Meaning
A tribe is a group of people connected by common ancestry, family, or lineage.
Biblical Usage
In Scripture, tribe refers to a distinct group descended from a common ancestor.
The tribes of Israel were descended from the twelve sons of Jacob and formed the principal divisions of the nation.
The Bible also uses tribe for other peoples and groups connected by ancestry.
Key References
- Genesis 49:28
- Exodus 24:4
- Numbers 1:4-18
- Numbers 2:1-34
- Joshua 13:1-7
- Joshua 18:1-10
- Judges 20:1-2
- 1 Kings 11:31-32
- Acts 26:7
- James 1:1
- Revelation 7:4-8
- Revelation 21:12
Related Terms
- Family
- Kindred
- Lineage
- Nation
- Israel
- Twelve Tribes
- Inheritance