Genesis 35:18 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →As Rachel's soul departs, she names her son Benoni, but Jacob calls him Benjamin instead.
The Context of Genesis 35:18
Rachel dies giving birth and names her son Benoni; Jacob calls him Benjamin.
What Does Genesis 35:18 Mean?
Rachel's death represents the climactic cost of the covenant journey. She dies in childbirth, bringing forth the twelfth son and completing the twelve tribes of Israel. Her final act is to name her son Benoni ('son of my sorrow'), reflecting her suffering in that moment and the grief of knowing she would not see him grow.
Jacob's renaming of the child Benjamin ('son of the right hand') represents both a father's grief and his faith. Where Rachel saw sorrow, Jacob saw blessing and favor. This change of name transforms the child's identity from one defined by loss into one defined by divine grace, a pattern that will characterize Benjamin's place in Israel's history.
Genesis 35:18 in the Original Language
Benoni (בְנוֹנִי), 'Benoni' — literally 'son of sorrow/suffering.' Benjamin (בִנְיָמִין), 'Benjamin' — 'son of the right hand,' implying favor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 35:18
What does Genesis 35:18 mean?
As Rachel's soul departs, she names her son Benoni, but Jacob calls him Benjamin instead.
What is the context of Genesis 35:18?
Rachel dies giving birth and names her son Benoni; Jacob calls him Benjamin.