TRV
Translation
King James Version
And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there.
Complete Jewish Bible
Ya'akov asked him, "Please tell me your name." But he answered, "Why are you asking about my name?" and blessed him there.
Berean Standard Bible
And Jacob requested, “Please tell me your name.” But he replied, “Why do you ask my name?” Then he blessed Jacob there.
American Standard Version
And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there.
World English Bible Messianic
Jacob asked him, “Please tell me your name.” He said, “Why is it that you ask what my name is?” He blessed him there.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then Iaakob demaded, saying, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore now doest thou aske my name? and he blessed him there
Young's Literal Translation
And Jacob asketh, and saith, `Declare, I pray thee, thy name;' and he saith, `Why is this, thou askest for My name?' and He blesseth him there.
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In the KJVVerse 958 of 31,102
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Commentary on Genesis 32 verses 24–32
24 ¶ And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.
25 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.
26 And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.
27 And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob.
28 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.
29 And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there.
30 And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.
31 And as he passed over Penuel the sun rose upon him, and he halted upon his thigh.
32 Therefore the children of Israel eat not of the sinew which shrank, which is upon the hollow of the thigh, unto this day: because he touched the hollow of Jacob's thigh in the sinew that shrank.
We have here the remarkable story of Jacob's wrestling with the angel and prevailing, which is referred to, Hos 12:4. Very early in the morning, a great while before day, Jacob had helped his wives and his children over the river, and he desired to be private, and was left alone, that he might again more fully spread his cares and fears before God in prayer. Note, We ought to continue instant in prayer, always to pray and not to faint: frequency and importunity in prayer prepare us for mercy. While Jacob was earnest in prayer, stirring up himself to take hold on God, an angel takes hold on him. Some think this was a created angel, the angel of his presence (Isa 63:9), one of those that always behold the face of our Father and attend on the shechinah, or the divine Majesty, which probably Jacob had also in view. Others think it was Michael our prince, the eternal Word, the angel of the covenant, who is indeed the Lord of the angels, who often appeared in a human shape before he assumed the human nature for a perpetuity; whichsoever it was, we are sure God's name was in him, Exo 23:21. Observe,
I. How Jacob and this angel engaged, Gen 32:24. It was a single combat, hand to hand; they had neither of them any seconds. Jacob was now full of care and fear about the interview he expected, next day, with his brother, and, to aggravate the trial, God himself seemed to come forth against him as an enemy, to oppose his entrance into the land of promise, and to dispute the pass with him, not suffering him to follow his wives and children whom he had sent before. Note, Strong believers must expect divers temptations, and strong ones. We are told by the prophet (Hos 12:4) how Jacob wrestled: he wept, and made supplication; prayers and tears were his weapons. It was not only a corporal, but a spiritual, wrestling, by the vigorous actings of faith and holy desire; and thus all the spiritual seed of Jacob, that pray in praying, still wrestle with God.
II. What was the success of the engagement. 1. Jacob kept his ground; though the struggle continued long, the angel, prevailed not against him (Gen 32:25), that is, this discouragement did not shake his faith, nor silence his prayer. It was not in his own strength that he wrestled, nor by his own strength that he prevailed, but in and by strength derived from Heaven. That of Job illustrates this (Job 23:6), Will he plead against me with his great power? No (had the angel done so, Jacob had been crushed), but he will put strength in me; and by that strength Jacob had power over the angel, Hos 12:4. Note, We cannot prevail with God but in his own strength. It is his Spirit that intercedes in us, and helps our infirmities, Rom 8:26. 2. The angel put out Jacob's thigh, to show him what he could do, and that it was God he was wrestling with, for no man could disjoint his thigh with a touch. Some think that Jacob felt little or no pain from this hurt; it is probable that he did not, for he did not so much as halt till the struggle was over (Gen 32:31), and, if so, this was an evidence of a divine touch indeed, which wounded and healed at the same time. Jacob prevailed, and yet had his thigh put out. Note, Wrestling believers may obtain glorious victories, and yet come off with broken bones; for when they are weak then are they strong, weak in themselves, but strong in Christ, Co2 12:10. Our honours and comforts in this world have their alloys. 3. The angel, by an admirable condescension, mildly requests Jacob to let him go (Gen 32:26), as God said to Moses (Exo 32:10), Let me alone. Could not a mighty angel get clear of Jacob's grapples? He could; but thus he would put an honour on Jacob's faith and prayer, and further try his constancy. The king is held in the galleries (Sol 7:5); I held him (says the spouse) and would not let him go, Sol 3:4. The reason the angel gives why he would be gone is because the day breaks, and therefore he would not any longer detain Jacob, who had business to do, a journey to go, a family to look after, which, especially in this critical juncture, called for his attendance. Note, Every thing is beautiful in its season; even the business of religion, and the comforts of communion with God, must sometimes give way to the necessary affairs of this life: God will have mercy, and not sacrifice. 