from בֵּן and יָמִין; son of (the) right hand; Binjamin, youngest son of Jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory; Benjamin.
Transliteration:Binyâmîyn
Pronunciation:bin-yaw-mene'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word בִּנְיָמִין (Binyâmîyn, `{{H1144}}`) is a proper noun derived from two constituent elements: בֵּן (ben, `{{H1121}}`), meaning "son" or "child," and יָמִין (yamin, `{{H3225}}`), meaning "right hand" or "south." Thus, its literal and foundational meaning is "Son of the Right Hand." This etymology carries significant symbolic weight. The "right hand" in ancient Near Eastern and biblical thought often signifies strength, power, favor, honor, blessing, and a position of authority or prominence.
The semantic range of בִּנְיָמִין extends to three primary referents:
1. **The individual:** Jacob's twelfth and youngest son, born to Rachel.
2. **The tribe:** The tribal collective descended from this son.
3. **The territory:** The geographical region allotted to this tribe within the land of Canaan.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The earliest and most poignant occurrence of בִּנְיָמִין is in [[Genesis 35:18]], where Rachel, in her dying moments, names her newborn son "Ben-oni" (son of my sorrow). However, Jacob immediately renames him "Benjamin" (son of the right hand). This renaming is crucial, transforming a name born of grief into one signifying strength and favor, reflecting Jacob's hope and perhaps a divine purpose.
Benjamin's unique position as the youngest son and Joseph's full brother is highlighted in the Joseph narrative. Joseph shows particular affection for Benjamin, giving him a disproportionately large portion of food ([[Genesis 43:34]]) and testing his brothers' character through the incident of the silver cup placed in Benjamin's sack ([[Genesis 44:1-17]]).
The tribe of Benjamin's character and destiny are foreshadowed in the patriarchal blessings:
* Jacob's prophecy in [[Genesis 49:27]] describes Benjamin as "a ravenous wolf; in the morning he devours the prey, and in the evening he divides the spoil," hinting at their fierce, warlike nature and skill in battle.
* Moses' blessing in [[Deuteronomy 33:12]] speaks of Benjamin as "the beloved of the Lord, who dwells in safety by him; He covers him all the day long, and dwells between his shoulders," indicating divine protection and a close relationship with God, likely referencing the future location of the Temple within their territory.
Throughout the period of the Judges, the tribe of Benjamin is notably prominent, particularly in the tragic account of the Levite's concubine and the subsequent near-annihilation of the tribe due to their stubborn defense of the perpetrators ([[Judges 19-21]]). This narrative underscores their fierce independence and resilience, as the other tribes eventually devise a plan to preserve their lineage.
In the era of the monarchy, Saul, Israel's first king, hailed from the tribe of Benjamin ([[1 Samuel 9:1-2]]), bringing the tribe to national prominence. After the division of the kingdom, the tribe of Benjamin largely remained loyal to the house of David, forming part of the Southern Kingdom alongside Judah ([[1 Kings 12:21]]). This loyalty is further evidenced in the post-exilic period, where Benjamites are listed among those who returned from exile ([[Ezra 1:5]], [[Nehemiah 11:4]]).
In the New Testament, the apostle Paul proudly identifies himself as a Benjamite ([[Romans 11:1]], [[Philippians 3:5]]), connecting his identity to this significant tribal lineage within Israel.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **בֵּן (ben, `{{H1121}}`):** "Son, child." This foundational component emphasizes lineage and the identity derived from one's father.
* **יָמִין (yamin, `{{H3225}}`):** "Right hand, south." This element is crucial for the symbolic meaning of the name, conveying concepts of strength, favor, honor, and a preferred position. The "right hand" is often associated with divine power and blessing in Scripture.
* **בֶּן־אוֹנִי (Ben-oni):** Rachel's original name for her son, meaning "son of my sorrow." The stark contrast between this name and Jacob's "Benjamin" highlights a thematic shift from grief to hope and divine favor.
* **Tribal Inheritance:** The concept of the twelve tribes of Israel and their allotted territories is deeply intertwined with Benjamin's identity. The strategic location of Benjamin's territory, bordering Judah and Ephraim and including the site of Jerusalem, was immensely significant.
* **Divine Favor/Blessing:** The "right hand" motif frequently appears in scripture to denote God's strength, blessing, and favor (e.g., "the right hand of the Lord does valiantly" in [[Psalm 118:15]]).
### Theological Significance
The name בִּנְיָמִין carries profound theological weight. Jacob's immediate renaming of his son from "son of sorrow" to "son of the right hand" can be interpreted as an act of faith, transforming a moment of profound grief into a declaration of future strength and blessing. This act reflects a broader biblical theme: God's ability to redeem suffering and bring forth good from challenging circumstances. It underscores divine sovereignty, where human sorrow is met with a promise of strength and favor.
The "right hand" motif resonates throughout biblical theology, often symbolizing divine power, authority, and exaltation. While Benjamin is not a direct messianic figure, his name subtly echoes the ultimate position of the Messiah, who is depicted as seated at the "right hand of God" ([[Psalm 110:1]], [[Mark 16:19]]), signifying supreme power and honor.
Furthermore, the tribe of Benjamin's geographical proximity to the eventual location of the Temple in Jerusalem (which lay on the border between Judah and Benjamin) underscores their unique theological significance as being "covered" and "dwelt among" by the Lord, as per Moses' blessing ([[Deuteronomy 33:12]]). The tribe's tumultuous history, particularly in the book of Judges, also serves as a testament to God's enduring covenant faithfulness, demonstrating His willingness to preserve and restore even a wayward people through repentance and divine intervention.
### Summary
The Hebrew word בִּנְיָמִין (Binyâmîyn, `{{H1144}}`) literally means "son of the right hand," derived from בֵּן (son, `{{H1121}}`) and יָמִין (right hand, `{{H3225}}`). This name, given by Jacob to his youngest son, stands in stark contrast to Rachel's dying wish to name him "Ben-oni" (son of my sorrow). The "right hand" symbolizes strength, favor, honor, and blessing, reflecting a profound shift from pain to potential and divine purpose. בִּנְיָמִין refers not only to Jacob's youngest son but also to the powerful and often warlike tribe descended from him, whose strategically important territory included areas near Jerusalem. From Joseph's special affection ([[Genesis 43:34]]) to the tribe's fierce independence in Judges ([[Judges 19-21]]), and the lineage of Israel's first king, Saul ([[1 Samuel 9:1]]), the Benjamites played a pivotal role in Israel's history. The apostle Paul's identification as a Benjamite ([[Romans 11:1]]) further highlights the tribe's enduring legacy. Theologically, Benjamin's name signifies God's sovereign ability to transform human sorrow into strength and to place His chosen ones in positions of favor, echoing the broader biblical theme of divine redemption and exaltation.
TRV