Naphtali

Sixth son of Jacob, second son through Bilhah, Rachel’s servant. Ancestor of the tribe of Naphtali.

Name

Rachel named him Naphtali, meaning “my wrestling,” saying “With mighty wrestlings I have wrestled with my sister and have prevailed” (Genesis 30:8).

Jacob’s Blessing

In Genesis 49:21, Jacob blessed Naphtali: “Naphtali is a doe let loose that bears beautiful fawns.”

Tribe

The tribe of Naphtali settled in the northern Galilee region. Barak, who fought alongside the judge Deborah, came from Naphtali. The region later became significant in the ministry of Jesus.