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Benjamin(3)

Benjamin in the Bible — descendant of Harim who had married a foreign wife (EZR 10:32). Referenced in 2 scripture passages.

Name meaning: son of the right hand

Profile

Gender
male
Scripture References
2 references
Known Names
1 name
Relationships
1 connection

Biography

The youngest son of Jacob and Rachel, born as his mother died in childbirth. Rachel named him Ben-oni ('son of my sorrow'), but Jacob renamed him Benjamin ('son of my right hand'). He was the only son of Jacob born in Canaan and was deeply loved by his father. He became the father of the tribe of Benjamin.

Significance

Benjamin's tribe produced Israel's first king (Saul) and the apostle Paul, and remained loyal to Judah when the kingdom divided.

Key Events

Birth near Bethlehem; Rachel died(Genesis 35:16-18)
Traveled to Egypt with brothers(Genesis 43:15)
Joseph's cup found in his sack(Genesis 44:12)
Reunited with Joseph(Genesis 45:14)

Names & Labels (1)

Benjaminproper name
Hebrew
בְּנְיָמִן
Transliteration
bənəyamin
Meaning
son of [the] right hand; southerner
Greek
Βενιαμιν
Reference
EZR 10:32
Strong's
H1144

Family & Relationships (1)

descendant

Harim(EZR 10:32)

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Benjamin in the Bible?

Benjamin is described in the Bible as descendant of Harim who had married a foreign wife (EZR 10:32).

What does the name Benjamin mean?

The name Benjamin means “son of the right hand” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.

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