Benjamin
malePatriarchalMeaning: “Son of the right hand”
The youngest of Jacob’s twelve sons and the only full brother of Joseph; his safety became the test that broke open the family’s reconciliation in Egypt.
Biography
Benjamin, the youngest of Jacob's twelve sons, was the only full brother of Joseph, both born to Rachel. Beloved by his father, his welfare became the pivot on which Joseph's reconciliation with his brothers turned.
Rachel's last son
Rachel died bearing him, naming him Benoni ("son of my sorrow"), but Jacob called him Benjamin, "son of the right hand" (Genesis 35:18). After Joseph's loss, Jacob clung to Benjamin as the last living link to Rachel.
The test in Egypt
Joseph, unrecognized, demanded that the brothers bring Benjamin to Egypt, then framed him with a hidden cup to test their hearts (Genesis 44). Judah's willingness to take Benjamin's place moved Joseph to reveal himself, healing the family's long rift.
A tribe of warriors
Jacob's blessing called Benjamin "a wolf that raveneth" (Genesis 49:27). His descendants became a fierce warrior tribe that gave Israel its first king, Saul, and from which the apostle Paul also sprang (Philippians 3:5).
Life Timeline
Born to Rachel, who dies in childbirth
Brought to Egypt; framed with Joseph’s cup
On the Bible timeline
Benjamin belongs to the The Patriarchs era (c. 2100 – 1800 BC).
- c. 2091 BCThe Call of Abraham
- c. 1898 BCJoseph Sold into Egypt
Family Tree
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Themes & lessons from Benjamin
Biblical themes that run through the passages where Benjamin appears.
People they appear with
Scripture Appearances
16 verses in 1 bookGenesis16 verses
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. Benoni: that is, The son of my sorrow Benjamin: that is, The son of the right hand
Genesis 35:24
The sons of Rachel; Joseph, and Benjamin:
Genesis 42:4
But Benjamin, Joseph's brother, Jacob sent not with his brethren; for he said, Lest peradventure mischief befall him.
Genesis 42:36
And Jacob their father said unto them, Me have ye bereaved of my children: Joseph is not, and Simeon is not, and ye will take Benjamin away: all these things are against me.
Genesis 43:14
And God Almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may send away your other brother, and Benjamin. If I be bereaved of my children, I am bereaved. If: or, And I, as I have been, etc.
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 43:16
And when Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the ruler of his house, Bring these men home, and slay, and make ready; for these men shall dine with me at noon. slay: Heb. kill a killing dine: Heb. eat
Genesis 43:29
And he lifted up his eyes, and saw his brother Benjamin, his mother's son, and said, Is this your younger brother, of whom ye spake unto me? And he said, God be gracious unto thee, my son.
Genesis 43:34
And he took and sent messes unto them from before him: but Benjamin's mess was five times so much as any of theirs. And they drank, and were merry with him. were: Heb. drank largely
Genesis 44:12
And he searched, and began at the eldest, and left at the youngest: and the cup was found in Benjamin's sack.
Genesis 45:12
And, behold, your eyes see, and the eyes of my brother Benjamin, that it is my mouth that speaketh unto you.
Genesis 45:14
And he fell upon his brother Benjamin's neck, and wept; and Benjamin wept upon his neck.
Genesis 45:22
To all of them he gave each man changes of raiment; but to Benjamin he gave three hundred pieces of silver, and five changes of raiment.
Genesis 46:19
The sons of Rachel Jacob's wife; Joseph, and Benjamin.
Genesis 46:21
And the sons of Benjamin were Belah, and Becher, and Ashbel, Gera, and Naaman, Ehi, and Rosh, Muppim, and Huppim, and Ard. Ehi: or, Ahiram Muppim: or, Shupham or, Shuppim Huppim: or, Hupham
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.
Frequently asked about Benjamin
Who was Benjamin in the Bible?
The youngest of Jacob’s twelve sons and the only full brother of Joseph; his safety became the test that broke open the family’s reconciliation in Egypt.
What does the name Benjamin mean?
The name Benjamin means “Son of the right hand”.
What did Benjamin do in the Bible?
Benjamin served as patriarch.
Who were Benjamin's parents?
Benjamin was the child of Jacob, Rachel.
Where does Benjamin appear in the Bible?
Benjamin is mentioned 16 times across 1 book: Genesis.
What can we learn from Benjamin?
The story of Benjamin touches on themes of jacob, money, egypt, presents — explore each to study the lessons drawn from Benjamin's life.
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