Genesis EraOld Testament

Benjamin

GenesisExodusNumbers1 ChroniclesRomans
When

c. 1900–1859 BC· In the text

Placed by the story. The date is a rough guide. How the dates are worked out

Name meaning

"son of the right hand" · Hebrew

His dying mother named him Ben-oni, "son of my sorrow" (Genesis 35:18).

About

Youngest son of Jacob, second son of Rachel. His mother Rachel died giving birth to him. He was deeply beloved by Jacob, and his half-brothers had to bring him to Egypt before Joseph would reveal himself. His tribe produced Israel's first king, Saul, and later the apostle Paul.

Relationships
FatherJacobFather
MotherRachelMother, died at his birth
BrotherJosephFull brother by Rachel
Key Scripture AppearancesKJV
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.Genesis 35:18, KJV
Genesis 42:4
But Benjamin, Joseph’s brother, Jacob sent not with his brethren; for he said, Lest peradventure mischief befall him.Genesis 42:4, KJV
Genesis 43:15
And the men took that present, and they took double money in their hand, and Benjamin; and rose up, and went down to Egypt, and stood before Joseph.Genesis 43:15, KJV
Genesis 49:27
Benjamin shall ravin as a wolf: in the morning he shall devour the prey, and at night he shall divide the spoil.Genesis 49:27, KJV

See how Benjamin connects to every other figure in Scripture.

Explore Benjamin in the Family Tree →