The Greek noun dōdekaphylon (δωδεκάφυλον) is a compound of dōdeka (twelve) and phylon (tribe) — 'the twelve tribes.' It appears once in Acts 26:7 in Paul's defense before Agrippa, where he identifies himself as serving 'the God of our ancestors' whom 'our twelve tribes are earnestly hoping to see their promise fulfilled.'
Paul's reference to 'our twelve tribes' in Acts 26:7 is theologically significant: even in the first century, when the northern ten tribes had been in exile for seven centuries, Paul speaks of Israel as a unified people with a unified hope — the fulfillment of God's promise of resurrection. This reflects the prophetic vision of Israel's restoration as twelve-tribe wholeness (Ezekiel 37:15–22; Revelation 7:4–8; 21:12). The number twelve represents the completeness of God's covenant people. James 1:1 addresses 'the twelve tribes scattered among the nations,' and Revelation 7 seals 12,000 from each tribe, affirming that God's covenant encompasses all Israel.