Etymology and Meaning
The name "Naphtali" is believed to derive from the Hebrew root "פטל" (patal), meaning "to wrestle" or "to struggle." This is reflective of the circumstances surrounding his birth, as recorded in Genesis 30:8, where Rachel declares, "With mighty wrestlings, I have wrestled with my sister and have prevailed." Thus, Naphtali's name is often associated with themes of struggle and victory.

Biblical Ancestry and Birth
Naphtali was the sixth son of Jacob and the second son born to him by Bilhah, Rachel's maidservant. His birth is recorded in Genesis 30:7-8: "And Rachel’s maidservant Bilhah conceived again and bore Jacob a second son. Then Rachel said, 'With mighty wrestlings, I have wrestled with my sister and have prevailed.' So she named him Naphtali."

Tribal Allotment and Territory
The tribe of Naphtali was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, and its inheritance was located in the northern part of the Promised Land. According to Joshua 19:32-39, the territory of Naphtali included fertile lands and significant cities such as Kedesh, Hazor, and Beth Shemesh. The region was known for its natural beauty and resources, as well as its strategic location.

Blessings and Prophecies
Jacob's blessing over Naphtali is recorded in Genesis 49:21: "Naphtali is a doe set free that bears beautiful fawns." This poetic blessing suggests themes of freedom, grace, and fruitfulness. Moses also blessed the tribe of Naphtali in Deuteronomy 33:23, saying, "Naphtali is abounding with favor and full of the blessing of the LORD; he shall take possession of the sea and the south." These blessings highlight the tribe's favored status and its potential for prosperity.

Historical Significance
Throughout biblical history, the tribe of Naphtali played various roles. During the period of the Judges, Barak, a leader from the tribe of Naphtali, was called by God to deliver Israel from the oppression of King Jabin of Canaan, as recounted in Judges 4-5. The tribe's warriors were known for their bravery and played a crucial role in the victory alongside Deborah, the prophetess and judge.

In the time of the monarchy, the region of Naphtali was part of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. It suffered during the Assyrian invasions, as noted in 2 Kings 15:29, when Tiglath-Pileser III captured many cities in Naphtali and carried the people into exile.

New Testament References
The land of Naphtali is mentioned in the New Testament in the context of Jesus' ministry. Matthew 4:13-15 cites the prophecy of Isaiah, highlighting the significance of the region: "Leaving Nazareth, He went and lived in Capernaum, which is by the sea in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: 'Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, along the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles.'" This passage underscores the fulfillment of prophecy and the inclusion of Gentiles in the message of the Gospel.

Cultural and Theological Insights
The tribe of Naphtali, with its themes of struggle, freedom, and blessing, offers rich theological insights. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises. The tribe's history reflects the broader narrative of Israel's journey, marked by periods of trial and triumph, and ultimately pointing to the redemptive work of Christ, who ministered in the lands once inhabited by Naphtali.Naphtali

that struggles or fights

Naphtali

(wrestling), the fifth son of Jacob; the second child name to him by Bilhah, Rachel's slave. His birth and the bestowal of his name are recorded in (Genesis 30:8) When the census was taken at Mount Sinai the tribe of Naphtali numbered no less than 53,400 fighting men, (Numbers 1:43; 2:50) but when the borders of the promised land were reached, its numbers were reduced to, 45,400. (Numbers 26:48-50) During the march through the wilderness Naphtali occupied a position on the north of the sacred tent with Dan and Asher. (Numbers 2:25-31) In the apportionment of the land, the lot of Naphtali was enclosed on three sides by those of other tribes. On the west lay Asher, on the south Zebulun, and on the east the transjordanic Manasseh. (In the division of the kingdom Naphtali belonged to the kingdom of Israel, and later was a part of Galilee, bordering on the northwestern pert of the Sea of Galilee, and including Capernaum and Bethsaida. --Ed.)

Naphtali

The sixth son of Jacob, by Bilhah, Rachel's handmaid, Genesis 30:8. We know but few particulars of the lie of Naphtali. His sons were four, Genesis 46:24. The patriarch Jacob, when he gave his blessing, said, as it is in the English Bible, "Naphtali is a hind let loose; he giveth goodly words," Genesis 49:21. For an illustration of this passage, see HIND.

The tribe of Naphtali, called Nephtalim in Matthew 4:15, were located in a rich and fertile portion of northern Palestine; having Asher on the west, the upper Jordan and part of the sea of Tiberias on the east; and running north into the Lebanon range, some lower offshoots of which prolonged to the south formed the "mountains of Naphtali," Joshua 19:32-39 20:7. They attended in force at the coronation of David, 1 Chronicles 12:34; and are mentioned with honor in the wars of the Judges, Jude 1:33 5:18 6:35 7:23; as much reduced by the Syrians, 1 Kings 15:20; and as among the first captives to Assyria, 2 Kings 15:29 Isaiah 9:1. Our Savior spent much time in the southern part of this region, Matthew 4:13-15.

My wrestling, the fifth son of Jacob. His mother was Bilhah, Rachel's handmaid (Genesis 30:8). When Jacob went down into Egypt, Naphtali had four sons (Genesis 46:24). Little is known of him as an individual.

Naphtali, Mount

The mountainous district of Naphtali (Joshua 20:7).

Naphtali, Tribe of

On this tribe Jacob pronounced the patriarchal blessing, "Naphtali is a hind let loose: he giveth goodly words" (Genesis 49:21). It was intended thus to set forth under poetic imagery the future character and history of the tribe.

At the time of the Exodus this tribe numbered 53,400 adult males (Numbers 1:43), but at the close of the wanderings they numbered only 45,400 (26:48-50). Along with Dan and Asher they formed "the camp of Dan," under a common standard (2:25-31), occupying a place during the march on the north side of the tabernacle.

The possession assigned to this tribe is set forth in Joshua 19:32-39. It lay in the north-eastern corner of the land, bounded on the east by the Jordan and the lakes of Merom and Galilee, and on the north it extended far into Coele-Syria, the valley between the two Lebanon ranges. It comprehended a greater variety of rich and beautiful scenery and of soil and climate than fell to the lot of any other tribe. The territory of Naphtali extended to about 800 square miles, being the double of that of Issachar. The region around Kedesh, one of its towns, was originally called Galil, a name afterwards given to the whole northern division of Canaan. A large number of foreigners settled here among the mountains, and hence it was called "Galilee of the Gentiles" (q.v.), Matthew 4:15, 16. The southern portion of Naphtali has been called the "Garden of Palestine." It was of unrivalled fertility. It was the principal scene of our Lord's public ministry. Here most of his parables were spoken and his miracles wrought.

This tribe was the first to suffer from the invasion of Benhadad, king of Syria, in the reigns of Baasha, king of Israel, and Asa, king of Judah (1 Kings 15:20; 2 Chronicles 16:4). In the reign of Pekah, king of Israel, the Assyrians under Tiglath-pileser swept over the whole north of Israel, and carried the people into captivity (2 Kings 15:29). Thus the kingdom of Israel came to an end (B.C. 722).

Naphtali is now almost wholly a desert, the towns of Tiberias, on the shore of the Lake of Galilee, and Safed being the only places in it of any importance.

NAPHTALI

naf'-ta-li (naphtali; Nephthaleim):

I. THE PATRIARCH

1. Name

2. Circumstances of His Birth

3. Historical and Traditional Details

II. TRIBE OF NAPHTALI

1. Its Relative Position

2. Its Location in Palestine

3. Physical Features

4. Distinction of the Tribe

5. Sites and Inhabitants

6. Labors of Jesus in This District

I. The Patriarch.

1. Name:

The 5th son of Jacob, and the 2nd born to him by Rachel's handmaid, Bilhah. He was full brother of Dan (Genesis 30:7).

At his birth Rachel is said to have exclaimed, naphtule 'Elohim niphtalti, "wrestlings of God"-i.e. "mighty wrestlings"-"have I wrestled."

