benjamin

Everyday

1. (a name) Benjamin is a boy's name; short forms are Ben and Benji. tree →
2. (Bible) Benjamin was the youngest son of Jacob in the Bible and the brother of Joseph. tree →
3. (US, slang) A benjamin is a 100-dollar bill, because it has Benjamin Franklin's face on it. tree →
4. (a name) Benjamin Franklin was an American inventor and leader who did experiments with electricity and kites. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life it is a common name; in Bible stories, Joseph and his brothers; in history, Benjamin Franklin; in US slang, «benjamins» means money; it is not a common English word.

Examples

• My cousin Benjamin is five. tree →
• In the Bible, Benjamin was Jacob's youngest son. tree →
• Benjamin Franklin flew a kite in a storm. tree →
• Joseph hid a cup in Benjamin's sack. tree →
• «It's all about the benjamins» means it's all about money (US, slang). tree →

Note

As a name it takes a capital B. The slang «benjamins» is US and very informal. Do not invent facts about people with this name.

In Jewish tradition

Jacob's youngest son, born to Rachel, and the tribe that came from him.

Interpretation. Rachel named him Ben-oni and Jacob called him Benjamin. The tribe of Benjamin was given land holding Jerusalem, and tradition says the Temple stood in its territory.

Examples

• the sons of Rachel: Joseph and Benjamin; (Torah GEN.35.24, JPS 1917) tree →
• Of Benjamin, Abidan the son of Gideoni. (Torah NUM.1.11, JPS 1917) tree →
• The sons of Rachel Jacob's wife: Joseph and Benjamin. (Torah GEN.46.19, JPS 1917) tree →
• Shimei the son of Ela, in Benjamin; (Prophets 1KI.4.18, JPS 1917) tree →
• And Judah and Benjamin adhered to him. (Writings 2CH.11.12, JPS 1917) tree →
• Judah, and Benjamin, and Shemaiah, and Jeremiah; (Writings NEH.12.34, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

As a name it takes a capital B. The slang «benjamins» is US and very informal. Do not invent facts about people with this name.