Persons of the Bible: Letter B

As we move into the letter B, we meet people whose lives reflect the many ways God guides, protects, and shapes His people. Benjamin, the youngest of Jacob’s sons, carries a story touched by sorrow yet marked by God’s faithfulness. Barak shows us courage strengthened by God’s word, and Boaz reveals the heart of a redeemer who points forward to Jesus Himself. These names, and the many others beginning with B, remind us that every generation contributes to God’s unfolding story and that His purposes move steadily toward hope and restoration.

Baal-hanan

There are two men named Baal-hanan: one a king of Edom, and another an overseer of olive and sycamore trees under King David.
Scripture: Genesis 36:38; 1 Chronicles 27:28

Baal-israel / Baalis

Baalis, the king of the Ammonites, incited Ishmael to assassinate Gedaliah after the fall of Jerusalem.
Scripture: Jeremiah 40:13–14

Baana / Baannah

Baana appears as the name of several officials during Solomon’s reign, including district governors who oversaw the king's provisions.
Scripture: 1 Kings 4:12, 16

Baara

Baara is listed among the wives of Shaharaim, a Benjamite.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 8:8

Baaseiah

Baaseiah was a Levite mentioned briefly in the genealogical records.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 6:40

Baasha

Baasha became king of Israel after assassinating Nadab. He continued in the sins of Jeroboam and faced judgment from the Lord for leading Israel into idolatry.
Scripture: 1 Kings 15:27–34; 1 Kings 16:1–7

Barnabas

Barnabas, originally named Joseph, was a Levite from Cyprus whose nickname means “son of encouragement.” He played a vital role in the early church by supporting new believers, introducing Paul to the apostles, and joining missionary journeys that spread the gospel. His generosity, humility, and willingness to mentor others reflect the character of Christ and the unity of the early church.
Scripture: Acts 4:36–37; Acts 9:26–27; Acts 11:22–26; Acts 13:1–3; Acts 15:36–41

Barak

Barak was a military leader during the time of the judges who, alongside Deborah, delivered Israel from the oppression of Sisera. Though hesitant at first, he trusted the Lord’s word and led Israel to victory. His inclusion in the “Hall of Faith” emphasizes obedience and reliance on God’s strength rather than personal confidence.
Scripture: Judges 4–5; Hebrews 11:32

Bar-Jesus (Elymas)

Bar-Jesus, also called Elymas the sorcerer, opposed Paul and Barnabas on Cyprus and was struck with blindness as a sign of God’s judgment.
Scripture: Acts 13:6–12

Barabbas

Barabbas was a prisoner released instead of Jesus at the Passover feast, illustrating the exchange theme at the heart of the gospel—an innocent man condemned while a guilty man went free.
Scripture: Matthew 27:15–26; Mark 15:6–15; Luke 23:18–25; John 18:40

Barachel

Barachel was the father of Elihu, the youngest friend who spoke to Job.
Scripture: Job 32:2

Bariah

Bariah appears in the genealogical records of Ephraim’s descendants.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 7:23

Barjona (surname of Peter)

Bartholomew

Bartholomew was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus and is often identified with Nathanael. He is known for his honest character and his confession of Jesus as the Son of God early in the Lord’s ministry. Though little is recorded about him afterward, his role as an apostle connects directly to the spread of the gospel after Christ’s resurrection.
Scripture: Matthew 10:2–3; John 1:45–51

Bartimaeus

Bartimaeus was a blind man who persistently cried out to Jesus and received healing. His faith and boldness highlight Jesus’ compassion and power to restore.
Scripture: Mark 10:46–52

Barzillai

Barzillai was an elderly, generous man who supported King David during Absalom’s rebellion. His kindness and loyalty are remembered as examples of faithfulness in difficult times.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 17:27–29; 2 Samuel 19:31–39; 1 Kings 2:7

Basa (variant of Baasha)

