Νεφθαλείμ (Nephthaleim)
Nephthaleim
Naphtali
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The name Nephthaleim refers to Naphtali, the sixth son of Jacob and second child born to Bilhah, Rachel’s servant. The sources indicate that his posterity formed one of the twelve tribes of Israel, occupying specific territory within the land.
In the New Testament, this name appears in only three verses, linking the ancient patriarchal lineage to later biblical narratives. It is cited in Matthew 4:13 and 4:15 regarding Jesus’ move to Capernaum near the region associated with Naphtali, and again in Revelation 7:6 among the sealed tribes of Israel.
The etymology provided connects the name to the Hebrew root meaning "wrestling," reflecting the circumstances of his birth. This single lexical entry preserves the memory of a tribal founder whose name signifies struggle or contention, now remembered in the genealogical lists and geographical references of Scripture.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Nephthaleim recalls a moment of human struggle, rooted in the Hebrew word for wrestling. Yet in Scripture, this tribal identity becomes part of a larger story of God’s faithfulness. When Jesus moved to Capernaum in the region of Naphtali, He did not shy away from the areas marked by hardship or gentile influence. Instead, He brought light to places often overlooked.
Even in Revelation, Naphtali is listed among the sealed tribes, reminding us that every part of God’s people has a place in His eternal plan. This word connects ancient family history with New Testament hope. It shows how God uses ordinary lineages to fulfill extraordinary purposes. You are part of a story much bigger than your current struggles.
When you feel like life is a contest or a struggle, remember that God’s presence moves into those very places. The same Lord who dwelt in Galilee of the Gentiles walks with you now. His light does not depend on perfect circumstances but on His steadfast love.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- of Naphtali,2×
- of Naphtali1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Νεφθαλίμ,2×
- Νεφθαλὶμ1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 4:13
Leaving Nazareth, he came and lived in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali,
This verse marks Jesus’ deliberate move to Capernaum in Naphtali, showing He chose a region associated with gentile influence to begin His public ministry.
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Matthew 4:15
“The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, toward the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles,
Here the word fulfills prophecy by linking the land of Naphtali to the promise of light shining in darkness, emphasizing Jesus’ mission to the nations.
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Revelation of John 7:6
of the tribe of Asher twelve thousand, of the tribe of Naphtali twelve thousand, of the tribe of Manasseh twelve thousand,
Naphtali appears in the sealed tribes list, confirming that even a tribe born from struggle is preserved and valued in God’s final redemption plan.