The Twelve Tribes

The tribe of Levi, the priestly tribe, is sometimes not numbered according to the instruction given by the Lord to Moses (Numbers 1: 47-50). When they are omitted the two sons of Joseph are included. They were Manasseh and Ephraim (Numbers 1: 20-47).

When Levi is included along with Manasseh and Ephraim there are thirteen (Gen. 46: 8-24).

Numbering of the tribes is confusing. In the N.T. the number “twelve” is referred to in Matthew 19:28; James 1:1; Acts 26:7; Revelation 7:1.

Confusion results, in part, from various listings being for different purposes. Some are genealogical, some geological, some priestly, and some non-priestly.

In general the number “twelve” is used to refer to “all Israel.”

The tradition of twelve maintained in most lists: Genesis 35:22-26; Deut. 27:12,13; I Chron. 2:1-2, Ezekial 48:1f.

The most common grouping is:
Judah
Benjamin
Joseph
Ephraim
Mannasseh
Issachar
Naphtali
Zebulon
Asher
The Transjordan tribal territories
Gad
Ruben
The Half-tribe of Manasseh
The Remaining West Jordanian Tribes
Dan
Simeon