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Genesis 32:31

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And as he passed over Penuel the sun rose upon him, and he halted upon his thigh.

And as he passed over {H5674} Penuel {H6439} the sun {H8121} rose {H2224} upon him, and he halted {H6760} upon his thigh {H3409}.

As the sun rose upon him he went on past P'ni-El, limping at the hip.

The sun rose above him as he passed by Penuel, and he was limping because of his hip.

And the sun rose upon him as he passed over Penuel, and he limped upon his thigh.

Commentary

Genesis 32:31 marks the immediate aftermath of one of the most profound and mysterious encounters in the Old Testament: Jacob's all-night wrestling match with a divine being. This verse vividly describes the physical consequences and spiritual significance of that pivotal event as Jacob transitions into a new phase of his life.

Context

This verse follows directly from Jacob's intense struggle at the ford of Jabbok, where he wrestled with a mysterious figure until daybreak (Genesis 32:24). During this encounter, Jacob refused to let go until he received a blessing, and his name was changed from Jacob ("supplanter") to Israel ("he struggles with God" or "God strives") (Genesis 32:28). Jacob himself named the place Peniel, meaning "face of God," because he declared, "I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved" (Genesis 32:30). Verse 31 captures him leaving this sacred ground, bearing a physical reminder of his divine encounter.

Key Themes

  • Divine Encounter and Transformation: The rising sun signifies a new day and a new beginning for Jacob, marked by his profound encounter with God. He emerges from the night transformed, not only spiritually with a new name but also physically.
  • The Cost of Blessing: Jacob received a powerful blessing and a new identity, but it came with a lasting physical mark – a dislocated hip. This injury served as a constant reminder of his struggle, God's power, and his new dependence on divine strength rather than his own cunning.
  • Vulnerability and Dependence: Jacob's limp symbolized his newfound humility and reliance on God. No longer could he rely solely on his own strength or manipulative ways; his weakness became a testament to God's intervention and his personal transformation.
  • Enduring Reminder: The physical injury was a permanent sign of a real, tangible encounter with the Almighty, solidifying the reality of God's presence in his life.

Linguistic Insight

The name Penuel (or Peniel) is crucial, meaning "face of God." This emphasizes the direct, personal nature of Jacob's encounter. The Hebrew word for "halted" or "limped" is tsala' (צָלַע), signifying a permanent lameness or disability. This was not a temporary sprain but a significant, life-altering injury that would affect his gait for the rest of his days.

Significance and Application

Genesis 32:31 teaches us several profound lessons:

  • God Meets Us in Our Struggles: Like Jacob, we often encounter God most profoundly in our moments of deepest fear, vulnerability, and struggle.
  • Transformation Often Leaves Marks: Spiritual breakthroughs and growth can leave lasting "limps" – reminders of past struggles, weaknesses, or humbling experiences that keep us dependent on God. These marks are not shames but testimonies to God's work in us.
  • Strength in Weakness: Jacob's limp meant he could no longer rely on his own physical prowess or self-sufficiency. This resonates with the New Testament concept that God's strength is made perfect in weakness. Our vulnerabilities can become avenues for God's power to be displayed.
  • A New Beginning: The rising sun symbolizes hope and a new phase of life after a night of intense spiritual battle. For Jacob, it marked the beginning of his journey as Israel, the father of a nation, walking in humble dependence on God.

Reflection

Jacob's limp as he passed over Penuel serves as a powerful metaphor for the Christian walk. It reminds us that our encounters with God, especially those that transform us most deeply, often leave us changed, humbled, and more reliant on Him. The "limp" is a badge of honor, a sign that we have wrestled with God and been blessed, carrying a tangible memory of His grace and power.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Corinthians 12:7 (3 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.

  • Genesis 32:25 (2 votes)

    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.

  • Genesis 19:15 (2 votes)

    ¶ And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city.

  • 2 Corinthians 12:9 (2 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.

  • Genesis 19:23 (2 votes)

    The sun was risen upon the earth when Lot entered into Zoar.

  • Psalms 38:17 (2 votes)

    For I [am] ready to halt, and my sorrow [is] continually before me.

  • Judges 8:8 (2 votes)

    And he went up thence to Penuel, and spake unto them likewise: and the men of Penuel answered him as the men of Succoth had answered [him].