Old Testament

Genesis 35:18

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this moment of deep sorrow, Rachel, who is giving birth, realizes she is dying.

Author
Traditionally attributed to Moses
Written
Around 1400 BC
Genre
Law (Pentateuch)
Original Audience
The Israelites in the wilderness
CBTClear Bible Translation

As her soul was leaving her — for she was dying — she named the boy Benoni. However, his father gave him the name Benjamin.

KJVKing James Version

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.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this moment of deep sorrow, Rachel, who is giving birth, realizes she is dying. As she feels her life slipping away, she names her newborn son Benoni, which means "son of my sorrow." This name reflects her pain and the loss she is experiencing. However, Jacob, the father, chooses to name the boy Benjamin, meaning "son of my right hand," which signifies strength and favor. This act shows Jacob's desire to focus on hope and the future rather than the immediate grief. The contrast between the names highlights the struggle between sorrow and joy, loss and legacy. It reminds us that even in our darkest moments, we can choose to embrace life and hope. Jacob's decision to rename his son symbolizes a shift from mourning to a celebration of new beginnings, emphasizing the importance of perspective in our lives. This story encourages us to find strength in our challenges and to look forward with hope, even when faced with loss and heartache.

Key themes

Related topics

sorrow, legacy, strength

How to apply Genesis 35:18 to your life

When faced with loss, remember that you have the power to choose how you respond. Like Jacob, focus on the hope and future that lies ahead. Embrace the strength that comes from your experiences, and allow yourself to heal and grow. Your perspective can transform sorrow into something meaningful.

Curated for this public verse page. Genesis Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Genesis 35:18 mean?

Genesis 35:18 describes the moment Rachel, while dying in childbirth, names her son Benoni, meaning 'son of my sorrow.' However, Jacob renames him Benjamin, meaning 'son of my right hand,' highlighting a shift from sorrow to hope.

What is the meaning of Benoni in Genesis 35:18?

In Genesis 35:18, Benoni means 'son of my sorrow,' reflecting Rachel's pain as she dies giving birth. This name signifies her deep emotional struggle during a tragic moment.

What is the significance of the name Benjamin in Genesis 35:18?

The name Benjamin, given by Jacob in Genesis 35:18, means 'son of my right hand.' This name symbolizes strength, favor, and a hopeful future, contrasting with the sorrow associated with Benoni.

What themes are present in Genesis 35:18?

Genesis 35:18 explores themes of sorrow, hope, legacy, and perspective. It illustrates the tension between loss and new beginnings, emphasizing the importance of how we choose to respond to grief.

The Book of Genesis
Book Summary

The Book of Genesis

Genesis 1: Creation

God creates the heaven and the earth, and the earth is without form and void, covered in darkness as His Spirit moves upon the waters. He speaks light into existence, separates it from darkness, and names them Day and Night. He divides the waters with a firmament called Heaven, gathers the lower waters to reveal dry land called Earth, and commands the earth to bring forth grass, herbs, and fruit trees yielding seed after their kind. He sets the sun, moon, and stars in the firmament to divide day from night, to give light, and to mark seasons, days, and years. He fills the waters with living creatures and the air with fowl, blessing them to multiply, then creates cattle, creeping things, and beasts of the earth. Finally, He creates man in His own image, male and female, gives them dominion over all living things, and appoints every herb and tree for food, and He sees that all He has made is very good.

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