Genesis 35:18
Genesis 35:18 in Multiple Translations
And with her last breath—for she was dying—she named him Ben-oni. But his father called him Benjamin.
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.
And it came to pass, as her soul was departing (for she died), that she called his name Ben-oni: but his father called him Benjamin.
And in the hour when her life went from her (for death came to her), she gave the child the name Ben-oni: but his father gave him the name of Benjamin.
But she was dying, and with her last breath she named him Benoni. But his father named him Benjamin.
Then as she was about to yeelde vp the Ghost (for she died) she called his name Ben-oni, but his father called him Beniamin.
And it cometh to pass in the going out of her soul (for she died), that she calleth his name Ben-Oni; and his father called him Benjamin;
As her soul was departing (for she died), she named him Benoni, but his father named him Benjamin.
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.
And when her soul was departing for pain, and death was now at hand, she called the name of her son Benoni, that is, The son of my pain: but his father called him Benjamin, that is, The son of the right hand.
But she was dying, and with her last breath she said, “Name him Benoni,” which means ‘son of my sorrow’, but his father named him Benjamin, which means ‘son of my right hand’.
But Rachel was dying. She said, “I want to name my son Ben-Oni.” That name means the son that I had when I was sad. Then Rachel died. But Jacob gave that baby a different name. He named him Benjamin. That name means the son that is like my strong right hand.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 35:18
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 35:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְהִ֞י
בְּ/צֵ֤את
נַפְשָׁ/הּ֙
כִּ֣י
מֵ֔תָה
וַ/תִּקְרָ֥א
שְׁמ֖/וֹ
בֶּן
אוֹנִ֑י
וְ/אָבִ֖י/ו
קָֽרָא
ל֥/וֹ
בִנְיָמִֽין
וַ/יְהִ֞י
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בְּ/צֵ֤את
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
נַפְשָׁ/הּ֙
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs | Suff
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
מֵ֔תָה
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
וַ/תִּקְרָ֥א
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
שְׁמ֖/וֹ
shêm
H8034
name
N-ms | Suff
בֶּן
Ben-ʼÔwnîy
H1126
Ben-oni
N-proper
אוֹנִ֑י
Ben-ʼÔwnîy
H1126
Ben-oni
N-proper
וְ/אָבִ֖י/ו
ʼâb
H1
father
Conj | N-ms | Suff
קָֽרָא
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
ל֥/וֹ
Prep | Suff
בִנְיָמִֽין
Binyâmîyn
H1144
Benjamin
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 35:18
וַ/יְהִ֞י
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
בְּ/צֵ֤את
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
נַפְשָׁ/הּ֙
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
מֵ֔תָה
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
וַ/תִּקְרָ֥א
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
שְׁמ֖/וֹ
shêm
H8034
"name"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
בֶּן
Ben-ʼÔwnîy
H1126
"Ben-oni"
N-proper
Ben-Oni was the original name of Benjamin, a son of Jacob and Rachel, mentioned in Genesis 35:18. He was a brother of Joseph and half-brother of other famous biblical figures. Ben-Oni means son of my sorrow.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.35.18; son of: Israel (H3478) and Rachel (H7354); brother of: Joseph (H3130); half-brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); father of: Bela (H1106A), Becher (H1071), Ashbel (H0788), Gera (H1617), Naaman (H5283), Ehi (H0278), Rosh (H7220), Muppim (H4649), Huppim (H2650H), Ard (H0714), Ahiram (H0297) and Jediael (H3043); also called Jamin at 1Sa.9.1,4; 22.7; 1x Another name of bin.ya.min (בִּנְיָמִין "Benjamin" H1144G) § Ben-oni = "son of my sorrow" the name given to Benjamin by Rachel
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Ben-oni. See also: Genesis 35:18.
אוֹנִ֑י
Ben-ʼÔwnîy
H1126
"Ben-oni"
N-proper
Ben-Oni was the original name of Benjamin, a son of Jacob and Rachel, mentioned in Genesis 35:18. He was a brother of Joseph and half-brother of other famous biblical figures. Ben-Oni means son of my sorrow.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.35.18; son of: Israel (H3478) and Rachel (H7354); brother of: Joseph (H3130); half-brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); father of: Bela (H1106A), Becher (H1071), Ashbel (H0788), Gera (H1617), Naaman (H5283), Ehi (H0278), Rosh (H7220), Muppim (H4649), Huppim (H2650H), Ard (H0714), Ahiram (H0297) and Jediael (H3043); also called Jamin at 1Sa.9.1,4; 22.7; 1x Another name of bin.ya.min (בִּנְיָמִין "Benjamin" H1144G) § Ben-oni = "son of my sorrow" the name given to Benjamin by Rachel
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Ben-oni. See also: Genesis 35:18.
וְ/אָבִ֖י/ו
ʼâb
H1
"father"
Conj | N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
קָֽרָא
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
ל֥/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
בִנְיָמִֽין
Binyâmîyn
H1144
"Benjamin"
N-proper
Benjamin means son of the right hand, referring to the youngest son of Jacob and the tribe that descended from him. The term is first used in Genesis 35:18. Benjamin was a brother of Joseph and a half-brother of Reuben and others.
