Biblica Analytica

נַפְתָּלִי

naph.ta.li (H6943G)

(Kedesh)-naphtali

9 verses 4 books OT 9 / NT 0
AI Word Study

# Naphthali in Biblical Usage Naphthali (נַפְתָּלִי) appears nine times in the Hebrew Bible, consistently functioning as a proper name rather than a common word with variable meaning. The lexical data identifies it with "(Kedesh)-naphtali," indicating a geographic designation rather than an abstract concept. This suggests the term refers to a specific place or region associated with Kedesh, a city in ancient Israel. The limited occurrences (nine instances) and the restrictive definition indicate that Naphthali operated as a fixed proper noun in biblical texts—likely denoting either a territorial region, a city, or both simultaneously. The parenthetical reference to Kedesh implies a close geographic or administrative association, perhaps Kedesh being the primary city within Naphthali's territory. Without additional contextual data from the lexicon, the precise nature of this relationship—whether Kedesh was the capital, a major settlement, or simply a notable location within Naphthali—cannot be determined from the definition alone. The minimal frequency of occurrence contrasts with how names appear in biblical narrative, suggesting that Naphthali functioned as a relatively specialized geographic reference point rather than a term requiring frequent mention in the texts that survive.

AI synthesis uses only provided lexicon data -- never training knowledge.

Joshua 12:22

the king of Kedesh, one; the king of Jokneam in Carmel, one;

Joshua 20:7

They set apart Kedesh in Galilee in the hill country of Naphtali, Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, and Kiriath Arba (also called Hebron) in the hill country of Judah.

Joshua 21:32

Out of the tribe of Naphtali, Kedesh in Galilee with its pasture lands, the city of refuge for the man slayer, Hammothdor with its pasture lands, and Kartan with its pasture lands: three cities.

Judges 4:9

She said, “I will surely go with you. Nevertheless, the journey that you take won’t be for your honor; for Yahweh will sell Sisera into a woman’s hand.” Deborah arose, and went with Barak to Kedesh.

Judges 4:10

Barak called Zebulun and Naphtali together to Kedesh. Ten thousand men followed him; and Deborah went up with him.

Judges 4:11

Now Heber the Kenite had separated himself from the Kenites, even from the children of Hobab, Moses’ brother-in-law, and had pitched his tent as far as the oak in Zaanannim, which is by Kedesh.

2 Kings 15:29

In the days of Pekah king of Israel, Tiglath Pileser king of Assyria came and took Ijon, Abel Beth Maacah, Janoah, Kedesh, Hazor, Gilead, and Galilee, all the land of Naphtali; and he carried them captive to Assyria.

1 Chronicles 6:76

and out of the tribe of Naphtali, Kedesh in Galilee with its pasture lands, Hammon with its pasture lands, and Kiriathaim with its pasture lands.