Genesis 32:28 Then the man said, "Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men, and you have prevailed."

◄ Genesis 32:28 ►

New International Version
Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.”

New Living Translation
“Your name will no longer be Jacob,” the man told him. “From now on you will be called Israel, because you have fought with God and with men and have won.”

English Standard Version
Then he said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.”

Berean Standard Bible
Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men, and you have prevailed.”

King James Bible
And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.

New King James Version
And He said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed.”

New American Standard Bible
Then he said, “Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel; for you have contended with God and with men, and have prevailed.”

NASB 1995
He said, “Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel; for you have striven with God and with men and have prevailed.”

NASB 1977
And he said, “Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel; for you have striven with God and with men and have prevailed.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Then He said, “Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel; for you have striven with God and with men and have prevailed.”

Amplified Bible
And He said, “Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men and have prevailed.”

Christian Standard Bible
“Your name will no longer be Jacob,” he said. “It will be Israel because you have struggled with God and with men and have prevailed.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Your name will no longer be Jacob,” He said. “It will be Israel because you have struggled with God and with men and have prevailed.”

American Standard Version
And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for thou hast striven with God and with men, and hast prevailed.

Contemporary English Version
The man said, "From now on, your name will no longer be Jacob. You will be called Israel, because you have wrestled with God and with men, and you have won."

English Revised Version
And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for thou hast striven with God and with men, and hast prevailed.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The man said, "Your name will no longer be Jacob but Israel [He Struggles With God], because you have struggled with God and with men-and you have won."

Good News Translation
The man said, "Your name will no longer be Jacob. You have struggled with God and with men, and you have won; so your name will be Israel."

International Standard Version
"Your name won't be Jacob anymore," the man replied, "but Israel, because you exerted yourself against both God and men, and you've emerged victorious."

Majority Standard Bible
Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men, and you have prevailed.”

NET Bible
"No longer will your name be Jacob," the man told him, "but Israel, because you have fought with God and with men and have prevailed."

New Heart English Bible
He said, "Your name will no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men and have prevailed."

Webster's Bible Translation
And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God, and with men, and hast prevailed.

World English Bible
He said, “Your name will no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have fought with God and with men, and have prevailed.”

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And He says, “Your name is no longer called Jacob, but Israel; for you have reigned with God and with men, and prevail.”

Young's Literal Translation
And he saith, 'Thy name is no more called Jacob, but Israel; for thou hast been a prince with God and with men, and dost prevail.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And he will say, Thy name shall no more be said Jacob, but Israel, for thou wert a prince with God and with men, and thou shalt prevail.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
But he said: Thy name shall not be called Jacob, but Israel: for if thou hast been strong against God, how much more shalt thou prevail against men?

Catholic Public Domain Version
But he said, “Your name will not be called Jacob, but Israel; for if you have been strong against God, how much more will you prevail against men?”

New American Bible
Then the man said, “You shall no longer be named Jacob, but Israel, because you have contended with divine and human beings and have prevailed.”

New Revised Standard Version
Then the man said, “You shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with humans, and have prevailed.”

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And he said to him. Your name shall no more be called Jacob, but Israel (the Prince of God); for you have proved your strength wrestling with an angel and with man, and have prevailed.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And he said to him, “Your name will not be called, Yaquuv again, but Israel, because you are proven with Angel and with Man, and you have found power.”

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And he said: 'Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel; for thou hast striven with God and with men, and hast prevailed.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And he said to him, Thy name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel shall be thy name; for thou hast prevailed with God, and shalt be mighty with men.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Jacob Wrestles with God
…27“What is your name?” the man asked. “Jacob,” he replied. 28Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men, and you have prevailed.” 29And Jacob requested, “Please tell me your name.” But he replied, “Why do you ask my name?” Then he blessed Jacob there.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Hosea 12:3-4
In the womb he grasped his brother’s heel, and in his vigor he wrestled with God. / Yes, he struggled with the angel and prevailed; he wept and sought His favor; he found Him at Bethel and spoke with Him there—

Genesis 35:10
And God said to him, “Though your name is Jacob, you will no longer be called Jacob. Instead, your name will be Israel.” So God named him Israel.

