Genesis 32:25

KJV

And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when he saw {H7200} that he prevailed {H3201} not against him, he touched {H5060} the hollow of his thigh {H3409}; and the hollow {H3709} of Jacob's {H3290} thigh {H3409} was out of joint {H3363}, as he wrestled {H79} with him.

Complete Jewish Bible

When he saw that he did not defeat Ya'akov, he struck Ya'akov's hip socket, so that his hip was dislocated while wrestling with him.

Berean Standard Bible

When the man saw that he could not overpower Jacob, he struck the socket of Jacob’s hip and dislocated it as they wrestled.

American Standard Version

And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob’s thigh was strained, as he wrestled with him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 32:25 marks the pivotal moment in Jacob's mysterious night-long struggle, where his divine adversary, unable to overpower him through sheer force, touches the hollow of his thigh, causing it to be dislocated. This sudden, debilitating injury serves as a profound physical and spiritual turning point, immediately preceding Jacob's renaming to Israel and signifying a crucial shift from self-reliance and cunning to a humble, dependent reliance on God's grace and strength.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This dramatic encounter unfolds immediately after Jacob has strategically divided his family and possessions and sent them across the Jabbok River, preparing for his dreaded reunion with his estranged brother, Esau. Jacob, burdened by two decades of guilt and apprehension over his [past deception](/genesis/27 "Jacob's Deception of Isaac and Esau"), chooses to remain alone on the other side of the ford. It is in this solitary, vulnerable state, consumed by fear and uncertainty about the impending confrontation, that he is accosted by an unknown assailant. The preceding verses [Genesis 32:22-24](/genesis/32-22-24 "Jacob Prepares to Meet Esau") set the scene for this solitary vigil, emphasizing Jacob's isolation and the profound internal struggle that precedes his external wrestling match. The wrestling itself is a physical manifestation of Jacob's lifelong spiritual struggle, culminating in this profound moment of physical brokenness and subsequent spiritual transformation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting, the Jabbok River, was a significant geographical boundary in ancient Canaan, marking a transition point. For nomadic peoples like Jacob, rivers and fords were often places of vulnerability and decision. Wrestling was a common, strenuous activity, but this particular encounter transcends a mere physical contest, hinting at its supernatural nature from the outset. The "hollow of the thigh" or hip joint was understood as a source of strength and the seat of procreative power, making an injury there particularly significant for a patriarch whose lineage was central to God's covenant promises. A permanent limp, as Jacob would acquire, would have been a visible, lifelong mark, a constant reminder of this profound encounter and a symbol of his altered status and dependence.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 32:25 contributes significantly to several major themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the theme of **Divine Encounter**, where God directly intervenes in human lives, often in unexpected and challenging ways, to bring about His purposes. The verse also underscores the theme of **Transformation Through Weakness**, demonstrating that God often works through human brokenness to bring about spiritual growth and blessing. Jacob, who historically relied on his own strength and cunning (as seen in his dealings with [Laban](/genesis/31 "Jacob's Departure from Laban") and [Esau](/genesis/27 "Jacob's Deception of Esau")), is physically humbled to learn dependence on God. This physical injury directly precedes and facilitates the theme of **New Identity**, as Jacob is renamed Israel, signifying his new character as one who "struggles with God" and prevails, not by might, but by tenacious faith and humble reliance, as seen in [Genesis 32:28](/genesis/32-28 "Jacob Renamed Israel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Prevailed (Hebrew, _yâkôl'_):** From H3201, meaning "to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might); be able, any at all (ways), attain, can (away with, (-not)), could, endure, might, overcome, have power, prevail, still, suffer." The phrase "when he saw that he prevailed not against him" is crucial. It does not imply a lack of power on the divine adversary's part, but rather highlights Jacob's extraordinary human tenacity and perseverance. It suggests that the divine being's purpose was not to overpower Jacob by brute force, but to bring him to a point of spiritual surrender and transformation through other means, specifically by breaking his self-reliance.
* **Touched (Hebrew, _nâgaʻ'_):** From H5060, meaning "to touch, i.e. lay the hand upon (for any purpose...); by implication, to reach...; violently, to strike (punish, defeat, destroy, etc.)." The use of "touched" here is significant. It's not a punch or a blow, but a precise, effortless touch that demonstrates immense, effortless power. It signifies a decisive, supernatural act that instantly shifts the nature of the struggle from a physical stalemate to a spiritual breakthrough, highlighting the divine being's complete control and specific intent.
* **Out of joint (Hebrew, _yâqaʻ'_):** From H3363, meaning "to sever oneself, i.e. (by implication) to be dislocated; figuratively, to abandon; causatively, to impale (and thus allow to drop to pieces by rotting)." This word vividly describes the severe physical consequence of the divine touch. The dislocation of Jacob's hip was not a minor injury but a debilitating wound that would permanently affect his gait, leaving him with a pronounced limp. This physical brokenness is a direct, tangible symbol of the shattering of Jacob's self-reliance and natural strength, forcing him into a state of complete dependence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when he saw that he prevailed not against him":** This clause sets the stage for the turning point. The divine wrestler, having engaged Jacob in a prolonged physical struggle, observes that Jacob's tenacious grip and unwavering resolve mean that a purely physical contest will not achieve the desired outcome. This is not a limitation of divine power, but rather a demonstration of Jacob's extraordinary human perseverance and a divine choice to achieve transformation through means other than overwhelming force.
* **"he touched the hollow of his thigh":** This describes the decisive action taken by the divine adversary. The "hollow of his thigh" (Hebrew *kaph yerekh*) refers to the hip socket, a critical joint and a symbol of strength and procreative power. The "touch" is swift, precise, and effortless, instantly changing the dynamic of the wrestling match. It signifies a supernatural intervention that transcends mere physical strength.
* **"and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him":** This clause details the immediate and severe consequence of the divine touch. Jacob's hip is instantly dislocated, a debilitating injury that profoundly impacts his physical capacity. The phrase "as he wrestled with him" emphasizes that the injury occurred in the midst of the struggle, not after it, highlighting that this was the divine being's chosen method to bring the physical contest to an end and initiate a deeper, spiritual encounter. This physical breaking served as a catalyst, moving Jacob from a reliance on his own strength and cunning to a profound dependence on God.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 32:25 is rich with literary devices that amplify its theological significance. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the wrestling match itself serving as a symbol of humanity's spiritual struggles with God, whether in prayer, doubt, or seeking blessing. The "hollow of the thigh" symbolizes Jacob's natural strength, self-reliance, and even his procreative power, all of which are "broken" by the divine touch. Jacob's subsequent limp is a powerful, lifelong **symbol** of his transformation, a visible mark of his humility and dependence on God rather than his own abilities. There is also a subtle **irony** in the divine being "not prevailing" through force, which underscores that God's ultimate purpose was not to overpower Jacob but to humble him and bring him to a point of surrender and blessing through a different kind of "victory." The entire encounter also functions as **foreshadowing**, hinting at the future struggles and triumphs of the nation of Israel, who would often find their greatest strength in moments of weakness and dependence on God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound encounter at the Jabbok, culminating in Jacob's physical brokenness, reveals several core theological truths. It underscores God's active and personal involvement in the lives of His chosen people, demonstrating that He will go to extraordinary lengths, even allowing or orchestrating painful struggles, to refine character and fulfill His purposes. The divine being's effortless dislocation of Jacob's hip, after a prolonged struggle where physical force "prevailed not," powerfully illustrates God's sovereign control and immense, unchallengeable power. This act was not a sign of weakness but of strategic intent, designed to humble Jacob and shift his reliance from self to God. Jacob's tenacious refusal to let go until he received a blessing, even in brokenness, models a spiritual perseverance that seeks God's favor above all else, recognizing that true blessing comes from divine grace, often through the crucible of adversity.

