Tribe

a collection of families descending from one ancestor. The "twelve tribes" of the Hebrews were the twelve collections of families which sprang from the sons of Jacob. In (Matt 24:30 ) the word has a wider significance. The tribes of Israel are referred to as types of the spiritual family of God (Rev 7:1etc.). (See ISRAEL, KINGDOM OF; JUDAH, KINGDOM OF)

EBD - Easton's Bible Dictionary