1 Kings 18:31
And Elijah took twelve stones, one for each tribe of the sons of Jacob, to whom the word of the LORD had come and said, “Israel shall be your name.”

2 Kings 17:34
To this day they are still practicing their former customs. None of them worship the LORD or observe the statutes, ordinances, laws, and commandments that the LORD gave the descendants of Jacob, whom He named Israel.

Isaiah 41:8
“But you, O Israel, My servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, descendant of Abraham My friend—

Romans 9:6-8
It is not as though God’s word has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel. / Nor because they are Abraham’s descendants are they all his children. On the contrary, “Through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned.” / So it is not the children of the flesh who are God’s children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as offspring.

Galatians 6:16
Peace and mercy to all who walk by this rule, even to the Israel of God.

John 1:47
When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, He said of him, “Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is no deceit.”

Matthew 19:28
Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, in the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on His glorious throne, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Revelation 2:17
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who overcomes, I will give the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone inscribed with a new name, known only to the one who receives it.

Revelation 3:12
The one who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will never again leave it. Upon him I will write the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God (the new Jerusalem that comes down out of heaven from My God), and My new name.

Exodus 32:13
Remember Your servants Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, to whom You swore by Your very self when You declared, ‘I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky, and I will give your descendants all this land that I have promised, and it shall be their inheritance forever.’”

Numbers 24:17
I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come forth from Jacob, and a scepter will arise from Israel. He will crush the skulls of Moab and strike down all the sons of Sheth.

Deuteronomy 32:9-10
But the LORD’s portion is His people, Jacob His allotted inheritance. / He found him in a desert land, in a barren, howling wilderness; He surrounded him, He instructed him, He guarded him as the apple of His eye.

1 Chronicles 16:13
O offspring of His servant Israel, O sons of Jacob, His chosen ones.

Treasury of Scripture

And he said, Your name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince have you power with God and with men, and have prevailed.

Thy name.

Genesis 17:5,15
Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee…

Genesis 33:20
And he erected there an altar, and called it EleloheIsrael.

Genesis 35:10
And God said unto him, Thy name is Jacob: thy name shall not be called any more Jacob, but Israel shall be thy name: and he called his name Israel.

Israel.

power.

Genesis 32:24
And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.

Hosea 12:3-5
He took his brother by the heel in the womb, and by his strength he had power with God: …

with men.

Genesis 25:31
And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright.

Genesis 27:33-36
And Isaac trembled very exceedingly, and said, Who? where is he that hath taken venison, and brought it me, and I have eaten of all before thou camest, and have blessed him? yea, and he shall be blessed…

Genesis 31:24,36-55
And God came to Laban the Syrian in a dream by night, and said unto him, Take heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad…

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Fight Fought Israel Jacob Longer Overcome Power Prevail Prevailed Prince Striven Struggled Wrestled

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Genesis 32

1. Jacob's vision at Mahanaim.
3. His message to Esau.
6. He is afraid of Esau's coming.
9. He prays for deliverance.
13. He sends a present to Esau, and passes the brook Jabbok.
24. He wrestles with an angel at Peniel, where he is called Israel.
31. He halts.

Berean Study Bible

Then the man said
This phrase introduces a pivotal moment in Jacob's life. The "man" here is often understood to be a divine being, possibly an angel or a theophany, which is a manifestation of God. In the Hebrew text, the word used is "ish," which simply means "man," but the context suggests a supernatural encounter. This moment signifies a direct communication from God, emphasizing the importance of the message that follows.

