Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Naphtali

Naphtali was the sixth son of the Hebrew patriarch (also called ) and the second son born to , the maidservant of Jacob's wife , as described in the . His name, meaning "my struggle" or "wrestling," reflects Rachel's words during a difficult labor, symbolizing her rivalry with her sister over bearing children to Jacob. The , one of the descended from him, played a significant role in biblical history as warriors and settlers in the northern regions of ancient . The tribe's territory was allotted in the hill country of northern , bordering the lands of Asher to the west, to the south, and the and to the east, encompassing fertile areas ideal for agriculture and trade. According to the census in the , the tribe numbered 53,400 fighting men at the time of from . Naphtali's descendants were noted for their valor; in the , tribesmen from Naphtali rallied under and to defeat the forces led by at the Battle of the Kishon River, a pivotal that secured Israelite control in the north. blessing in portrays Naphtali as "a doe set free that bears beautiful fawns," evoking imagery of swiftness, grace, and productivity. Later, ' blessing in Deuteronomy describes the tribe as favored with expansive borders and divine approval. During the united monarchy under Kings and , Naphtali contributed to the kingdom's strength, but following the division after 's death around 930 BCE, it became part of the northern Kingdom of . The tribe's prominence waned with the conquest of the northern kingdom in 722 BCE, after which many Naphtalites were exiled and dispersed, contributing to the legend of the "Ten Lost Tribes." Archaeological evidence from sites like Hazor and in the region supports the biblical depiction of Naphtali's settlement and cultural integration in the Iron Age . Today, Naphtali's legacy endures in Jewish tradition, symbolizing resilience and the northern heritage of .

As a Biblical Patriarch

Birth and Name

Naphtali was the sixth son of and the second son born to , handmaid, amid the familial tensions arising from . In the biblical account, , envious of her 's ability to bear children, urged to take as a concubine so that she might provide heirs through her servant, following the custom of surrogate motherhood. This occurred after had already given birth to four sons—, , , and —heightening the rivalry between the two sisters over producing offspring for . Bilhah conceived and bore a son, whom named , signifying divine judgment in her favor; soon after, Bilhah bore a second son. Upon this birth, exclaimed, "With mighty wrestlings I have wrestled with my sister and have prevailed," thus naming the child Naphtali to commemorate her perceived victory in the childbearing contest. The name Naphtali derives from the Hebrew root naph-tal (נָפְתָּלִי), meaning "wrestling" or "struggle," reflecting the intense rivalry and emotional contention between and . This etymology underscores the personal triumph associated with the birth, positioning Naphtali as a symbol of her perseverance within Jacob's expanding household.

Family and Descendants

Naphtali, the sixth son of Jacob and Bilhah, took Merimah, daughter of Amuram, as his wife according to later traditions preserved in the Book of Jasher. This union produced four sons: Jahzeel, Guni, Jezer, and Shillem, as recorded in the biblical genealogies. These sons are identified as the progenitors of the Naphtalite clans, forming the foundational lineages of the tribe. During the famine in , Naphtali migrated to with his father entire household, including his wife and sons, to join and secure sustenance. This relocation marked the family's settlement in the , where they multiplied over subsequent generations.