2. Circumstances of His Birth:

Her sister's fruitfulness was a sore trial to the barren Rachel. By her artifice she had obtained children, the offspring of her maid ranking as her own; and thus her reproach of childlessness was removed. The name Naphtali given to this son was a monument of her victory. She had won the favor and blessing of God as made manifest in the way yearned for by the oriental heart, the birth of sons.

3. Historical and Traditional Details:

Personal details regarding the patriarch North are entirely wanting in Scripture; and the traditions have not much to say about him. According to Targum Pseudo-Jonathan, he was a swift runner. It also tells us that he was one of the 5 brethren whom Joseph chose to represent the family of Jacob in the presence of Pharaoh. He is said to have been 132 years old at his death (Testament of the Twelve Patriarchs, viii, 1, 1). When Jacob and his family moved to Egypt, Naphtali had 4 sons (Genesis 46:24). In Egypt, he died and was buried.

II. Tribe of Naphtali.

1. Its Relative Position:

When the first census was taken in the wilderness, the tribe numbered 53,400 fighting men (Numbers 1:43; Numbers 2:30). At the second census, the numbers had shrunk to 45,400 (Numbers 26:48); but see NUMBERS. The position of Naphtali in the desert was on the North of the tabernacle with the standard of the camp of Dan, along with the tribe of Asher (Numbers 2:25). The standard, according to Jewish tradition, was a serpent, or basilisk, with the legend, "Return of Yahweh to the many thousands of Israel" (Targum Pseudo-Jonathan on Numbers 2:25). When the host was on the march, this camp came in the rear (Numbers 2:31). The prince of the tribe at Sinai was Ahira ben Enan (Numbers 2:29). Among the spies the tribe was represented by Nahbi ben Vophsi (Numbers 13:14). Prince Pedahel ben Ammihud was chosen from Naphtali to assist in the division of the land (Numbers 34:28). Toward the end of David's reign the ruler of the tribe was Jeremoth ben Azriel (1 Chronicles 27:19). Hiram the Tyrian artificer is described as "the son of a widow of the tribe of Naphtali" (1 Kings 7:14). But in 2 Chronicles 2:14 he is called "the son of a woman of the daughters of Dan." Judges 5:15 does not definitely associate Barak with the tribe of Issachar; his residence was at Kedesh (Judges 4:6); it is therefore possible that he belonged to the tribe of Naphtali.

2. Its Location in Palestine:

In the allocation of the land, the lot of Naphtali was the last but one to be drawn (Joshua 19:32-39). The boundaries are stated with great fullness. While it is yet impossible to trace them with certainty, the identification of sites in recent years, for which we are mainly indebted to the late Col. Conder, makes possible an approximation. The territory was bounded on the East by the Sea of Galilee and the upper reaches of the Jordan. Josephus makes it extend to Damascus (Ant., V, i, 22); but there is nothing to support this. The southern boundary probably ran from the point where Wady el-Bireh enters the Jordan, westward along the northern side of the valley to Mt. Tabor. The western border may have gone up by way of Chattin (Ziddim) and Yaquq (Hukkok) to Kerr `Anan (Hannathon), bending there to the West, including the land of er-Rameh (Ramah) until it reached the territory of Asher. Running northward again until nearly opposite Tyre, it bent eastward, and once more northward to the LiTany (Leontes), taking in the larger part of what is called by the Arabs Belad Beshdrah and Belad es-Shukif. Nineteen cities in Naphtali are named in Joshua 19:32;. Among them was the famous city of refuge, KEDESH-NAPHTALI (which see), on the heights to the West of the Waters of Merom, where extensive ruins are still to be seen (20:7). It, along with Hammoth-dor and Kartan, was assigned to the Gershonite Levites (21:23; 1 Chronicles 6:76).

The land lying around the springs of the Jordan was included in the lot of Naphtali. It is clear that from this part, as well as from the cities named in Judges 1:33, Naphtali did not drive out the Canaanites. These the Danites found in possession at the time of their raid. There is no indication that Naphtali resented in any way this incursion of their kindred tribe into their territory (Judges 18).