Definition: § Benjamin = "son of the right hand" a gate in Jerusalem
Usage: Occurs in 160 OT verses. KJV: Benjamin. See also: Genesis 35:18; 1 Samuel 9:21; Psalms 68:28.
Study Notes — Genesis 35:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 35:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 35:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 35:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 35:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 35:18
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 35:18
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 35:18
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 35:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 35:18
- Sermons on Genesis 35:18
Context — Benjamin Born, Rachel Dies
16Later, they set out from Bethel, and while they were still some distance from Ephrath, Rachel began to give birth, and her labor was difficult.
17During her severe labor, the midwife said to her, “Do not be afraid, for you are having another son.”
18And with her last breath—for she was dying—she named him Ben-oni. But his father called him Benjamin.
19So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem). 20Jacob set up a pillar on her grave; it marks Rachel’s tomb to this day.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke 12:20 | But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be required of you. Then who will own what you have accumulated?’ |
| 2 | Acts 7:59 | While they were stoning him, Stephen appealed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” |
| 3 | Luke 23:46 | Then Jesus called out in a loud voice, “Father, into Your hands I commit My Spirit.” And when He had said this, He breathed His last. |
| 4 | 1 Chronicles 4:9 | Now Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, “Because I bore him in pain.” |
| 5 | Psalms 80:17 | Let Your hand be upon the man at Your right hand, on the son of man You have raised up for Yourself. |
| 6 | Exodus 12:7 | They are to take some of the blood and put it on the sides and tops of the doorframes of the houses where they eat the lambs. |
| 7 | 1 Samuel 4:20–21 | As she was dying, the women attending to her said, “Do not be afraid, for you have given birth to a son!” But she did not respond or pay any heed. And she named the boy Ichabod, saying, “The glory has departed from Israel,” because the ark of God had been captured and her father-in-law and her husband had been killed. |
| 8 | Genesis 43:14 | May God Almighty grant you mercy before the man, that he may release your other brother along with Benjamin. As for me, if I am bereaved, I am bereaved.” |
| 9 | Genesis 42:4 | But Jacob did not send Joseph’s brother Benjamin with his brothers, for he said, “I am afraid that harm might befall him.” |
| 10 | Genesis 30:1 | When Rachel saw that she was not bearing any children for Jacob, she envied her sister. “Give me children, or I will die!” she said to Jacob. |
Genesis 35:18 Summary
This verse tells us about the birth of Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob, and the death of his mother, Rachel. Rachel named him Ben-oni, which means 'son of my sorrow,' because she was in a lot of pain when she had him. But Jacob changed his name to Benjamin, which means 'son of the right hand,' to give him a more hopeful name (as seen in Genesis 35:18). This reminds us that God is always with us, even in difficult times, and that He has a plan to give us hope and a future, as promised in Jeremiah 29:11.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Rachel name her son Ben-oni?
Rachel named her son Ben-oni, which means 'son of my sorrow,' because she was suffering and dying in childbirth, as seen in Genesis 35:18. This name reflects the pain and difficulty she experienced during her labor.
Why did Jacob change the name of his son from Ben-oni to Benjamin?
Jacob, likely wanting to give his son a more positive and hopeful name, changed it to Benjamin, which means 'son of the right hand,' symbolizing strength and importance, similar to how God changed the names of Abram to Abraham and Jacob to Israel for new purposes and identities (Genesis 17:5, Genesis 32:28).
What can we learn from Rachel's death in this verse?
Rachel's death in Genesis 35:18 reminds us that life is precious and fleeting, and we should trust in God's sovereignty, as seen in Psalm 139:16, where it says our days are ordained and written in God's book before we were born.
How does this verse relate to the broader story of Jacob's life?
This verse is a pivotal moment in Jacob's life, as he experiences the joy of having another son, but also the sorrow of losing his beloved wife, Rachel, which is a significant event in his journey and relationship with God, as seen in Genesis 35:1-15.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways we can honor and remember our loved ones who have passed away, just like Jacob set up a pillar to mark Rachel's tomb?
- How can we trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even in difficult and sorrowful times like Rachel's death?
- What does this verse teach us about the importance of the names we give to our children, and the significance of the meanings behind those names?
