Dan

Definition

Dan was Jacob’s fifth son. He was Bilhah’s first son. His descendants became one of the tribes of Israel.

• His name sounds similar to the Hebrew word for “judge.”
• The tribe of Dan settled in the northern part of Canaan. When used as the name of a region of land, the term “Dan” refers to the land given to the tribe of Dan.
• “Dan” was also the name an Israelite city located about 60 miles north of Jerusalem. In the Old Testament times, the city of Dan served as a landmark for the northern boundary of the country of Israel, opposite the city of Beersheba as a landmark for the southern boundary.

(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)

(See also: twelve tribes of Israel, Jacob, Bilhah)

Bible References

• 1 Chronicles 12:35
• 1 Kings 4:25
• Exodus 1:1-5
• Genesis 14:14
• Genesis 30:6

Word Data

• Strong’s: H1835, H1839, H2051