Updated on September 23, 2026

Naphtali Sixth Son of Jacob, a Hind Let Loose

Q: Where was the territory of Naphtali?

North-east of the Sea of Galilee, running up toward the sources of the Jordan. It is the country of Capernaum and the lake shore where most of Jesus' public ministry took place, which is why Matthew 4:13-16 names Naphtali when he moves there.

Old Testamentc. 1916 BC View journey on map

About Naphtali

Naphtali was Bilhah's second son, named by Rachel for the wrestling she said she had won against her sister. Jacob blessed him as a hind let loose that gives goodly words. His tribe held Galilee, and Isaiah promised that the land it lost first would be the first to see a great light.

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Naphtali's Character Traits

FreeEloquentOf Galilee

Naphtali's Life Timeline

View journey on map

Birthc. 1916 BC
Bilhah bears Naphtali; Rachel calls it a wrestling she has won.
GEN 30:8
Into Egyptc. 1876 BC
Naphtali goes down into Egypt with four sons.
GEN 46:24
Jacob's blessingc. 1859 BC
Jacob blesses him as a hind let loose, giving goodly words.
GEN 49:21

Who is linked to Naphtali

parent of
sibling of
spouse of
covenant with
master of
in conflict with

Naphtalison ofJacob GEN 30:8
Naphtalison ofBilhah GEN 30:8
Bilhahwife ofJacob GEN 30:4Rachel's maid, given « to wife »

Naphtali's Key Relationships

JacobFamily

Father - Naphtali was his sixth son.

BilhahFamily

Mother - her second son, counted to Rachel.

DanFamily

Brother - the elder of Bilhah's two sons.

Naphtali's Key Locations

Haran

Where he was born.

Galilee

The land his tribe held, where Isaiah's great light would rise.

Spiritual Lessons from Naphtali

The First to Lose, the First to See

Naphtali's territory was among the first Israel lost to Assyria, and Isaiah names it in that grief. Then he turns: the people that walked in darkness have seen a great light. Matthew quotes it when Jesus settles in Capernaum. The land that was struck first was lit first.

Key Verses about Naphtali

Genesis 30:8 Genesis 49:21 Isaiah 9:1-2

Frequently Asked Questions

Where was the territory of Naphtali?+