The idea that the antichrist may come from the tribe of Dan is not a universally accepted doctrine but originate from a combination of some biblical views, typology, and early church commentary. A dear friend who is a great supporter of my ministry, emailed me this question: “Is it possible that the antichrist could come from the tribe of Dan?”
This theory is built on several scriptural implications, symbolic patterns, and omissions, rather than an explicit biblical statement. The following is a detailed explanation of this theory and the reasons it has been proposed:
Dan Omitted from the 144,000 in Revelation 7
One of the most significant clues used to support this theory is the absence of the tribe of Dan in the listing of the 144,000 sealed from the tribes of Israel in Revelation 7:4–8.
Revelation 7:4-8 lists 12 tribes, but Dan is missing—and Manasseh is included instead. This omission is interpreted by some early scholars as a sign of spiritual judgment or apostasy, implying that Dan plays a negative role in the last days.
Prophecies About Dan: Genesis 49:17
Jacob’s prophecy about Dan in Genesis 49:16–17 is cited:
“Dan shall judge his people as one of the tribes of Israel. Dan shall be a serpent by the way, a viper by the path, that bites the horse’s heels so that its rider shall fall backward.” ~Genesis 49:16–17
The reference to Dan as a “serpent” and “viper” is seen as type of satan, who is called “that ancient serpent” in Revelation 12:9. This often leads to the conclusion by some that Dan’s genealogy could produce the ultimate deceiver, the Antichrist.
Typology and Serpent Imagery
The antichrist is closely linked with satanic influence (cf. Revelation 13:2–4; 2 Thessalonians 2:9). Since Dan is associated with the serpent, this typology is sometimes extended to suggest Dan as the tribal origin of the antichrist.
“A Serpent by the way” and “viper by the path” language in Genesis 49 matches the deceptive nature of the antichrist. The “biting the horse’s heels” may symbolize undermining or sabotaging power or authority, again fitting the Antichrist’s role.
Dan’s History of Idolatry
Judges 18:30–31 describes how the tribe of Dan set up an idol and a priesthood that persisted through the time of captivity:
“The tribe of Dan set up for themselves the carved image, and Jonathan the son of Gershom, the son of Moses… was priest to the tribe… until the day of the captivity of the land.” ~Judges 18:30–31
Dan is the first tribe mentioned in Israel’s history to institutionalize idolatry. This has led some to argue that Dan’s historical spiritual apostasy parallels the apostate character of the antichrist.
Early Christian Church Leaders
Several early church fathers referenced this theory, though not all agreed. Here’s a look at their views:
Irenaeus (c. 180 A.D.) – Supports the theory
In Against Heresies (Book 5, Chapter 30), Irenaeus writes: “Moreover, Dan, also, and Ephraim, for the same reason, are not reckoned in the Apocalypse among the saved… It is said that the Antichrist is to spring from the tribe of Dan.”
Irenaeus connects the omission of Dan from Revelation 7 with the birth of the Antichrist.
Hippolytus of Rome (c. 200 A.D.) – Also confirms this idea
In his treatise On Christ and Antichrist (section 14), Hippolytus writes: “As the Christ was born of the tribe of Judah, so will the antichrist be born of the tribe of Dan.”
Hippolytus builds this typology as a mirror image—Christ from Judah, the Antichrist from Dan.
Jerome and others – Do not believe Dan is the source of the antichrist.
Later biblical expositors found this theory to be speculative and lacking direct biblical confirmation.
The Problem: A Lack of Direct Scriptural Evidence
While the theory has early support and typological connections, it lacks direct biblical statements like:
- “The Antichrist will come from Dan.”
- Nowhere in the New Testament is Dan associated with the antichrist.
- Revelation 13 (where the antichrist is introduced) does not mention tribal affiliation.
Many biblical scholars today, like myself, do not believe that Dan will be the source of the antichrist. This certainty is due to the fact that we know a great deal more now about who the antichrist will be than biblical scholars knew much earlier.
Categories: Robert Clifton Robinson
Robert Clifton Robinson 
Will The Antichrist Come From The Tribe Of Dan?
The tribe of Dan was certainly flawed, and all the tribes of Israel participated in idolatry.
Does the antichrist (against Messiah) come from Dan? There aren’t precise passages that suggest he does.
