Tribe
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Tribe in the Bible?
The term 'tribe' originates from Hebrew words matteh and shebhet, meaning 'staff' or 'rod,' which symbolize authority and lineage. It refers to a social group organized under a chief or leader, most notably in the context of the twelve tribes of Israel, though the concept also applies to various non-state societies worldwide.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the structure of tribal society illuminates the social organization, inheritance laws, and political dynamics found in the Old Testament, demonstrating how kinship ties defined the identity and governance of ancient Israel.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Tribe in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Tribe clarify?
Related Topics
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.