12 Tribes of Israel
The foundational family divisions of God's chosen people, descended from Jacob's sons and forming the nation of Israel.
Tribe name: Reuben
Tribal Patriarch: Reuben
Prophecies: Unstable as water; will not excel (Genesis 49:3–4)
Territory: East of the Jordan River
Bible references: Genesis 49:3–4; Numbers 32:1–33
Tribe name: Simeon
Tribal Patriarch: Simeon
Prophecies: Scattered in Israel (Genesis 49:5–7)
Territory: Within Judah’s territory in the south
Bible references: Genesis 49:5–7; Joshua 19:1–9
Tribe name: Levi
Tribal Patriarch: Levi
Prophecies: Scattered but blessed for faithfulness (Genesis 49:5–7; Deuteronomy 33:8–11)
Territory: No specific territory; cities among the tribes
Bible references: Numbers 35:1–8; Joshua 21
Tribe name: Judah
Tribal Patriarch: Judah
Prophecies: The scepter shall not depart from Judah (Genesis 49:8–12)
Territory: South-central Israel including Jerusalem
Bible references: Genesis 49:8–12; Joshua 15
Tribe name: Dan
Tribal Patriarch: Dan
Prophecies: Will judge his people; a serpent by the path (Genesis 49:16–17)
Territory: Originally west of Benjamin; later migrated north
Bible references: Genesis 49:16–17; Joshua 19:40–48
Tribe name: Naphtali
Tribal Patriarch: Naphtali
Prophecies: A deer let loose; beautiful words (Genesis 49:21)
Territory: North of the Sea of Galilee
Bible references: Genesis 49:21; Joshua 19:32–39
Tribe name: Gad
Tribal Patriarch: Gad
Prophecies: Raiders shall raid him, but he shall raid at their heels (Genesis 49:19)
Territory: East of the Jordan, south of Reuben
Bible references: Genesis 49:19; Numbers 32:1–42
Tribe name: Asher
Tribal Patriarch: Asher
Prophecies: Rich food and royal delicacies (Genesis 49:20)
Territory: Northwestern Israel along the coast
Bible references: Genesis 49:20; Joshua 19:24–31
Tribe name: Issachar
Tribal Patriarch: Issachar
Prophecies: A strong donkey lying between burdens (Genesis 49:14–15)
Territory: Lower Galilee
Bible references: Genesis 49:14–15; Joshua 19:17–23
Tribe name: Zebulun
Tribal Patriarch: Zebulun
Prophecies: Shall dwell by the seashore and be a haven for ships (Genesis 49:13)
Territory: Northwest of the Sea of Galilee
Bible references: Genesis 49:13; Joshua 19:10–16
Tribe name: Joseph (Ephraim)
Tribal Patriarch: Joseph (via Ephraim)
Prophecies: Fruitful bough; blessings of heaven (Genesis 49:22–26)
Territory: Central hill country
Bible references: Genesis 49:22–26; Joshua 16
Tribe name: Joseph (Manasseh)
Tribal Patriarch: Joseph (via Manasseh)
Prophecies: Also included in Joseph's blessing (Genesis 49:22–26)
Territory: East and west of the Jordan River
Bible references: Genesis 49:22–26; Joshua 17