Dan
malePatriarchalMeaning: “Judge”
The fifth son of Jacob, born to Rachel’s handmaid Bilhah, whose name means "judge"; ancestor of the tribe of Dan, which Jacob likened to a serpent by the way.
Biography
Dan was the fifth son of Jacob, born to Rachel's handmaid Bilhah. Rachel named him Dan — "judged" — saying, "God hath judged me… and hath given me a son" (Genesis 30:6).
Father of a tribe
Jacob's deathbed blessing declared, "Dan shall judge his people, as one of the tribes of Israel. Dan shall be a serpent by the way" (Genesis 49:16–17). His descendants became a tribe that struggled for its inheritance and eventually migrated north. Notably, when the twelve tribes are listed in Revelation 7, Dan is absent — a detail that has prompted much reflection.
Life Timeline
Born to Bilhah; Rachel names him "judged"
On the Bible timeline
Dan belongs to the The Patriarchs era (c. 2100 – 1800 BC).
- c. 2091 BCThe Call of Abraham
- c. 1898 BCJoseph Sold into Egypt
Family Tree
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Themes & lessons from Dan
Biblical themes that run through the passages where Dan appears.
People they appear with
Scripture Appearances
6 verses in 1 bookGenesis6 verses
Genesis 14:14
And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan. armed: or, led forth trained: or, instructed
Genesis 30:6
And Rachel said, God hath judged me, and hath also heard my voice, and hath given me a son: therefore called she his name Dan. Dan: that is, Judging
Genesis 35:25
And the sons of Bilhah, Rachel's handmaid; Dan, and Naphtali:
Genesis 46:23
And the sons of Dan; Hushim. Hushim: or, Shuham
Genesis 49:16
Dan shall judge his people, as one of the tribes of Israel.
Genesis 49:17
Dan shall be a serpent by the way, an adder in the path, that biteth the horse heels, so that his rider shall fall backward. an adder: Heb. an arrow-snake
Frequently asked about Dan
Who was Dan in the Bible?
The fifth son of Jacob, born to Rachel’s handmaid Bilhah, whose name means "judge"; ancestor of the tribe of Dan, which Jacob likened to a serpent by the way.
What does the name Dan mean?
The name Dan means “Judge”.
What did Dan do in the Bible?
Dan served as patriarch.
Who were Dan's parents?
Dan was the child of Jacob, Bilhah.
Where does Dan appear in the Bible?
Dan is mentioned 6 times across 1 book: Genesis.
What can we learn from Dan?
The story of Dan touches on themes of jacob, patriarchal government, tribes of israel, the, children — explore each to study the lessons drawn from Dan's life.
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