Original Word: בְּנִינוּ
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Bniynuw
Pronunciation: beh-NEE-noo
Phonetic Spelling: (ben-ee-noo')
KJV: Beninu
NASB: Beninu
Word Origin: [probably from H1121 (בֵּן - sons) with pronoun suffix]

1. our son
2. Beninu, an Israelite

Beninu

Probably from ben with pron. Suff.; our son; Beninu, an Israelite -- Beninu.

see HEBREW ben

Word Origin
probably from ben
Definition
perhaps "our son," a Levite
NASB Translation
Beninu (1).

בְּנִי֑נוּ proper name, masculine (our son? Ol^{§ 277 b. p. 613}) a levite Nehemiah 10:14.

Biblical Occurrence

Nehemiah 10:13 places Beninu among the priests who sealed the post-exilic covenant: “Hodiah, Bani, Beninu” (Berean Standard Bible). This single reference situates him in Jerusalem around 445 BC as one of the spiritual leaders endorsing Israel’s renewed commitment to the Law.

Historical Setting

The appearance of Beninu follows the public reading of the Law (Nehemiah 8), national confession (Nehemiah 9), and the drafting of a “binding agreement” (Nehemiah 9:38). Chapter 10 records the signatories—civil officials, Levites, and priests—who vowed to maintain Sabbath observance, prohibit intermarriage with pagans, and fund temple worship. Beninu’s inclusion underscores united leadership during a decisive moment of national reform.

Priestly Identity and Ministry

1. Lineage and Office

While no genealogy is supplied, Beninu’s listing among priests marks him as a descendant of Aaron entrusted with sacrifice, instruction, and intercession (Leviticus 10:10-11).

2. Covenant Seal-Bearer

Affixing his name was a legal testimony that bound him, his household, and his priestly division to the covenant’s stipulations (Deuteronomy 19:15). It exemplified priestly responsibility for guiding the people in holiness.

3. Representative Authority

As a head of a priestly clan, Beninu acted for those under his care. His commitment extended generationally, mirroring the covenantal principle that leaders’ decisions affect the entire community (Exodus 34:7).

Theological Significance

• Covenant Fidelity

Beninu’s single appearance highlights the necessity of faithful priestly leadership in times of renewal, reaffirming Israel’s identity as “a kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Exodus 19:6).

• Preservation of the Priesthood

His presence testifies to God’s faithfulness in sustaining Aaron’s line through exile, confirming prophetic promises of restoration (Jeremiah 33:17-22).

• Foreshadowing the Perfect High Priest

Post-exilic shortcomings recorded later in Nehemiah anticipate the advent of the flawless High Priest, Jesus Christ, who mediates an everlasting covenant (Hebrews 8:6).

Lessons for Today

• Leadership and Repentance

Like Beninu, spiritual leaders must take the forefront in confession and reform (Nehemiah 9:3; 1 Timothy 4:16).

• Public, Written Commitment

Formal declarations of obedience can strengthen communal accountability, echoing the covenant document Nehemiah’s generation signed.

• Value of the Obscure Servant

Though mentioned only once, Beninu’s faithfulness contributes to redemptive history, reminding modern believers that prominence is measured by obedience, not notoriety (1 Corinthians 12:22).

Connections with New Testament Themes

Beninu’s covenant sealing parallels New Testament exhortations to steadfastness: “Let us hold firmly to the faith we profess” (Hebrews 4:14). Just as he vowed to uphold temple service, believers are called to offer themselves as “a living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1). His act anticipates the fuller covenant commitment enacted through Christ’s blood.

Summary

Beninu, though briefly named, embodies decisive priestly leadership during Israel’s covenant renewal. His signature on Nehemiah’s document affirms God’s ongoing preservation of the priesthood, illustrates the enduring call to covenant fidelity, and foreshadows the ultimate priestly ministry of Jesus Christ.

בְּנִֽינוּ׃ בנינו׃ bə·nî·nū beNinu bənînūInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts