Genesis 32:28

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559}, Thy name {H8034} shall be called {H559} no more Jacob {H3290}, but Israel {H3478}: for as a prince hast thou power {H8280} with God {H430} and with men {H582}, and hast prevailed {H3201}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then the man said, "From now on, you will no longer be called Ya'akov, but Isra'el; because you have shown your strength to both God and men and have prevailed."

Berean Standard Bible

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.”

American Standard Version

And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for thou hast striven with God and with men, and hast prevailed.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 32:28 marks a profound and transformative moment in Jacob's life, where, after an arduous, all-night struggle with a divine being, his name is divinely changed from "Jacob" to "Israel." This renaming signifies a radical shift in his character and destiny, moving him from a "supplanter" who relied on cunning to a "prince" who prevailed with God and humanity, establishing him as the patriarch through whom God's covenant promises would be fulfilled for the nation that would bear his new, significant name.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse is the climax of Jacob's solitary and mysterious encounter at the ford of Jabbok, detailed in [Genesis 32:22-32](/genesis/32-22-32 "Jacob Wrestles at Peniel"). Jacob has sent his family and possessions ahead, choosing to remain alone on the eve of his terrifying reunion with his estranged brother, Esau. His fear and anxiety, stemming from his past deception of Esau to obtain the birthright and blessing ([Genesis 27:36](/genesis/27-36 "Esau's lament over Jacob's deception")), are palpable. The wrestling match serves as a spiritual crucible, a moment of profound personal crisis and confrontation, preparing Jacob not only for the impending reconciliation with Esau but also for his immense responsibilities as the progenitor of God's chosen people. The narrative immediately following this encounter, Jacob's reunion with Esau in [Genesis 33](/genesis/33 "Jacob Meets Esau"), demonstrates the tangible outcome of this spiritual transformation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, names were not merely labels but often conveyed a person's character, destiny, or a significant life event. A divine name change, as seen with Abram to Abraham ([Genesis 17:5](/genesis/17-5 "Abram renamed Abraham")) and Sarai to Sarah ([Genesis 17:15](/genesis/17-15 "Sarai renamed Sarah")), signified a new identity, a new covenant relationship, and a redefined purpose ordained by God. The act of "wrestling" (physical or spiritual) was also a recognized metaphor for intense struggle, perseverance, or even legal contention. For Jacob, this struggle at Jabbok occurred at a liminal space, a ford, symbolizing a transition point in his life, and his physical injury (a dislocated hip) served as a permanent reminder of the encounter and his reliance on divine grace, rather than his own strength or cunning.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 32:28 encapsulates several profound themes central to the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**, demonstrating God's active involvement in the lives of His chosen, even amidst their flaws and fears, to fulfill His covenant promises. Secondly, it powerfully illustrates **Transformation and New Identity**, as Jacob's character is refined through struggle, moving from a deceiver to a prevailer who walks by faith. This transformation is marked by the name change, a recurring motif for God's redemptive work. Thirdly, the passage underscores the importance of **Perseverance in Faith and Prayer**, as Jacob's refusal to release his divine opponent until blessed exemplifies a tenacious and desperate reliance on God, a model for spiritual earnestness. Finally, it establishes the **Foundational Identity of God's Covenant People**, as the name "Israel" becomes the enduring identity for Jacob's descendants, signifying a people defined by their unique, often challenging, relationship and struggle with God, as seen throughout their history (e.g., [Exodus 19:5-6](/exodus/19-5-6 "Israel, a treasured possession")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 32:28 records the divine pronouncement that fundamentally redefines Jacob's identity and future: "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."

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jacob (Hebrew, _Yaʻăqôb'_):** This name, derived from the Hebrew root for "heel" (`עָקַב`), literally means "heel-catcher" or, by extension, "supplanter." It perfectly described Jacob's character and actions from birth, as he was born grasping Esau's heel ([Genesis 25:26](/genesis/25-26 "Jacob's birth")) and later supplanted his brother by cunningly obtaining the birthright and blessing ([Genesis 27:36](/genesis/27-36 "Esau's lament")). The name reflected his reliance on human manipulation and deceit.
* **Israel (Hebrew, _Yisrâʼêl'_):** This new, divinely bestowed name is a compound of `שָׂרָה` (sârâh, "to rule as a prince" or "to strive") and `אֵל` (ʼĕlôhîym, "God"). Thus, it literally means "he will rule as God" or "he strives with God," commonly interpreted as "God strives," "one who strives with God," or "prince of God." It encapsulates the struggle and triumph of Jacob's encounter, symbolizing his new relationship with God and his future role as the progenitor of the nation that would bear this name.
* **power (Hebrew, _sârâh'_):** A primitive root meaning "to prevail" or "to have power (as a prince)." This word is crucial as it directly links to the root of the new name "Israel" (`Yisrâʼêl`), emphasizing that Jacob's new identity is rooted in his prevailing, princely power in his struggle with the divine. It signifies a new authority and standing that he has gained through his tenacious engagement.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel":** This clause signifies a profound divine declaration of a new identity. The change from "Jacob" (the deceiver, the supplanter) to "Israel" (one who strives with God, a prince of God) marks a complete spiritual transformation. It indicates that Jacob's past, characterized by human cunning and self-reliance, is being superseded by a new nature and destiny defined by his relationship and struggle with God. This is not merely a label change but a redefinition of his very being and purpose.
* **"for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men":** This explanatory phrase elucidates the meaning of "Israel." The term "prince" (`שָׂר`) implies authority, nobility, and dominion. Jacob's "power" (`שָׂרָה`) is not one of physical might over God, but rather a spiritual prevailing, a tenacious holding on, and an earnest pleading that resulted in a blessing. This struggle, which was "with God," also granted him new standing "with men," suggesting that his spiritual victory would manifest in his earthly relationships, particularly his impending reconciliation with Esau. It highlights that true authority comes through humble, persistent engagement with the divine.
* **"and hast prevailed":** This final phrase confirms the outcome of the wrestling match. Jacob's refusal to let go until he received a blessing demonstrated a persistent faith and a deep, desperate desire for divine favor. His "prevailing" (`יָכֹל`) was not about winning a physical contest, but about enduring a spiritual trial, confronting his fears, and clinging to God until a blessing was secured. This struggle refined his character, deepened his faith, and ultimately led to his transformation and the divine blessing that prepared him for his future role.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. **Symbolism** is paramount, as the name change itself is a powerful symbol of spiritual transformation and new identity. Jacob's wrestling match is a **Metaphor** for the intense spiritual struggle and internal conflict he experienced, confronting his past, his fears, and his relationship with God. The dislocated hip serves as a physical **Symbol** of his weakness and reliance on God, a permanent reminder of the encounter. The entire narrative also functions as **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for the future nation of Israel—a people often characterized by their wrestling with God, their struggles, and their ultimate dependence on divine grace for their identity and survival.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 32:28 powerfully illustrates God's redemptive work in transforming flawed individuals into instruments of His divine purpose. It underscores that true spiritual growth often emerges from intense personal struggles, where human weakness meets divine power, leading to a deeper reliance on God rather than self-effort. The renaming of Jacob to Israel signifies a new covenant identity, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His promises despite human failings, and establishing the foundational character of His chosen people—a people defined by their unique, often challenging, relationship with the Almighty. This transformation highlights that God redefines us not by our past shortcomings but by His grace and our renewed relationship with Him.

