Tribe of Judah

The tribe descended from Judah, fourth son of Jacob and Leah. Judah became the leading tribe, from which came the Davidic dynasty and, according to Christian tradition, Jesus Christ.

After the division of the kingdom, Judah formed the core of the Southern Kingdom, which retained Jerusalem and the Temple. The term “Jew” derives from “Judah,” eventually coming to designate all Israelites.