Final answer:
A patriarch in the Hebrew Bible is a male clan leader, and the four Old Testament Patriarchs referred to are Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. They are central figures in the narrative of the Hebrews transitioning from Mesopotamia to a nomadic lifestyle and eventually settling in Egypt.
Step-by-step explanation:
A patriarch is a male leader of a family or clan, often wielding substantial authority over the household and its members. In the context of the Hebrew Bible, the four principal Old Testament Patriarchs are Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Jacob's son Joseph. Abraham is known as the patriarch who led the Hebrews away from Mesopotamia to become wandering herders, with the term 'Hebrew' denoting 'wanderer' or 'nomad'. Isaac, his son, and Jacob, his grandson, continue this patriarchal line, with Jacob fathering the twelve tribes of Israel. Lastly, Joseph is recognized for his vital role in the family history, especially in the Hebrews' journey to Egypt.