Bedan

Bedan is mentioned as a judge or leader whom the Lord sent to deliver His people, though details about him are brief.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 12:11

Bela

Bela was the first king of Edom, listed before Israel had a monarchy, found in genealogical records.
Scripture: Genesis 36:31–32

Belshazzar

Belshazzar was the Babylonian ruler during Daniel’s time, remembered for the mysterious handwriting on the wall announcing the fall of his kingdom.
Scripture: Daniel 5

Belteshazzar (name of Daniel)

Ben

Ben is listed as a son of Ulla in the genealogies of the tribe of Asher.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 7:39

Bathsheba

Bathsheba was the wife of Uriah the Hittite and later the wife of King David. Though her story begins in tragedy—marked by David’s sin and the loss of her first child—God brought redemption and restoration into her life. She became the mother of Solomon and played a role in securing his rightful place on the throne. Bathsheba’s presence in the genealogy of Jesus highlights God’s ability to bring hope, forgiveness, and purpose from broken circumstances.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 11–12; 1 Kings 1:11–31; 1 Kings 2:19; Matthew 1:6

Becher

Becher was one of Benjamin's sons, and his descendants formed the Becherite clan.
Scripture: Genesis 46:21; Numbers 26:38

Bechorath

Bechorath is listed in the genealogy of Saul, part of the family line from Benjamin.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 9:1

Bedeiah

Bedeiah was among the men who sent away foreign wives during Ezra’s reforms.
Scripture: Ezra 10:35

Beeliada (Eliada)

Beeliada—also called Eliada—was one of David’s sons born in Jerusalem.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 14:7

Beerah

Beerah was a leader of the Reubenites who was taken into exile by the Assyrians.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 5:6

Beeri

Beeri is the father of the prophet Hosea and also appears in Esau’s genealogy.
Scripture: Hosea 1:1; Genesis 26:34

Beleah

Beleah appears briefly in family records.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 7:34

Benjamin

Benjamin was the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel and the founder of the tribe of Benjamin. His birth cost Rachel her life, yet Jacob loved him deeply, and his presence became central in the climactic reconciliation story of Joseph. The tribe of Benjamin later produced kings, warriors, and leaders—including Saul and the apostle Paul. Benjamin’s story points to God’s ability to bring strength, continuity, and blessing from even the most painful beginnings.
Scripture: Genesis 35:16–20; Genesis 43–45; Numbers 1:36–37; 1 Samuel 9:1–2; Philippians 3:5

Beninu

Beninu was one of the men who sealed the covenant during Nehemiah's time.
Scripture: Nehemiah 10:13

Ben-Oni

Ben-Oni was the name Rachel gave to her son as she died in childbirth. Jacob renamed him Benjamin (“son of the right hand”).
Scripture: Genesis 35:18

Ben-Zohar

Ben-Zohar appears in family records connected to Judah.
Scripture: Genesis 46:10 (lineage context)

Benajah / Benaiah

Benaiah was one of David’s mighty men and later became commander of Solomon’s army. Known for his courage, he struck down enemies in moments of great danger, including a lion in a pit on a snowy day. His loyalty to David and Solomon made him a key figure in securing the kingdom. Benaiah’s life reflects bravery, faithfulness, and God’s protection in leadership transitions.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 23:20–23; 1 Kings 1:32–38; 1 Kings 2:25–35

Ben-Ammi

Ben-Ammi was the son of Lot through his younger daughter and the ancestor of the Ammonite people.
Scripture: Genesis 19:36–38

Ben-deker

Ben-deker was one of Solomon’s district governors responsible for providing food for the king’s household.
Scripture: 1 Kings 4:9

Ben-geber

Another of Solomon’s officers was overseeing territorial districts.
Scripture: 1 Kings 4:13

Ben-hesed

Ben-hesed served as a regional governor under Solomon.
Scripture: 1 Kings 4:10

Ben-joash

Ben-joash is listed among the leaders named in the genealogies of the tribe of Judah.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 4:22

