Genesis 35:18
New International Version
As she breathed her last—for she was dying—she named her son Ben-Oni. But his father named him Benjamin.

New Living Translation
Rachel was about to die, but with her last breath she named the baby Ben-oni (which means “son of my sorrow”). The baby’s father, however, called him Benjamin (which means “son of my right hand”).

English Standard Version
And as her soul was departing (for she was dying), she called his name Ben-oni; but his father called him Benjamin.

Berean Standard Bible
And with her last breath—for she was dying—she named him Ben-oni. But his father called him Benjamin.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
And so it was, as her soul was departing (for she died), that she called his name Ben-Oni; but his father called him Benjamin.

New American Standard Bible
And it came about, as her soul was departing (for she died), that she named him Ben-oni; but his father called him Benjamin.

NASB 1995
It came about as her soul was departing (for she died), that she named him Ben-oni; but his father called him Benjamin.

NASB 1977
And it came about as her soul was departing (for she died), that she named him Ben-oni; but his father called him Benjamin.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now it happened as her soul was departing (for she died), that she named him Ben-oni; but his father called him Benjamin.

Amplified Bible
And as her soul was departing, (for she died), she named him Ben-oni (son of my sorrow); but his father called him Benjamin (son of the right hand).

Christian Standard Bible
With her last breath—for she was dying—she named him Ben-oni, but his father called him Benjamin.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
With her last breath—for she was dying—she named him Ben-oni, but his father called him Benjamin.

American Standard Version
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.

Contemporary English Version
Rachel was at the point of death, and right before dying, she said, "I'll name him Benoni." But Jacob called him Benjamin.

English Revised Version
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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Rachel was dying. As she took her last breath, she named her son Benoni [Son of My Sorrow], but his father named him Benjamin [Son of My Right Hand].

Good News Translation
But she was dying, and as she breathed her last, she named her son Benoni, but his father named him Benjamin.

International Standard Version
Just before she died, Rachel called her son's name Ben-oni, but his father Jacob named him Benjamin.

Majority Standard Bible
And with her last breath?for she was dying?she named him Ben-oni. But his father called him Benjamin.

NET Bible
With her dying breath, she named him Ben-Oni. But his father called him Benjamin instead.

New Heart English Bible
It happened, as her soul was departing (for she died), that she named him Ben-Oni, but his father named him Benjamin.

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

World English Bible
As her soul was departing (for she died), she named him Benoni, but his father named him Benjamin.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And it comes to pass in the going out of her soul (for she died), that she calls his name Ben-Oni; and his father called him Benjamin;

Young's Literal Translation
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;

Smith's Literal Translation
And it will be in her soul going forth (for she will die) and she will call his name the son of my strength: and his father called him the son of the right hand.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
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.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then, when her life was departing because of the pain, and death was now imminent, she called the name of her son Benoni, that is, the son of my pain. Yet truly, his father called him Benjamin, that is, the son of the right hand.

New American Bible
With her last breath—for she was at the point of death—she named him Ben-oni; but his father named him Benjamin.

New Revised Standard Version
As her soul was departing (for she died), she named him Ben-oni; but his father called him Benjamin.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And it came to pass, as her soul was departing and she was dying, she called the child's name Bar-kebai (the Son of My Sorrow); but his father called him Benjamin (the Son of My Right Hand).

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And it was that when her soul was going out and she was dying, she called his name Bar Kabi – (son of my sorrow), and his father called him Benyamin.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
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.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And it came to pass in her giving up the ghost (for she was dying), that she called his name, The son of my pain; but his father called his name Benjamin.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Benjamin is Born, Rachel Dies
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).…

Cross References
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.

Genesis 30:24
She named him Joseph, and said, “May the LORD add to me another son.”

Genesis 48:7
Now as for me, when I was returning from Paddan, to my sorrow Rachel died along the way in the land of Canaan, some distance from Ephrath. So I buried her there beside the road to Ephrath” (that is, Bethlehem).

