Tribal Symbols Trivia Quiz

Asher, Zilpah's second son and Jacob's eighth, means "happy" or "blessed." Genesis 30:12-13 - "Leah's servant Zilpah bore Jacob a second son. And Leah said, "Happy am I! For women have called me happy." So she called his name Asher."

His emblem is often a tree, symbolizing prosperity and abundance. The tribe of Asher settled along the northern coast near Mount Carmel, an area known for its rich resources.

Despite its favorable location, Asher was among the tribes lost after the Assyrian invasion.

Dan was Jacob's fifth son, born to Bilhah, Rachel's handmaid. His name means "judge," as noted in Genesis 30:5-6 - "And Bilhah conceived and bore Jacob a son. Then Rachel said, "God has judged me, and has also heard my voice and given me a son." Therefore she called his name Dan."

His emblem, the scales of justice, underscores this theme. Initially, Dan's territory was near the Philistine coast, but later the tribe migrated north to Laish.

Dan was among the tribes that vanished after the Assyrian captivity, becoming part of the Lost Tribes.

Judah, Leah's fourth son, bears a name meaning "praise," reflecting gratitude and worship. Genesis 29:34 - "And she conceived again and bore a son, and said, "This time I will praise the Lord." Therefore she called his name Judah. Then she ceased bearing."

His tribe's symbols - a harp and a crown - point to royalty and music, foreshadowing King David's lineage. Judah occupied the southern region of the land, including Jerusalem, and became the dominant tribe after the exile.

The Jewish people trace their name to Judah, ensuring this tribe's survival through history.

Reuben was Jacob's firstborn son, born to Leah. His name signifies "behold, a son," reflecting Leah's gratitude at his birth, as described in Genesis 29:31-32 - "When the Lord saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb, but Rachel was barren. And Leah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Reuben, for she said, "Because the Lord has looked upon my affliction; for now my husband will love me.""

The tribe of Reuben is often associated with the mandrake plant, mentioned in Genesis, symbolizing fertility and desire. When the Israelites entered the Promised Land, Reuben's descendants settled east of the Jordan River, north of Moab.

Historically, Reuben became one of the tribes lost after the Assyrian exile.

Joseph, Rachel's first son and Jacob's eleventh, has a name meaning "may He add," expressing hope for increase. Genesis 30:22-24 - "Then God remembered Rachel, and God listened to her and opened her womb. She conceived and bore a son and said, "God has taken away my reproach." And she called his name Joseph, saying, "May the Lord add to me another son!""

His symbols - a palm tree and sheaves of wheat - recall his prophetic dreams of abundance. Joseph's descendants formed two tribes, Ephraim and Manasseh, which occupied central and northern regions of the land.

Both tribes were among those lost after the Assyrian exile.

Naphtali, Bilhah's second son and Jacob's sixth, has a name that suggests "wrestling," reflecting Rachel's struggle for children. Genesis 30:7-8 - "Rachel's servant Bilhah conceived again and bore Jacob a second son. Then Rachel said, "With mighty wrestlings I have wrestled with my sister and have prevailed." So she called his name Naphtali."

His tribe is symbolized by a gazelle, representing swiftness and freedom. Naphtali settled in the fertile northern region of Galilee.

Like many of the other tribes, Naphtali was lost to history after the Assyrian exile.

Issachar, Leah's fifth son and Jacob's ninth, has a name that suggests "reward." Genesis 30:17-18 - "And God listened to Leah, and she conceived and bore Jacob a fifth son. Leah said, "God has given me my wages because I gave my servant to my husband." So she called his name Issachar."

His tribe's symbol - the sun, moon, and stars - reflects wisdom and an understanding of times. Issachar's territory was in the fertile Jezreel Valley, ideal for agriculture.

Like most northern tribes, Issachar was carried away during the Assyrian exile and became part of the Lost Tribes.

Simeon, Leah's second son, carries a name meaning "God hears," expressing Leah's belief that God had heard her prayers. Genesis 29:33 - "She conceived again and bore a son, and said, "Because the Lord has heard that I am hated, he has given me this son also." And she called his name Simeon."

The tribe's emblem is linked to the fortified city of Shechem, representing strength and defense. Simeon's territory lay in the southern part of Canaan, largely within Judah's borders.

The Simeonites were also among the tribes that disappeared following the Assyrian conquest.

Benjamin, Rachel's second son and Jacob's youngest, means "son of the right hand," signifying favour and strength. Genesis 35:16-18 - "Then they journeyed from Bethel. When they were still some distance from Ephrath, Rachel went into labor, and she had hard labor. And when her labor was at its hardest, the midwife said to her, "Do not fear, for you have another son." And as her soul was departing (for she was dying), she called his name Ben-oni; but his father called him Benjamin."

His tribe's emblem - a jug with utensils - suggests hospitality and provision. Benjamin's territory lay between Judah and Ephraim, including parts of Jerusalem's northern area.

Unlike most tribes, Benjamin remained with Judah and Levi, preserving its identity through history.

Gad, the seventh son, was born to Zilpah, Leah's handmaid. His name conveys "fortune," and is described in Genesis 30:10-11 - "Then Leah's servant Zilpah bore Jacob a son. And Leah said, "Good fortune has come!" so she called his name Gad."

His tribe's symbol - tents - reflects their semi-nomadic lifestyle as herders. Gad's territory lay east of the Jordan River, south of Reuben.

This tribe also became one of the Lost Tribes following the Assyrian conquest.

Zebulun, Leah's sixth son and Jacob's tenth, means "dwelling" or "honor." Genesis 30:19-20 - "And Leah conceived again, and she bore Jacob a sixth son. Then Leah said, "God has endowed me with a good endowment; now my husband will honor me, because I have borne him six sons." So she called his name Zebulun."

His emblem, a ship, points to maritime trade and his tribe's coastal connections. Zebulun settled near the Sea of Galilee and had access to the Mediterranean, making trade a key aspect of their life.

Zebulun, too, was lost after the Assyrian conquest.

Levi, Leah's third son, has a name that conveys the idea of being "joined" or "attached." Genesis 29:34 - "Again she conceived and bore a son, and said, "Now this time my husband will be attached to me, because I have borne him three sons." Therefore his name was called Levi."

His tribe was unique because it did not receive a specific land inheritance; instead, the Levites were scattered throughout Israel in designated cities to serve priestly and temple duties. Their symbol is the priestly breastplate, highlighting their sacred role.

Unlike most tribes, Levi remained identifiable through its religious function and was not considered lost.