Ben-zoheth

Ben-zoheth appears in the genealogical records under Judah.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 4:20

Boaz

Boaz was a wealthy and honorable man from Bethlehem who acted as a kinsman-redeemer for Ruth. His kindness, integrity, and obedience to God’s law made him a shelter and blessing to Ruth and Naomi. Through their marriage, Boaz became the great-grandfather of King David, placing him directly in the lineage of Jesus Christ. His life reflects the heart of the Redeemer who would come—Jesus, our true Kinsman-Redeemer.
Scripture: Ruth 2–4; Matthew 1:5

Balaam

Balaam was a non-Israelite prophet whose heart was divided between obeying God and seeking reward. Though God used him to bless Israel, Balaam’s counsel later led the people into sin, demonstrating how a person can speak truth yet still be far from God. His story serves as a warning against compromise and greed.
Scripture: Numbers 22–24; Numbers 31:16; 2 Peter 2:15; Jude 11; Revelation 2:14

Baladan

Baladan was the father of Merodach-baladan, king of Babylon, who corresponded with Hezekiah.
Scripture: Isaiah 39:1

Balak

Balak was the king of Moab who attempted to hire Balaam to curse Israel as they approached his territory. Though fearful of Israel’s strength, he learned that God would not allow His people to be cursed.
Scripture: Numbers 22–24

Baruch

Baruch was the faithful scribe and companion of the prophet Jeremiah. He wrote down Jeremiah’s messages, publicly read them, and endured persecution alongside him. Baruch’s perseverance shows the importance of those who serve God quietly yet faithfully.
Scripture: Jeremiah 32:12–16; Jeremiah 36; Jeremiah 45

Basemath

Basemath appears as the wife of Esau and also in the line of Ishmael. These brief mentions help trace the development of family lines connected to Abraham.
Scripture: Genesis 26:34; Genesis 36:3

Bazluth

Bazluth was among the temple servants who returned from exile under Zerubbabel.
Scripture: Ezra 2:52; Nehemiah 7:54

Bealiah

Bealiah was one of David’s mighty warriors, listed among his supporters from the tribe of Benjamin.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 12:5

Bebai

Bebai was the head of a family group returning from exile. Some members later struggled with intermarriage issues during Ezra’s reforms.
Scripture: Ezra 2:11; Ezra 8:11; Ezra 10:28

Belial

Belial is a term used in Scripture to describe wicked, corrupt, or worthless men who oppose God. In the New Testament, the word is used symbolically for Satan, contrasting Christ with the forces of darkness.
Scripture: Deuteronomy 13:13; 1 Samuel 2:12; 2 Corinthians 6:15

Belteshazzar (name given to Daniel)

Berechiah

Berechiah is the name of several men, including the father of the prophet Zechariah. The name appears throughout priestly and genealogical records.
Scripture: Zechariah 1:1; 1 Chronicles 6:39

Beriah

Beriah appears as a son of Asher and also as a descendant within Benjamin’s line.
Scripture: Genesis 46:17; 1 Chronicles 8:13

Bernice

Bernice, the sister of King Agrippa II, appears during Paul’s trial before Roman authorities. She was present during Paul’s defense and is remembered in relation to the Herodian family.
Scripture: Acts 25:13; Acts 25:23

Besai

Besai was a leader of temple servants who returned from the Babylonian exile.
Scripture: Ezra 2:49; Nehemiah 7:52

Besodeiah

Besodeiah helped repair the wall of Jerusalem during Nehemiah’s reconstruction efforts.
Scripture: Nehemiah 3:6

Bezalel

Bezalel was the chief artisan chosen by God and filled with His Spirit to design and build the tabernacle’s sacred furnishings. Skilled in craftsmanship, he oversaw the creation of the Ark of the Covenant, the lampstand, and many other holy items. His work reflects the beauty, holiness, and intentional design of God’s dwelling among His people.
Scripture: Exodus 31:1–11; Exodus 35:30–35; Exodus 37

