φυλή (phulē)
phulē
tribe
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 23 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun phulē denotes a tribe, specifically a group of people bound by kinship or shared habitation. In the New Testament, it most frequently refers to one of the twelve tribes of Israel, highlighting the ancestral lineage that defined Jewish identity. This usage appears when Jesus speaks of his disciples judging the twelve tribes (Matthew 19:28) and when Paul identifies himself as a member of the tribe of Benjamin (Philippians 3:5).
Beyond its ethnic application to Israel, phulē expands to describe the peoples and nations of the earth. In Revelation, this broader sense is prominent, where John sees a multitude from every tribe and language standing before the throne (Revelation 7:9). The word thus bridges the particular history of Israel with the universal scope of God’s redemptive plan, encompassing both specific clans and global communities.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word phulē reminds us that identity is often rooted in community and lineage. In the New Testament, it primarily points to the twelve tribes of Israel, anchoring believers in the rich history of God’s covenant people. When Jesus promises his disciples a role in judging these tribes, He affirms their place within this sacred heritage, showing that faith connects us to a story much larger than ourselves.
Yet this concept expands beyond ethnic boundaries. In Revelation, John envisions a vast multitude from every tribe and nation standing before the throne. This shift highlights the universal scope of God’s love, welcoming people from all backgrounds into His family. It invites us to see our own spiritual identity not as isolated, but as part of a global community united by grace.
Whether reflecting on ancestral roots or celebrating diverse believers, this word encourages a sense of belonging. It assures us that we are known and valued within God’s redemptive plan, bridging the particular history of Israel with the inclusive hope for all humanity.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 23 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] tribe13×
- tribes8×
- tribe6×
- of [the] tribe2×
- to a tribe1×
- a tribe1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- φυλῆς20×
- φυλῶν3×
- φυλὴν3×
- φυλὰς2×
- φυλαὶ2×
- φυλαῖς1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 19:28
Jesus said to them, “Most certainly I tell you that you who have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on the throne of his glory, you also will sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
This verse establishes the disciples' future authority by linking them directly to the ancestral identity of the twelve tribes.
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Revelation of John 7:9
After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no man could count, out of every nation and of all tribes, peoples, and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, dressed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands.
Here the term expands to include all nations, showing the gospel's reach beyond Israel to every people group on earth.
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Philippians 3:5
circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee;
Paul uses his tribal lineage to demonstrate his rigorous adherence to Jewish law before finding greater value in knowing Christ.
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Revelation of John 5:9
They sang a new song, saying, “You are worthy to take the book and to open its seals, for you were killed, and bought us for God with your blood out of every tribe, language, people, and nation,
The new song credits Jesus’ blood with redeeming people from every tribe, emphasizing the cost and scope of salvation.