- In what ways can we apply the lesson of Rachel's fleeting life to our own lives, and make the most of the time God has given us on this earth?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 35:18
And it came to pass, as her soul was in departing, for she died,.... In childbirth; she had most passionately desired children, without which she could not live with ease and peace of mind, and now
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 35:18
And it came to pass, as her soul was in departing, (for she died) that she called his name Benoni: but his father called him Benjamin. Ben-oni - i:e., son of my sorrow.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 35:18
In departing; or, in going out; namely, out of the body, as , which is an argument of the soul’ s immortality, especially if compared with . From which places, laid together, we learn the two terms of the journey, whence it goes, and whither it goes. Benjamin; either as near and dear and precious to him as his right hand, which is both more useful and more honourable than the left; see ; or instead of his right hand, the staff, stay, and comfort of his old age.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 35:18
Genesis 35:18 And it came to pass, as her soul was in departing, (for she died) that she called his name Benoni: but his father called him Benjamin.Ver. 19. And Rachel died.] We forfeit many favours, by over loving them. Our jealous God will not endure us to idolise any creature. Let them that have wives, or any other thing they hold most dear to themselves, be as if they had none. So love, as to think of loss. Let all outward things hang loose, as an upper garment that we can throw off at pleasure. Iudaei vitrum ex quo sponsus et sponsa biberunt, confringunt; ut memores sint sponsi fragilitatis humanae.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 35:18
(18) Ben-oni . . . Benjamin.—Rachel, in her dying moments, names her child the son of my sorrow; for though on has a double meaning, and is translated strength in Genesis 49:3, yet, doubtless, her feeling was that the life of her offspring was purchased by her own pain and death. Jacob’s name, “son of the right hand,” was probably given not merely that the child might-bear no ill-omened title, but to mark his sense of the value and preciousness of his last born son. Abravanel well remarks that earthly happiness is never perfect, and that the receiving of Divine revelations made no difference to Jacob’s earthly lot. God had just solemnly appeared to him, and he is on his last journey, within two days’ easy march of Hebron, when he loses the wife whom he so loved. For more than forty years he had been an exile from his home; he was now close to it, but may never welcome there the one for whom he had so deep and lasting an affection.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 35:18
Verse 18. As her soul was in departing] Is not this a proof that there is an immortal spirit in man, which can exist separate from and independent of the body? Of Rachel's death it is said, בצאת נפשה betseth naphshah, in the going away of her soul; her body did not go away, therefore her soul and body must have been distinct. If her breath only had been in tended, נשמה neshamah or רוח ruach would have rather been used, as the first means breath, the latter breath or spirit indifferently. She called his name Ben-oni] בן אני the Son of my sorrow or affliction, because of the hard labour she had in bringing him into the world; but his father called him Benjamin, בנימין the son of my right hand, i.e., the son peculiarly dear to me. So man of the right hand, Psalms 80:17, signifies one much loved and regarded of God. The Samaritan has Benyamin, the son of days; i.e., the son of his old age, as Judah calls him, Genesis 44:20; and Houbigant contends that this is the true reading, and that the Chaldee termination in for im is a corruption. If it be a corruption, it is as old as the days of St. Jerome, who translated the place Benjamin, id est, filius dextrae; Benjamin, that is, the son of the right hand.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 35:18
18. her soul] The nephesh, or “soul,” the vital principle: cf. 1 Kings 17:21, “let this child’s soul come unto him again.” Ben-oni] i.e. the son of my sorrow. Rachel, as she dies, names her son; but the father cannot acquiesce in a name of such sad memories. Benjamin] i.e. the son of the right hand. Jacob refuses to give his child an ill-omened name. The right hand was regarded as the auspicious side. Cf. Genesis 48:13; Genesis 48:17-19; 1 Kings 2:19; Psalms 45:9; Psalms 89:13. The tribe of Benjamin occupied the southernmost territory of the sons of Rachel, viz. on the right of Ephraim, facing eastwards. According to Sayce (E.H.H., p. 79) this is the explanation of the name, which then might be rendered “southerner”; and the present story would imply the formation of the tribe after the occupation of Canaan. The words of Rachel, as she dies, should be compared with the allusion in Jeremiah 31:15.
The condensed account in this passage makes no reference to the grief of Jacob; but this is expressed in Genesis 48:7 by a pathetic sentence.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 35:18
18. Her soul was in departing — Hebrews, in the going out of her soul; an intimation of immortality. The soul is thought of as a conscious entity, passing out into some other state and mode of life.
Sermons on Genesis 35:18
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Boast Not Thyself by Harry Ironside | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not procrastinating when it comes to accepting the gospel and becoming a Christian. He warns that many people in a land wh |
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(The Word for Today) Isaiah 28:16 - Part 1 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the dream of Nebuchadnezzar as recorded in the book of Daniel. Nebuchadnezzar had a dream about a great image with different materials |
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'Son, Remember' Preached in 1879 Reading of d.l. Moody by Robert Wurtz by Robert Wurtz II | This sermon recounts a powerful story from Dwight L. Moody about a man who struggled with moral courage to publicly confess Christ, leading to tragic consequences due to procrastin |
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The Philosophy of a Fool by Dennis Jenkins | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the parable of the rich farmer as told by Jesus. The parable highlights the foolishness of placing all emphasis on material possessions and n |
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Eternal House of Wisdom by Steve Gallagher | This sermon emphasizes the importance of building an eternal house of wisdom by submitting to God's authority, word, dealings in life, and living out wisdom. It contrasts the rewar |
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Heavenly Home by Basilea Schlink | The video is a sermon about the importance of preparing for eternity and finding a home in heaven. The speaker emphasizes the need to live a righteous life, seeking forgiveness and |
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Rich Toward God by Erlo Stegen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of being rich towards God rather than solely focusing on worldly possessions. It highlights the story of the rich farmer who stored up treasur |