Bela בֶּ֫לַע

Male Tribe of Benjamin H1106A 3 books

Son of Benjamin, head of the Belaite clan

Biography

Bela is mentioned in several passages (Gen.46.21; Num.26.38, 40; 1Ch.7.6, 7; 8.1, 3) as one of the sons of Benjamin, the youngest son of Israel (or 'Jacob'). He is consistently listed as the first among Benjamin's sons, suggesting his prominence within the family. In the census of the Israelites in the wilderness (Numbers 26), Bela is named as the head of the Belaite clan, one of the clans within the tribe of Benjamin. The descendants of Bela are also mentioned in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles, highlighting the continuity of his lineage. The repeated mention of Bela in these various contexts emphasizes his importance as a progenitor of the Benjamite tribe and the role of his clan in the history of Israel.

Family

In Scripture

3 biblical books ; 1 with study content
Genesis 1 verse
  • Genesis 46:21

    "The sons of Benjamin: Bela, Becher, Ashbel, Gera, Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim, Huppim, and Ard."

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Numbers 2 verses
  • Numbers 26:38

    "The sons of Benjamin after their families: of Bela, the family of the Belaites; of Ashbel, the family of the Ashbelites; of Ahiram, the family of the Ahiramites;"

  • Numbers 26:40

    "The sons of Bela were Ard and Naaman: the family of the Ardites; and of Naaman, the family of the Naamites."

1 Chronicles 4 verses
  • 1 Chronicles 7:6

    "The sons of Benjamin: Bela, Becher, and Jediael, three."

  • 1 Chronicles 7:7

    "The sons of Bela: Ezbon, Uzzi, Uzziel, Jerimoth, and Iri, five; heads of fathers’ houses, mighty men of valor; and they were listed by genealogy twenty-two thousand thirty-four."

  • 1 Chronicles 8:1

    "Benjamin became the father of Bela his firstborn, Ashbel the second, Aharah the third,"

  • 1 Chronicles 8:3

    "Bela had sons: Addar, Gera, Abihud,"

Names & Aliases

Form Language Script Strong's
Named Hebrew בֶּ֫לַע H1106A
Group Hebrew בַּלְעִי H1108