Jacob's Blessing

In 49, as Jacob lay on his deathbed, he gathered his twelve sons to deliver a series of prophetic , foretelling the future destinies of their respective tribes in poetic . This chapter functions as a tribal , with each tailored to the character and fate of the individual son, emphasizing themes of strength, struggle, prosperity, and divine purpose. Jacob's words to Naphtali form part of this sequence, positioned after the for and before that for Gad, highlighting Naphtali's unique attributes amid the broader patriarchal legacy. The specific blessing for Naphtali reads: "Naphtali is a doe let loose that bears beautiful fawns." The Hebrew phrasing, nafətālî ʾayyālā šəluḥâ hannōtēn ʾimərê-šāfēr, presents interpretive challenges due to ambiguities in wording, with translations varying between "bears beautiful fawns" (suggesting fruitful offspring) and "gives goodly words" (implying eloquence or poetic expression). Scholars often view the metaphor of the "doe let loose" as symbolizing swiftness, grace, and freedom, evoking a deer unbound and agile in open terrain, which may reflect Naphtali's spirited nature or foreshadow the tribe's nimbleness in conflict. Alternatively, the "beautiful fawns" or "words" underscore themes of beauty and productivity, portraying Naphtali as one who produces something lovely and refined, whether in progeny or speech. This imagery implies a character marked by vitality and expressiveness, contrasting with more strife-laden blessings for other sons, and serves as a prophetic encapsulation of Naphtali's enduring legacy. For comparison, ' later blessing in Deuteronomy 33:23 addresses Naphtali directly as "sated with favor, and full of the blessing of the LORD," emphasizing divine abundance without the poetic animal .

The Tribe of Naphtali

Allotment of Territory

The allotment of territory to the Tribe of occurred during the division of the land of under Joshua's leadership, as part of the inheritance granted to the Israelite tribes following their conquest. According to the biblical account, the sixth lot fell to by its clans, encompassing a northern region west of the . This territory was strategically positioned in the , providing access to fertile lands and natural resources, and forming a key part of the northern tribal bloc alongside Asher, , and . The boundaries of Naphtali's inheritance began at Heleph and the large tree in Zaanannim, extending through Adami Nekeb, Jabneel, and Lakkum to the on the east. To the west, it reached Aznoth and Hukkok, bordering the territory of Asher, while to the south it adjoined . This positioning placed Naphtali's land in close proximity to the Sea of Galilee, known anciently as Kinnereth, which bordered the southern edge of the territory and enhanced its agricultural productivity and defensive advantages in the rugged Galilean hills. The territory included nineteen fortified towns and their surrounding villages, assigned as follows: Ziddim, Zer, Hammath, Rakkath, Kinnereth, , Ramah, Hazor, , Edrei, En Hazor, Iron, Migdal El, Horem, Beth Anath, and Beth Shemesh. Among these, served as a designated city of refuge within Naphtali's borders, providing for those who unintentionally caused death. The settlement of this area followed 's successful campaigns against the northern cities, notably the decisive battle at Hazor— a major fortified center within the allotted land—where Israelite forces defeated a led by King Jabin, overcoming significant military challenges posed by chariots and a vast army to secure the region for tribal inheritance.

Role in Biblical History

The Tribe of Naphtali played a significant role as one of the during from and the subsequent wilderness wanderings, contributing to the communal journey and organization of the Israelite camp. A census conducted at in the second year after counted 53,400 men from Naphtali who were twenty years old or more and able to serve in the army. Ahihud son of Shelomi emerged as a prominent leader from the tribe, appointed to represent Naphtali in of the among the tribes. By the time of the second census in the , near the end of the forty years of wandering, the tribe's fighting men numbered 45,400, reflecting a slight decline possibly due to the hardships endured. During the conquest of under and in the era of the Judges, Naphtali's warriors demonstrated notable valor in key battles. The tribe mobilized forces to support , a leader from Naphtali, in the campaign against , the commander of the army under King Jabin of Hazor, which culminated in a at the . This event was celebrated in the Song of , which extolled Naphtali's commitment: "Zebulun is a people who offered their lives to the death; Naphtali too, on the heights of ," highlighting their willingness to risk everything for Israel's from . In the period of the united monarchy, Naphtali provided substantial military support to during his consolidation of power. From the tribe came 1,000 captains, equipped with shields and spears, along with 37,000 fully armed warriors who joined 's forces at , contributing to the enthusiastic backing that solidified his kingship over all . Following the division of the kingdom after Solomon's death, Naphtali became part of the northern Kingdom of , sharing in its political and spiritual fortunes. The prophet referenced the territory of Naphtali in a messianic , declaring that the would honor the humbled land of Naphtali with a great light emerging from , symbolizing future redemption amid the northern kingdom's troubles. Naphtali's distinct history in the northern kingdom ended with its subjugation by the . In 732 BCE, during the reign of King of , invaded and deported the inhabitants of Naphtali—along with those of other northern regions—to , fulfilling earlier prophetic warnings and marking the beginning of the tribe's dispersal. This exile scattered the Naphtalites, integrating them into the broader tragedy of the lost tribes of .

