Naphtali
malePatriarchalMeaning: “My wrestling”
The sixth son of Jacob, born to Bilhah; his name reflects Rachel’s "wrestlings" with her sister, and his tribe settled in the fertile north of Galilee.
Biography
Naphtali was the sixth son of Jacob, the second born to Rachel's handmaid Bilhah. Rachel named him with the words, "With great wrestlings have I wrestled with my sister, and I have prevailed" (Genesis 30:8).
Father of a tribe
Jacob blessed him as "a hind let loose: he giveth goodly words" (Genesis 49:21). The tribe of Naphtali settled in the fertile hills of Galilee — the very region where, Isaiah foretold and Matthew records, "the people which sat in darkness saw great light" as Jesus began His ministry (Matthew 4:13–16).
Life Timeline
Born to Bilhah; named for Rachel’s "wrestlings"
On the Bible timeline
Naphtali 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 Naphtali
Biblical themes that run through the passages where Naphtali appears.
People they appear with
Scripture Appearances
4 verses in 1 bookGenesis4 verses
Genesis 30:8
And Rachel said, With great wrestlings have I wrestled with my sister, and I have prevailed: and she called his name Naphtali. great: Heb. wrestlings of God Naphtali: that is, My wrestling: Gr. Nephthalim
Genesis 35:25
And the sons of Bilhah, Rachel's handmaid; Dan, and Naphtali:
Genesis 46:24
And the sons of Naphtali; Jahzeel, and Guni, and Jezer, and Shillem.
Genesis 49:21
Naphtali is a hind let loose: he giveth goodly words.
Frequently asked about Naphtali
Who was Naphtali in the Bible?
The sixth son of Jacob, born to Bilhah; his name reflects Rachel’s "wrestlings" with her sister, and his tribe settled in the fertile north of Galilee.
What does the name Naphtali mean?
The name Naphtali means “My wrestling”.
What did Naphtali do in the Bible?
Naphtali served as patriarch.
Who were Naphtali's parents?
Naphtali was the child of Jacob, Bilhah.
Where does Naphtali appear in the Bible?
Naphtali is mentioned 4 times across 1 book: Genesis.
What can we learn from Naphtali?
The story of Naphtali touches on themes of jacob, naphtali, the tribe of, tribes of israel, the, children — explore each to study the lessons drawn from Naphtali's life.
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