Naphtali
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Naphtali in the Bible?
Naphtali was the sixth son of Jacob and the second son born to him by Rachel's handmaid, Bilhah. He is recorded in the biblical narrative as having four sons when Jacob and his family relocated to Egypt.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Naphtali clarifies the lineage of the Tribe of Naphtali, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, and helps readers trace the genealogical structure central to the biblical account of the nation's formation.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Naphtali reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Naphtali in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Naphtali 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
"Naphtali." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/naphtali/