The word "Naphtali" is spelled with seven letters, and its phonetic transcription in IPA is ['næf.təˌlaɪ]. The first syllable "naf" is pronounced with a short "a" sound and the "f" is pronounced with a clear "f" sound. The second syllable "ta" is pronounced with a short "a" sound and the "t" is pronounced with a clear "t" sound. The final syllable "li" is pronounced with a long "i" sound, and the "l" is pronounced with a clear "l" sound. Overall, the word has two syllables with stress on the first syllable.
Naphtali is a noun that refers to both a person and a tribe mentioned in biblical texts, predominantly in the Old Testament. In terms of personhood, Naphtali often alludes to the sixth son of Jacob and Bilhah, who was a concubine to Jacob. Naphtali's name is derived from the Hebrew word "naphat," meaning "to struggle" or "to wrestle."
Naphtali is also recognized as one of the twelve tribes of Israel, which were the descendants of Jacob's twelve sons. The territory assigned to this tribe was situated in the northern region of Israel, near the Sea of Galilee. Despite Naphtali's smaller size in relation to the other tribes, they were known for their skilled warriors and successful military campaigns.
The name Naphtali itself signifies the tribe's unique characteristics. It often denotes qualities such as perseverance, strength, and resilience. Furthermore, Naphtali was traditionally associated with agricultural prosperity due to their fertile land between the Sea of Galilee and Mount Lebanon. This abundant region enabled them to cultivate crops and flourish economically as a tribe.
In religious contexts, Naphtali frequently stands as a representation of blessedness, and their historical involvement in the kingdom of Israel is frequently cited as evidence of divine favor. Naphtali's story, along with their descendants' exploits, is extensively detailed in the biblical book of Genesis and various other scriptural passages.