### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Naphtâlîy**, represented by `{{H5321}}`, is derived from a root meaning "to struggle" and is defined as **my wrestling**. It appears **50 times** across **47 unique verses** in the Bible. The name refers to the sixth son of Jacob, the tribe descended from him, and the territory they inherited.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name **Naphtâlîy** originates in the narrative of Rachel's struggle to bear children. Upon the birth of Bilhah's second son, Rachel declared, "With great wrestlings have I wrestled with my sister, and I have prevailed," and so named him **Naphtali** [[Genesis 30:8]]. The tribe of **Naphtali** is a consistent presence in Israel's history, participating in the census [[Numbers 1:43]], providing military strength alongside Zebulun [[Judges 4:10]], and receiving a specific land allotment which included Kedesh in Galilee [[Joshua 20:7]]. The land of **Naphtali** is also mentioned in prophetic contexts, notably as a region that would experience affliction [[Isaiah 9:1]] but also receive a divine blessing of favor and satisfaction [[Deuteronomy 33:23]].
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of **Naphtâlîy** is directly linked to several key Hebrew words that appear together in its naming account:
* `{{H6617}}` **pâthal**: This is the primitive root, meaning "to twine, i.e. (literally) to struggle or (figuratively) be (morally) tortuous; (shew self) froward, shew self unsavoury, wrestle." It forms the verbal basis for the struggle described by Rachel [[Genesis 30:8]].
* `{{H5319}}` **naphtûwl**: Derived from `{{H6617}}`, this word means "a struggle; wrestling." It is the specific term Rachel uses to describe her "great **wrestlings**" [[Genesis 30:8]].
* `{{H3201}}` **yâkôl**: A primitive root meaning "to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might); be able... overcome, have power, prevail." This word marks the outcome of the struggle, as Rachel exclaims that she has **prevailed** [[Genesis 30:8]].
### Theological Significance
The concept of `{{H5321}}` carries significant thematic weight throughout the biblical text.
* **Struggle and Vindication:** The name itself embeds the theme of struggle into the identity of the person and tribe. This initial personal conflict of Rachel's is vindicated by God, setting a pattern where struggle is met with divine blessing and a place among God's people.
* **Tribal Loyalty and Valor:** The tribe of **Naphtali** is depicted as brave and committed to Israel. They are praised as "a people that jeoparded their lives unto the death" in battle [[Judges 5:18]] and are listed among the princes who came in praise to God [[Psalms 68:27]].
* **Prophetic Inheritance:** **Naphtali** is the subject of specific patriarchal and prophetic blessings. Jacob prophesied that "**Naphtali** is a hind let loose: he giveth goodly words" [[Genesis 49:21]], and Moses blessed the tribe, saying it would be "satisfied with favour, and full with the blessing of the LORD" [[Deuteronomy 33:23]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5321}}` is more than just a name; it is a symbol of a core biblical theme. It represents the journey from human struggle to divine blessing. From its origins in a family rivalry to its role as a valiant tribe and a prophetically significant territory, **Naphtâlîy** illustrates how a personal contest can be woven into the greater national and redemptive history of Israel.
TRV