Bezer

Bezer appears in the genealogies of the tribe of Reuben.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 7:37

Bilgah

Bilgah was the head of a priestly division and appears among those who signed the renewed covenant in Nehemiah’s day.
Scripture: Nehemiah 10:8; Nehemiah 12:5

Bilhah

Bilhah was Rachel’s maidservant who bore two of Jacob’s sons, Dan and Naphtali. Her children became the founders of two tribes of Israel.
Scripture: Genesis 30:3–8; Genesis 35:25

Bilshan

Bilshan was one of the leaders who returned from exile to Jerusalem.
Scripture: Ezra 2:2; Nehemiah 7:7

Binea

Binea appears in the genealogical list of Saul's descendants.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 8:37

Binnui

Binnui is mentioned several times as a Levite or a priest involved in rebuilding Jerusalem’s wall and renewing the covenant.
Scripture: Ezra 8:33; Nehemiah 3:24; Nehemiah 10:9

Birsha

Birsha was one of the kings who fought against Abraham in the coalition war recorded in Genesis.
Scripture: Genesis 14:2

Bishlam

Bishlam was one of several officials who opposed the rebuilding of Jerusalem after the exile and wrote accusations to King Artaxerxes.
Scripture: Ezra 4:7

Bithiah

Bithiah was a daughter of Pharaoh who married Mered of Judah. Her presence in Israel's genealogy shows God’s work reaching even into foreign royal households.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 4:18

Bizi

Bizi appears in a list of descendants within the tribe of Judah.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 4:36

Blastus

Blastus was a trusted servant of King Herod Agrippa I. The people of Tyre and Sidon sought peace with Herod through him, briefly placing him in the narrative of Acts.
Scripture: Acts 12:20

Boanerges (title given to James and John)

Bocheru

Bocheru is mentioned in a priestly family line among the sons of Merari.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 15:17

Bogod

Bogod appears in the genealogies as a Levite assisting in temple duties.
Scripture: Nehemiah 12:15

Borah

Borah appears in a genealogical list in the tribe of Benjamin.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 8:38

Boreas

Boreas appears in a genealogical context associated with family records, though details are brief.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 7:36 (variant translation contexts)

Bukkiah

Bukkiah was a Levite musician assigned to temple worship under David’s leadership.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 25:4–13

Bulan

Bulan appears in genealogies connected to the tribe of Benjamin.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 7:20 (genealogy context)

Bunni

Bunni is listed several times as a Levite or a signatory in covenant and temple service records.
Scripture: Nehemiah 9:4; Nehemiah 10:15

Buz

Buz was one of Nahor’s sons and the ancestor of a clan known in the Old Testament. His name likely indicates a historical people group connected to Abraham’s extended family.
Scripture: Genesis 22:20–21; Jeremiah 25:23

Ben-hur

Ben-Hur was one of the district governors under King Solomon, responsible for providing food for the king’s household.
Scripture: 1 Kings 4:8

Ben-Hail

Ben-Hail was one of the officers King Jehoshaphat sent to teach the Book of the Law throughout Judah.
Scripture: 2 Chronicles 17:7

Bethuel

Bethuel was the father of Rebekah and Laban, placing him in the central genealogy of the Messiah’s line.
Scripture: Genesis 22:20–23; Genesis 24:15, 24

Bilhan

Bilhan was one of the sons of Ezer in the genealogy of Esau and also appears as a descendant of Benjamin in another context.
Scripture: Genesis 36:27; 1 Chronicles 7:10

---

The stories connected to the letter B show us that God works through warriors, widows, judges, kings, servants, and entire families to carry forward His promise of redemption. Some names stand tall in Scripture, while others appear only briefly, yet each one helps weave the tapestry of God’s larger plan.

As we turn to the letter C, we will meet more people—well-known and lesser-known—whose lives continue to shine light on God’s faithfulness and lead us closer to the heart of the gospel.