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Every patriarchal blessing declares a lineage in the House of Israel. Your patriarchal blessing "welcomes you to the family" and provides you a link to the rich blessings God promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The 12 tribes started with the 12 sons of Jacob. Each tribe or family has specific promises, gifts, characteristics, inheritances, and responsibilities. Israel is again being gathered in the latter days!
WHICH TRIBE DO YOU BELONG TO?
With regard to your lineage in the House of Israel, there are two general schools of thought taught in the Church:
1) THE LITERAL VIEW: The literal view is that you are a literal descendant of one of the 12 tribes and that you actually have the blood of Abraham flowing in your veins.
2) THE NON-LITERAL VIEW. The non-literal view is that your lineage is spiritual. Some describe this as an archetypal view, meaning that the 12 sons of Israel represent themes, characteristics, qualities and responsibilities with which you are blessed.
Both these views have validity and when properly understood they help you appreciate your patriarchal blessing and your declared lineage.
President Joseph Fielding Smith defended a literal view when he stated stated: “The great majority of those who become members of the Church are literal descendants of Abraham through Ephraim, son of Joseph.” The clear teaching of the prophets is that few persons not of the blood of Abraham have become members of the Church in this dispensation. (Doctrines of Salvation, Volume 3, page 246. )
Elder Dallin H. Oaks defends the non-literal view when he says, "A declaration of lineage is not a scientific pronouncement or an identification of genetic inheritance. A declaration of lineage is representative of larger and more important things. This declaration concerns the government of the kingdom of God, not the nature of the blood or the composition of the genes of the person being blessed" (Patriarchal Blessings, Worldwide Leadership Training Meeting: The Patriarch, Jan. 8, 2005, 8).
THE TRIBES OF ISRAEL. Have you ever wondered what your patriarchal blessing really means when it says you’re from the tribe of Ephraim, Judah, or maybe even Naphtali?
This booklet is your personal guide to unlocking the unique gifts, strengths, and missions of each of the tribes of Israel. It’s relatable, powerful, and packed with stories, personality traits, and spiritual insights that will help you discover who you are and why you matter in God's great plan.
Find out if you're a creative leader like Judah, a loyal protector like Reuben, or a resourceful problem-solver like Dan. These aren’t just old names—they’re spiritual archetypes that reflect who you are and who you're becoming.
If you’ve ever asked:
“Why does my blessing say I’m from this tribe?”
“What do spiritual gifts even mean for me?”
“What’s my role in gathering Israel?”
Then this book is for you.
👉 Dive in. Find your tribe. Discover your purpose!
ADDITIONAL RESEARCH: For more in-depth research about each of the tribes of Israel, click on any of the links below
The Church's website on Patriarchal Blessings says, "When you receive your patriarchal blessing, the patriarch, through inspiration, will declare your tribal lineage. It’s not like a DNA test—your tribe isn’t necessarily related to race or nationality. Instead, it’s related to a set of spiritual responsibilities and promised blessings. It declares the tribe through which you will receive your blessings and bless others.
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