בִּנְיָמִין
Binyamin / Benjamin
“Son of my right hand”
Benjamin (בִּנְיָמִין, Binyamin) is a Hebrew boy's name meaning “son of my right hand,” pronounced “bin-ya-MIN.” From Hebrew בֵּן (ben, 'son') + יָמִין (yamin, 'right hand/south'). The 'right hand' was the position of honor and strength. His mother's original name Ben-Oni (בֶּן־אוֹנִי, 'son of my sorrow/strength') was changed by Jacob.
| Hebrew | בִּנְיָמִין |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Binyamin |
| English Name | Benjamin |
| Meaning | Son of my right hand |
| Pronunciation | bin-ya-MIN |
| Gender | Boy |
| Category | Male Biblical Names |
| Variants | Binyamin, Benyamin, Benjamín, Beniamino, Ben |
| Key Scripture | Genesis 35:18 |
Benjamin's name carries both heartbreak and honor in a single word. His mother Rachel, dying in childbirth, named him Ben-Oni — 'son of my sorrow.' But his father Jacob, refusing to let grief define his youngest son, renamed him Binyamin — 'son of my right hand,' a title of strength, favor, and inheritance. In the ancient world, the right hand was the position of power and blessing. Benjamin became Jacob's most cherished son after Joseph's apparent death, and his tribe produced Israel's first king (Saul) and the apostle to the Gentiles (Paul).
Key Scripture: Genesis 35:18
“As she breathed her last — for she was dying — she named her son Ben-Oni. But his father named him Benjamin.”
What Does Benjamin Mean in Hebrew?
Composed of בִּן (bin, 'son of') + יָמִין (yamin, 'right hand'). The right hand signified strength, favor, and the place of honor. The name can also mean 'son of the south' since 'yamin' also means 'south' (facing east, south is on your right). Rachel's original name בֶּן־אוֹנִי (Ben-Oni) meant 'son of my sorrow.'
Benjamin in the Bible
Benjamin was the only son of Jacob born in the land of Canaan and the youngest of the twelve brothers. His tribe was allocated territory near Jerusalem and produced King Saul (Israel's first king) and the Apostle Paul. The tribe of Benjamin was known for its skilled warriors, particularly left-handed slingers (Judges 20:16).
Cultural Context & Modern Usage
Benjamin Netanyahu, one of Israel's longest-serving prime ministers, has brought modern visibility to the name. In American history, Benjamin Franklin and Benjamin Harrison also carried it. In Jewish tradition, Benjamin is associated with loyalty and protection — his tribe guarded the Temple in Jerusalem.
Benjamin is a perennial favorite, consistently ranking in the top 10-20 boys' names in the United States and Europe. In Israel, Binyamin is a classic name and also the name of a prominent region. Its warm, dignified sound crosses cultural boundaries easily.
Frequently Asked Questions About Benjamin
What does Benjamin mean in Hebrew?
Benjamin (בִּנְיָמִין, Binyamin) means “Son of my right hand” in Hebrew. From Hebrew בֵּן (ben, 'son') + יָמִין (yamin, 'right hand/south'). The 'right hand' was the position of honor and strength. His mother's original name Ben-Oni (בֶּן־אוֹנִי, 'son of my sorrow/strength') was changed by Jacob.
How do you pronounce Benjamin in Hebrew?
The Hebrew pronunciation of Benjamin is “bin-ya-MIN.” The name is written בִּנְיָמִין in Hebrew script.
What does Benjamin mean in Hebrew?
Benjamin (בִּנְיָמִין, Binyamin) means 'son of my right hand' in Hebrew, combining 'ben' (son) with 'yamin' (right hand). The right hand signified strength, honor, and favor in the ancient world. His dying mother named him Ben-Oni ('son of my sorrow'), but his father Jacob changed it to Benjamin, replacing grief with honor.
Why did Jacob rename Ben-Oni to Benjamin?
Rachel died giving birth and named her son Ben-Oni, meaning 'son of my sorrow' (Genesis 35:18). Jacob, unwilling to burden his youngest son with a name of grief, renamed him Benjamin — 'son of my right hand' — transforming a name of mourning into a title of strength and privilege, claiming the boy for hope rather than loss.
Which famous biblical figures came from the tribe of Benjamin?
The tribe of Benjamin produced King Saul — Israel's first king — and the Apostle Paul (originally Saul of Tarsus), who wrote much of the New Testament. The tribe was also known for its exceptional warriors, including 700 left-handed slingers who 'could sling a stone at a hair and not miss' (Judges 20:16).
Sources & Further Study
Related Hebrew Words
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