from בֵּן and אָוֶן; son of my sorrow; Ben-Oni, the original name of Benjamin; Ben-oni.
Transliteration:Ben-ʼÔwnîy
Pronunciation:ben-o-nee'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word בֶּן־אוֹנִי (Ben-ʼÔwnîy, `{{H1126}}`) is a compound proper noun, functioning as a personal name. Its meaning is derived from two constituent elements: בֵּן (ben, `{{H1121}}`), meaning "son of," and אָוֶן ('aven, `{{H205}}`), which in this specific context signifies "sorrow," "trouble," or "distress." Therefore, the most direct and accurate translation of Ben-ʼÔwnîy is "son of my sorrow" or "son of my trouble." While 'aven can also denote "iniquity," "vanity," or "wickedness" in other contexts, its usage here is clearly tied to the profound grief and suffering experienced by Rachel during childbirth, as indicated by the narrative. The name encapsulates the immediate, painful circumstances of the child's birth and his mother's death.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name בֶּן־אוֹנִי (Ben-ʼÔwnîy, `{{H1126}}`) appears only once in the biblical text, in [[Genesis 35:18]]. This sole occurrence is profoundly significant, as it records the final act of Rachel, Jacob's beloved wife, as she dies giving birth to her second son. The verse reads: "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."
The context is one of extreme duress and tragedy. Rachel, in her dying moments, names her son out of her deep personal anguish and the physical suffering of childbirth that leads to her demise. Her choice of "Ben-oni" directly reflects her immediate, sorrowful experience. However, Jacob, upon her death, immediately renames the child בִּנְיָמִין (Binyamin, `{{H1144}}`), "Benjamin," meaning "son of the right hand" or "son of strength." This swift renaming highlights a crucial theological and narrative tension: the human experience of sorrow and death versus God's overarching plan for blessing and future. Jacob's renaming transforms a name rooted in grief into one signifying favor, strength, and perhaps even divine blessing, reflecting a forward-looking perspective that transcends the immediate tragedy.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding בֶּן־אוֹנִי (Ben-ʼÔwnîy, `{{H1126}}`) is enriched by examining its constituent parts and related concepts:
* **בֵּן (ben, `{{H1121}}`):** This is the common Hebrew word for "son," "offspring," or "child." Its presence in the name emphasizes the new life, even amidst death, and the continuation of the patriarchal lineage.
* **אָוֶן ('aven, `{{H205}}`):** While primarily meaning "sorrow" or "trouble" in this context, the broader semantic range of 'aven includes "iniquity," "wickedness," "vanity," and "futility." This broader range can subtly underscore the profound distress Rachel experienced, perhaps even a sense of the futility of her own life ending so abruptly. However, the immediate narrative points strongly to personal grief.
* **בִּנְיָמִין (Binyamin, `{{H1144}}`):** This is the name Jacob gave to the child, meaning "son of the right hand" or "son of strength." The "right hand" (יָמִין, yamin, `{{H3225}}`) in ancient Near Eastern culture symbolized strength, honor, authority, and favor. The contrast between Rachel's name of sorrow and Jacob's name of strength is stark and intentional, revealing different perspectives on the child's birth and future.
* **Biblical Naming Conventions:** Names in the Bible are often highly significant, reflecting circumstances of birth, character, destiny, or even prophetic insights. The renaming of Ben-oni to Benjamin exemplifies this practice, showcasing the power of names to convey theological truth and narrative progression.
### Theological Significance
The single occurrence of בֶּן־אוֹנִי (Ben-ʼÔwnîy, `{{H1126}}`) carries profound theological weight. It serves as a stark reminder of:
1. **The Reality of Human Suffering:** Rachel's naming of her son encapsulates the raw, unvarnished reality of human pain, loss, and death, even within the context of God's covenant promises. It acknowledges the legitimate expression of grief in the face of tragedy.
2. **Divine Sovereignty Amidst Sorrow:** While Rachel names the child from her perspective of sorrow, Jacob's immediate renaming to Benjamin (son of the right hand/strength) demonstrates a faith-filled perspective that looks beyond immediate circumstances to God's ultimate purpose. It suggests that even in profound grief, God's plan for blessing, strength, and the continuation of the covenant lineage prevails.
3. **Transformation and Redemption:** The shift from "son of my sorrow" to "son of the right hand" is a powerful theological statement about transformation. It foreshadows God's ability to redeem and repurpose even the most sorrowful events for His glory and the good of His people. Benjamin, the son born of sorrow, would become the progenitor of a mighty tribe, including Israel's first king, Saul, and later the Apostle Paul.
4. **Theological Anthropology:** The narrative illustrates differing human responses to suffering. Rachel's name is an expression of immediate, personal anguish, while Jacob's renaming reflects a more theological, hopeful outlook rooted in his understanding of God's faithfulness and the future of his family.
### Summary
בֶּן־אוֹנִי (Ben-ʼÔwnîy, `{{H1126}}`) is a poignant Hebrew name meaning "son of my sorrow," given by Rachel in her dying moments during childbirth, as recorded in [[Genesis 35:18]]. This singular occurrence powerfully encapsulates the profound grief and physical suffering she endured. Immediately following her death, Jacob renames the child Benjamin, "son of the right hand," shifting the focus from sorrow and death to strength, favor, and the future. The name Ben-oni thus serves as a vivid biblical testament to the reality of human suffering and loss, while simultaneously highlighting the redemptive power of God's plan and the hope found in His promises, which transcend immediate tragedy and transform sorrow into strength.
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