It seems more like the antichrist will come from the tribe of Japhet, and not Shem (Israel). In Genesis 10:1Now this is the genealogy of the sons of Noah: Shem, Ham, and Japheth. And sons were born to them after the flood.
2 The sons of Japheth were Gomer (Turkey), Magog (Turkey), Madai (Media/NW Iran?), Javan (Greece), Tubal, Meshech (Asia Minor), and Tiras (SE Europe, Thracians). 3 The sons of Gomer were Ashkenaz (Germany), Riphath, and Togarmah. 4 The sons of Javan were Elishah, Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim. 5 From these the coastland peoples of the Gentiles were separated into their lands, everyone according to his language, according to their families, into their nations.
and the apocryphon has:
And the son[s] of Yaphet were Gomer, Magog, Madai, Yavan, Tuval, Meshuk, and Tiras, as well as four daughters. vacathttps://pages.charlotte.edu/john-reeves/course-materials/rels-2104-hebrew-scripturesold-testament/translation-of-1q-genesis-apocryphon/Yaphet was apportioned land (col. 16)
[… … first 8 lines missing …] the inlet which is between them, the source of the spring until the Tina River [… … …] all the northern land, all of it until it approaches [… … …] and this border crosses the waters of the Great Sea (i.e., the Mediterranean) until it approaches [… …] he apportioned by lot to Yaphet and his descendants to possess as (their) permanent possession.
It seems that Yaphet and his descendants inherited the lands to the north. That would be Syria, Turkey, Russia, and maybe including Ukraine, Austria, France, Spain, Greece and Italy, etc.
The Samaritan version:The sons of Yefet, Gaamaar, and Maagog, Maadee, and Yaabaan, and Toobaal, and Mooshaak, and Teeraas.
All texts have agreement of who the sons of Yaphet were.Locations in the ancient past were named after sons. Yaphet’s son, Magog, is associated with a land in Ezekiel 38: 2.
38 Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 2 “Son of man, set your face against Gog, of the land of Magog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal, and prophesy against him, 3 and say, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “Behold, I am against you, O Gog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal.These passages are speaking of the tribes of the north. Gog’s allies are mentioned in verse 5, Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya are with them, all of them with shield and helmet; 6 Gomer and all its troops; the house of Togarmah from the far north and all its troops—many people are with you.
We are told Gog and his allies will come from the far north.
Gog will also be buried in Israel, Ez 39:11.I will add this site: https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Gog.html. A warning, the writer of the site is at times sarcastic, sometimes bitterly sarcastic.
My conclusion is this Gog (which means roof, rooftop), who is a prince (Hebrew nasiy’a), will come from the north and likely Turkey. Ezekiel stresses latter years in verse 8. Since Turkey is Muslim, the dream is to once again form a Caliphate, and Caliphates have one chief (Caliph) Muslim ruler.
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I’ve been reading Pastor Chuck commentary but there have been section where for some reason left out commentary like Nehemiah 7-13. There are others in his commentary of the Bible. I love blending the commentary with the study of the Bible. It truly brings insight and closure in my study.
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Our Lord instructed us to keep watch. His wish for us was not to be deceived and thus find salvation. He understood us better than we understand ourselves. It is clear to me that we are in the last days of this era. It may not be that important for us (the followers of Christ) to know who the antichrist will be, because, I believe the rapture will occur before the antichrist is introduced; and thus, the antichrist’s affect on the world will not touch us.
I say this because 1 Thessalonians 5:9 states that God did not appoint us to wrath. And wrath begins at Revelation 6:1 with the introduction of the antichrist (as I currently understand it). We the raptured will not taste this moment.
So why is this an important question to be asked? Because billions will taste that moment. We know from scripture that many will be saved during the tribulation. They will be saved by the preaching of the 144,000 and the two witnesses; but, they will also be saved because of the seeds planted right here in these pages today by people like Pastor Rob. All avenues of salvation will be granted by the Grace of our God. All praise and glory to You my Heavenly Father. Thank you for Your Grace and Our Savior Jesus Christ.
The Beginning is Near.
To my brothers and sisters: Eternal Life is in the Gospels of Jesus Christ no matter how you find it. We are closer than ever from being freed from the slavery of sin and death. A True Shepherd is with us.
Thank you Pastor Rob for all you do in helping us, your church, keep our eyes on the prize – Salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Amen.
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