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בֶּן־עַמִּי (ben-am.mi)

ben-am.mi

Ben-ammi

H1151 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 1 verses

N:N-M-P

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
1 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
N:N-M-P

Word Overview

Ben-ammi is a proper name appearing only once in Scripture, at Genesis 19:38. It identifies the son born to Lot and his younger daughter, who became the progenitor of the Ammonite people. The name translates literally to "son of my people," reflecting a complex family dynamic where the daughters sought to preserve their lineage after the destruction of Sodom.

As a lexical entry, Ben-ammi serves as a historical marker rather than a theological term. Its sole occurrence anchors the origin story of the Ammonites in the Genesis narrative, linking them directly to Lot’s family line alongside Moab, son of his older daughter. The name itself does not carry additional semantic weight in later biblical usage; it functions strictly as an identifier for this specific patriarch and his descendants.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The name Ben-ammi appears in Genesis 19:38 as the son of Lot and his younger daughter. This brief mention records the origin of the Ammonite people, linking them to Abraham’s nephew through a complicated family situation. The text presents this lineage without moral commentary, simply stating who was born and what nation descended from him.

For readers today, this verse highlights how God’s story includes complex human histories. It reminds us that even in messy circumstances, God continues to work out His plans across generations. The inclusion of such details shows that Scripture does not shy away from the full reality of human life, offering a honest window into the past.

Understanding these connections helps us see the broader tapestry of biblical history. It encourages patience as we study difficult passages, trusting that God’s word is sufficient even when it records challenging family dynamics.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • Ben-1×
  • Ammi1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • עַמִּ֑י1×
  • בֶּן\־1×

Key Verses

  • Genesis 19:38
    The younger also bore a son, and called his name Ben Ammi. He is the father of the children of Ammon to this day.

    This verse serves as the sole biblical record of Ben-ammi's birth and identifies him as the ancestor of the Ammonites.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Ben-ammi mean?

The name Ben-ammi translates to 'son of my people' or 'son of my kin.' It reflects the family relationship between Lot and his daughters, who sought to preserve their lineage after the destruction of Sodom. The name itself is a proper identifier rather than a theological term with deeper semantic weight.

Who was Ben-ammi in the Bible?

Ben-ammi was the son born to Lot and his younger daughter, as recorded in Genesis 19:38. He is identified as the father of the Ammonite people, a nation that frequently interacted with Israel throughout biblical history. His birth occurred in the aftermath of Sodom's destruction.

Why is Ben-ammi mentioned only once?

Ben-ammi appears only once because he functions as a historical marker for the origin of the Ammonites rather than an active character in the narrative. The text uses his name to explain the genealogical connection between Lot’s family and the surrounding nations, providing context for later biblical events involving the Ammonites.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)

Genesis 1 verse
Genesis 19:38

The younger also bore a son, and called his name Ben Ammi. He is the father of the children of Ammon to this day.