Benjamin
The Son of Jacob's Right HandJacob's youngest son by Rachel, whose birth caused her death, and through whom the tribe of Benjamin descended
Benjamin was Jacob's youngest and most beloved son after Joseph's presumed death. His mother Rachel died giving birth to him, naming him 'Ben-Oni' (son of my sorrow), but Jacob renamed him 'Benjamin' (son of my right hand). He became Jacob's favorite, and when Joseph tested his brothers, the drama centered on Benjamin. Judah's offer to substitute himself for Benjamin moved Joseph to reveal himself. The tribe of Benjamin produced King Saul, the apostle Paul, and was known for skilled warriors. Benjamin remained loyal to Judah after the kingdom split. He represents the transformation of sorrow into honor and God's providence through the smallest of circumstances.
Original Name
בִּנְיָמִין (Binyamin)
Meaning
Son of the right hand, Son of the south
Etymology
Rachel named him Ben-Oni ('son of my sorrow/strength'), but Jacob renamed him Benjamin (Binyamin - 'son of my right hand'). The right hand represented strength, favor, and blessing. 'Yamin' can also mean 'south' (facing east), as the right hand faces south.
Linguistic Insights
The double naming of Benjamin is poignant: Rachel's 'Ben-Oni' (son of my sorrow, or son of my strength/vigor - her last strength) reflects her dying perspective; Jacob's 'Binyamin' (son of my right hand) transforms tragedy into honor. The 'right hand' (yamin) symbolizes strength, blessing, and favor throughout Scripture - sitting at God's right hand is the position of ultimate honor. Jacob's blessing calling Benjamin a 'ravenous wolf' (ze'ev yitraf) describes the tribe's fierce warriors (Judges 19-21, Ehud's left-handed attack). The smallest tribe (Psalm 68:27 - 'little Benjamin') produced Israel's first king (Saul) and one of its greatest apostles (Paul, Philippians 3:5).
Translation Notes
- •Ben-Oni = 'son of my sorrow' (Rachel's name)
- •Binyamin = 'son of right hand' (Jacob's name)
- •'Right hand' = position of honor and strength
- •Smallest tribe with great warriors and leaders
Related Terms
Born on the road to Bethlehem
Genesis 35:16-18Named Ben-Oni by dying Rachel
Genesis 35:18Renamed Benjamin by Jacob
Genesis 35:18Became Jacob's favorite after Joseph's 'death'
Genesis 42:4Taken to Egypt reluctantly by brothers
Genesis 43:1-15Given five times more food than brothers
Genesis 43:34Silver cup planted in his sack
Genesis 44:1-13Judah offered himself in Benjamin's place
Genesis 44:18-34Reunited with Joseph
Genesis 45:14Received Jacob's blessing
Genesis 49:27Genesis 35:18
"As she breathed her last—for she was dying—she named her son Ben-Oni. But his father named him Benjamin."
Genesis 42:4
"But Jacob did not send Benjamin, Joseph's brother, with the others, because he was afraid that harm might come to him."
Genesis 49:27
"Benjamin is a ravenous wolf; in the morning he devours the prey, in the evening he divides the plunder."
Philippians 3:5
"Circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews."