Jacob’s name is first explained at his birth in Genesis 25:26:
“Afterward his brother came out, and his hand took hold of Esau’s heel; so his name was called Jacob.”
The name Jacob means “heel catcher” or “supplanter,” reflecting his grasping of Esau’s heel at birth. This name became symbolic of Jacob’s early character, as he later obtained both Esau’s birthright (Genesis 25:29–34) and blessing (Genesis 27) through cunning and persistence.
However, God had a greater plan for Jacob’s life. In Genesis 32:28, after Jacob wrestled with a divine being through the night, the Lord said:
“Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed.”
The name Israel means “Prince with God” or “one who struggles with God.” This change signified a transformation in Jacob’s identity, from relying on human schemes to depending on God. The struggle marked a turning point where Jacob clung to the Lord for blessing, acknowledging that his future rested in God’s power, not his own.
This new name also carried prophetic significance. Jacob’s descendants would become the nation of Israel, God’s covenant people. The name change highlights how God can take a flawed person and shape him for His purposes, demons/”>demonstrating grace and care in fulfilling His promises.
