naph.ta.li is a proper name used for an individual, his descendants as a tribe, and the tribe’s allotted land.

The name most often identifies the tribal body, including its clans, leaders, fighting men, inheritance, and participation alongside other tribes. It also names the territory associated with that tribe and, in genealogical and naming contexts, the individual from whom the group is identified.

1. The tribal people and their corporate identity · dominant

   In Numbers 1:42 the APB renders the clause concerning “The sons of Naphtali” in a census setting, and Numbers 2:29 names the tribe’s camp and its leader. Joshua 19:32 places the children of Naphtali in the allotment by families, while Judges 4:10 presents Naphtali joining Zebulun in Barak’s summons.

   Numbers 1:42Numbers 2:29Joshua 19:32Judges 4:10Judges 5:181 Kings 7:14
2. The land associated with the tribe · common

   In 1 Kings 15:20 the APB renders “all the land of Naphtali” among the places struck by Ben-hadad. Deuteronomy 34:2 lists “all Naphtali” with other lands, and Joshua 20:7 locates Kedesh in the hill country of Naphtali.

   1 Kings 15:202 Kings 15:29Deuteronomy 34:2Joshua 20:72 Chronicles 34:6
3. The individual bearer of the name · occasional

   Genesis 30:8 records Rachel calling a son Naphtali after describing her struggle with her sister. Genesis 35:25 names him with Dan as a son of Bilhah, and Genesis 46:24 then identifies his sons.

   Genesis 30:8Genesis 35:25Genesis 46:24Genesis 49:211 Chronicles 7:13

In the Anselm Project Bible: The APB commonly retains the name as “Naphtali,” whether the context concerns a son, a tribe, or a land designation, as in Genesis 30:8, Numbers 1:42, and 1 Kings 15:20. It also uses phrases such as “sons of Naphtali,” “tribe of Naphtali,” and “land of Naphtali”; Those phrases identify the verse context rather than separate English renderings of the form.