Why did Rachel name her son "Benoni" and what does it mean?

Rachel named her son "Benoni" (Hebrew: Ben-ʼÔwnîy) in her dying moments. This name literally means "son of my sorrow" or "son of my pain." It was a direct and poignant expression of her overwhelming agony during childbirth and her realization that she was dying. It reflects the immediate, profound grief and suffering she experienced in those final moments.

Why did Jacob rename his son "Benjamin" and what is its significance?

Jacob renamed his son "Benjamin" (Hebrew: Binyâmîyn) immediately after Rachel's death. This name means "son of the right hand." Jacob's renaming was a deliberate act to transform the legacy of sorrow into one of hope, strength, honor, and blessing. In ancient Near Eastern culture, the "right hand" symbolized power, favor, and a position of authority and privilege. By renaming him Benjamin, Jacob bestowed a name that looked forward to a positive future and a favored place within the family and the unfolding covenant, ensuring the child's identity was not solely defined by the tragedy of his birth.

Does this passage suggest that God causes sorrow or death?

This passage highlights the reality of suffering and death in a fallen world, even within the lives of those chosen by God. While God is sovereign over all events, including life and death, the text does not attribute Rachel's death to a specific punitive act of God. Instead, it demonstrates how God's overarching plan of redemption and covenant fulfillment continues to unfold even amidst human tragedy. The birth of Benjamin, despite the sorrow, completes the lineage of the twelve tribes, showing how God can work through difficult circumstances to achieve His purposes and transform sorrow into a path for future blessing, as seen in Joseph's later declaration in Genesis 50:20.

35:17 35:17

Genesis 35:18

35:19 35:19

Bible Versions

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.

And it came to pass, as her soul {H5315} was in departing {H3318},(for she died {H4191}) that she called {H7121} his name {H8034} Benoni {H1126}: but his father {H1} called {H7121} him Benjamin {H1144}.

But she died in childbirth. As she was dying she named her son Ben-Oni [son of my grief], but his father called him Binyamin [son of the right hand, son of the south].

And with her last breath—for she was dying—she named him Ben-oni. But his father called him Benjamin.

And it came to pass, as her soul was departing (for she died), that she called his name Ben-oni: but his father called him Benjamin.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Verse Lookup

Cross-References

Acts 7:59

And they stoned Stephen, calling upon [God], and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.
1 Chronicles 4:9

And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow.
Luke 23:46

And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.
Genesis 30:1

¶ And when Rachel saw that she bare Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister; and said unto Jacob, Give me children, or else I die.
Psalms 16:10

For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
Lamentations 2:12

They say to their mothers, Where [is] corn and wine? when they swooned as the wounded in the streets of the city, when their soul was poured out into their mothers' bosom.
Exodus 12:7

And they shall take of the blood, and strike [it] on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it.

Bible Versions

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