Symbols and Characteristics

The primary symbol of the Tribe of Naphtali is the or , drawn from Jacob's blessing in 49:21, which portrays Naphtali as "a let loose that gives birth to beautiful fawns." This emblem represents swiftness, grace, and freedom, qualities attributed to the tribe's agility and independence. In traditional Jewish , the symbol is frequently rendered as a leaping deer, emphasizing its dynamic and unbound nature. A secondary association appears in some representations as a fruit basket, symbolizing the tribe's fruitfulness and the early ripening of its produce, which was presented as first fruits to the . This motif ties into the blessing's reference to "beautiful words" or , evoking themes of abundance and expressive . The was characterized by notable in warfare, often described as runners adept at rapid maneuvers in combat. As northern highland dwellers in the region, they adapted to a diverse and elevated terrain encompassing hills, valleys, and fertile plains, which shaped their resilient lifestyle. Additionally, inferences from the biblical blessings highlight contributions to and , with the tribe linked to eloquent expression, as seen in the poetic of in Judges 5, where Naphtali's participation underscores themes of inspired speech. In modern contexts, the deer symbol features in Israeli iconography and designs, such as painted depictions in the of representing the tribes. It also appears in decorative Jewish art as an architectural element in interiors. Within Christian , the doe signifies and fruitfulness, prefiguring themes of and divine favor in believers' lives.

In Later Traditions

Testament of Naphtali

The Testament of Naphtali is a pseudepigraphal Jewish composition from the second century BCE, forming part of the Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs, a collection of farewell discourses attributed to sons. Presented as Naphtali's exhortations to his descendants during his final days in at age 130, the text reflects Hellenistic Jewish concerns with , , and future tribulations. While originally Jewish, scholars detect Christian interpolations, such as messianic references to a "righteous man" and salvation motifs, likely added between the first and second centuries to align with emerging . The work survives primarily in Greek manuscripts, with the earliest complete dating to the tenth century , though fragments in from (4Q215) attest to an earlier original from the late . These Greek versions, edited critically by R. H. Charles in 1908, preserve the text's structure across eight chapters, blending autobiographical narrative, moral instruction, and apocalyptic visions. Medieval Hebrew adaptations exist but are secondary elaborations, not direct witnesses to the antique form. In chapters 1–4, Naphtali recounts his birth to , Rachel's handmaid, and his physical swiftness, likening himself to a deer as per Jacob's . He extols the divine harmony of , where and align in ordered pairs—such as sight and hearing, or summer and winter—urging his sons to emulate this unity by fearing and pursuing moral purity. He warns against covetousness, disorder, and imitating the Gentiles or Sodomites, emphasizing that humans must choose the path of over corruption, as the law's commandments are twofold and require prudent observance. Chapters 5–7 shift to prophetic visions experienced by Naphtali at age forty on the . In the first, he sees the sun seized by , the moon by , and ascending with a horned amid twelve stars representing the tribes, which divide into two groups aligned with the lines of and ; this foretells foreign dominions over by Assyrians, , , and others, followed by internal strife. A second vision depicts 's ship battered by storms, with , , and their allies steering to safety, symbolizing future trials and the tribes' division yet ultimate cohesion under divine guidance. Naphtali shares these with , who affirms their fulfillment and laments potential rivalry with Joseph's sons. The final chapter reinforces key exhortations: obey and as leaders, shun envy and hatred that fracture the family—as seen in the patriarchs' past struggles—and maintain unity among the tribes for Israel's salvation. Naphtali stresses fearing through , promising blessings for the just and curses for the wicked, while hinting at eschatological after dispersion. He concludes with burial instructions in and his peaceful death after a feast. Central themes include the interplay of and : individuals elect between inclinations, yet God's providential plan, revealed in visions, ensures judgment and . Warnings against underscore familial discord, echoing Joseph's trials, and promote moral living via and . Eschatological elements envision tribal scattering and eventual regathering under messianic figures from and , offering hope amid .

