# patriarch

## Definition:

The term “patriarch” in the Bible refers to someone who was a founding ancestor of the Jewish people, particularly Abraham, Isaac, or Jacob.

* It also can refer to the twelve sons of Jacob who became the twelve patriarchs of the twelve tribes of Israel.
* The term “patriarch” has a similar meaning to “forefather,” but more specifically refers to the most well-known male ancestral leaders of a people group.

(See also: [ancestor, father, forefather](../other/father.md))

## Bible References:

* [Acts 02:29-31](rc://en/tn/help/act/02/29)
* [Acts 07:6-8](rc://en/tn/help/act/07/06)
* [Acts 07:09](rc://en/tn/help/act/07/09)
* [Ezra 03:12-13](rc://en/tn/help/ezr/03/12)

## Word Data:

* Strong’s: H1, H7218, G3966
