Ben-o'ni
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Ben-o'ni is a name found in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Genesis. The name is given by Rachel, the beloved wife of Jacob, during the birth of her second son. The account is recorded in Genesis 35:16-18:

"Then they journeyed on from Bethel. When they were still some distance from Ephrath, Rachel began to give birth, and her labor was difficult. During her severe labor, the midwife said to her, 'Do not be afraid, for you are having another son.' And with her last breath—for she was dying—she named him Ben-o'ni. But his father called him Benjamin." (Genesis 35:16-18)

The name "Ben-o'ni" is of Hebrew origin and is often translated as "son of my sorrow" or "son of my trouble." This name reflects the intense pain and sorrow Rachel experienced during childbirth, which ultimately led to her death. The name encapsulates the tragic circumstances surrounding the birth of her son.

However, Jacob, the child's father, chose to rename him "Benjamin," which means "son of the right hand" or "son of the south." This renaming signifies a shift from sorrow to a more positive and hopeful outlook. The "right hand" in biblical terms often symbolizes strength, favor, and blessing. By renaming him Benjamin, Jacob may have been expressing his hope for the child's future and his desire to honor Rachel's memory with a name that carried a more auspicious meaning.

The narrative of Ben-o'ni/Benjamin is significant in the broader context of the patriarchal history of Israel. Benjamin would become the progenitor of one of the twelve tribes of Israel, the Tribe of Benjamin. This tribe would later play a crucial role in the history of Israel, producing notable figures such as King Saul, the first king of Israel, and the Apostle Paul, originally named Saul of Tarsus, who was a Benjamite.

The account of Ben-o'ni serves as a poignant reminder of the human experiences of joy and sorrow, life and death, and the enduring legacy of faith and family within the biblical narrative.
Concordance
Ben-o'ni (1 Occurrence)

Genesis 35:18
And it came to pass, as her soul was in departing--for she died--that she called his name Ben-oni; but his father called him Benjamin.
(See RSV)

Thesaurus
Ben-o'ni (1 Occurrence)
Ben-o'ni. Ben-oni, Ben-o'ni. Benoth . Multi-Version Concordance
Ben-o'ni (1 Occurrence). Genesis 35:18 And it came to pass, as her ...
/b/ben-o'ni.htm - 6k

Ben-oni (1 Occurrence)
Ben-oni. Benoni, Ben-oni. Ben-o'ni . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia
BEN-ONI. ben-o'-ni (ben-'oni; huios odunes mou, "son of my ...
/b/ben-oni.htm - 7k

Benoni (1 Occurrence)
...ben-o'-ni (ben-'oni; huios odunes mou, "son of my sorrow"): The name given by the
dying Rachel to her new-born son; changed by his father Jacob to BENJAMIN ...
/b/benoni.htm - 7k

Benoth (1 Occurrence)

/b/benoth.htm - 6k

Resources
Who was Ben-Hadad in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Is Ben-Hur in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean that God is the God of the hills and valleys (1 Kings 20:28)? | GotQuestions.org

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