from בֵּן and חַיִל; son of might; Ben-Chail, an Israelite; Ben-hail.
Transliteration:Ben-Chayil
Pronunciation:ben-khah'-yil
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
Ben-Chayil (`{{H1134}}`) is a compound Hebrew proper noun derived from two foundational terms: בֵּן (ben, `{{H1121}}`), meaning 'son' or 'child,' and חַיִל (chayil, `{{H2428}}`), which carries a rich semantic range including 'strength,' 'might,' 'valor,' 'efficiency,' 'wealth,' 'army,' and 'virtue.' Therefore, Ben-Chayil literally translates to 'son of might' or 'son of valor.' As a proper name, it signifies an individual possessing, or perhaps destined to embody, characteristics associated with 'chayil,' such as strength, capability, or excellence. The combination suggests a person of inherent or acquired capacity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Ben-hail (`{{H1134}}`) appears uniquely in the biblical text in [[2 Chronicles 17:7]]. In this passage, Ben-hail is listed among the princes sent by King Jehoshaphat in the third year of his reign to teach the Law of the Lord in the cities of Judah. The full list includes Ben-hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Micaiah, alongside Levites and priests. The context reveals Jehoshaphat's strategic and spiritual initiative to strengthen his kingdom not merely through military might, but through the dissemination of divine instruction. The inclusion of "princes" alongside Levites and priests suggests a comprehensive effort involving both civil and religious leadership. Ben-hail, as a "son of might," is thus associated with a crucial mission of spiritual and moral education, indicating that his "might" or "valor" was understood in terms of his capacity for leadership and his commitment to God's word. This singular occurrence places Ben-hail in a position of trust and responsibility within Jehoshaphat's righteous reforms.
### Related Words & Concepts
The constituent elements of Ben-Chayil, `{{H1121}}` (ben) and `{{H2428}}` (chayil), are individually significant. `{{H1121}}` (ben) is ubiquitous in Hebrew, forming the basis for countless patronymics and indicating familial or group affiliation (e.g., 'sons of Israel'). More critically, `{{H2428}}` (chayil) is a multifaceted term. It describes military strength (e.g., 'army,' 'forces' in [[Exodus 14:4]]), wealth or substance (e.g., 'substance' in [[Genesis 34:29]]), and moral or personal excellence. The latter is particularly evident in phrases like אֵשֶׁת חַיִל (eshet chayil, 'woman of valor/virtue') in [[Proverbs 31:10]], or גִּבּוֹרֵי חַיִל (gibborim chayil, 'mighty men of valor') describing warriors or capable leaders (e.g., [[Joshua 1:14]], [[1 Samuel 16:18]]). The name Ben-Chayil thus aligns with the broader biblical concept of individuals who possess not merely physical strength, but also moral fortitude, leadership capabilities, and a capacity for effective action, often in service to God's purposes.
### Theological Significance
While Ben-hail is a specific individual, the very meaning of his name, 'son of might' or 'son of valor,' carries profound theological resonance. In the biblical worldview, true might is not solely human strength but often a divine endowment or a quality exercised in obedience to God. Ben-hail's role in Jehoshaphat's reform, teaching the Law of the Lord, highlights that spiritual and intellectual strength, coupled with faithfulness, is a form of 'chayil' highly valued by God. His 'might' was not for conquest or personal gain, but for the edification of the people and the promotion of God's covenant. This underscores a key biblical principle: God often calls individuals who are 'mighty' or 'capable' (whether inherently or by His enabling grace) into roles of spiritual leadership and instruction. The name Ben-hail, therefore, serves as a subtle reminder that true strength in God's kingdom is often manifested in wisdom, integrity, and faithful stewardship of divine truth, rather than solely in physical prowess.
### Summary
Ben-Chayil (`{{H1134}}`), 'son of might,' serves as a unique biblical proper name found in [[2 Chronicles 17:7]]. Derived from `{{H1121}}` (ben, 'son') and `{{H2428}}` (chayil, 'might, valor, virtue'), the name itself denotes an individual of strength, capability, or excellence. Ben-hail's sole appearance places him among the princes sent by King Jehoshaphat to teach the Law of the Lord throughout Judah, suggesting that his 'might' was understood in terms of his capacity for leadership and spiritual instruction. This usage aligns with the broader biblical concept of chayil encompassing not only physical prowess but also moral fortitude, wisdom, and effective service in God's purposes. The theological significance of Ben-hail's name and role points to the divine valuation of spiritual and intellectual strength, exercised in faithfulness to God's word, as a true manifestation of valor.
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