Benjamin - Benjamin's Sons

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