The Twelve Tribes of Israel

The Twelve Tribes of Israel are the descendants of the twelve sons of Jacob, also called Israel. Each son’s lineage formed a tribe, which became a distinct community within ancient Israel. These tribes played a crucial role in the nation’s social, political, and religious organization, with each having its own territory and leaders. The tribes are Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph (often split into Ephraim and Manasseh), and Benjamin. Their story is central to Jewish history and the biblical narrative of the origins of the Israelite people.