The Greek word phylḗ, represented by G5443, refers to an offshoot, such as a race or clan, and is translated as kindred or tribe. It appears 31 times across 23 unique verses in the Bible. It is a term used to define groups of people by common ancestry or lineage.
In scripture, G5443 is frequently used to identify the twelve tribes of Israel, establishing national and personal identity. James addresses his epistle to "the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad" James 1:1, and Jesus promises the apostles they will sit on thrones judging "the twelve tribes of Israel" Matthew 19:28. This specific lineage is also noted for individuals, such as Paul from the tribe of Benjamin Romans 11:1 and Anna from the tribe of Aser Luke 2:36. The word also has a broader, global application, particularly in eschatological passages, where "all the tribes of the earth" will mourn at Christ's return Matthew 24:30, and the redeemed are gathered from "every kindred" Revelation 5:9.
Several related words expand upon the concept of people groups and lineage:
- G1085 génos ("kin"... generation, kind(-red), nation, offspring, stock): This term often specifies a broader heritage or line of descent. Paul uses it to define his identity as being of the stock of Israel and from the tribe of Benjamin Philippians 3:5.
- G1484 éthnos (a race... a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-Jewish) one... Gentile, heathen, nation, people): This word is frequently used alongside G5443 to describe the full scope of humanity, including both Jewish tribes and other nations, as seen in the song of the redeemed who come from every kindred and nation Revelation 5:9.
- G1100 glōssa (the tongue; by implication, a language): This term categorizes people by their language. It often appears in a list with G5443 to emphasize the universal reach of God's plan, which includes people from every kindred, tongue, people, and nation Revelation 5:9.
- G2992 laós (a people): This word refers to a people in general and is also used in conjunction with G5443. In Revelation, a great multitude is seen from all nations, kindreds, and people Revelation 7:9.
The theological weight of G5443 is significant in both a specific and universal sense.
- Israel's Covenant Identity: The word underscores the importance of lineage within God's covenant with Israel. The sealing of the 144,000 in Revelation is meticulously organized by tribe Revelation 7:4-8, and the gates of the New Jerusalem are named for "the twelve tribes of the children of Israel" Revelation 21:12.
- Christ's Lineage and Authority: G5443 is used to establish the specific tribal origin of key figures. Jesus is identified as "the Lion of the tribe of Juda" Revelation 5:5, fulfilling prophecies about His royal line. The book of Hebrews contrasts this with the Levitical priesthood, noting that Jesus sprang from a different tribe, one from which "no man gave attendance at the altar" Hebrews 7:13.
- Universal Scope of God's Plan: The term is expanded beyond Israel to encompass all of humanity. The gospel is to be preached to "every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people" Revelation 14:6. This universal scope applies to both redemption through Christ's blood Revelation 5:9 and the coming judgment when "all kindreds of the earth shall wail" Revelation 1:7.
In summary, G5443 functions on two levels. It precisely defines the lineage and covenant identity of the tribes of Israel, which is foundational to understanding biblical history and prophecy. Simultaneously, it is used to express the all-encompassing nature of God's redemptive plan and final judgment, which extends to every kindred and clan on earth, from the Lion of the tribe of Juda to the great multitude that no man could number.
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