Genesis 35:10

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And God {H430} said {H559} unto him, Thy name {H8034} is Jacob {H3290}: thy name {H8034} shall not be called {H7121} any more Jacob {H3290}, but Israel {H3478} shall be thy name {H8034}: and he called {H7121} his name {H8034} Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

God said to him, "Your name is Ya'akov, but you will be called Ya'akov no longer; your name will be Isra'el."Thus he named him Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 35:10 records a profound divine encounter at Bethel where God formally reaffirms Jacob's new name, "Israel," a pivotal moment solidifying his transformed identity and destiny. This declaration, echoing an earlier renaming, underscores God's sovereign authority to redefine individuals and His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, establishing Jacob as the patriarch of the burgeoning nation that would bear his new, divinely bestowed name.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a significant narrative arc in Genesis, marking Jacob's return to Bethel, a place of profound spiritual significance where he first encountered God in a dream (Genesis 28). God had commanded Jacob to return to Bethel (Genesis 35:1), and upon his arrival, Jacob purified his household, removing foreign gods (Genesis 35:2-4). This act of spiritual renewal precedes the divine reaffirmation of his name, indicating that Jacob's renewed devotion and obedience set the stage for this pivotal covenantal moment. The immediate verses following Genesis 35:10 detail further blessings from God, including the promise of numerous descendants and the land of Canaan, reinforcing the covenantal nature of this renaming.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, a name was not merely an identifier but often reflected a person's character, destiny, or a significant life event. A divinely ordained name change, such as those of Abram to Abraham or Sarai to Sarah, signified a radical transformation of identity, purpose, and relationship with the divine. It was a public declaration of a new status or role within the community and before God. Jacob's return to Bethel, a site of an earlier theophany, also aligns with ancient practices of sacred space, where significant divine encounters were commemorated and revisited for renewed blessings and covenant affirmations. The purification of his household before this encounter highlights the cultural importance of ritual purity when approaching the sacred.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 35:10 powerfully reinforces several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **divine sovereignty and election**, as God, not Jacob, initiates and confirms the new identity, demonstrating His ultimate authority over human destiny. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **transformation and new identity**, moving Jacob from an identity defined by human cunning ("supplanter") to one defined by divine encounter and perseverance ("striver with God"). This transformation is a recurring motif for those chosen by God, as seen in the call of [Abraham](/genesis/12-1-3 "The Call of Abraham") and the later transformation of Saul to Paul. Finally, the verse is crucial for the theme of **covenant continuity and fulfillment**. The reaffirmation of the name "Israel" at Bethel, a place associated with foundational covenant promises (cf. [Genesis 28:13-15](/genesis/28-13-15 "God's promises to Jacob at Bethel")), links Jacob directly to the lineage through which God's redemptive plan would unfold, leading to the formation of the nation of Israel and ultimately, the Messiah.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** This plural noun, used here with the singular verb "said," refers to the supreme God, the Creator and Sovereign Lord. Its use emphasizes the divine authority and majesty behind the pronouncement, signifying that the renaming is not merely a human decision but a powerful, authoritative act by the Almighty.
* **Jacob (Hebrew, _Yaʻăqôb'_):** Derived from the Hebrew word for "heel" (עָקֵב, _ʻāqēb_), this name literally means "heel-catcher" or, by implication, "supplanter." It reflects Jacob's birth narrative where he grasped Esau's heel (Genesis 25:26) and his subsequent actions of cunning and deception to gain the birthright and blessing (Genesis 27). The verse explicitly states his name "shall not be called any more Jacob," signaling a definitive break from this past identity.
* **Israel (Hebrew, _Yisrâʼêl'_):** This name is a compound of "sara" (שָׂרָה, to strive, contend, rule) and "El" (אֵל, God), meaning "he will rule as God" or "one who strives with God." It was first given to Jacob after his wrestling match at Peniel (Genesis 32:28). Its reaffirmation here signifies a new identity rooted in a profound divine encounter and a transformed relationship, moving from a character defined by human guile to one marked by perseverance in faith and a blessed relationship with God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And God said unto him, Thy name [is] Jacob":** This opening clause establishes the divine origin of the pronouncement. God directly addresses Jacob, acknowledging his current, well-known name, which carries the weight of his past character and actions.
* **"thy name shall not be called any more Jacob, but Israel shall be thy name":** This is the core of the divine declaration—a clear and definitive command to cease using the old name and adopt the new. The "not... any more" emphasizes the finality and permanence of the change, signifying a complete break from the identity associated with "Jacob." The new name, "Israel," is declared as his enduring identity.
* **"and he called his name Israel":** This concluding phrase, often interpreted as God Himself confirming the name, reinforces the divine authority and the accomplished fact of the renaming. It is not merely a suggestion but a divine act of bestowal, solidifying Jacob's new identity as Israel.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Repetition** is prominent, with the names "Jacob" and "Israel" repeated multiple times, emphasizing the contrast between the old and new identities and the profound significance of the name change. The phrase "thy name shall not be called any more Jacob, but Israel shall be thy name" uses **antithesis**, sharply contrasting the past identity with the future one. The entire verse functions as a **divine oracle** or **divine speech**, where God directly addresses a human, signifying a moment of high theological importance and covenantal affirmation. The name change itself is a powerful form of **symbolism**, where "Jacob" symbolizes human striving and cunning, while "Israel" symbolizes a transformed character, divine encounter, and a new relationship with God, ultimately representing the nascent nation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The reaffirmation of Jacob's name to Israel in Genesis 35:10 is a profound theological statement about God's redemptive power and His faithfulness to His covenant. It demonstrates that God is not only the initiator of transformation but also the sustainer, confirming the new identity He bestows. This act underscores the truth that true identity is not self-derived but divinely given, and often forged through struggle and divine encounter. It also highlights God's sovereign plan to establish a chosen people through whom His promises would be fulfilled, setting the stage for the nation of Israel and the ultimate coming of the Messiah.

