# patriarchs # ## Definition: ## The term "patriarchs" in the OT refers to the founding fathers of the Jewish people, particularly Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. * It also can refer to the twelve sons of Jacob who became the 12 patriarchs of the 12 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](../other/ancestor.md), [[father]]) ## Bible References: ## * [Acts 02:29-31](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/act/02/29) * [Acts 07:6-8](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/act/07/06) * [Acts 07:9-10](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/act/07/09) * [Ezra 03:12-13](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/ezr/03/12)