of Hebrew origin (יַעֲקֹב); Jacob (i.e. Ja`akob), the progenitor of the Israelites:--also an Israelite:--Jacob.
Transliteration:Iakṓb
Pronunciation:ee-ak-obe'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek lemma Ἰακώβ (Iakṓb) is a direct transliteration of the Hebrew proper noun `{{H3290}}` (Yaaqob). Its primary meaning is rooted in the Hebrew verb עקב (aqab), which signifies "to seize by the heel," "to supplant," or "to circumvent." Thus, the name literally means "he grasps the heel" or "supplanter," a meaning explicitly tied to his birth narrative where he was born grasping the heel of his twin brother Esau [[Genesis 25:26]]. Semantically, Ἰακώβ functions almost exclusively as a proper noun, referring to the patriarch Jacob. However, it also extends metonymically to denote his descendants, the nation of Israel, or even the land inhabited by them.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Ἰακώβ appears extensively throughout the Greek New Testament and the Septuagint (LXX), consistently serving as the Greek equivalent for the Hebrew patriarch Jacob.
In the Old Testament (via the Septuagint), the name is central to the patriarchal narratives, detailing his life from birth [[Genesis 25:26]] through his struggles with Esau [[Genesis 27:36]], his sojourn in Haran, his wrestling with God at Peniel where his name is changed to Israel [[Genesis 32:28]], and his eventual descent into Egypt. Despite the name change to Israel, both names are often used interchangeably, reflecting different facets of his character or the destiny of his descendants. The name "Jacob" frequently serves as a collective noun for the nation of Israel, particularly in prophetic and poetic contexts (e.g., [[Isaiah 41:8]], "Jacob my servant, Israel my chosen").
In the New Testament, Ἰακώβ is prominent in several key contexts:
* **Genealogies of Jesus:** Both Matthew and Luke trace Jesus' lineage through Jacob, affirming His connection to the Abrahamic covenant and the royal line of David [[Matthew 1:2]], [[Luke 3:34]].
* **Patriarchal References:** Jacob is frequently mentioned as one of the foundational patriarchs, alongside Abraham and Isaac, underscoring the continuity of God's covenant with His people [[John 4:5]], [[Acts 7:14]], [[Romans 9:13]], [[Hebrews 11:9]]. His faith is commended in the "Hall of Faith" [[Hebrews 11:9]], and his actions are cited as examples of righteousness [[James 2:21]].
* **Metonymic Use:** While less frequent than in the Old Testament, the name "Jacob" occasionally retains its metonymic sense for the nation of Israel, especially in quotations or allusions to Old Testament prophecies (e.g., [[Matthew 2:6]] quoting Micah 5:2, though the direct quote uses "Israel").
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is the Hebrew `{{H3290}}` (Yaaqob), which is the direct etymological source. Crucially, Ἰακώβ is inextricably linked to the name Israel (`{{H3478}}`, `{{G2474}}`), the new name given to Jacob after his transformative encounter at Peniel [[Genesis 32:28]]. While "Jacob" often highlights his human weakness, cunning, and initial struggle, "Israel" signifies his new identity as "one who strives with God" or "God strives," pointing to a divinely ordained destiny and a transformed relationship with God. The concept of the "twelve tribes" is also directly related, as they are the descendants of Jacob's twelve sons, forming the foundational identity of the nation. The root עקב (aqab), meaning "heel" or "to supplant," connects the name to the very beginning of his life and character.
### Theological Significance
The figure of Jacob, represented by Ἰακώβ, carries profound theological significance:
* **God's Sovereign Choice and Grace:** Jacob's election over his elder brother Esau, despite his flawed character, powerfully illustrates God's sovereign choice and grace, which is not based on human merit but on divine purpose [[Romans 9:11-13]]. This narrative underscores that God chooses whom He will, often the unlikely, to fulfill His redemptive plan.
* **Transformation and Redemption:** Jacob's journey from a deceptive "supplanter" to "Israel," a prince who struggles with God and prevails, is a compelling testament to God's transformative power and redemptive grace. His wrestling match at Peniel is a pivotal moment, symbolizing the necessary struggle, brokenness, and dependence that lead to true blessing and a new identity in God.
* **Covenant Continuity:** Jacob is a vital link in the chain of God's covenant promises, inheriting and perpetuating the Abrahamic covenant through Isaac. Through his twelve sons, the promises of a great nation and the eventual coming of the Messiah are passed down and brought closer to fulfillment.
* **Foundation of the Nation:** As the progenitor of the twelve tribes, Jacob represents the very foundation and identity of the nation of Israel, both ethnically and spiritually, as God's chosen covenant people. The history and destiny of Israel are inextricably tied to Jacob.
* **Human Frailty and Divine Faithfulness:** Jacob's life is a raw depiction of human frailty, deception, and struggle. Yet, through all his trials and errors, God remains faithful to His promises, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His covenant and His ability to work through imperfect vessels.
### Summary
The Greek lemma Ἰακώβ (Iakṓb), derived from the Hebrew `{{H3290}}`, primarily designates the patriarch Jacob, whose name signifies "he grasps the heel" or "supplanter." This name encapsulates his early character and the circumstances of his birth. Although later renamed Israel (`{{G2474}}`), both names are used interchangeably in Scripture, often metonymically referring to the nation of Israel. Jacob's life narrative is a cornerstone of biblical theology, illustrating God's sovereign election, His transformative grace in turning a deceiver into a "prince with God," and the unwavering continuity of His covenant promises. As the progenitor of the twelve tribes, Jacob stands as a foundational figure in salvation history, embodying themes of human struggle, divine faithfulness, and the redemptive work of God in shaping His chosen people.
TRV