearer to Rachel’s youngest son. In ancient culture, the right side often symbolized strength and favor. This term was not just a label but a marker of identity, linking individuals like Saul and Mordecai to their specific heritage within Israel.
For your faith, this reminds us that God uses people from every background. The tribe of Benjamin was small, yet it produced key leaders and heroes. When you read about Benjamites in Scripture, remember that God’s plan unfolds through ordinary families with distinct histories. Your own identity is known to Him, just as these ancient figures were anchored in their lineage.
Understanding this word helps clarify the political and social dynamics in books like Judges and Samuel. It shows how tribal loyalty influenced decisions and conflicts. Yet, it also points to God’s sovereignty, working through specific lineages to accomplish His purposes. This historical detail enriches our reading of the Bible, showing that every person has a story within God’s larger narrative.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] Ben-3×
- <the>/ jaminite3×
- jaminites2×
- jaminite1×
- a Jaminite1×
- a Ben-1×
- [were] Ben-1×
- O Ben-1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יְמִינִֽי\׃2×
- בֶּן\־2×
- בֶן\־2×
- יְמִינִ֤י1×
- יְמִינִ֑י1×
- הַ/יְמִינִי֮1×
- הַ/יְמִינִ֗י1×
- הַ/יְמִינִ֔י1×
- בְּנֵ֥י1×
- בְּנֵ֣י1×
Key Verses
-
I Samuel 9:21
Saul answered, “Am I not a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel? And my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? Why then do you speak to me like this?”
Saul uses this term to emphasize his humble origins in the smallest tribe, highlighting God's choice of the unlikely.
-
Esther 2:5
There was a certain Jew in the citadel of Susa whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite,
Mordecai is identified as a Benjamite, linking him to Saul’s tribe and underscoring the continuity of God’s people through exile.
-
Judges 3:15
But when the children of Israel cried to Yahweh, Yahweh raised up a savior for them: Ehud the son of Gera, the Benjamite, a left-handed man. The children of Israel sent tribute by him to Eglon the king of Moab.
Ehud is called a Benjamite, distinguishing his tribal identity even as his left-handedness becomes the tool for deliverance.