Benjamin

Technical Profile

• Name Meaning: Hebrew Binyāmîn (“son of the right hand”), a name associated with favored status
• Period/Era: Patriarchal Period
• Main References: Genesis 35; Genesis 42–45; Genesis 49; Exodus 1; Numbers 1; Deuteronomy 33
• Key Connections: Son of Jacob (Israel) and Rachel; full brother of Joseph; ancestor of the tribe of Benjamin

Who was Benjamin?

Benjamin was the youngest son of Jacob, born to Rachel near Ephrath (Bethlehem).
Rachel died in childbirth and initially named him Ben-oni, but Jacob named him Benjamin.
In the family’s move during the famine, Benjamin’s presence became central to Joseph’s dealings with his brothers.
His descendants formed the tribe of Benjamin within Israel.

Key Events & Achievements

• Birth and naming: Born on the journey to Ephrath; renamed by Jacob after Rachel’s death (Genesis 35:16–20).
• Famine journey to Egypt: Taken to Egypt to verify the brothers’ honesty in Joseph’s test (Genesis 42–43).
• Joseph’s reconciliation catalyst: Joseph’s final test focused on Benjamin, leading to Judah’s plea and the family reunion (Genesis 44–45).

Life Lesson & Legacy

Benjamin’s story highlights how family lineage and covenant history continued through vulnerable circumstances in the patriarchal household.

Key Verse

"The beloved of the LORD dwells in safety. The High God surrounds him all day long, and dwells between his shoulders." — Deuteronomy 33:12, ESV