3. Physical Features:

The district thus indicated includes much excellent land, both pastoral and arable. There are the broad, rich terraces that rise away to the North and Northwest of the Sea of Galilee, with the fertile plain of Gennesaret on the seashore. The mountains immediately North of the sea are rocky and barren; but when this tract is passed, we enter the lofty and spacious lands of upper Galilee, which from time immemorial have been the joy of the peasant farmer. Great breadths there are which in season yield golden harvests. The richly diversified scenery, mountain, hill and valley, is marked by a finer growth of trees than is common in Palestine. The terebinth and pine, the olive, mulberry, apricot, fig, pomegranate, orange, lemon and vine are cultivated to good purpose. Water is comparatively plentiful, supplied by many copious springs. It was one of the districts from which Solomon drew provisions, the officer in charge being the king's son-in-law, Ahimaaz (1 Kings 4:15).

4. Distinction of the Tribe:

The free life of these spacious uplands, which yielded so liberally to the touch of the hand of industry, developed a robust manhood and a wholesome spirit of independence among its inhabitants. According to Josephus, who knew them well (BJ, III, iii, 2), the country never lacked multitudes of men of courage ready to give a good account of themselves on all occasions of war. Its history, as far as we know it, afforded ample opportunity for the development of warlike qualities. In the struggle with Sisera, Naphtali was found on the high places of the field (Judges 5:18). To David's forces at Hebron, Naphtali contributed a thousand captains "and with them with shield and spear thirty and seven thousand" (1 Chronicles 12:34). Their position exposed them to the first brunt of attack by enemies from the North; and in the wars of the kings they bore an important part (1 Kings 15:20 2 Kings 12:18; 2 Kings 13:22); and they were the first on the West of the Jordan to be carried away captive (2 Kings 15:29).

SeeGALILEE.

5. Sites and Inhabitants:

The largest town in Mt. Naphtali today (in 1915) is Safed, on the heights due North of the Sea of Galilee, often spoken of as the "city set on a hill." It is built in the form of a horseshoe, open to the North, round the Castle Hill, on which are the ruins of the old fortress of the Templars. This is a position of great strength, which could hardly fail to be occupied in ancient times, although, so far, it cannot be identified with any ancient city. It contains between 20,000 and 30,000 inhabitants. Over against it to the Northwest, beyond the deep gorge of Wady Leimun, rises Jebel Jermuk, the highest mountain in Palestine proper (circa 4,000 feet) which may be the scene of the TRANSFIGURATION (which see). The inhabitants of Safed were massacred by Sultan Bibars in 1266. The city suffered severely from earthquake in 1759; and it shared with Tibefias, also a city of Naphtali., the disaster wrought by the earthquake of 1837. It is one of the holy cities of the Jews.

6. Labors of Jesus in This District:

In the land of Naphtali Jesus spent a great part of his public life, the land of Gennesaret, Bethsaida, Capernaum and Chorazin all lying within its boundaries (compare Matthew 4:15).

W. Ewing

NAPHTALI, MOUNT

(har naphtali; en to orei to Nephthalei): This was the most northerly of the three divisions of the Western Range, which derived their names from those of the tribes holding chief sway over them-Mt. Judah, Mt. Ephraim, and, Mt. Naphtali (Joshua 20:7 the King James Version, the Revised Version (British and American) replaces Mount" by the hill country of").

