from שָׂרָה and אֵל; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity; Israel.
Transliteration:Yisrâʼêl
Pronunciation:yis-raw-ale'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisrâʼêl, `{{H3478}}`) is a compound word derived from the verb שָׂרָה (sarah, `{{H8280}}`), meaning "to strive, contend, wrestle, rule, prevail," and the divine name אֵל (El, `{{H410}}`), meaning "God." The base definition provided, "he will rule as God," emphasizes the aspect of ruling or prevailing. However, the etymology also strongly supports interpretations such as "God strives/contends," "one who strives with God," or "God rules." The foundational narrative in [[Genesis 32:28]] clarifies this, stating, "for you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome." This suggests a wrestling or striving that results in prevailing, often understood as prevailing *with* God or *by* God's strength.
The semantic range of Yisrâʼêl extends beyond its initial personal application:
1. **Personal Name:** Initially, it is the new, divinely bestowed name of Jacob (`{{H3290}}`) after his transformative encounter at Peniel ([[Genesis 32:28]]).
2. **National Name:** It quickly becomes the name for the descendants of Jacob, referring to the entire nation formed from his twelve sons (e.g., "children of Israel," בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל).
3. **Geographical Name:** It designates the land promised to and inhabited by the descendants of Jacob (e.g., "land of Israel").
4. **Political Name:** Following the division of the united monarchy, "Israel" frequently refers specifically to the northern kingdom of ten tribes, distinct from the southern kingdom of Judah (`{{H3063}}`).
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The inaugural occurrence of Yisrâʼêl is profoundly significant, marking a pivotal moment in the life of Jacob. In [[Genesis 32:28]], after wrestling through the night with a divine being, Jacob is renamed, "Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men and have prevailed." This renaming signifies a radical transformation of identity, from "heel-grabber" or "supplanter" (`{{H3290}}`) to one who has encountered God and emerged with a new character and purpose. This encounter is not merely physical but spiritual, leading to a new covenantal relationship.
Following this, the name Yisrâʼêl rapidly transitions from a personal designation to a collective one, representing Jacob's descendants. Phrases such as "the children of Israel" (בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל) appear hundreds of times throughout the Pentateuch, historical books, and prophets, underscoring their identity as a distinct people chosen by God (e.g., [[Exodus 1:1]], [[Numbers 1:2]]). This collective identity is central to the Exodus narrative, the giving of the Law at Sinai, and their journey into the promised land.
In the historical books, especially 1 and 2 Kings and 1 and 2 Chronicles, Yisrâʼêl often distinguishes the northern kingdom from Judah after the schism following Solomon's reign ([[1 Kings 12:1-20]]). For example, "So Israel has been in rebellion against the house of David to this day" ([[1 Kings 12:19]]). Even in this divided state, the name Yisrâʼêl retained a theological weight, signifying God's original covenant people, though now fractured. Prophetic books frequently address both "Israel" (the northern kingdom) and "Judah," calling both to repentance and promising future restoration (e.g., [[Hosea 1:1]], [[Jeremiah 3:18]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
The etymological roots of Yisrâʼêl are critical to its understanding. The verb שָׂרָה (`{{H8280}}`) is primarily associated with the wrestling match in Genesis 32, highlighting the struggle and prevailing aspect. אֵל (`{{H410}}`), as the divine component, grounds the name in God's nature and involvement. The contrast with Jacob's original name, יַעֲקֹב (`{{H3290}}`), is also vital. While Jacob signifies human cunning and deceit, Israel signifies a new identity forged in divine encounter, marked by struggle and blessing.
The concept of בְּרִית (berith, `{{H1285}}`), or "covenant," is intrinsically linked to Yisrâʼêl. God's relationship with Israel is fundamentally covenantal, established first with Abraham, then reaffirmed with Isaac, Jacob, and finally with the nation at Sinai. Israel is God's עַם סְגֻלָּה (am segullah, `{{H5971}}` and `{{H5459}}`), His "treasured possession" or "peculiar people," chosen not for their greatness but for His sovereign purpose and love ([[Deuteronomy 7:7-8]]).
The שֵׁבֶט (shevet, `{{H7626}}`), or "tribes" of Israel, represent the internal structure of the nation, each descended from one of Jacob's sons. The relationship between Israel and יְהוּדָה (Yehudah, `{{H3063}}`), or "Judah," is also a significant related concept, particularly after the kingdom's division, often highlighting their distinct political and spiritual paths while still acknowledging their shared heritage.
### Theological Significance
The name Yisrâʼêl carries profound theological weight. First, it symbolizes **transformation through divine encounter**. Jacob's renaming signifies that true strength and identity come not from human manipulation but from a wrestling, albeit blessed, with God. It teaches that even in struggle, God is present and can bring about a profound change of character and destiny.
Second, Yisrâʼêl embodies God's **covenant faithfulness and redemptive plan**. The nation of Israel becomes the primary vehicle through which God reveals Himself to the world and through whom His promises, including the promise of a Messiah, are fulfilled. Their history, marked by cycles of obedience, disobedience, judgment, and restoration, is a testament to God's enduring commitment to His chosen people despite their frequent unfaithfulness. The very existence of Israel as a nation is a witness to God's sovereign power and His unwavering love for His covenant partners.
Third, the concept of Yisrâʼêl highlights the **paradox of divine sovereignty and human responsibility**. The people of Israel are called to live in obedience to God's law, yet their story is replete with failures. Nevertheless, God's purposes for Israel ultimately prevail, demonstrating that His plan is not thwarted by human sin but works through it, ultimately for His glory.
Finally, Yisrâʼêl serves as a **typological representation** of God's people throughout history. While specific to the descendants of Jacob, their experiences of election, covenant, struggle, exile, and restoration provide a framework for understanding God's relationship with all who are called by His name, culminating in the spiritual Israel, the church, who are "children of Abraham by faith" ([[Galatians 3:7]]).
### Summary
יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisrâʼêl, `{{H3478}}`) is a foundational Hebrew term, derived from שָׂרָה (`{{H8280}}`, to strive/rule) and אֵל (`{{H410}}`, God), signifying "he will rule as God" or "one who strives with God." Originating as the new name for Jacob after his transformative encounter with God ([[Genesis 32:28]]), it quickly expanded to denote his descendants, the entire nation, and their land. Post-monarchy, it often referred specifically to the northern kingdom. Theologically, Yisrâʼêl represents profound themes: the transformation of identity through divine encounter, God's unwavering covenant faithfulness, the dynamic interplay of divine sovereignty and human struggle, and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through His chosen people. The name encapsulates the unique and enduring relationship between God and the people He set apart for His purposes.
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