Ben-Ammi
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Ben-Ammi in the Bible?
Ben-ammi was the son of Lot and his younger daughter, born following the destruction of Sodom, and is recognized as the progenitor of the Ammonites. The narrative of his conception reflects ancient Israelite polemics against the Ammonites.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Ben-ammi clarifies the biblical etiology of the Ammonite people and reveals the literary strategies used to depict Israel's neighbors as descendants of incestuous unions, thereby reinforcing ethnic and religious boundaries.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Ben-Ammi reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Ben-Ammi in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Ben-Ammi clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Ben-Ammi." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/benammi/