בֶּן־עַמִּי

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew name Ben-ʻAmmîy, represented by H1151, translates to son of my people. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in scripture. The term is not a common noun but a proper name for Ben-Ammi, a son of Lot, and serves as the origin for the name of his descendants.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The sole appearance of H1151 occurs within the narrative of Lot and his daughters. The scripture records that Lot's younger H6810 daughter also bare H3205 a son H1121 and called H7121 his name H8034 Benammi H1151. The passage immediately clarifies his significance, stating he is "the father H1 of the children of Ammon H5983 unto this day" Genesis 19:38.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words provide context for the naming and lineage of Ben-ʻAmmîy:

• H1121 bên (a son): The foundational word within the name itself, it establishes Ben-Ammi's role as an heir and "a builder of the family name" Genesis 19:38.
• H5983 ʻAmmôwn (Ammon): This word is inextricably linked to H1151, identifying Ben-Ammi as the progenitor of the Ammonites and their country Genesis 19:38.
• H3205 yâlad (to bear young; to beget): This root verb describes the act of his birth and is central to the establishment of his lineage Genesis 19:38.
• H6810 tsâʻîyr (young): This adjective specifies that it was Lot's younger daughter who was the mother of Ben-Ammi, distinguishing this birth from that of his half-brother Genesis 19:38.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of H1151 is concentrated in its role as a genealogical anchor.

• Progenitor of a Nation: The naming of Ben-ʻAmmîy is the foundational act that establishes the origin of the "children of Ammon" H5983, a people who feature prominently in later interactions with Israel Genesis 19:38.
• Etymological Significance: The name itself, "son of my people," directly points to the circumstances of his conception and birth within Lot's immediate family line.
• Narrative Origin: The single verse where H1151 is found provides the explicit origin story for the Ammonites, rooting their existence in the aftermath of Sodom's destruction and the actions of Lot's family.

Summary

In summary, H1151 is a proper name whose significance far outweighs its frequency. Its singular use in the book of Genesis is pivotal, serving to name a specific individual, Ben-ʻAmmîy, and simultaneously establish him as the father of the entire Ammonite nation. The name and its context in Genesis 19:38 are inseparable, providing a definitive starting point for the biblical history of the children of Ammon H5983.