### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Yaʻăqôb**, represented by `{{H3290}}`, means **heel-catcher (i.e. supplanter)** and refers to the Israelitish patriarch, Jacob. It appears **349 times** across **319 unique verses**, establishing it as a central name in the biblical narrative, representing both a pivotal individual and the nation descended from him.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H3290}}` is used to identify the patriarch personally, as when he wrestled with a man [[Genesis 32:24]] and had his name changed to Israel [[Genesis 32:28]]. God frequently identifies Himself in relation to the patriarchal line as "the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob" [[Exodus 3:6]]. The name is also used collectively to refer to his descendants, the nation of Israel, often interchangeably with the name Israel itself. God refers to the nation as "Jacob, my servant" [[Isaiah 44:2]] and promises to restore "the house of Jacob" [[Isaiah 14:1]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are essential to understanding the context of Jacob and his descendants:
* `{{H3478}}` **Yisrâʼêl** (he will rule as God): The name given to Jacob after he prevailed with God [[Genesis 32:28]]. It becomes the primary name for the nation, often used in parallel with Jacob to refer to the chosen people [[Numbers 23:23]].
* `{{H85}}` **ʼAbrâhâm** (father of a multitude): Jacob's grandfather, with whom God established a foundational covenant. God's promises to Abraham are passed down through Jacob [[Exodus 2:24]].
* `{{H3327}}` **Yitschâq** (laughter): Jacob's father, the direct link in the covenant promise. The LORD is identified as the "God of my father Abraham, and God of my father Isaac" in Jacob's prayer [[Genesis 32:9]].
* `{{H6215}}` **ʻÊsâv** (rough): Jacob's brother, whom he supplanted. The narrative of their relationship is foundational to Jacob's early life and God's elective purpose, as stated in Malachi: "yet I loved Jacob" [[Malachi 1:2]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3290}}` is significant, highlighting key divine principles:
* **Covenant Relationship:** The name is intrinsically linked to God's covenant with the patriarchs. God remembers His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, acting on their behalf [[Exodus 2:24]]. The God of Jacob is a source of help and defense [[Psalms 20:1]].
* **Divine Election:** God's sovereign choice is demonstrated in His love for Jacob over his brother Esau [[Malachi 1:2]]. This choice extends to the nation, as God refers to "Jacob whom I have chosen" [[Isaiah 41:8]].
* **National Identity and Redemption:** Jacob serves as a name for the entire nation of Israel, especially in prophetic promises of restoration and salvation. The LORD promises to redeem Jacob [[Isaiah 44:23]], bring again the captivity of Jacob [[Jeremiah 30:18]], and save him from the "time of Jacob's trouble" [[Jeremiah 30:7]].
### Summary
In summary, **Yaʻăqôb** `{{H3290}}` is a name that evolves from its literal meaning of "supplanter" to represent a foundational figure in God's redemptive history and, ultimately, the entire nation of Israel. It is a term of endearment God uses for His chosen people, a reminder of His covenant promises, and a symbol of both their transgressions [[Micah 3:8]] and their ultimate hope in God's power to save and restore [[Jeremiah 46:27]].
TRV