Interpretations in Jewish and Christian Texts

In , Naphtali is often portrayed as a figure of and swiftness, with traditions linking his biblical to persuasive speech. This extends to associations with of Naphtali, whose leadership in the battle against is interpreted as fulfilling of a "hind let loose," symbolizing agile and effective action in divine service. The tribe's exile by the Assyrians is viewed in the and as divine punishment for persistent , particularly the worship of the golden calves established by , yet rabbinic commentaries on express hope for their messianic ingathering alongside other lost tribes. Medieval Jewish commentators expanded on these themes, with interpreting Jacob's blessing in 49:21 as referring to the fertile Gennesaret Valley in Naphtali's territory, which ripens fruits swiftly like a running hind, underscoring the tribe's agricultural bounty and mobility. Later exegeses, such as those in the Rabbah, connect Naphtali's "goodly words" to in and , portraying the tribe as bearers of beautiful, spiritually enriching discourse. In Kabbalistic traditions, Naphtali's symbolism aligns with themes of splendor and submission, evoking the sefira of , which represents divine majesty expressed through humility and prophetic vision, as explored in works like the . Early Christian patristic writings drew symbolic parallels from Naphtali's imagery to Christ's liberation and the Church's spiritual agility, viewing the " let loose" as a type of the soul freed from through . The Testament of Naphtali, referenced by in his homilies, influenced discussions on , emphasizing human choice between inclinations as a precursor to Christian doctrines of and . Modern scholarship debates the historical distinctiveness of the , with archaeological surveys in revealing Iron Age settlements but lacking unambiguous Naphtalite inscriptions or unique , suggesting possible assimilation or merger with neighboring Asher due to overlapping territories and cultural exchanges. In Zionist thought, Naphtali's northern domain in has been invoked symbolically to represent pioneering settlement and resilience, as seen in early 20th-century emblematic depictions of the tribes that tied biblical imagery to modern Jewish revival in the land.

