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H1144 · Hebrew · Old Testament
בִּנְיָמִין
Binyamin
Proper Noun
Benjamin — 'son of the right hand'

Definition

From H1121 (ben) and H3225 (yamin). Jacob's youngest son, born to Rachel. Originally named Ben-oni ('son of my sorrow') by dying Rachel, renamed Benjamin by Jacob.

Usage & Theological Significance

Binyamin carries powerful renaming theology. Rachel's dying name was overruled by Jacob's prophetic name: 'son of the right hand' — honor and power. The right hand is blessing (Genesis 48:14), authority (Psalm 110:1), salvation (Psalm 138:7). Benjamin's tribe produced King Saul and the apostle Paul. God transforms identity: what begins in sorrow is redeemed as strength.

Key Bible Verses

Genesis 35:18
...she called his name Ben-oni: but his father called him Benjamin.
Genesis 43:34
...Benjamin's mess was five times so much as any of theirs.
Deuteronomy 33:12
...of Benjamin he said, The beloved of the LORD shall dwell in safety by him...
Judges 20:16
Among all this people there were seven hundred chosen men lefthanded...
Philippians 3:5
...of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews...

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