Genesis 32:25

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.

And when he saw {H7200} that he prevailed {H3201} not against him, he touched {H5060} the hollow of his thigh {H3409}; and the hollow {H3709} of Jacob's {H3290} thigh {H3409} was out of joint {H3363}, as he wrestled {H79} with him.

When he saw that he did not defeat Ya'akov, he struck Ya'akov's hip socket, so that his hip was dislocated while wrestling with him.

When the man saw that he could not overpower Jacob, he struck the socket of Jacob’s hip and dislocated it as they wrestled.

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 strained, as he wrestled with him.

Commentary

Genesis 32:25 describes a pivotal moment in Jacob's mysterious overnight wrestling match, where his divine opponent touches his hip, dislocating it. This physical injury marks a profound spiritual turning point in Jacob's life, directly preceding his renaming to Israel.

Context

This dramatic encounter occurs as Jacob is returning to Canaan after 20 years away, filled with apprehension about reuniting with his brother Esau. Having previously engaged in deception against his brother Esau and taken his birthright and blessing, Jacob sends his family and possessions across the Jabbok ford, choosing to remain alone for the night. It is during this solitary vigil, burdened by fear and uncertainty, that he is ambushed by an unknown assailant, leading to a night-long struggle. The verse highlights that the divine figure, often understood as God Himself or a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ, initially "prevailed not against him" through direct strength, indicating Jacob's incredible tenacity. This struggle is Jacob's spiritual preparation for facing Esau and a significant moment of transformation before receiving his new name, Israel.

Key Themes

  • Divine Encounter and Sovereignty: The wrestling match is a direct, personal confrontation with God, revealing His presence and active involvement in Jacob's life. The fact that the divine being needed to touch Jacob's thigh to "prevail" demonstrates God's sovereign control and immense power, as He could have ended the struggle at any moment.
  • Struggle and Perseverance: Jacob's refusal to yield, even against a supernatural opponent, highlights his persistent and tenacious character. This spiritual wrestling often symbolizes intense prayer, fervent seeking of God's blessing, or enduring through deep spiritual trials.
  • Transformation Through Weakness: The dislocated hip is a powerful symbol. It represents the breaking of Jacob's self-reliance and natural strength. From this point forward, Jacob, who relied on cunning and his own abilities, would walk with a limp, a constant reminder of his dependence on God. This physical brokenness precedes his spiritual renewal and the conferring of his new identity.
  • God's Grace and Purpose: Despite the struggle and the injury, God's purpose for Jacob's life remains firm. The injury, though painful, is a necessary catalyst for Jacob to move from being a "supplanter" to one who "struggles with God" and prevails through dependence.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "hollow of his thigh" translates the Hebrew kaph yerekh, which refers to the socket of the hip joint. The "out of joint" (or "wrenched") signifies a severe dislocation. This specific injury was not just a minor sprain but a debilitating wound that would have left Jacob permanently affected, causing him to walk with a limp for the rest of his life. This physical mark serves as a constant, tangible reminder of his profound, life-altering encounter with God.

Practical Application

Genesis 32:25 offers profound insights for believers today. Often, God allows or even initiates "wrestling matches" in our lives—periods of intense struggle, doubt, or adversity—not to harm us, but to bring about a deeper transformation. Just as Jacob's strength was broken for a greater spiritual blessing, we too may experience moments where our self-sufficiency is challenged, leading us to rely entirely on God. This verse reminds us that true spiritual strength often emerges from acknowledging our weakness and surrendering to God's will. Our greatest breakthroughs and blessings can come after moments of brokenness, where we learn to cling to God not out of our own power, but out of desperate need for His grace and blessing, as Jacob did (Genesis 32:26).

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Cross-References

  • 2 Corinthians 12:7 (7 votes)

    And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

  • 2 Corinthians 12:9 (7 votes)

    And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

  • Hosea 12:3 (4 votes)

    He took his brother by the heel in the womb, and by his strength he had power with God:

  • Hosea 12:4 (4 votes)

    Yea, he had power over the angel, and prevailed: he wept, and made supplication unto him: he found him [in] Bethel, and there he spake with us;

  • Isaiah 41:14 (2 votes)

    Fear not, thou worm Jacob, [and] ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.

  • Isaiah 45:11 (2 votes)

    ¶ Thus saith the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker, Ask me of things to come concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands command ye me.

  • Matthew 26:41 (2 votes)

    Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed [is] willing, but the flesh [is] weak.