References

  1. [1]
    Ancient Jewish History: The Ten Lost Tribes
    According to him the Jews of Persia stated that in the town of *Nishapur dwelt the four tribes of Dan, Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali, who were then governed "by ...
  2. [2]
    None
    Nothing is retrieved...<|separator|>
  3. [3]
    https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2030%3A3-4&version=ESV
  4. [4]
    https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2029%3A31-30%3A24&version=ESV
  5. [5]
    https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2030%3A5-7&version=ESV
  6. [6]
    https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2030%3A8&version=ESV
  7. [7]
    The name Naphtali - meaning and etymology - Abarim Publications
    🔽Etymology of the name Naphtali​​ Adjective פתלתל (petaltol) means tortuous. Plural noun נפתולים (naptulim) means wrestlings or contortions, obviously with a ...
  8. [8]
    Who was Naphtali in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org
    Jan 4, 2022 · Naphtali was Jacob's sixth-born son and the second of two sons by Rachel's maidservant, Bilhah. Naphtali's older brother was Dan.
  9. [9]
    Book of Jasher, Chapter 45 | Sacred Texts Archive
    ... Naphtali took Merimah, and Gad took Uzith; and brought them to the land of Canaan, to their father's house. 11 And Merimah bare unto Naphtali Yachzeel, Guni ...
  10. [10]
    https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+46%3A24%3B+1+Chronicles+7%3A13&version=NIV
  11. [11]
    https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Numbers+26%3A48-49&version=NIV
  12. [12]
    https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+46%3A1-27&version=NIV
  13. [13]
    https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+47%3A27&version=NIV
  14. [14]
    TESTAMENTS OF THE TWELVE PATRIARCHS
    Testament of Naphtali. Naphtali, who died in perfect health at the age of 132, relates to his children that he resembled Joseph since he was born on ...
  15. [15]
    The Forgotten Books of Eden: The Testament of Naphtali: C...
    A lesson in physiology. THE copy of, the testament of Naphtali, which he ordained at the time of his death in the hundred and thirtieth year of his life.Missing: lifespan age 137
  16. [16]
    https://www.jstor.org/stable/3260463
  17. [17]
    https://www.bibleref.com/Genesis/49/Genesis-49-21.html
  18. [18]
    Naphthali in "The Blessing of Jacob" - jstor
    The received text of the Naphtali poem in Gen 49:21 reads: naptali 'ayykal selihd hannoten 'imre saper which RSV translates: Naphtali is a hind let loose,.
  19. [19]
    What does Genesis 49:21 mean? - BibleRef.com
    Genesis 49:21 ; ESV "Naphtali is a doe let loose that bears beautiful fawns. ; NIV "Naphtali is a doe set free that bears beautiful fawns. ; NASB 'Naphtali is a ...
  20. [20]
    Enduring Word Bible Commentary Genesis Chapter 49
    David Guzik commentary on Genesis 49 describes the blessing of the sons of Jacob, and gives an account of Jacob's death and request to be buried in Canaan.
  21. [21]
    https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua+19%3A32-39&version=NIV
  22. [22]
    Map of the Twelve Tribes of Israel Joshua divides the land 1400 BC
    Here is another satellite image map of the division of the twelve tribes of Joshua in 1399 BC (click on map for high resolution)
  23. [23]
    Bible Gateway passage: Joshua 19:32-39 - New International Version
    ### Summary of Joshua 19:32-39 (NIV)
  24. [24]
    The Tribe of Naphtali - The History of Israel
    Naphtali was the sixth son of Jacob. The tribe was one of great warriors. They took part in some of the greatest battles fought in the Old Testament.
  25. [25]
    https://biblehub.com/genesis/49-21.htm
  26. [26]
    https://study.com/academy/lesson/tribe-of-naphtali-symbol-history-facts.html
  27. [27]
    Genesis 49:21 Naphtali is a doe set free that bears beautiful fawns.
    "Naphtali is a deer that runs free, Who bears lovely fawns. International Standard Version "Naphtali is a free running deer who produces eloquent literature."Missing: poetry | Show results with:poetry
  28. [28]
    Tribe of Naphtali | History, Symbolism & Significance - Study.com
    In the Bible, the Naphtali tribe claimed its descent from Naphtali, who was one of Jacob's 12 sons. Jacob, also known as Israel, was a descendant of Abraham.
  29. [29]
    Description of the tribe of Naphtali, Naftali, נַפְתָּלִי
    The traditional symbols for Naphtali include the deer, hind, gazelle or stag, and sometimes features a fruit basket. Tribal Territory The tribe of Naphtali ...
