Numbers 26:48
Of the sons of Naphtali after their families: of Jahzeel, the family of the Jahzeelites: of Guni, the family of the Gunites:
Original Language Analysis
בְּנֵ֤י
Of the sons
H1121
בְּנֵ֤י
Of the sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
1 of 9
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
נַפְתָּלִי֙
of Naphtali
H5321
נַפְתָּלִי֙
of Naphtali
Strong's:
H5321
Word #:
2 of 9
naphtali, a son of jacob, with the tribe descended from him, and its territory
מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת
after their families
H4940
מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת
after their families
Strong's:
H4940
Word #:
3 of 9
a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people
מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת
after their families
H4940
מִשְׁפַּ֖חַת
after their families
Strong's:
H4940
Word #:
5 of 9
a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people
הַיַּחְצְאֵלִ֑י
of the Jahzeelites
H3184
הַיַּחְצְאֵלִ֑י
of the Jahzeelites
Strong's:
H3184
Word #:
6 of 9
a jachtseelite (collectively) or descendants of jachtseel
Historical Context
Naphtali's territory became Upper Galilee, where Jesus conducted much of His ministry (Matthew 4:13-15 cites Isaiah 9:1's prophecy about Naphtali). The "wrestling" tribe's land witnessed God incarnate wrestling with human sin. Geography becomes theology; census becomes prophecy.
Questions for Reflection
- How do the meanings of Naphtali's clan names (God divides, protected, formed, recompensed) describe God's dealings with His people?
- What significance does Naphtali's later role as Jesus's primary ministry territory add to this census record?
- If your family name or spiritual heritage were prophetic, what would it declare about God's purposes?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The sons of Naphtali after their families—Naphtali (נַפְתָּלִי, "my wrestling") descended from Rachel's handmaid Bilhah. Rachel named him to commemorate her wrestling with Leah, yet this "wrestling" tribe produced peace. The families—Jahzeel (יַחְצְאֵל, "God divides"), Guni (גּוּנִי, "protected"), Jezer (יֵצֶר, "form/purpose"), Shillem (שִׁלֵּם, "recompense")—carry theological meanings.
Each name tells a story: God divides inheritances, protects His people, forms them with purpose, and brings recompense. Family names become prophetic declarations. Your lineage speaks—what does it prophesy?