φυλή

a tribe, race

Definition

In the New Testament, φυλή primarily refers to a tribe, specifically one of the twelve tribes of Israel descended from Jacob's sons, as seen in Romans 11:1 and Philippians 3:5. It can also denote a larger ethnic or national group, such as the 'tribe' of Judah in Hebrews 7:13. In a future-oriented, eschatological sense, the word is used for the 'tribes of the earth' who will witness Christ's return (Matthew 24:30) and for the 'twelve tribes' in the promise of the apostles' future judgment role (Matthew 19:28, Luke 22:30).

Biblical Usage

The word is used consistently across the Gospels, Acts, and Epistles to refer to the tribes of Israel, emphasizing Jewish lineage and identity (e.g., Luke 2:36, Acts 13:21). A significant pattern is its use in promises of future restoration and judgment, connecting the historic people of God with their eschatological destiny. It appears in genealogical contexts (Philippians 3:5) and prophetic visions (Matthew 24:30).

Etymology

Derived from the Greek verb φύω (phyō), meaning 'to bring forth, produce, or grow.' The noun φυλή originally referred to a clan or race united by common descent, akin to a natural growth from a common root. This root concept of organic, genealogical connection underlies its biblical usage for the tribes of Israel.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it ties God's covenant people—Israel—to their historical identity and future hope. It underscores the continuity of God's promises from the Old Testament patriarchs to the New Testament church's Jewish roots and into eschatology. Understanding 'tribe' as φυλή enriches reading by highlighting the concrete, ethnic reality of Israel in salvation history and the inclusive vision of 'every tribe' in God's ultimate kingdom.

In the first-century Jewish and Greco-Roman world, a 'tribe' (φυλή) was a fundamental social and political unit based on kinship. For Jews, tribal affiliation was central to identity, land inheritance, and messianic expectation. This contrasts with modern, more fluid notions of ethnicity or interest groups. The twelve tribes represented the complete, organized people of God.

γένος (genos, G1085) — a broader term for kind, family, or nation, often used interchangeably but less specific to the twelve tribes of Israel. ἔθνος (ethnos, G1484) — typically means nation or people group, often used for Gentiles, lacking the kinship emphasis of φυλή.

Word Details

Scripture References