J

Judah

Judah in the Bible — fourth-born son of Jacob (GEN 29:35), son of Leah. Judah belonged to the tribe of Judah. Referenced in 26 scripture passages.

Name meaning: “the praise of the Lord; confession”

Profile

Gender
male
Tribe
Judah
Scripture References
26 references
Known Names
1 name
Relationships
25 connections

Biography

Judah was the fourth-born son of Jacob and Leah, belonging to the tribe of Judah. He was a male figure of significant standing in the patriarchal family of Israel. No additional personal notes are recorded beyond these foundational details.

Names & Titles

The name Judah means 'praised' and is a proper name given to him at birth, as recorded in Genesis 29:35. This name reflects a recognition of praise but was not directly given by God.

Family

Judah was one of the sons of Jacob and Leah, making him a brother to Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Issachar, Zebulun, and Dinah. He also had several half-brothers from Jacob's other wives, including Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Joseph, and Benjamin. Additionally, he was the father of Er.

Significance

Judah holds a pivotal role in the biblical narrative as the leader among Jacob's sons and the progenitor of the tribe of Judah. His actions, including proposing to sell Joseph rather than kill him, mark significant moments in Israel's history. His personal growth is seen in his willingness to offer himself for his brother Benjamin, demonstrating repentance and responsibility. Importantly, the messianic line, culminating in King David and ultimately Jesus Christ, is traced through Judah, highlighting his lasting spiritual and redemptive significance.

Key Events

Born to Jacob and Leah(Genesis 29:35)
Proposed selling Joseph(Genesis 37:26-27)
Affair with Tamar (unknowingly)(Genesis 38:13-26)
Offered himself for Benjamin(Genesis 44:33)
Blessed by Jacob as ruler(Genesis 49:8-10)

Names & Labels (1)

Judahproper name
Hebrew
יְהוּדָה
Transliteration
yəhudah
Meaning
praised
Greek
Ιουδα
Reference
GEN 29:35
Strong's
H3063

Family & Relationships (25)

son

Jacob(GEN 29:35)
Leah(GEN 29:35)

brother

Reuben(GEN 29:35)
Simeon(GEN 29:35)
Levi(GEN 29:35)
Issachar(GEN 30:18)
Zebulun(GEN 30:19)
Dinah(GEN 30:21)

half-brother

Dan(GEN 30:6)
Naphtali(GEN 30:7)
Gad(GEN 30:11)
Asher(GEN 30:13)
Joseph(GEN 30:23)
Benjamin(GEN 35:17)

father

Er(GEN 38:3)
Onan(GEN 38:4)
Shelah(GEN 38:5)
Perez(GEN 38:29)
Zerah(GEN 38:30)

concubinator

Tamar(GEN 38:18)

ancestor

Hur(EXO 31:2)
Jephunneh(NUM 13:6)
Jabez(1CH 4:9)
Asaiah(1CH 9:5)
Sheshbazzar(EZR 1:8)

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Judah in the Bible?

Judah was the fourth-born son of Jacob and Leah, belonging to the tribe of Judah. He was a male figure of significant standing in the patriarchal family of Israel. No additional personal notes are recorded beyond these foundational details.

What does the name Judah mean?

The name Judah means “the praise of the Lord; confession” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.

Continue Your Study