Ruth 1:20
“Do not call me Naomi,” she replied. “Call me Mara, because the Almighty has dealt quite bitterly with me.

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.”

Matthew 1:21
She will give birth to a Son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.”

Luke 1:13
But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John.

Luke 2:21
When the eight days before His circumcision had passed, He was named Jesus, the name the angel had given Him before He was conceived.

John 16:21
A woman has pain in childbirth because her time has come; but when she brings forth her child, she forgets her anguish because of her joy that a child has been born into the world.

John 11:25-26
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies. / And everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?”

Revelation 21:4
‘He will wipe away every tear from their eyes,’ and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away.”

Genesis 29:32
And Leah conceived and gave birth to a son, and she named him Reuben, for she said, “The LORD has seen my affliction. Surely my husband will love me now.”

Genesis 41:51
Joseph named the firstborn Manasseh, saying, “God has made me forget all my hardship and all my father’s household.”

Exodus 2:10
When the child had grown older, she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son. She named him Moses and explained, “I drew him out of the water.”

1 Samuel 1:20
So in the course of time, Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, “Because I have asked for him from the LORD.”


Treasury of Scripture

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.

A.

Genesis 30:1
And when Rachel saw that she bare Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister; and said unto Jacob, Give me children, or else I die.

1 Samuel 4:20,21
And about the time of her death the women that stood by her said unto her, Fear not; for thou hast born a son. But she answered not, neither did she regard it

Psalm 16:10
For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

Ben-oni.

1 Chronicles 4:9
And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow.

Benjamin.

Genesis 42:4,38
But Benjamin, Joseph's brother, Jacob sent not with his brethren; for he said, Lest peradventure mischief befall him…

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.

Genesis 44:27-31
And thy servant my father said unto us, Ye know that my wife bare me two sons: …

Genesis 44:20
And we said unto my lord, We have a father, an old man, and a child of his old age, a little one; and his brother is dead, and he alone is left of his mother, and his father loveth him.

Jump to Previous
Benjamin Breathed Child Death Departing Died Dying Hour Last Soul
Jump to Next
Benjamin Breathed Child Death Departing Died Dying Hour Last Soul
Genesis 35
1. God commands Jacob to go to Bethel.
2. He purges his house of idols.
6. He builds an altar at Bethel.
8. Deborah dies at Allon Bacuth.
9. God blesses Jacob at Bethel.
10. Jacob Named Israel.
16. Rachel travails of Benjamin, and dies in the way to Edar.
22. Reuben lies with Bilhah.
23. The sons of Jacob.
27. Jacob comes to Isaac at Hebron.
28. The age, death, and burial of Isaac.














And with her last breath
This phrase highlights the critical moment of Rachel's life as she gives birth. The intensity of childbirth in ancient times often led to life-threatening situations, as medical knowledge and resources were limited. Rachel's labor is a poignant moment, reflecting the harsh realities faced by women in biblical times. Her last breath signifies the culmination of her life journey, which began with her introduction in Genesis 29 as Jacob's beloved wife.

for she was dying
Rachel's death during childbirth is a tragic event, emphasizing the fragility of life. Her death fulfills the sorrowful prophecy of Genesis 30:1, where she expressed desperation for children. This moment also foreshadows the sorrow associated with Bethlehem, where Rachel is buried, and which later becomes significant in the prophecy of Jeremiah 31:15, referenced in Matthew 2:18 concerning the massacre of the innocents.

she named him Ben-oni
The name "Ben-oni" means "son of my sorrow" or "son of my trouble," reflecting Rachel's anguish and the circumstances of his birth. Naming in the Bible often carries prophetic or symbolic significance, and Rachel's choice underscores the pain and loss she experiences. This moment connects to the broader biblical theme of names reflecting personal or divine encounters, as seen with Jacob's own name change to Israel.

But his father called him Benjamin
Jacob's decision to rename his son "Benjamin," meaning "son of the right hand" or "son of the south," signifies a shift from sorrow to strength and favor. The right hand is often associated with power and blessing in biblical literature, as seen in Psalm 110:1. This renaming reflects Jacob's authority and hope for his son's future, aligning with the patriarchal tradition of bestowing names that convey destiny and identity. Benjamin's tribe later plays a significant role in Israel's history, producing notable figures like King Saul and the Apostle Paul.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Rachel
The beloved wife of Jacob, who is giving birth to her second son. Her death during childbirth is a pivotal moment in Jacob's family history.

2. Jacob
The patriarch of the Israelite tribes, who renames his son from Ben-oni to Benjamin, signifying a shift from sorrow to strength.

3. Ben-oni
The name given by Rachel, meaning "son of my sorrow" in Hebrew, reflecting her pain and the circumstances of his birth.

4. Benjamin
The name given by Jacob, meaning "son of the right hand" or "son of the south," indicating a position of favor and strength.

5. Bethlehem
The place near where Rachel dies and is buried, later becoming significant as the birthplace of King David and Jesus.
Teaching Points
The Power of Naming
Names in the Bible often reflect character or destiny. Rachel's choice of Ben-oni reflects her immediate sorrow, while Jacob's renaming to Benjamin reflects hope and future strength. Consider how we name and frame our circumstances.

Transformation Through Faith
Jacob's decision to rename his son demonstrates a shift from focusing on immediate pain to embracing God's promises. In our lives, we can choose to see beyond our current struggles to God's greater plan.

Legacy of Faith
Rachel's death and Jacob's response remind us of the importance of leaving a legacy of faith and hope for future generations, even in times of personal loss.

God's Sovereignty in Suffering
Rachel's death is a reminder of the reality of suffering, yet God's purposes prevail. Trusting in God's sovereignty can bring peace amidst life's trials.(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.

Verse 18. - And it came to pass, as her soul was in departing, - literally, in the departing of her soul; not into annihilation, but into another (a disembodied) state of existence (vide Genesis 25:3) - for she died (a pathetic commentary on Genesis 30:1), that she called his name Ben-oni ("son of my sorrow," as a memorial of her anguish in bearing him, and of her death because of him): but his father called him Benjamin - "son of my right hand;" either "the son of my strength" (Clericus, Rosenmüller,. Murphy), or "the son of my happiness or good fortune" (Gesenius, Keil, Kalisch), with allusion to Jacob's now possessing twelve sons; or as expressive of Jacob's unwillingness to see a bad omen in the birth of Rachel's child (Candlish); or "the son of my days," i.e. of my old age (Samaritan), an interpretation which Lunge pasaes with a mere allusion, but which Kalisch justly pronounces not so absurd as is often asserted (cf. Genesis 44:20); or "the son of my affection" (Ainsworth; cf. Genesis 50:18)

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
And
וַיְהִ֞י (way·hî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

with her last breath—
בְּצֵ֤את (bə·ṣêṯ)
Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

for
כִּ֣י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

she was dying—
מֵ֔תָה (mê·ṯāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 4191: To die, to kill

she named
וַתִּקְרָ֥א (wat·tiq·rā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read

him Ben-oni.
אוֹנִ֑י (’ō·w·nî)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1126: Ben-oni -- 'son of my sorrow', Rachel's name for Benjamin

But his father
וְאָבִ֖יו (wə·’ā·ḇîw)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1: Father

called
קָֽרָא־ (qā·rā-)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read

him
ל֥וֹ (lōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew

Benjamin.
בִנְיָמִֽין׃ (ḇin·yā·mîn)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1144: Benjamin -- 'son of the right hand', youngest son of Jacob, also the name of two other Israelites


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OT Law: Genesis 35:18 It happened as her soul was departing (Gen. Ge Gn)
Genesis 35:17
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