3508. Nephthalim -- Naphtali, a tribe of Isr.
... Nephthalim. 3509 . Naphtali, a tribe of Isr. ... Word Origin of Hebrew origin Naphtali
Definition Naphtali, a tribe of Isr. NASB Word Usage Naphtali (3). Naphtali. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3508.htm - 6k5321. Naphtali -- a son of Jacob, also his desc. and the district ...
... 5320, 5321. Naphtali. 5322 . ... and the district settled by them. Transliteration:
Naphtali Phonetic Spelling: (naf-taw-lee') Short Definition: Naphtali. ...
/hebrew/5321.htm - 6k

3337. Yetser -- a son of Naphtali
... 3336, 3337. Yetser. 3338 . a son of Naphtali. Transliteration: Yetser
Phonetic Spelling: (yay-tser) Short Definition: Jezer. Word ...
/hebrew/3337.htm - 6k

2501. Cheleph -- a place in Naphtali
... 2500, 2501. Cheleph. 2502 . a place in Naphtali. Transliteration: Cheleph
Phonetic Spelling: (kheh'lef) Short Definition: Heleph. ...
/hebrew/2501.htm - 6k

2540. Chammon -- "hot (spring)," two cities, one in Asher and one ...
... Chammon. 2541 . "hot (spring)," two cities, one in Asher and one in Naphtali.
Transliteration: Chammon Phonetic Spelling: (kham-mone') Short Definition: Hammon ...
/hebrew/2540.htm - 6k

8006. Shillem -- a man of Naphtali
... 8005, 8006. Shillem. 8007 . a man of Naphtali. Transliteration: Shillem
Phonetic Spelling: (shil-lame') Short Definition: Shillem. ...
/hebrew/8006.htm - 6k

6300. Pedahel -- "God has ransomed," a man of Naphtali
... 6299, 6300. Pedahel. 6301 . "God has ransomed," a man of Naphtali. Transliteration:
Pedahel Phonetic Spelling: (ped-ah-ale') Short Definition: Pedahel. ...
/hebrew/6300.htm - 6k

2765. Chorem -- "sacred," a place in Naphtali
... 2764b, 2765. Chorem. 2766 . "sacred," a place in Naphtali. Transliteration:
Chorem Phonetic Spelling: (khor-ame') Short Definition: Horem. ...
/hebrew/2765.htm - 6k

6863. Tser -- a city in Naphtali
... 6862d, 6863. Tser. 6864 . a city in Naphtali. Transliteration: Tser Phonetic
Spelling: (tsare) Short Definition: Zer. Word Origin ...
/hebrew/6863.htm - 6k

3183. Yachtseel -- "God apportions," a son of Naphtali
... 3182, 3183. Yachtseel. 3184 . "God apportions," a son of Naphtali. Transliteration:
Yachtseel Phonetic Spelling: (yakh-tseh-ale') Short Definition: Jahzeel ...
/hebrew/3183.htm - 6k

6815. Tsaanannim -- a place on the border of Naphtali
... Tsaanannim. 6816 . a place on the border of Naphtali. Transliteration: Tsaanannim
Phonetic Spelling: (tsah-an-an-neem') Short Definition: Zaanannim. ...
/hebrew/6815.htm - 6k

The Testament of Naphtali Concerning Natural Goodness.
... The Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs. VIII."The Testament of Naphtali
Concerning Natural Goodness. 1. The record of the testament ...
/.../viii the testament of naphtali concerning.htm

Within what Tribe the Lake of Gennesaret Was.
... "The Rabbins deliver: The sea of Tiberias is in the portion of Naphtali; yea, it
takes a full line for the nets on the south side of it: as it is said ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 71 within what tribe.htm

The Reason of the Order of the Sons of Rachel.
... Observe that among the posterity of Rachel, two of them paired together, Naphtali
and Manasseh, head the family: Joseph and Benjamin bring up the rear. ...
/.../mede/a key to the apocalypse/the reason of the order 2.htm

Jesus' Temporary Residence at Capernaum.
... dwelt with some of his disciples"for instance, Simon Peter"Matthew 8:14-16], which
is by the sea, in the borders of Zebulun and Naphtali [Capernaum was in ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xxix jesus temporary residence at.htm

Women who Saved a Nation
... She sent and called Barak, the son of Abinoam, from Kadesh Naphtali and said to
him, "Does not Jehovah the God of Israel command you: 'Go, march to Mount Tabor ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/women who saved a nation.htm

