Bible Strands
Genesis 32:28
Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men, and you have prevailed.”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The wrestler (the "man" of v. 24) speaks to Jacob at Peniel, immediately after Jacob has answered the question "What is your name?" with his own name.
The words — יִשְׂרָאֵל (yisra'el), "he strives with God," is built on the root שָׂרָה (sarar), "to contend, prevail," which is also the verb used in the explanation clause.
The thread — The renaming is repeated in Genesis 35:10, and the motif of a new name given to the people runs through Isaiah 62:2.
Why it lands — The new name is not a blessing bestowed on passivity; it is a verdict on the struggle itself, tying identity to the act of contending and prevailing.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.
Cross-references
- Revelation 2:17 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who overcomes, I will give the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone inscribed with a new name, known only to the one who receives it.
- Genesis 35:10 And God said to him, “Though your name is Jacob, you will no longer be called Jacob. Instead, your name will be Israel.” So God named him Israel.
- Isaiah 62:2 Nations will see your righteousness, and all kings your glory. You will be called by a new name that the mouth of the LORD will bestow.
- Hosea 12:3 In the womb he grasped his brother’s heel, and in his vigor he wrestled with God.
- Genesis 27:33 Isaac began to tremble violently and said, “Who was it, then, who hunted the game and brought it to me? Before you came in, I ate it all and blessed him—and indeed, he will be blessed!”
- Genesis 17:5 No longer will you be called Abram, but your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations.
- Genesis 17:15 Then God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, do not call her Sarai, for her name is to be Sarah.
- Genesis 25:31 “First sell me your birthright,” Jacob replied.
- Genesis 33:4 Esau, however, ran to him and embraced him, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him. And they both wept.
- Proverbs 16:7 When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even the man’s enemies live at peace with him.