4. Jacob persists in his holy importunity: I will not let thee go, except thou bless me; whatever becomes of his family and journey, he resolves to make the best he can of this opportunity, and not to lose the advantage of his victory: he does not mean to wrestle all night for nothing, but humbly resolves he will have a blessing, and rather shall all his bones be put out of joint than he will go away without one. The credit of a conquest will do him no good without the comfort of a blessing. In begging this blessing he owns his inferiority, though he seemed to have the upper hand in the struggle; for the less is blessed of the better. Note, Those that would have the blessing of Christ must be in good earnest, and be importunate for it, as those that resolve to have no denial. It is the fervent prayer that is the effectual prayer. 5. The angel puts a perpetual mark of honour upon him, by changing his name (Gen 32:27, Gen 32:28): "Thou art a brave combatant" (says the angel), "a man of heroic resolution; what is thy name?" "Jacob," says he, a supplanter; so Jacob signifies: "Well," says the angel, "be thou never so called any more; henceforth thou shalt be celebrated, not for craft and artful management, but for true valour; thou shalt be called Israel, a prince with God, a name greater than those of the great men of the earth." He is a prince indeed that is a prince with God, and those are truly honourable that are mighty in prayer, Israels, Israelites indeed. Jacob is here knighted in the field, as it were, and has a title of honour given him by him that is the fountain of honour, which will remain, to his praise, to the end of time. Yet this was not all; having power with God, he shall have power with men too. Having prevailed for a blessing from heaven, he shall, no doubt, prevail for Esau's favour. Note, Whatever enemies we have, if we can but make God our friend, we are well off; those that by faith have power on earth as they have occasion for. 6. He dismisses him with a blessing, Gen 32:29. Jacob desired to know the angel's name, that he might, according to his capacity, do him honour, Jdg 13:17. But that request was denied, that he might not be too proud of his conquest, nor think he had the angel at such an advantage as to oblige him to what he pleased. No, "Wherefore dost thou ask after my name? What good will it do thee to know that?" The discovery of that was reserved for his death-bed, upon which he was taught to call him Shiloh. But, instead of telling him his name, he gave him his blessing, which was the thing he wrestled for: He blessed him there, repeated and ratified the blessing formerly given him. Note, Spiritual blessings, which secure our felicity, are better and much more desirable than fine notions which satisfy our curiosity. An interest in the angel's blessing is better than an acquaintance with his name. The tree of life is better than the tree of knowledge. Thus Jacob carried his point; a blessing he wrestled for, and a blessing he had; nor did ever any of his praying seed seek in vain. See how wonderfully God condescends to countenance and crown importunate prayer: those that resolve, though God slay them, yet to trust in him, will, at length, be more than conquerors. 7. Jacob gives a new name to the place; he calls it Peniel, the face of God (Gen 32:30), because there he had seen the appearance of God, and obtained the favour of God. Observe, The name he gives to the place preserves and perpetuates, not the honour of his valour or victory, but only the honour of God's free grace. He does not say, "In this place I wrestled with God, and prevailed;" but, "In this place I saw God face to face, and my life was preserved;" not, "It was my praise that I came off a conqueror, but it was God's mercy that I escaped with my life." Note, It becomes those whom God honours to take shame to themselves, and to admire the condescensions of his grace to them. Thus David did, after God had sent him a gracious message (Sa2 7:18), Who am I, O Lord God? 8. The memorandum Jacob carried of this in his bones: He halted on his thigh (Gen 32:31); some think he continued to do so to his dying-day; and, if he did, he had no reason to complain, for the honour and comfort he obtained by this struggle were abundantly sufficient to countervail the damage, though he went limping to his grave. He had no reason to look upon it as his reproach thus to bear in his body the marks of the Lord Jesus (Gal 6:17); yet it might serve, like Paul's thorn in the flesh, to keep him from being lifted up with the abundance of the revelations. Notice is taken of the sun's rising upon him when he passed over Penuel; for it is sunrise with that soul that has communion with God. The inspired penman mentions a traditional custom which the seed of Jacob had, in remembrance of this, never to eat of that sinew, or muscle, in any beast, by which the hip-bone is fixed in its cup: thus they preserved the memorial of this story, and gave occasion to their children to enquire concerning it; they also did honour to the memory of Jacob. And this use we may still make of it, to acknowledge the mercy of God, and our obligations to Jesus Christ, that we may now keep up our communion with God, in faith, hope, and love, without peril either of life or limb.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 24–32. Public domain.