The Sun Rising Upon a Dark World
... He formerly debased [made light or vile] the land of Zebulon and Naphtali, but in
the latter time He made it glorious, even the land by the way of the sea ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 1/sermon viii the sun rising.htm

The Great Confession - the Great Commission - the Great ...
... to Israel. [3626] We turn north of the Lake, and west to Kedes, the Kedesh
Naphtali of the Bible, the home of Barak. We have now ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxxvii the great confession.htm

Jesus Comes to Capernaum. Statements of the Four Evangelists
... was delivered up, He departed into Galilee, and leaving Nazareth He came and dwelt
at Capernaum on the seashore in the borders of Zebulun and Naphtali, that it ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/1 jesus comes to capernaum.htm

The Recall of the Fishermen.
... And he came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, which is by the sea, in the borders
of Zebulun and Naphtali: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/the recall of the fishermen.htm

But when Simon Cephas Saw this He Fell Before the Feet of Jesus...
... [36] [498] And he left Nazareth, and came and dwelt in Capernaum by the sea shore,
in the [37] borders of Zebulun and Naphtali: [499] that it might be ...
/.../hogg/the diatessaron of tatian/section vi but when simon.htm

Naphtali (51 Occurrences)
... His mother was Bilhah, Rachel's handmaid (Genesis 30:8). When Jacob went down into
Egypt, Naphtali had four sons (Genesis 46:24). ...Naphtali, Mount. ...
/n/naphtali.htm - 35k

Naphtali's (1 Occurrence)
...Naphtali's (1 Occurrence). Matthew 4:15 "Zebulun's land and Naphtali's land; the
road by the Lake; the country beyond the Jordan; Galilee of the Nations! (WEY). ...
/n/naphtali's.htm - 6k

Kedesh-naphtali
Kedesh-naphtali. Kedeshnaphtali, Kedesh-naphtali. Kedmah . Int. Standard Bible
Encyclopedia KEDESH-NAPHTALI. ke'-desh-naf'-ta-li. See KEDESH, 3. ...
/k/kedesh-naphtali.htm - 6k

Naph'tali (47 Occurrences)
Naph'tali. Naphtali, Naph'tali. Naphtalim . ... Matthew 4:15 Land of Zebulun and
land of Naphtali, way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations! ...
/n/naph'tali.htm - 18k

Kedesh (12 Occurrences)
... (3.) A "fenced city" of Naphtali, one of the cities of refuge (Joshua 19:37; Judges
4:6). It was assigned to the Gershonite Levites (Joshua 21:32). ...
/k/kedesh.htm - 14k

Ahira (5 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Brother of evil = unlucky, or my brother is friend, chief
of the tribe of Naphtali at the Exodus (Numbers 1:15; 2:29). Int. ...
/a/ahira.htm - 8k

Enan (9 Occurrences)
... e'-nan (`enan, "having fountains," or "eyes," ie "keen-eyed"; in Septuagint Ainan):
The father of Ahira, and prince of Naphtali at the first census of Israel ...
/e/enan.htm - 9k

Ijon (3 Occurrences)
... A ruin, a city of Naphtali, captured by Ben-hadad of Syria at the instance of Asa
(1 Kings 15:20), and afterwards by Tiglath-pileser of Assyria (2 Kings 15:29 ...
/i/ijon.htm - 8k

Barak (14 Occurrences)
... Gibil-Birqu (Del. Assyrian, HWB, 187). Barak was the son of Abinoam of
Kedesh, a refuge city in Mt. Naphtali. He was summoned by ...
/b/barak.htm - 14k

Ahi'ra (5 Occurrences)
Ahi'ra. Ahira, Ahi'ra. Ahiram . Multi-Version Concordance Ahi'ra (5 Occurrences).
Numbers 1:15 Of Naphtali, Ahira the son of Enan.' (See RSV). ...
/a/ahi'ra.htm - 7k

Who was Naphtali in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What can we learn from the tribe of Naphtali? | GotQuestions.org

What is the significance of Galilee in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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