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Glite Dictionary
Twelve Tribes of Israel

Twelve Tribes of Israel

6.9
Twelve family groups in ancient Israel that each come from one of Jacob's sons
  • proper noun
translation icon : Doce Tribus de Israel
  • The Twelve Tribes of Israel played a significant role in biblical history.

Examples

  • Biblical historians often analyze the origins and significance of the Twelve Tribes of Israel.

  • Many ancient texts describe the journey of the Twelve Tribes of Israel and their settlement in Canaan.

  • The Twelve Tribes of Israel are a foundational concept in the history of the Jewish people.

  • Many stories in the Bible mention the Twelve Tribes of Israel.

  • The Twelve Tribes of Israel were historically significant groups in ancient Jewish society.

  • Each of the Twelve Tribes of Israel is associated with one of Jacob's twelve sons.

  • According to the Hebrew Bible, the Twelve Tribes of Israel settled in different regions of ancient Canaan.

Synonyms

Tribes of Israel
vsTwelve Tribes of Israel
3 6.8

Twelve ancient family groups in Israel, each descended from one of Jacob's sons

is the same groups but described specifically in a sacred Hebrew scripture

Surface Forms

Twelve Tribes of Israel main

Morphology

twelve + tribe + of + Israel

The phrase is a straightforward composition: 'twelve' (a number) + 'tribes' (kin groups) + 'of Israel' (belonging to Israel), so a learner who knows the constituents will infer it refers to the twelve kin groups associated with Israel. While full historical or religious details may require extra background, the basic referent is transparent and predictable from the parts.

Etymology

Twelve Tribes of Israel comes from the Bible story of Jacob, who had twelve sons and each son became the head of a separate family group. Picture twelve tents or banners, one for each son, and you can see why the name now refers to the traditional 'kin groups' said to be 'descended from' Jacob's sons.