בֵּן
Ben
Son, child, descendant
Ben (בֵּן) is a Hebrew word meaning “son, child, descendant,” pronounced “BEHN.” Derived from the root ב-נ-ה, ben appears 4,900 times in the Hebrew Bible (Strong's H1121).
| Hebrew | בֵּן |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Ben |
| Pronunciation | BEHN |
| Meaning | Son, child, descendant |
| Root Letters | ב-נ-ה |
| Occurrences in Hebrew Bible | 4,900× |
| Key Verse | Psalm 2:7 |
| Strong's Number | H1121 |
| Category | Family & Relationships |
Ben (בֵּן) is perhaps the most structurally important word in Hebrew culture. It means 'son,' but its reach extends far beyond biological parentage. In Hebrew thought, to be the 'ben' of something is to share its nature and character. A 'ben adam' (son of man) is a human being. A 'ben elohim' (son of God) shares divine nature. A 'ben beliya'al' (son of worthlessness) is a wicked person. This pattern reveals why the title 'Son of God' is so theologically explosive. When Psalm 2:7 declares, 'You are my Ben; today I have begotten you,' it establishes a royal messianic identity that echoes through the entire New Testament. At Jesus' baptism, the Father's voice from heaven quotes this very psalm (Matthew 3:17). Ben also appears in the patronymic naming system — Benjamin means 'son of the right hand,' Ben-Oni means 'son of my sorrow.' Every 'Ben' name in the Bible tells a story about identity and destiny. Understanding ben unlocks the Hebrew concept that identity flows from relationship — who you are is defined by whose you are.
Key Bible Verse: Psalm 2:7
“I will tell of the decree: The LORD said to me, 'You are my Son (ben); today I have begotten you.'”
What Is the Root of Ben in Hebrew?
Ben comes from the root ב-נ-ה (bet-nun-he), meaning 'to build.' A son 'builds up' the family — he continues the name, inherits the legacy, and perpetuates the lineage. This connection between sonship and building reveals that children are the architecture of the future.
What Does Ben Mean in the Bible?
Ben appears over 4,900 times in the Hebrew Bible — one of the most frequent words in Scripture. It refers to biological sons, descendants, members of a group ('sons of Israel'), characteristics ('son of might' = warrior), and divine relationship (Psalm 2:7, 'You are my Son').
How Is Ben Used in Modern Hebrew?
Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremonies mark a child becoming a 'son/daughter of the commandment' at age 13/12. 'Ben Gurion' (son of a lion cub) was Israel's first Prime Minister. The name 'Benjamin' means 'son of my right hand' — a position of honor and power.
How to Use Ben in Prayer & Worship
Embrace your identity as a ben or bat (son or daughter) of the living God. Romans 8:14-16 says you have received the spirit of adoption — you are not a servant but a child, an heir of God and co-heir with Christ.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ben
How do you say “Son” in Hebrew?
“Son” in Hebrew is Ben (בֵּן), pronounced “BEHN.” Ben comes from the root ב-נ-ה (bet-nun-he), meaning 'to build.' A son 'builds up' the family — he continues the name, inherits the legacy, and perpetuates the lineage. This connection between sonship and building reveals that children are the architecture of the future.
What does Ben mean in the Bible?
Ben (בֵּן) means “Son, child, descendant” in Biblical Hebrew. Ben appears over 4,900 times in the Hebrew Bible — one of the most frequent words in Scripture. It refers to biological sons, descendants, members of a group ('sons of Israel'), characteristics ('son of might' = warrior), and divine relationship (Psalm 2:7, 'You are my Son').
How do you pronounce Ben?
Ben is pronounced “BEHN.” The word comes from the Hebrew root ב-נ-ה.
What does 'Son of God' mean in Hebrew context?
In Hebrew, 'ben' denotes nature and character, not just biology. 'Ben Elohim' (Son of God) means one who shares God's nature. Psalm 2:7 declares the messianic king as God's Ben. When Jesus was called 'Son of God,' His Jewish audience understood this as a claim to divine nature and authority — which is why they accused Him of blasphemy (John 10:33-36).
Why do so many Hebrew names start with Ben?
Hebrew patronymic names use 'Ben' (son of) to identify lineage: Benjamin (son of the right hand), Ben-Hadad (son of Hadad), Bar-Abbas (son of the father). In Aramaic, 'Bar' replaces 'Ben' — Bartholomew (son of Talmai), Barnabas (son of encouragement). These names reveal that in Hebrew culture, identity is fundamentally relational — you are known by who fathered you.
What is Bar Mitzvah and how does it relate to Ben?
Bar Mitzvah (בר מצוה) means 'son of the commandment' in Aramaic (using 'bar' instead of Hebrew 'ben'). At age 13, a Jewish boy becomes responsible for observing the commandments. He becomes a 'son' of the Torah — his identity shifts from dependent child to accountable participant in the covenant community.
Sources & Further Study
- Blue Letter Bible — H1121: Ben
- Bible Gateway — Psalm 2:7 (ESV)
- Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (BDB) — entry for ב-נ-ה
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