* [2 Corinthians 12:9-10](/2_corinthians/12-9-10 "God's Power Perfected in Weakness")
* [Philippians 3:7-8](/philippians/3-7-8 "Paul Counts Everything as Loss for Christ")
* [Hebrews 12:1-2](/hebrews/12-1-2 "Run the Race with Perseverance, Looking to Jesus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 32:25 offers profound insights for believers today, reminding us that God often uses moments of profound struggle and perceived weakness to bring about our deepest spiritual transformations. Just as Jacob's physical strength was broken to pave the way for a greater spiritual blessing and a new identity, we too may experience periods where our self-sufficiency, our plans, or our natural abilities are profoundly challenged. These "wrestling matches" with God, often characterized by doubt, adversity, or spiritual dryness, are not meant to destroy us but to compel us to rely entirely on His strength and grace. This verse powerfully reminds us that true spiritual strength frequently emerges not from our own might, but from acknowledging our inherent weakness and surrendering fully to God's sovereign will. Our most significant breakthroughs and blessings often follow moments of profound brokenness, where we learn to cling to God not out of our own diminishing power, but out of a desperate, humble need for His grace and blessing, much as Jacob did when he declared, "I will not let thee go, except thou bless me" in [Genesis 32:26](/genesis/32-26 "Jacob's Refusal to Let Go Without a Blessing").

