Benjamin's Sons
According to Genesis 46:21, Benjamin had ten sons: Bela, Becher, Ashbel, Gera, Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim, Huppim, and Ard. The name of his wife/wives are not given. Classical rabbinical tradition adds that each son's name honors Joseph:
- Belah (meaning swallow), in reference to Joseph disappearing (being swallowed up)
- Becher (meaning first born), in reference to Joseph being the first child of Rachel
- Ashbel (meaning capture), in reference to Joseph having suffered captivity
- Gera (meaning grain), in reference to Joseph living in a foreign land (Egypt)
- Naaman (meaning grace), in reference to Joseph having graceful speech
- Ehi (meaning my brother), in reference to Joseph being Benjamin's only full-brother (as opposed to half-brothers)
- Rosh (meaning elder), in reference to Joseph being older than Benjamin
- Muppim (meaning double mouth), in reference to Joseph passing on what he had been taught by Jacob
- Huppim (meaning marriage canopies), in reference to Joseph being married in Egypt, while Benjamin was not there
- Ard (meaning wanderer/fugitive), in reference to Joseph being like a rose
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