* [Hosea 12:3-4](/hosea/12-3-4 "Hosea's reference to Jacob's wrestling")
* [Isaiah 43:1](/isaiah/43-1 "God's new name for Israel")
* [Romans 9:6](/romans/9-6 "Not all Israel is Israel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound narrative of Jacob's renaming in Genesis 32:28 offers timeless lessons for contemporary believers. Just as Jacob received a new name and identity, we, through faith in Christ, are granted a new identity, no longer defined by our past sins, failures, or self-reliance, but by our union with God through Christ. This passage powerfully encourages us to embrace spiritual perseverance, holding fast to God in earnest prayer and unwavering faith, especially during times of intense struggle, uncertainty, or when confronting our deepest fears and past mistakes. It serves as a potent reminder that God often uses our trials and our "wrestling" moments to refine our character, deepen our faith, and bring about profound transformation, demonstrating His boundless grace and power to redeem even our weaknesses for His divine and glorious purposes. We are called to live out this new identity, walking in humility and dependence on Him, rather than our own strength or cunning.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Jacob" aspects of your past or character do you need to surrender to God for transformation?**
* **In what areas of your life are you currently "wrestling" with God, and how can you persevere in faith until you receive His blessing?**
* **How does your identity in Christ redefine your self-perception and your interactions with others?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a deeper, more tenacious reliance on God in your daily life?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of God changing Jacob's name?**

Answer: The name change from Jacob to Israel signifies a fundamental transformation of character and destiny, marking a pivotal moment in salvation history. "Jacob" (meaning "supplanter" or "heel-catcher") reflected his past actions of cunning and deceit, particularly in relation to his brother Esau ([Genesis 27:36](/genesis/27-36 "Esau's lament")). In contrast, "Israel" (meaning "one who strives with God" or "prince of God") marked his new identity as one who had prevailed with God and men through tenacious faith and struggle. It symbolized God's redemptive work in his life, preparing him to be the patriarch of the nation that would bear this significant name, emphasizing a new relationship of dependence and favor with God.

**Does Jacob's wrestling imply a physical struggle with God?**

Answer: While the text describes a physical struggle that resulted in Jacob's dislocated hip, the encounter is primarily understood as a profound spiritual wrestling match. Jacob was not literally overpowering God, but rather engaging in a desperate, tenacious plea for blessing and a confrontation with his own fears, past, and identity. The physical manifestation served as a tangible representation of his inner spiritual turmoil, his persistent faith, and his refusal to let go until he received a divine blessing. This struggle was a test and a refining process, revealing the depth of his desire for God's favor and ultimately transforming his character, as evidenced by his new name and his subsequent reconciliation with Esau ([Genesis 33:4](/genesis/33-4 "Esau embraces Jacob")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jacob's transformation from "supplanter" to "Israel," the one who prevails with God, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate transformation offered through Jesus Christ. Just as Jacob received a new identity through a divine encounter marked by struggle and grace, believers in Christ are given a radical new identity, becoming "new creations" ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "New creation in Christ")) no longer defined by their old sinful nature but by their union with Him. Christ Himself is the ultimate "Israel," the true and perfect Son who perfectly strove with God in obedience and prevailed over sin, death, and the powers of darkness, not through a physical wrestling match but through His perfect life, atoning sacrifice on the cross, and victorious resurrection ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ's triumph over spiritual powers")). His victory enables us to "prevail" over our own spiritual struggles, granting us access to God, a reconciled relationship, and a place in His eternal kingdom as co-heirs with Christ ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Heirs with Christ")). Through Him, we are empowered to live out our new identity as God's beloved children, reflecting His character and purpose in the world.

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

Revelation 2:17

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth [it].

Genesis 35:10

And God said unto him, Thy name [is] Jacob: thy name shall not be called any more Jacob, but Israel shall be thy name: and he called his name Israel.

Isaiah 62:2

And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name.

Isaiah 62:4

Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called Hephzibah, and thy land Beulah: for the LORD delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married.

Hosea 12:3

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

Hosea 12:5

Even the LORD God of hosts; the LORD [is] his memorial.

Genesis 17:5

Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee.