δωδεκάφυλος (dōdekaphulos)
dōdekaphulos
twelve tribes
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The neuter noun dōdekaphylon literally means "twelve-tribe" and refers to the collective body of Israel’s twelve tribes. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Acts 26:7, where Paul describes the hope of the Jewish people.
This word combines the numbers for twelve with the word for tribe. It functions as a title for the entire nation rather than listing individual groups. The usage highlights the unity of God’s people across generations.
Translators typically render this term simply as "the twelve tribes." The singular occurrence in Acts emphasizes the continuity between ancient Israel and the early Christian witness, showing how Paul viewed his mission within the broader story of God’s chosen people.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word δωδεκὴφυλος points to the twelve tribes of Israel as a single, united people. In Acts 26:7, Paul uses this term to describe his fellow Jews who serve God with earnest devotion. This shows that the early church saw itself not as breaking away from Israel, but as part of its continuing story.
For you, this word reminds us that God’s promises are steady across time. The same God who called the twelve tribes is faithful to His people today. When we read about their hope and service, we are invited to join in that same trust. It is a picture of unity that spans generations.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- twelve tribes1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- δωδεκάφυλον1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 26:7
which our twelve tribes, earnestly serving night and day, hope to attain. Concerning this hope I am accused by the Jews, King Agrippa!
Paul uses this term here to link his own Christian hope with the ancient, earnest service of Israel’s twelve tribes.