sometimes (with the article inserted) בֵּן־הַיּמִינִי; with אִישׁ inserted (1 Samuel 9:1) בֶּן־אִישׁ ימִינִי; son of a man of Jemini; or shortened אִישׁ יְמִינִי; (1 Samuel 9:4; Esther 2:5) a man of Jemini, or (1 Samuel 20:1) simply יְמִינִיxlit Yᵉmînîy corrected to Yᵉmîynîy; a Jeminite; (plural) בְּנֵי יְמִינִיxlit Bᵉnîy corrected to Bᵉnêy; patron from בִּנְיָמִין; a Benjaminite, or descendent of Benjamin; Benjamite, of Benjamin.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Ben-yᵉmîynîy**, represented by `{{H1145}}`, is a patronymic that means **a Benjaminite, or descendent of Benjamin**. It appears 18 times in 18 unique verses. The term, derived from **Binyâmîyn** `{{H1144}}`, serves as a specific identifier for individuals belonging to the tribe of Benjamin. It is sometimes used with the word **'îysh** `{{H376}}` to mean "a man of Jemini" [[1 Samuel 9:1]].
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, the designation `{{H1145}}` is used to introduce significant figures and establish their tribal identity. For example, Ehud, whom the LORD `{{H3068}}` raised up as a **deliverer** `{{H3467}}`, is identified as "the son `{{H1121}}` of Gera `{{H1617}}`, a **Benjamite** `{{H1145}}`" [[Judges 3:15]]. The lineage of Israel's first king, Saul, is established by identifying his ancestor Kish `{{H7027}}` as a **Benjamite** `{{H1145}}`, "a mighty `{{H1368}}` man `{{H376}}` of power `{{H2428}}`" [[1 Samuel 9:1]]. The term is also used for antagonists, such as Shimei `{{H8096}}`, who is called "a **Benjamite** `{{H1145}}` of Bahurim `{{H980}}`" when he cursed `{{H7043}}` King David `{{H1732}}` [[2 Samuel 19:16]]. In the Persian court, Mordecai `{{H4782}}` is also identified by this lineage [[Esther 2:5]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for understanding the identity of a Benjamite:
* `{{H1144}}` **Binyâmîyn** (Benjamin): This is the root word for `{{H1145}}`, referring to Jacob's youngest **son** `{{H1121}}` and the **tribe** `{{H7626}}` descended from him. The territory of this tribe is called the "land `{{H776}}` of the **Benjamites** `{{H1145}}`" [[1 Samuel 9:4]].
* `{{H7626}}` **shêbeṭ** (tribe): This word clarifies the social and political structure to which a Benjamite belongs. Saul `{{H7586}}` refers to Benjamin as the **smallest** `{{H6996}}` of the **tribes** `{{H7626}}` of Israel `{{H3478}}` [[1 Samuel 9:21]].
* `{{H4940}}` **mishpâchâh** (family): This term specifies a smaller unit within the tribe. Saul also mentions that his **family** is the **least** `{{H6810}}` of all the **families** of the tribe of Benjamin [[1 Samuel 9:21]].
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (son): As a patronymic, `{{H1145}}` is intrinsically linked to the concept of lineage. Its usage often appears alongside genealogies tracing fathers and **sons**, such as in the description of Kish, the **son** of Abiel [[1 Samuel 9:1]].
### Theological Significance
The designation `{{H1145}}` carries significant narrative weight, highlighting a tribe of notable contrasts and pivotal roles.
* **A Tribe of Heroes and Villains:** The term is applied to both a **deliverer** `{{H3467}}` like Ehud [[Judges 3:15]] and a "man `{{H376}}` of Belial `{{H1100}}`" like Sheba `{{H7652}}`, who led a rebellion against David [[2 Samuel 20:1]]. This shows the diverse character of the individuals from this lineage.
* **From Smallest to Royal:** A key theme is the tribe's humble status producing Israel's first king. Saul `{{H7586}}` himself notes he is a **Benjamite** `{{H1145}}` from the **smallest** `{{H6996}}` tribe [[1 Samuel 9:21]], demonstrating a pattern of God choosing the unlikely.
* **Centrality in Conflict and Loyalty:** Benjamites are frequently at the heart of Israel's internal conflicts, as seen when the men of Gibeah `{{H1390}}` are identified as **Benjamites** `{{H1145}}` [[Judges 19:16]]. Yet, they also show great loyalty, with a **thousand** `{{H505}}` men `{{H376}}` of **Benjamin** `{{H1145}}` hasting to meet `{{H7125}}` David `{{H1732}}` upon his return [[2 Samuel 19:16-17]].
* **Enduring Identity:** The identity of being a **Benjamite** `{{H1145}}` persists through Israel's history, from the time of the Judges to the Persian exile with Mordecai [[Esther 2:5]], connecting key figures across centuries to this specific tribal heritage.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1145}}` **Ben-yᵉmîynîy** is more than a simple genealogical marker. It defines individuals belonging to the tribe of Benjamin, a lineage that produced Israel's first king from its smallest tribe. The term is attached to figures of great renown and great infamy, from the deliverer Ehud to the rebel Sheba. It underscores the complex and often paradoxical role the tribe of Benjamin played throughout the biblical narrative, providing a lineage that was a source of both conflict and deliverance for the people of Israel.
TRV