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.
Transliteration:Ben-yᵉmîynîy
Pronunciation:ben-yem-ee-nee'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The lemma בֶּן־יְמִינִי (Ben-yᵉmîynîy), Strong's `{{H1145}}`, is a patronymic term derived from the tribal name בִּנְיָמִין (Binyāmîn), Strong's `{{H1144}}`, meaning "son of the right hand." Consequently, H1145 translates directly to "son of Benjamin" or, more broadly, "a Benjaminite" or "Benjamite." The provided definition highlights several morphological variations that all convey this core meaning:
* The base form, בֶּן־יְמִינִי (Ben-yᵉmîynîy), signifies "son of a Jemini."
* With the definite article, בֵּן־הַיּמִינִי (Ben-hayyᵉmîynîy), it becomes "the son of the Jemini."
* The form בֶּן־אִישׁ ימִינִי (Ben-ʼîš yᵉmîynîy), as seen in [[1 Samuel 9:1]], explicitly states "son of a man of Jemini," emphasizing the paternal lineage within the tribe.
* Shorter forms like אִישׁ יְמִינִי (ʼîš yᵉmîynîy), "a man of Jemini," are found in [[1 Samuel 9:4]] and [[Esther 2:5]].
* The simplest form, יְמִינִי (Yᵉmîynîy), "Jemini" or "Benjamite," appears in [[1 Samuel 20:1]].
* The plural, בְּנֵי יְמִינִי (Bᵉnêy yᵉmîynîy), refers collectively to the "sons of Jemini" or "Benjamites."
The semantic range of H1145 is thus consistently focused on identifying an individual or group as belonging to the tribe of Benjamin.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H1145, in its various forms, is primarily found in the historical books of the Old Testament, where tribal identity is a significant marker for individuals and communities. Its occurrences often serve to establish lineage, explain allegiances, or contextualize events related to the tribe of Benjamin.
A prominent example is the introduction of Israel's first king, Saul: "Now there was a man of Benjamin (בֶּן־אִישׁ יְמִינִי) whose name was Kish" [[1 Samuel 9:1]]. This immediate identification of Saul's tribal origin is crucial, setting the stage for his reign and the subsequent interactions between the monarchy and the tribes. The narrative continues to use the shortened form "a man of Benjamin" (אִישׁ יְמִינִי) for Saul in [[1 Samuel 9:4]]. Similarly, Jonathan confirms his father's lineage by stating, "Is not my father a Benjaminite (יְמִינִי)?" [[1 Samuel 20:1]].
In the post-exilic period, the enduring importance of tribal identity is seen with Mordecai, who is identified as "a Jew, a Benjaminite (אִישׁ יְמִינִי)" in [[Esther 2:5]]. This demonstrates that even after centuries and significant national upheaval, tribal affiliation remained a vital component of personal and communal identity among the Israelites.
The plural form, "sons of Benjamin" or "Benjamites" (בְּנֵי יְמִינִי), frequently appears in contexts describing the tribe collectively, such as in military musters, tribal conflicts, or genealogical accounts. The most dramatic instance is the account in [[Judges 19]] and [[Judges 20]], where the "men of Benjamin" (בְּנֵי יְמִינִי) from Gibeah commit a heinous crime, leading to a devastating civil war that nearly annihilates the tribe. This narrative highlights the fierce independence and, at times, obstinacy associated with the Benjamites.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is בִּנְיָמִין (Binyāmîn), Strong's `{{H1144}}`, which is the name of Jacob's youngest son and the progenitor of the tribe. H1145 functions as a direct patronymic, signifying a descendant or member of this tribe.
Other related concepts include:
* **Tribal Structure:** The term underscores the fundamental organization of ancient Israel into twelve tribes (*shevatim*), each with its own territory, customs, and identity. This tribal system was central to Israelite social, political, and religious life.
* **Genealogy and Lineage:** The use of "son of" (בֶּן־, `{{H1121}}`) emphasizes the paramount importance of ancestry and inherited identity. One's tribal affiliation determined one's place within the covenant community and often dictated land inheritance and social standing.
* **Territorial Allotment:** Being a "Benjaminite" meant one was associated with the land allotted to the tribe of Benjamin, which was strategically located between Judah and Ephraim and included significant sites like Gibeah, Jericho, and parts of Jerusalem.
* **Key Biblical Figures:** The identification of prominent figures such as King Saul, Jonathan, and Mordecai as Benjamites connects the term to significant narratives and historical developments within Israel. Even in the New Testament, the Apostle Paul proudly identifies himself as "of the tribe of Benjamin" ([[Philippians 3:5]]), demonstrating the enduring significance of this lineage.
### Theological Significance
While primarily a descriptive term, the identification as a "Benjaminite" carries subtle yet profound theological implications, especially considering the tribe's unique history and role in the biblical narrative.
1. **Divine Sovereignty in Leadership:** The fact that God chose the first king of Israel, Saul, from the smallest tribe, Benjamin (cf. [[1 Samuel 9:21]]), illustrates God's sovereign prerogative to select leaders not based on human expectation or tribal prominence but according to His own divine counsel. This contrasts with the later emphasis on the tribe of Judah for the Davidic monarchy.
2. **Consequences of Corporate Sin:** The near-extinction of the tribe of Benjamin in [[Judges 20]] due to their collective refusal to surrender the wicked men of Gibeah serves as a powerful theological lesson on the gravity of sin, the necessity of justice, and the devastating consequences of tribal solidarity in unrighteousness. The subsequent efforts to preserve the tribe's lineage (e.g., [[Judges 21]]) also highlight God's enduring commitment to His covenant people, even amidst severe judgment.
3. **Continuity of Identity and Covenant:** The persistence of the Benjaminite identity throughout various historical periods—from the early monarchy to the post-exilic era (Mordecai) and even into the New Testament (Paul)—underscores the enduring nature of Israel's tribal structure and God's faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham's descendants, even through dispersion and hardship.
4. **Distinctive Tribal Character:** The Benjamites are sometimes portrayed with a fierce, warlike character (cf. [[Genesis 49:27]]) and a strong sense of internal loyalty, even to the point of defending wickedness. This tribal character, while not explicitly theological, often shapes the theological lessons drawn from their actions and experiences.
### Summary
The Hebrew term בֶּן־יְמִינִי (Ben-yᵉmîynîy), Strong's `{{H1145}}`, is a precise patronymic denoting an individual as a "Benjaminite" or "Benjamite," a direct descendant or member of the tribe of Benjamin. Derived from the name of Jacob's youngest son, בִּנְיָמִין (Binyāmîn), `{{H1144}}`, this term consistently identifies tribal affiliation in its various morphological forms throughout the Old Testament. Its primary biblical occurrences are in historical narratives, notably in relation to King Saul, Jonathan, and Mordecai, underscoring the vital role of tribal identity in ancient Israelite society. The concept is deeply intertwined with notions of lineage, land inheritance, and the broader tribal structure of Israel. Theologically, the identity of a Benjaminite illuminates themes of divine sovereignty in leadership, the severe consequences of corporate sin, and the remarkable resilience and continuity of God's covenant people throughout their history.
TRV