### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Ben-ʼÔwnîy**, represented by `{{H1126}}`, means **son of my sorrow**. It is a deeply personal and poignant name that appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible. It was the original name given to Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob, at the moment of his birth and his mother's death.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single use of `{{H1126}}` occurs in a moment of profound tragedy. In [[Genesis 35:18]], as Rachel's **soul** `{{H5315}}` is **departing** `{{H3318}}` because she **died** `{{H4191}}` in childbirth, she **called** `{{H7121}}` her son's **name** `{{H8034}}` **Benoni** `{{H1126}}`. This name forever linked him to the sorrow of his birth. However, his **father** `{{H1}}` immediately **called** `{{H7121}}` him **Benjamin** `{{H1144}}`, transforming his identity from one of grief to one of honor.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words illuminate the context surrounding this name:
* `{{H1144}}` **Binyâmîyn** (Benjamin): This is the name that replaced Ben-Oni, meaning "son of (the) right hand." It stands in direct contrast to "son of my sorrow," shifting the narrative from loss to strength and favor [[Genesis 35:18]].
* `{{H4191}}` **mûwth** (to die): This word is central to the naming of Ben-Oni. Rachel named him as she **died** `{{H4191}}`, embedding the finality of death into his original name [[Genesis 35:18]].
* `{{H5315}}` **nephesh** (soul): The text states that Rachel named her son as her **soul** was departing. This term, referring to life and vitality, underscores the poignancy of life beginning as another ends [[Genesis 35:18]].
* `{{H7121}}` **qârâʼ** (to call): This root is used for the act of naming by both the mother and the father. Rachel **called** him Ben-Oni out of her pain, while his father **called** him Benjamin, asserting a new identity for him [[Genesis 35:18]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1126}}` is found in its contrast with the name that replaced it.
* **Identity and Naming:** The brief existence of the name **Ben-Oni** highlights the biblical principle that a **name** `{{H8034}}` reflects character and circumstance. Rachel named him from her perspective of death, but his father renamed him from a perspective of life and future.
* **From Sorrow to Honor:** The narrative pivot from **Ben-Oni** ("son of my sorrow") to **Benjamin** (`{{H1144}}`, "son of the right hand") demonstrates a theme of redemption. A father's intervention changes the son's destiny from a memorial of grief to a symbol of strength.
* **Life Born from Death:** The name is a stark reminder that this new life came at the cost of another. Rachel **died** `{{H4191}}` so that her son could live, a powerful motif that frames the story of Jacob's youngest son [[Genesis 35:18]].
### Summary
In summary, **Ben-ʼÔwnîy** `{{H1126}}` is more than just a forgotten name. It is a marker of intense sorrow, capturing a mother's dying breath in a name. Its sole appearance and immediate replacement by **Benjamin** `{{H1144}}` provide a powerful lesson on how identity can be redefined, moving from a narrative of grief to one of hope and honor through the authoritative word of a father.
TRV