* [Genesis 17:5](/genesis/17-5 "Abram's name changed to Abraham")
* [Isaiah 62:2](/isaiah/62-2 "A new name given by God")
* [Revelation 2:17](/revelation/2-17 "The white stone and a new name")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 35:10 offers profound encouragement and challenge for believers today. Just as God sovereignly intervened to redefine Jacob's identity, He continues to work in our lives, transforming us from our old selves, marked by sin and human striving, into who we are called to be in Christ. This verse reminds us that our past failures or the labels others (or even we ourselves) have placed upon us do not define our ultimate identity in God's eyes. Instead, through faith in Christ, we receive a new identity as His beloved children, a [new creation](/2_corinthians/5-17 "We are a new creation in Christ") no longer defined by our former nature but by His grace and purpose. Furthermore, Jacob's name change, born out of a night of wrestling and reaffirmed at a place of spiritual significance, reminds us that our spiritual struggles and challenges are not meaningless; they can be divine instruments for refining our character, deepening our reliance on God, and ultimately leading to a more authentic and God-honoring identity. We are called to embrace this transformation, shedding the "old Jacob" and living into the "new Israel" that God is shaping us to be.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "old names" or identities from your past might God be calling you to shed, much like Jacob's name was changed?**
* **In what areas of your life are you currently "wrestling with God," and how might these struggles be part of God's process to refine your character and deepen your identity in Him?**
* **How does the concept of a divinely given new name or identity in Christ impact your understanding of your worth and purpose?**

### FAQ
**Why did God rename Jacob twice, or reaffirm the name?**

Answer: God first renamed Jacob to Israel in [Genesis 32:28](/genesis/32-28 "Jacob's initial renaming after wrestling at Peniel") after his wrestling match at Peniel. The reaffirmation in [Genesis 35:10](/genesis/35-10 "God reaffirms Jacob's name at Bethel") at Bethel, a place of earlier divine encounter and covenant promises, underscores the permanence and public significance of this new identity. It served not only to solidify Jacob's new status personally but also to publicly establish him as the patriarch of the burgeoning nation that would bear his new name. This double declaration emphasizes the divine authority, the lasting impact of the name change, and its foundational importance for the covenant people.

**What is the significance of the names Jacob and Israel?**

Answer: The name *Jacob* (Hebrew: *Ya'akov*) means "heel-grabber" or "supplanter," reflecting his birth narrative and early character marked by cunning and deception (cf. [Genesis 27](/genesis/27 "Jacob deceives Isaac")). The name *Israel* (Hebrew: *Yisra'el*) means "he strives with God" or "God strives," signifying a transformed character and a new relationship with God forged through struggle and divine encounter (cf. [Genesis 32:28](/genesis/32-28 "The meaning of Israel")). The shift represents a profound move from an identity based on human effort and deceit to one rooted in divine interaction, perseverance, and blessing.

**Does the renaming mean Jacob's old identity was completely erased?**

Answer: While the renaming to Israel signifies a profound transformation and a new covenant identity, it does not mean Jacob's past was entirely erased or forgotten. The Bible occasionally still refers to him as Jacob, particularly when recounting events from his past or when emphasizing his human lineage, such as "the God of Jacob" (e.g., [Psalm 20:1](/psalm/20-1 "The God of Jacob")). The name Israel represents his spiritual destiny and the identity of the nation that would descend from him, but his personal history as Jacob remained part of his journey, highlighting the ongoing process of sanctification even after a divine encounter. It reflects the biblical understanding that transformation is a process, not always an instantaneous erasure of the past, but a reorientation towards a new purpose.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The divine renaming of Jacob to Israel, signifying a new identity forged through struggle and divine encounter, powerfully prefigures the new identity believers receive in Christ. Just as Jacob was redefined by God's grace, so too are believers transformed from their old selves, marked by sin and human striving, into a [new creation](/2_corinthians/5-17 "We are a new creation in Christ") in Christ, receiving a new name and status as children of God (cf. [John 1:12](/john/1-12 "Children of God") and [Revelation 2:17](/revelation/2-17 "Receiving a new name")). Christ Himself is the ultimate 'Israel,' the one who perfectly strives with God on humanity's behalf, fulfilling the covenant promises made to Abraham and Jacob (cf. [Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "The Seed is Christ")). Through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, Jesus establishes a new covenant, inviting all who believe into His transformed family and identity, where they are no longer defined by their past but by their union with Him (cf. [Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Newness of life in Christ")). In Christ, the struggles of the "old Jacob" find their ultimate resolution and blessed fulfillment, as believers are empowered to live as the "new Israel," a spiritual nation called to reflect God's glory to the world (cf. [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "A chosen race, a royal priesthood")).

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

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.

Genesis 32:27

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

Genesis 32:28

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.

Genesis 17:15

¶ And God said unto Abraham, As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah [shall] her name [be].

1 Kings 18:31

And Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, unto whom the word of the LORD came, saying, Israel shall be thy name:

2 Kings 17:34

Unto this day they do after the former manners: they fear not the LORD, neither do they after their statutes, or after their ordinances, or after the law and commandment which the LORD commanded the children of Jacob, whom he named Israel;