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you still relying on your own strength or cunning, rather than fully surrendering to God?**
* **Have you experienced a "limp" in your life—a physical, emotional, or spiritual brokenness—that God used to draw you closer to Him and teach you dependence?**
* **How does Jacob's perseverance in wrestling, even after being injured, challenge or encourage your own approach to spiritual struggles and prayer?**
* **What new "identity" or understanding of yourself has God revealed to you through moments of weakness or adversity?**

### FAQ
**Who was Jacob wrestling with in Genesis 32:25?**

Answer: While the text initially refers to the figure as "a man" in [Genesis 32:24](/genesis/32-24 "Jacob Wrestles with a Man"), later verses and Jacob's own declaration clarify it was a divine encounter. Jacob renames the place "Peniel," stating, "For I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved" in [Genesis 32:30](/genesis/32-30 "Jacob Names the Place Peniel"). Many theologians interpret this figure as a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ (a Christophany) or a direct manifestation of God Himself. The encounter underscores God's personal and direct involvement in the lives of His chosen people, revealing His desire for a transformative relationship.

**Why did the divine being touch Jacob's thigh instead of simply overpowering him?**

Answer: The divine being's touch on Jacob's hip, causing dislocation, was not an act of weakness but a demonstration of effortless, sovereign power designed to achieve a specific spiritual purpose. It instantly ended the physical struggle and shifted the encounter to a deeper, spiritual plane. This act served to break Jacob's self-reliance and natural strength, which he had often used for cunning and manipulation, forcing him into a state of physical weakness and complete dependence on God. It was a necessary catalyst for his transformation from Jacob ("supplanter") to Israel ("struggles with God"), signifying that his true strength would now come from God, not from himself.

**What is the lasting significance of Jacob's limp?**

Answer: Jacob's limp, a permanent physical reminder of his dislocated hip, served as a constant, tangible memorial of his profound encounter with God at Peniel. It symbolized his transition from a man who relied on his own strength and cunning to one who was broken and utterly dependent on divine grace. The limp was a visible sign of his spiritual transformation, a mark of humility and a testament to the fact that his true strength and blessing came not from his own abilities, but from his wrestling with God and clinging to Him in weakness. It became a permanent reminder that God's power is often made perfect in human weakness, a theme echoed throughout Scripture.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The wrestling match at the Jabbok, particularly Jacob's brokenness preceding his blessing and new identity, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. Jacob's struggle for blessing, marked by physical weakness and tenacious dependence, foreshadows humanity's desperate need for divine grace that only Christ can provide. While Jacob wrestled with God and was broken, Christ, the ultimate 'man,' wrestled with the agonizing will of God in Gethsemane ([Luke 22:42-44 "Jesus Prays in Gethsemane"]) and bore the full weight of sin on the cross, experiencing ultimate brokenness and weakness ([Isaiah 53:5 "By His Wounds We Are Healed"]). His victory over sin and death was achieved not through overpowering strength, but through sacrificial submission and apparent weakness, leading to His resurrection and the ultimate blessing for all who believe. Just as Jacob received a new name and identity through his encounter, believers receive a new identity in Christ, becoming new creations ([2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation"]), transformed not by their own strength or struggle, but by His finished work on the cross ([Colossians 2:13-14 "Made Alive with Christ"]). Through Him, we are enabled to "walk" in newness of life ([Romans 6:4 "Walk in Newness of Life"]), often bearing the marks of His grace through our own surrendered weakness, knowing that His strength is perfected in us ([2 Corinthians 12:9 "My Grace Is Sufficient for You"]).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Corinthians 12:7

And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

2 Corinthians 12:9

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Hosea 12:3

He took his brother by the heel in the womb, and by his strength he had power with God:

Hosea 12:4

Yea, he had power over the angel, and prevailed: he wept, and made supplication unto him: he found him [in] Bethel, and there he spake with us;

Isaiah 41:14

Fear not, thou worm Jacob, [and] ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.

Isaiah 45:11

¶ Thus saith the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker, Ask me of things to come concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands command ye me.

Matthew 26:41

Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed [is] willing, but the flesh [is] weak.