The 12 Tribes of Israel descend from the 12 sons of Jacob (also called Israel): Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph (split into Ephraim and Manasseh), and Benjamin.
Why does Levi have the most members?
The tribe of Levi served as the priestly class and is mentioned extensively throughout Scripture in connection with the Temple, sacrifices, and religious duties. This results in more named individuals in the biblical text.
What happened to the 10 lost tribes?
After the Assyrian conquest of the Northern Kingdom in 722 BCE, the 10 northern tribes were scattered. Their fate is one of history's great mysteries, with various theories about their descendants.
What is the difference between tribes and nations?
The 12 Tribes of Israel are the descendants of Jacob's sons. The tool also shows people identified as belonging to other nations (Edomite, Hittite, etc.) that appear in biblical narratives.
How are tribe members identified?
Each person's tribe is recorded in the biblical text through genealogies, census records, and narrative context. The database identifies tribe membership for over 1,500 individuals.
Can I see each person's full profile?
Yes. Click any person's name to view their full genealogy profile, including family relationships, key events, and Bible references.
Which tribe did Jesus belong to?
Jesus belonged to the tribe of Judah, as documented in the genealogies of Matthew 1 and Luke 3. The Messiah was prophesied to come from Judah (Genesis 49:10).
What about the tribe of Joseph?
Joseph's inheritance was split between his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, who each became a separate tribe. This is why you sometimes see 13 tribes listed instead of 12.