  30. [30]
    Tribal Lands, Chapter 9; Naphtali 1 - Sefaria
    The imagery employed by Jacob to describe Naphtali – a hind – was symbolic of connections made: the swift messages and imrei shefer (sweet words) that bind a ...
  31. [31]
    Naphtali, Tribe of - McClintock and Strong Biblical Cyclopedia
    timid and distrustful of its own powers, swift of foot to elude its enemies; but when brought to bay ...Missing: symbol iconography synagogue typology
  32. [32]
    Why is Naphtali associated with "beautiful words" in Genesis 49:21?
    Judges 5 exemplifies “beautiful words”: elevated Hebrew poetry, sophisticated parallelism, and theological depth. Thus Naphtali literally “gave” the nation ...
  33. [33]
    Photograph of: Great Synagogue in Bârlad - Tribes of Israel : Naphtali
    Jan 1, 2012 · Photograph of: Great Synagogue in Bârlad - Main prayer hall - Tribes of Israel : Naphtali | The painting depicts an antlered deer standing ...
  34. [34]
    Twelve Tribes of Israel I - JERUSALEM DESIGN
    The symbols ... Jewish art and are decorative architectural elements, prevalent mainly in synagogue interiors. The deer or hart represents the tribe of Naftali.Missing: Naphtali iconography
  35. [35]
    Naphtali - Bibliva
    The Tribe of Naphtali became known for bravery, freedom ... Naphtali's Blessing: Prefigures the believer's spiritual freedom and fruitfulness in God's favor.
  36. [36]
    Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs - Early Jewish Writings
    ... Testaments is basically a Jewish work with Christian interpolations or a Christian composition which uses Jewish sources. The debate has become more acute ...
  37. [37]
    Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs - CDAMM
    Oct 14, 2022 · Some authors, such as Christopher Rowland, consider Testament of Naphtali 5–7 to also be an apocalyptic writing, based on the two visions ...
  38. [38]
    The Dead Sea Scrolls: The Testament of Naphtali
    A Testament of Naphtali in medieval Hebrew is preserved in two versions, the second, published by Wertheimer, being a secondary elaboration of the first one.Missing: themes scholarly
  39. [39]
    The Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs (R. H. Charles)
    ... hundred and thirty-seven years. And they laid him in a coffin, and ... THE TESTAMENT OF NAPHTALI, THE EIGHTH SON OF JACOB AND BILHAH. 1 1 The copy of ...<|separator|>
  40. [40]
    Naphtali, a Proto-Joseph in the Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs
    The Greek Testament of Naphtali (TNaph) 1.7, 8 states that Joseph, as a result of Rachel's prayer for a son like Naphtali from her own womb, was like (μις) ...Missing: etymology | Show results with:etymology
  41. [41]
    Naftoli and His Tribe - Chabad.org
    The tribe of Naftoli had an important role also in the deliverance of the Jewish people in the time of the next judge, Gideon, also known as Yerubaal. This time ...
  42. [42]
    Deborah 2: Midrash and Aggadah | Jewish Women's Archive
    This explains why Israel's great salvation was effected by the tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali: Naphtali had served Jacob, who was pleased by him; and Zebulun ...
  43. [43]
    The Exile of the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel - Chabad.org
    The one that Jeroboam had placed in Dan was taken into exile earlier, with the tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali. This was a fulfillment of the prophesy in Hosea ...Missing: III | Show results with:III
  44. [44]
    Rashi on Genesis 49:21 - Sefaria
    אילה שלחה. זוֹ בִקְעַת גִּינוֹסַר שֶׁהִיא קַלָּה לְבַשֵּׁל פֵּרוֹתֶיהָ כְּאַיָּלָה זוֹ שֶׁהִיא קַלָּה לָרוּץ. אַיָּלָה שְׁלֻחָה – אַיָּלָה מְשֻׁלַּחַת לָרוּץ: אילה שלחה is symbolical of the valley of Gennesareth ...Missing: commentary | Show results with:commentary
  45. [45]
    Counting On the Rebound - Kabbalah explains the connection ...
    Kabbalah explains the connection between feminine power and the tribe of Levi · tiferet, · netzach, and hod. Since these are five in number, there are in daat ...
  46. [46]
    CHURCH FATHERS: Exegetical Fragments (Hippolytus) - New Advent
    HIPPOLYTUS: Who is the son goodly and envied, even to this day, but our Lord Jesus Christ? An object of envy is He indeed to those who choose to hate Him, yet ...
  47. [47]
    A Topological Appraisal of the Premonarchic Tribes of Galilee - jstor
    Our topological orientation to the problem of the. Galilean tribes is symbolized in the title of this paper by the words "season" and "soldier." Each.