The Twelve Tribes of Israel

The twelve tribes of Israel descend from the twelve sons of Jacob (Israel), each son becoming the head of a tribe that received its portion in the promised land (Genesis 49:1–28). The lists of the tribes vary slightly because of two facts: the tribe of Levi received no territory but was set apart for the priesthood, and Joseph was given a double portion through his sons Ephraim and Manasseh. After Solomon the nation split into the northern kingdom of ten tribes and the southern kingdom of Judah (1 Kings 12:16–20).

The twelve sons and tribes

Listed by birth order to Jacob:

Reuben — Jacob’s firstborn, who forfeited his birthright

Simeon — whose tribe was scattered within Judah

Levi — set apart for the priesthood, with no land of its own

Judah — the royal tribe of David and of the Messiah

Dan — whose tribe migrated north

Naphtali — in the Galilee where Jesus would minister

Gad — a warlike tribe east of the Jordan

Asher — blessed with rich food and oil

Issachar — known for discernment of the times

Zebulun — dwelling toward the sea

Joseph — given a double portion through Ephraim and Manasseh

Benjamin — the tribe of Saul and of the apostle Paul