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Ephrem the SyrianAD 373
COMMENTARY ON GENESIS 30:3
That night an angel appeared to [Jacob] and wrestled with him. He overcame the angel and was overcome by the angel so that [Jacob] learned how weak he was and how strong he was. He was weak when the angel touched the hollow of his thigh and it became dislocated, but he was strong, for the angel said to him, “Let me go.” It was to show how long they had been contending with each other that [the angel] said, “Behold, the dawn is rising.” Then Jacob sought to be blessed in order to make known that it was in love that they had laid hold of each other. Then the angel blessed him to show that he was not angry that an earthly being had prevailed over him.
JeromeAD 420
Hebrew Questions on Genesis
(Verse 29 and 30.) And he blessed him there and called the name of that place Face of God: for I have seen God face to face, and my soul has been saved; in Hebrew it is called Phanuel (), so that we know that it is the same place, which in the other sacred volumes of Scripture, as it is written in Hebrew, is read as Phanuel in Greek.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Genesis 32:29 captures the climax of Jacob's night-long struggle, where he asks his mysterious opponent for his name. The divine figure responds with a rhetorical question, deflecting the request for a specific identity, and instead bestows a profound blessing upon Jacob. This pivotal moment underscores that God's presence, transformative power, and sovereign blessing are far more significant and revealing than a humanly comprehensible name, affirming Jacob's new identity as Israel through divine grace.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse immediately follows Jacob's intense, all-night wrestling match at the ford of Jabbok, a solitary encounter that marks a profound turning point in his life. Having sent his family and possessions ahead, Jacob remained alone, filled with trepidation about the impending reunion with his estranged brother Esau, whom he had previously deceived. The struggle itself, detailed in Genesis 32:24-28, culminates in Jacob's hip being dislocated and, crucially, his name being changed from Jacob ("supplanter") to Israel ("he strives with God" or "God strives"). Jacob's request for the divine figure's name in Genesis 32:29 is a natural human desire to understand and categorize the transcendent being he has just grappled with, seeking a definitive identification after experiencing such a transformative encounter. The blessing that follows is the final act of this dramatic night, solidifying the spiritual victory and new identity.
Historical & Cultural Context: In the ancient Near East, a "name" (Hebrew: shem) was far more than a mere label; it conveyed character, reputation, authority, and even destiny. To know someone's name, especially a divine being's, implied a degree of power, intimacy, or understanding over them. It was common for individuals to seek the name of a deity or powerful entity in order to invoke their power or establish a relationship. Conversely, the refusal to reveal a name could signify the being's transcendence, mystery, or unwillingness to be controlled or fully comprehended by human limitations. The act of blessing was also highly significant, conveying divine favor, prosperity, and the conferral of a covenant promise, often linked to the recipient's identity and future. Jacob's persistent demand for a blessing, even after being injured, reflects the profound cultural value placed on such divine pronouncements.
