Dan
Dan in the Bible — fifth-born son of Jacob (GEN 30:5), son of Bilhah, Rachel's handmaid. Dan belonged to the tribe of Dan. Referenced in 22 scripture passages.
Name meaning: “judgment; he that judges”
Profile
- Gender
- male
- Tribe
- Dan
- Scripture References
- 22 references
- Known Names
- 1 name
- Relationships
- 21 connections
Biography
Dan was a male member of the tribe of Dan and the fifth-born son of Jacob through Bilhah, Rachel's handmaid. His birth is noted in Genesis 30:5-6. Dan's role as a tribal patriarch is foundational in the biblical narrative.
Names & Titles
The name Dan means 'judge' in Hebrew, reflecting Rachel's declaration that God had vindicated her through his birth. This name was given by Jacob, not directly by God, as recorded in Genesis 30:6.
Family
Dan was the son of Jacob and Bilhah, making him a half-brother to Jacob's other sons, including Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, and Benjamin, as well as a full brother to Naphtali. He is also identified as the father of Hushim, linking him to the next generation.
Significance
Dan's significance lies in his role as the progenitor of the tribe of Dan, which is noted in Scripture for both its struggles with idolatry and its contribution to Israel's history through notable figures such as Samson. His birth marked a moment of divine vindication for Rachel, underscoring God's faithfulness in the patriarchal lineage. The tribe named after him plays a complex role in biblical history, reflecting both blessing and challenge.
Key Events
Names & Labels (1)
- Hebrew
- דָּֽן
- Transliteration
- dan
- Meaning
- judge
- Greek
- Δαν
- Reference
- GEN 30:6
- Strong's
- H1835
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Dan in the Bible?
Dan was a male member of the tribe of Dan and the fifth-born son of Jacob through Bilhah, Rachel's handmaid. His birth is noted in Genesis 30:5-6. Dan's role as a tribal patriarch is foundational in the biblical narrative.
What does the name Dan mean?
The name Dan means “judgment; he that judges” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.