Who are considered the patriarchs in Judaism?

The patriarchs in Judaism are specifically recognized as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. These figures are foundational to Jewish identity and theology, as they are seen as the ancestors of the Israelite people and the covenantal relationship between God and Israel.

Abraham is often referred to as the first patriarch, primarily because of the covenant God made with him, promising that he would be the father of a great nation. Isaac, his son, continues this lineage and theme of covenant. Jacob, the son of Isaac, is notable for his transformative encounter with God and for having twelve sons, who would become the progenitors of the twelve tribes of Israel. Together, these three figures embody the spiritual heritage and are central to the narratives found in the Book of Genesis, shaping the understanding of God's relationship with Israel throughout Jewish tradition.

In contrast, the other options include figures who play significant roles in the narrative of the Hebrew Bible but do not hold the same status as patriarchs specifically. For example, Moses is recognized as a prophet and leader who delivered the Israelites from Egypt and received the Torah, while Noah is known for his role in the flood story. However, they are not considered patriarchs in the same sense as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Similarly,