Rachel dies giving birth to a son whom she names Ben-oni, but Jacob renames him Benjamin, symbolizing hope and blessing after sorrow.
In this verse, we read: “So it came about as her soul was departing (for she died), that she named him Ben-oni; but his father called him Benjamin.” (v.18). Here, Rachel, one of the wives of Jacob (also called Israel), is dying in childbirth, and with her last breath, she names her newborn son “Ben-oni,” which in Hebrew means “son of my sorrow.” It was a reflection of her agonizing circumstance in this pivotal, life-ending moment. Rachel is a key figure in the Old Testament narrative—she was the daughter of Laban and became Jacob’s beloved wife in approximately the early 19th century BC. Her death during childbirth highlights the fragility of life and underscores the theme of sorrow intertwining with blessing within the family lineage that would eventually yield the twelve tribes of Israel.
Jacob then overrides Rachel’s name choice—and the verse states, “but his father called him Benjamin” (v.18). The name Benjamin means “son of the right hand,” signifying favor, prominence, and blessing. Jacob’s renaming underscores his faith in God’s promise, turning tragedy into hope. Though the verse itself does not specify the location, Genesis 35:19 indicates that they were traveling near Ephrath (which is Bethlehem), a place located about five miles south of Jerusalem. The region would become significant centuries later in biblical history, known for its connection to Davidic lineage and eventually the birthplace of Jesus of Nazareth.
In choosing Benjamin’s name, Jacob establishes a testament to God’s ongoing covenant despite human suffering. Benjamin would become the ancestor of the Israelite tribe of Benjamin, from which the first king of Israel, Saul, would come, and also the Apostle Paul after many centuries (Philippians 3:5). This story reveals that even immeasurable sorrow can be paired with God’s overarching plan—Rachel’s life concludes, but new hope emerges in Benjamin’s future.
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Genesis 35:18 meaning
In this verse, we read: “So it came about as her soul was departing (for she died), that she named him Ben-oni; but his father called him Benjamin.” (v.18). Here, Rachel, one of the wives of Jacob (also called Israel), is dying in childbirth, and with her last breath, she names her newborn son “Ben-oni,” which in Hebrew means “son of my sorrow.” It was a reflection of her agonizing circumstance in this pivotal, life-ending moment. Rachel is a key figure in the Old Testament narrative—she was the daughter of Laban and became Jacob’s beloved wife in approximately the early 19th century BC. Her death during childbirth highlights the fragility of life and underscores the theme of sorrow intertwining with blessing within the family lineage that would eventually yield the twelve tribes of Israel.
Jacob then overrides Rachel’s name choice—and the verse states, “but his father called him Benjamin” (v.18). The name Benjamin means “son of the right hand,” signifying favor, prominence, and blessing. Jacob’s renaming underscores his faith in God’s promise, turning tragedy into hope. Though the verse itself does not specify the location, Genesis 35:19 indicates that they were traveling near Ephrath (which is Bethlehem), a place located about five miles south of Jerusalem. The region would become significant centuries later in biblical history, known for its connection to Davidic lineage and eventually the birthplace of Jesus of Nazareth.
In choosing Benjamin’s name, Jacob establishes a testament to God’s ongoing covenant despite human suffering. Benjamin would become the ancestor of the Israelite tribe of Benjamin, from which the first king of Israel, Saul, would come, and also the Apostle Paul after many centuries (Philippians 3:5). This story reveals that even immeasurable sorrow can be paired with God’s overarching plan—Rachel’s life concludes, but new hope emerges in Benjamin’s future.