Genesis 32:27

KJV

And he said unto him, What [is] thy name? And he said, Jacob.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559} unto him, What is thy name {H8034}? And he said {H559}, Jacob {H3290}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The man asked, "What is your name?" and he answered, "Ya'akov."

Berean Standard Bible

“What is your name?” the man asked. “Jacob,” he replied.

American Standard Version

And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 32:27 records the pivotal moment during Jacob's night-long wrestling match at the Jabbok ford when his mysterious opponent demands, "What is thy name?" Jacob's simple, honest reply, "Jacob," is a profound confession of his identity as "supplanter" or "deceiver," acknowledging his past and setting the stage for divine transformation and the bestowal of a new name and destiny in the subsequent verse. This encounter underscores the necessity of self-honesty before God as a prerequisite for true spiritual growth and a new covenant relationship.

### CONTEXT
Genesis 32:27 is a pivotal moment in the narrative of Jacob's life, occurring on the eve of his anxious reunion with his estranged brother, Esau. Jacob had sent his family and possessions ahead, choosing to remain alone by the Jabbok ford. It was here, in a moment of isolation and vulnerability, that he encountered a mysterious "man" and wrestled with him through the night. The question, "What is thy name?", marks a turning point in this intense spiritual struggle, just as Jacob refused to release his opponent without a blessing ([Genesis 32:26](/genesis/32-26 "Read about Jacob's demand for a blessing in Genesis 32:26")). This encounter is often interpreted as a direct confrontation with God or a divine messenger, designed to prepare Jacob for his destiny.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
The divine query, "What is thy name?", is far more than a simple inquiry; it is a profound demand for Jacob to confront his true self. In ancient cultures, a name, or *shem* (שֵׁם) in Hebrew, encapsulated a person's character, reputation, history, and even destiny, extending beyond a mere label to encompass one's very essence. The divine figure, who surely knew Jacob's name, asks not for information, but to elicit Jacob's self-identification and confession.

Jacob's name, *Ya'akov* (יַעֲקֹב), literally means "supplanter" or "deceiver," a moniker he had undeniably lived up to throughout his life. From his cunning acquisition of the birthright from Esau ([Genesis 25:33](/genesis/25-33 "Read about Esau selling his birthright in Genesis 25:33")) to his deceptive scheme to secure the blessing from Isaac ([Genesis 27:36](/genesis/27-36 "Read about Jacob deceiving Isaac for the blessing in Genesis 27:36")), Jacob had consistently relied on his own shrewdness and manipulation. His simple, unadorned response, "Jacob," is therefore an admission of who he truly was—flaws and all—before the divine presence. This act of naming himself, without embellishment or excuse, signifies the necessity of transparency and humility in one's spiritual journey. For Jacob to receive a new name and a new blessing, he first had to confess his old identity, acknowledging his inherent nature and past deeds. This pivotal dialogue is the immediate precursor to Jacob's name change to Israel ("prince with God" or "he struggles with God") in the very next verse ([Genesis 32:28](/genesis/32-28 "Learn about Jacob's name change to Israel in Genesis 32:28")), demonstrating that the confession of his old name clears the way for a new covenant identity and relationship with God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **Divine Initiative in Transformation:** God often initiates the process of spiritual transformation by confronting individuals with their true selves, demanding honesty as a prerequisite for change.
* **The Significance of Names:** In biblical theology, names are not merely identifiers but reveal character, destiny, and covenant relationship. A name change signifies a profound shift in identity and purpose, often divinely ordained.
* **Confession and Humility:** Jacob's confession of his name highlights the spiritual principle that true growth and blessing often begin with an honest, humble acknowledgment of one's sin and fallen nature before God.
* **Wrestling as a Means of Grace:** The physical and spiritual struggle at the Jabbok is a powerful metaphor for the often painful yet ultimately redemptive process of wrestling with God, leading to deeper faith and a refined character.
* **God's Sovereignty in Human Weakness:** Despite Jacob's deceptive past and physical injury, God meets him in his vulnerability, demonstrating divine grace and sovereignty in shaping His chosen instruments.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers powerful insights for believers today, emphasizing the critical role of self-reflection and honesty in our spiritual walk. Like Jacob, we are frequently called to confront our own "names"—the patterns, habits, or identities we have adopted, especially those rooted in self-reliance, deception, or past failures. True spiritual growth often commences with an honest acknowledgment of who we are before God, laying bare our flaws and weaknesses. Furthermore, this narrative reminds us that our deepest transformations may occur during periods of intense struggle or isolation, as God often meets us in these wrestling matches, using them to refine our character and reveal His purposes. Just as Jacob received a new name and identity, believers are invited into a new identity in Christ, moving from an old self to a new creation ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "Read about being a new creation in 2 Corinthians 5:17")), a process that begins with acknowledging our past and surrendering to God's transformative power.

### FAQ
**Why did the divine figure ask for Jacob's name if he presumably already knew it?**

Answer: The question "What is thy name?" was not an inquiry for information but a profound demand for self-identification and confession. In ancient Near Eastern thought, a name encapsulated one's character, history, and destiny. By asking Jacob to state his name, "Jacob" (meaning "supplanter" or "deceiver"), the divine figure compelled him to acknowledge his past and his true nature, a necessary step before he could receive a new identity and blessing from God. It was an act designed to elicit honesty and humility.

**Who was the "man" Jacob wrestled with at the Jabbok?**

Answer: The identity of the "man" is mysterious and debated, but the text strongly implies a divine encounter. While initially called a "man" ([Genesis 32:24](/genesis/32-24 "Read about Jacob wrestling a man in Genesis 32:24")), Jacob later declares, "I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved" ([Genesis 32:30](/genesis/32-30 "Read about Jacob seeing God face to face in Genesis 32:30")). Hosea 12:3-4 further clarifies that Jacob "wrestled with God" and "had power over the angel." This suggests a theophany or Christophany—a pre-incarnate appearance of God or Christ—in human form, engaging Jacob in a profound, transformative encounter.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The encounter at the Jabbok, culminating in Jacob's confession and subsequent transformation, prefigures the work of Christ in several profound ways. Jacob's wrestling with a divine figure, his injury, and his ultimate reception of a new identity point to the spiritual struggle and ultimate victory found in Christ. Just as Jacob had to confront his old, deceptive identity before receiving a new name, believers are called to confess their sinful nature and surrender their old self to Christ. It is through Christ's perfect sacrifice and resurrection that a true and lasting new identity—one of righteousness and sonship—is bestowed, far surpassing the partial transformation experienced by Jacob. Christ is the ultimate "blessing" Jacob sought, the one who truly grapples with our fallenness, bears our infirmities, and through His finished work, grants us a complete and unblemished new name and standing before God, moving us from "supplanter" to "child of God" in Him.

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.