probably from בֵּן with pron. suff.; our son; Beninu, an Israelite; Beninu.
Transliteration:Bᵉnîynûw
Pronunciation:ben-ee-noo'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H1148}}` (Bᵉnîynûw) is a proper name, derived from the noun `{{H1121}}` (בֵּן, *ben*), meaning "son," combined with the first-person plural pronominal suffix "-nu," meaning "our." Thus, the name literally translates to "our son." This etymology suggests a communal or familial declaration, perhaps reflecting the collective joy, hope, or identity associated with the individual. In ancient Israelite culture, names often carried significant meaning, serving as declarations of identity, aspirations, or circumstances surrounding a person's birth or role within the community. While `{{H1148}}` itself functions solely as a proper noun, its root in `{{H1121}}` grounds it firmly in the semantic field of kinship, lineage, and communal belonging.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The proper name `{{H1148}}` (Bᵉnîynûw) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the book of Nehemiah.
* [[Nehemiah 10:13]]: "the heads of the people: Parosh, Pahath-Moab, Elam, Zattu, Bani, Bunni, Azgad, Bebai, Adonijah, Bigvai, Adin, Ater, Hezekiah, Azzur, Hodiah, Hashum, Bezai, Hariph, Anathoth, Nebai, Magpiash, Meshullam, Hezir, Meshezabel, Zadok, Jaddua, Pelatiah, Hanan, Anaiah, Hoshea, Hananiah, Hasshub, Hallohesh, Pilha, Shobek, Rehum, Hashabnah, Maaseiah, Ahiah, Hanan, Anan, Malluch, Harim, Baanah. The Levites: Jeshua the son of Azaniah, Binnui of the sons of Henadad, Kadmiel; and their brethren Shebaniah, Hodiah, Kelita, Pelaiah, Hanan, Mica, Rehob, Hashabiah, Zaccur, Sherebiah, Shebaniah, Hodiah, Bani, Beninu." (ESV, emphasis added)
In this sole occurrence, Beninu is listed among the Levites who affixed their seals to the renewed covenant in the time of Nehemiah. This pivotal moment in Israel's post-exilic history marked a profound commitment to Yahweh's law and a re-establishment of communal identity. The inclusion of Beninu in this list signifies his personal participation and endorsement of this national covenant renewal. His presence underscores the collective nature of the commitment, where individuals, including the Levites responsible for spiritual instruction and service, publicly affirmed their allegiance.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word to `{{H1148}}` is its root, `{{H1121}}` (בֵּן, *ben*), meaning "son," "child," or "descendant." This foundational term is pervasive throughout the Hebrew Bible, appearing thousands of times and forming the basis for numerous other proper names (e.g., Benjamin, Reuben, etc.). The concept of "son" extends beyond biological offspring to encompass:
* **Lineage and Genealogy:** Tracing family lines and tribal affiliations.
* **Covenant Relationship:** Israel is often called God's "firstborn son" ([[Exodus 4:22]]), signifying a unique and intimate covenantal bond.
* **Membership in a Group:** "Sons of Israel" ([[Exodus 1:1]]) refers to the entire nation; "sons of the prophets" refers to a guild or community.
The suffix "-nu" ("our") in Beninu further connects it to concepts of:
* **Communal Identity:** Emphasizing shared ownership, heritage, or belonging.
* **Collective Responsibility:** As seen in the covenant sealing, where individuals acted on behalf of the whole community.
The name thus subtly evokes themes of belonging, inheritance, and the perpetuation of the covenant through succeeding generations.
### Theological Significance
While `{{H1148}}` is a proper name with a single biblical occurrence, its intrinsic meaning, "our son," carries theological resonance within the broader narrative of God's covenant with Israel. The presence of a Levite named "Our Son" among those sealing the covenant in Nehemiah's time can be seen as symbolic of the continuity of God's people. It signifies that the covenant is not merely an agreement of the past but is renewed and embraced by the current generation, who are "our sons"—the inheritors and perpetuators of the divine promises.
The name points to the communal aspect of salvation and covenant faithfulness. It is not just an individual's commitment, but a collective "we" who acknowledge their identity as God's children. This resonates with the biblical understanding of Israel as God's corporate "son" ([[Hosea 11:1]], [[Isaiah 43:6]]). Beninu, as "our son," participates in upholding the sacred trust passed down through generations, ensuring the spiritual vitality of the community. His name implicitly affirms the hope that future generations will continue to walk in God's ways, embodying the ongoing relationship between God and His people.
### Summary
`{{H1148}}` (Bᵉnîynûw) is a Hebrew proper name meaning "our son," derived from the common noun `{{H1121}}` (בֵּן, *ben*) with a first-person plural pronominal suffix. It appears only once in the Bible, in [[Nehemiah 10:13]], where Beninu is listed as a Levite who sealed the renewed covenant. This singular occurrence places him within a pivotal moment of communal commitment and spiritual renewal in post-exilic Israel. The name's meaning, "our son," subtly underscores themes of lineage, communal identity, and the generational continuity of the covenant. It highlights the collective responsibility and shared heritage of God's people, emphasizing that the promises and obligations of the covenant are passed down and embraced by successive generations, ensuring the ongoing spiritual life of the community.
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