King James Version

What Does Genesis 35:18 Mean?

Genesis 35:18 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass, as her soul was in departing, (for she died) that she called his name Benoni: but his father called...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 35 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And it came to pass, as her soul was in departing, (for she died) that she called his name Benoni: but his father called him Benjamin. Benoni: that is, The son of my sorrow Benjamin: that is, The son of the right hand”

Genesis 35:18 · KJV

Context

16

And they journeyed from Bethel; and there was but a little way to come to Ephrath: and Rachel travailed, and she had hard labour. a little: Heb. a little piece of ground

17

And it came to pass, when she was in hard labour, that the midwife said unto her, Fear not; thou shalt have this son also.

18

And it came to pass, as her soul was in departing, (for she died) that she called his name Benoni: but his father called him Benjamin. Benoni: that is, The son of my sorrow Benjamin: that is, The son of the right hand

19

And Rachel died, and was buried in the way to Ephrath, which is Bethlehem.

20

And Jacob set a pillar upon her grave: that is the pillar of Rachel's grave unto this day.

Read Genesis 35 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And it came to pass, as her soul was in departing, (for she died) that she called his name Ben-oni: ... This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God graciously transforms.

Key themes include God's sovereign choice ("the older shall serve the younger"), the consequences of deception and family dysfunction, exile and return patterns, wrestling with God leading to blessing, and covenant renewal across generations. Jacob's character development from manipulative deceiver to mature patriarch demonstrates sanctification's lifelong process.

Theologically significant aspects include: (1) divine election based on grace not merit (Romans 9:10-13); (2) God's faithfulness to covenant promises despite human unfaithfulness; (3) discipline as evidence of divine love and means of transformation; (4) generational patterns of sin requiring divine intervention to break; (5) prayer and wrestling with God as legitimate expressions of faith. Jacob's limp after wrestling God symbolizes how divine encounters leave permanent marks, transforming our approach to life and dependence on God rather than our own cunning.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12-50) reflect the cultural, social, and legal customs of the ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1500 BCE). Archaeological discoveries including the Mari tablets, Nuzi tablets, and Egyptian records confirm many details: nomadic pastoralism, covenant-making ceremonies, marriage customs, property laws, and international travel patterns described in Genesis.

The cultural practices reflected include: treaty/covenant forms (Genesis 15), bride-price customs (Genesis 24, 29), inheritance laws favoring firstborn sons (Genesis 25, 27), adoption practices (Genesis 15, 30), levirate-type arrangements (Genesis 38), and Egyptian administrative systems (Genesis 41, 47). These parallels confirm Genesis's historical reliability while showing how God worked within ancient cultural frameworks to accomplish His purposes.

For later Israelites, these narratives established their identity as Abraham's descendants, explained their claim to Canaan, justified their possession of Joseph's bones (Exodus 13:19), and provided models of faith despite imperfection. The patriarchs' failures and God's faithfulness encouraged Israel that covenant relationship depended on God's grace rather than human merit. The movement from Mesopotamia to Canaan to Egypt set the stage for the Exodus and conquest narratives.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse deepen our understanding of God's character and His relationship with creation?
  2. How can we apply the principles from this passage to contemporary challenges in family, work, or church?
  3. How does understanding Christ as the ultimate fulfillment illuminate this passage's meaning?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וַיְהִ֞י1 of 13
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בְּצֵ֤את2 of 13

“was in departing”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

נַפְשָׁהּ֙3 of 13

“And it came to pass as her soul”

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

כִּ֣י4 of 13
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

מֵ֔תָה5 of 13

“for she died”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

קָֽרָא6 of 13

“called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

שְׁמ֖וֹ7 of 13

“his name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

בֶּן8 of 13
H0
אוֹנִ֑י9 of 13

“Benoni”

H1126

ben-oni, the original name of benjamin

וְאָבִ֖יו10 of 13

“but his father”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

קָֽרָא11 of 13

“called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

ל֥וֹ12 of 13
H0
בִנְיָמִֽין׃13 of 13

“him Benjamin”

H1144

binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 35:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 35:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 23:46Acts 7:591 Chronicles 4:9Luke 12:20Genesis 42:4Genesis 30:1

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