Topical Encyclopedia Ben-oni 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-oni. But his father called him Benjamin." (Genesis 35:16-18) Meaning of the Name The name Ben-oni is of Hebrew origin and is commonly understood to mean "son of my sorrow" or "son of my affliction." This name reflects the intense pain and sorrow Rachel experienced during childbirth, which ultimately led to her death. The name captures the tragic circumstances surrounding the birth of her son, marking a moment of profound personal loss. Jacob's Renaming Despite Rachel's choice of the name Ben-oni, 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 name Benjamin is associated with strength and favor, as the right hand is traditionally seen as a symbol of power and blessing. Theological Significance The dual naming of Rachel's son highlights the interplay between human suffering and divine providence. Rachel's choice of Ben-oni underscores the reality of human pain and mortality, while Jacob's renaming to Benjamin reflects a belief in God's ongoing purpose and blessing, even in the midst of sorrow. This narrative invites reflection on the themes of suffering, hope, and the transformative power of God's promises. Cultural and Historical Context In the ancient Near Eastern context, names held significant meaning and were often reflective of circumstances surrounding a person's birth or life. The naming of Ben-oni/Benjamin is consistent with this cultural practice, where names were not merely identifiers but carried deep personal and familial significance. Legacy Benjamin, as the youngest of Jacob's twelve sons, became the progenitor of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The tribe of Benjamin played a significant role in Israel's history, producing notable figures such as King Saul and the Apostle Paul. The transformation from Ben-oni to Benjamin serves as a reminder of God's redemptive work in the lives of His people, turning sorrow into strength and loss into legacy. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia BEN-ONIben-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 (Genesis 35:18) which see. Strong's Hebrew 1126. Ben-oni -- "son of my sorrow," Rachel's name for BenjaminBen-oni. 1125, 1126. Ben-oni. 1127 . "son of my sorrow," Rachel's name for Benjamin. Transliteration: Ben-oni Phonetic Spelling ... /hebrew/1126.htm - 6k Library The Incarnation and Birth of Christ The Israelites Letter H The Prayer of Jabez Of the Repose of a Soul Recollected in Her Well-Beloved. Chapter xxxv Book 1 Footnotes: The Testament of Benjamin Concerning a Pure Mind. Letter cviii. To Eustochium. Chapter xxxiv Thesaurus 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 ...Benoni (1 Occurrence). ... /b/benoni.htm - 7k Ben-oni (1 Occurrence) Benjamin (167 Occurrences) Ben-o'ni (1 Occurrence) Departing (20 Occurrences) Be'no (1 Occurrence) Dying (57 Occurrences) Calleth (261 Occurrences) Soul (554 Occurrences) Resources Who was Benjamin in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the birth order of Jacob's thirteen children? | GotQuestions.org Who was Rachel in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Ben-oni (1 Occurrence)Genesis 35:18 Subtopics Ben-Oni: Name Given to Benjamin by Rachel As She Was Dying (During the Birth Process) Related Terms |