Key Themes: This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the theme of divine encounter and mystery, emphasizing that God often reveals Himself on His own terms, not always providing full disclosure of His identity but rather demonstrating His presence through His actions and power, as seen in the theophany at Mount Sinai. The passage also powerfully illustrates the theme of transformation and new identity, as Jacob's struggle culminates in a name change to Israel, signifying a fundamental shift in his character and relationship with God, a concept further developed in the New Testament with believers receiving a new identity in Christ (e.g., 2 Corinthians 5:17). Furthermore, the verse underscores the sovereignty of God's blessing, demonstrating that divine favor is freely given according to God's will, not earned or coerced by human demands, even after a night of intense wrestling, echoing the unmerited favor shown to Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is the Rhetorical Question ("Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name?"), which serves not to elicit information but to make a profound theological point about the ineffability and sovereignty of God's identity. This question redirects Jacob's human curiosity towards the more significant reality of divine action and blessing. The entire narrative of the wrestling match and its aftermath functions as a Theophany, a visible manifestation of God to humanity, though the divine figure's exact identity remains veiled in mystery, emphasizing God's transcendence. There is also rich Symbolism present: the wrestling itself symbolizes Jacob's lifelong struggle with God and man, his dislocated hip symbolizes his physical brokenness and reliance on God, and the name change to Israel symbolizes his spiritual transformation and new identity. The ultimate Irony lies in Jacob, the "supplanter" who has always sought to gain advantage, now seeking a name to gain control, but instead receiving a blessing that signifies God's unmerited favor and a deeper, more profound form of revelation.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 32:29 profoundly illustrates the biblical truth that God's nature transcends human language and full comprehension. While God graciously reveals aspects of Himself, His essence remains ultimately beyond our naming and categorization, emphasizing His transcendence and holiness. Rather than a name, God reveals Himself most powerfully through His active engagement with humanity and the blessings He bestows, demonstrating that His character is primarily known through His deeds of creation, redemption, and covenant faithfulness. This passage also highlights the paradox of divine encounter: that profound spiritual growth and blessing often emerge from intense struggle and unanswered questions, leading to a deeper relationship rather than simple intellectual answers. The blessing, given on God's terms and not as a result of Jacob's demand, reinforces God's sovereign prerogative in dispensing grace and favor, confirming Jacob's divinely given new identity as Israel.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 32:29 offers profound insights for our own spiritual journey, reminding us that our encounters with God, even those marked by struggle, discomfort, or unanswered questions, are often the very pathways to profound blessing and transformation. We may not always fully comprehend God's ways, His timing, or even His precise identity in every circumstance, but His blessings are undeniably real and life-changing. Like Jacob, we are called to earnestly seek God's presence and blessing, even when it requires perseverance, vulnerability, and wrestling with our own will, our fears, or challenging circumstances. This passage encourages us to embrace the mystery inherent in our relationship with the Almighty, trusting in His sovereignty to work according to His divine plan, and to recognize that true revelation often comes through His transformative actions in our lives rather than through explicit declarations. It challenges us to move beyond a desire for intellectual mastery over God and instead to surrender to His sovereign grace, allowing Him to transform our identity and destiny through our own "wrestling" experiences, leading us to a deeper faith and a clearer understanding of who we are in Him.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did the divine figure refuse to give Jacob his name?
Answer: The divine figure's refusal to give a specific name emphasizes the transcendent and mysterious nature of God. In ancient cultures, knowing a name often implied a degree of power or control over the named entity. By withholding a name, the divine being asserts His sovereignty and ineffability; His full identity is beyond human comprehension or attempts at categorization. Instead of a name, God reveals Himself through His transformative presence and the profound blessing He bestows, signifying that His character and power are demonstrated more through His actions and grace than through a humanly definable title. This echoes similar instances in scripture where God's identity is revealed through His being and deeds, rather than a simple label, as seen in Exodus 3:14.
What is the significance of the blessing Jacob received?
Answer: The blessing received by Jacob is of immense significance, serving as a divine affirmation and culmination of his transformative encounter. It solidifies his new identity as "Israel," meaning "he strives with God" or "God strives," which was given to him just prior to this verse in Genesis 32:28. This blessing confirms God's favor and presence in Jacob's life, marking a definitive shift from his past as a deceiver to one who has prevailed with God. It signifies that despite the struggle and his injury, Jacob was granted divine favor, setting the stage for his future and the lineage of the nation of Israel. The blessing is the ultimate revelation of God's benevolent purpose in the encounter, demonstrating that His desire is to confer grace and establish a deeper relationship.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jacob's wrestling with God at Peniel, culminating in a profound blessing rather than a full revelation of the divine name, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and complete revelation of God's character and name in Jesus Christ. While Jacob encountered a mysterious, veiled presence of God, in Jesus, "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth" (John 1:14). Jesus is the ultimate "blessing" given to humanity, the one through whom all the promises made to Abraham and Jacob find their definitive "Yes" and "Amen" (2 Corinthians 1:20). He is the true Israel, the one who perfectly "wrestles" for humanity, not against God, but on our behalf, securing our ultimate blessing and new identity as children of God (John 1:12). In Christ, the mystery of God's name and nature is fully unveiled, for "in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily" (Colossians 2:9), making Him the visible image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15). The blessing Jacob received at Peniel finds its perfect and eternal fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, who grants us not merely a new name, but a new life and an eternal inheritance.