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Genesis 35:18 (BSB)
And with her last breath—for she was dying—she named him Ben-oni. But his father called him Benjamin.
THE HOLY BIBLE
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Scripture quotations (main text) are from the Berean Study Bible (BSB), © 2016, 2018 by Bible Hub. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), ©2001 by Crossway, is used for comparison and word study only.
Bible Copyright & Permissions“And with her last breath—for she was dying—she named him Ben-oni. But his father called him Benjamin.” — Genesis 35:18
Picture this moment: a mother is on the brink of life and death, her heart heavy as she brings new life into the world. As she takes her final breaths, she names her newborn Ben-oni, which means 'son of my sorrow.' There’s an intense emotion in her choice, one that reflects her pain and love all wrapped up together. But then, just as quickly, the father steps in and renames the baby Benjamin, 'son of my right hand.' This clash of names is powerful—it’s a moment filled with love, loss, and the hope of new beginnings. It's a reminder that even in our deepest struggles, life continues, and joy can be found even in sorrow.
This book, Genesis, was traditionally attributed to Moses. He wrote it to tell the story of creation, the beginnings of humanity, and the early family of Israel. Moses included this specific detail about Jacob and Rachel because he wanted to capture the profound emotions of familial bonds—the joy and sorrow that come with love and loss. Moses understood the weight of these moments, and by including this story, he shows us how pivotal they are in shaping a family's legacy.
Genesis was written during a time when the Israelites were wandering in the desert, about 3,400 years ago. They were trying to understand their identity and history as God's chosen people. This context matters because it reminds us that the struggles of family, identity, and legacy aren’t new; they have been part of human life for centuries. The Israelites were looking back at their roots, understanding how their ancestors faced challenges, and finding strength in their stories.
This verse matters today because it speaks to the complexities of life. You might be facing a mix of joy and pain right now, whether it’s through loss, change, or new beginnings. Just like Rachel and Jacob, you too can find strength in your relationships and the way you navigate through tough times. It shows you that naming your struggles—recognizing your sorrows—is important, but so is embracing hope and new life that comes after. These words encourage you to hold onto love amidst the chaos and to find your own balance between sorrow and joy.
This week, take a moment to reflect on your own life. Are there areas where you’re experiencing sorrow? Maybe it’s a loss or a big change. Write it down, acknowledge it, and then think about what new beginnings might be on the horizon. Just like Jacob named his son Benjamin as a step towards hope, think of how you can embrace new opportunities or relationships that might help you heal. Share this with someone close to you—talk about your joys and sorrows. It can be a powerful way to connect and support each other through life's ups and downs.
This moment is part of a larger, intense story in Jacob’s life. Just before this, Jacob and his family have faced so much turmoil, including the death of Rachel, his beloved wife. This scene captures the rawness of that tragedy and the shift that follows. The naming of Benjamin signifies more than just a name; it’s a turning point. It highlights how Jacob, despite his heartbreak, embraces the new life that has come into the world. This verse is nestled in a chapter full of emotional highs and lows, and it takes us from despair to a sense of hope and resilience as Jacob reclaims his strength through his son.
What does it mean for you to recognize both sorrow and joy in your life, and how can you find hope in the midst of your struggles?
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