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G958 · Greek · New Testament
Βενιαμίν
Beniamin
Proper noun, masculine
Benjamin

Definition

Beniamin (Βενιαμίν) is the Greek form of the Hebrew Binyamin (בִּנְיָמִין), meaning "son of the right hand" or "son of the south." Benjamin was the twelfth and youngest son of Jacob, born of Rachel who died in childbirth. Paul identifies himself as "from the tribe of Benjamin" (Romans 11:1; Philippians 3:5), as does the tribe mentioned in Revelation 7:8.

Usage & Theological Significance

Benjamin's name — "son of the right hand" — carries profound Messianic resonance when viewed through the lens of Jesus Christ, who sits at the Father's "right hand." Paul's pride in his Benjaminite heritage (Philippians 3:5) contrasts with his later dismissal of such credentials as "rubbish" compared to knowing Christ (3:8). Yet God preserved Benjamin as a tribe alongside Judah to maintain the Davidic covenant (1 Kings 12:23). Even Saul the first king came from Benjamin — Paul's tribe — while the ultimate King came from Judah.

Key Bible Verses

Romans 11:1 I ask then: Did God reject his people? By no means! I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin.
Philippians 3:5 Circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews.
Genesis 35:18 As she breathed her last — for she was dying — she named her son Ben-Oni. But his father named him Benjamin.
Revelation 7:8 From the tribe of Benjamin twelve thousand.
Matthew 26:64 You will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.

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