The Definition of the word Tribe

Tribe

A collection of families descending from one ancestor. The twelve tribes of the Hebrews were the twelve collections of families which sprang from the sons of Jacob. In Matt. 24:30 the word has a wider significance. The tribes of Israel are referred to as types of the spiritual family of God (Rev. 7). (See "[643]ISRAEL, KINGDOM OF; [644]JUDAH, KINGDOM OF.)"