Ben
“Son”
Summary
A Hebrew word meaning 'son,' used as a prefix in many biblical names, and also the name of a Levite musician appointed by David.
☩As a Hebrew Term
The word 'ben' is the Hebrew term for 'son' and appears frequently as a prefix in compound names to indicate parentage or descent. Examples include Ben-oni ('son of my sorrow'), Ben-hadad ('son of Hadad'), and Benjamin ('son of the right hand'). In the plural form it becomes 'bene' or 'beni,' as in 'Bene Israel' (sons of Israel).
☩The Levite Musician
A Levite named Ben is listed among those 'of the second degree' appointed by David to serve at the ark as an assistant musician. He appears in the list of porters and musicians when David brought the ark to Jerusalem. The Septuagint omits this name, and it does not appear in the parallel passage, suggesting possible textual uncertainty.
Related Verses31 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Ben," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. I (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.George Morrish, "Ben," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 3.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Ben," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 4.James Orr (ed.), "Ben," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. I (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).