Your name will no longer be Jacob
The name "Jacob" in Hebrew is "Ya'akov," which means "heel-grabber" or "supplanter." Jacob's life up to this point has been characterized by struggle and deception, as seen in his dealings with Esau and Laban. The renaming signifies a transformation in Jacob's character and destiny. In biblical times, a name change often indicated a new mission or identity given by God.

but Israel
The name "Israel" is derived from the Hebrew "Yisra'el," which can be interpreted as "God prevails," "he struggles with God," or "prince of God." This new name reflects Jacob's spiritual growth and his role as the patriarch of the Israelites. It marks a shift from a life of self-reliance to one of divine purpose and blessing. The name "Israel" becomes foundational for the identity of God's chosen people.

because you have struggled with God
The Hebrew word for "struggled" is "sarita," which conveys the idea of wrestling or contending. This struggle is both physical and spiritual, symbolizing Jacob's lifelong quest for God's blessing and favor. It highlights the reality of human interaction with the divine, where faith is often tested through trials and perseverance.

and with men
Jacob's life was marked by conflicts with his brother Esau, his father-in-law Laban, and even within his own family. This phrase acknowledges the challenges Jacob faced in his relationships, yet it also underscores his resilience. The struggles with men are part of the broader narrative of God's people facing opposition and overcoming through faith.

and you have prevailed
The word "prevailed" in Hebrew is "tuchal," meaning to overcome or endure. This victory is not just a physical triumph but a spiritual one. Jacob's prevailing is a testament to his faith and determination, qualities that God honors. It serves as an inspiration for believers to persist in their faith journey, trusting that God will bring them through their struggles to a place of blessing and fulfillment.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(28) Israel.--That is, a prince of God, or, one powerful with God. (See Note on Genesis 17:15.) Esau had given a bad meaning to the name of Jacob, nor had it been undeserved. But a change has now come over Jacob's character, and he is henceforth no longer the crafty schemer who was ever plotting for his own advantage, but one humble and penitent, who can trust himself and all he has in God's hands. The last words signify, for thou art a prince with God and men; or possibly, for thou hast striven with God and men.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 28. - And he said, Thy name shall be called no more (i.e. exclusively, since both he and his descendants are in Scripture sometimes after this styled) Jacob, but Israel: - יִשְׂרַאֵל, from שָׂרָה, to be chief, to fight, though, after the example of Ishmael, God hears, it might be rendered "God governs" (Kalisch), yet seems in this place to signify either Prince of El (Calvin, Ainsworth, Dathe, Murphy, Wordsworth, and others), or wrestler with God (Furst, Keil, Kurtz, Lange, et alii, rather than warrior of God (Gesenius), if indeed both ideas may not be combined in the name as the princely wrestler with God ('Speaker's Commentary,' Bush), an interpretation adopted by the A.V. - for as a prince hast thou power with God - literally, for thou hast contended with Elohim [Keil, Alford, etc.), ὅτι ἐνισχυσας μετὰ θεου (LXX.), contra deumfortis fuisti (Vulgate), thou hast obtained the mastery with God (Kalisch), rather than, thou hast striven to be a prince with God (Murphy) - and with men, and but prevailed. So are the words rendered by the best authorities (Keil, Kalisch, Murphy, Wordsworth), though the translation καὶ μετὰ ἀνθρώπων δυνατὸς ἔσῃ (LXX.), quanto magis contra heroines prevalebis (Vulgate) is By some preferred (Calvin, Rosenmüller, etc.).

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

Then [the man] said,
וַיֹּ֗אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“Your name
שִׁמְךָ֔ (šim·ḵā)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 8034: A name

will no
לֹ֤א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

longer
עוֹד֙ (‘ō·wḏ)
Adverb
Strong's 5750: Iteration, continuance, again, repeatedly, still, more

be
יֵאָמֵ֥ר (yê·’ā·mêr)
Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

Jacob,
יַעֲקֹב֙ (ya·‘ă·qōḇ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3290: Jacob -- a son of Isaac, also his desc

but Israel,
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

because
כִּ֖י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

you have struggled
שָׂרִ֧יתָ (śā·rî·ṯā)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 8280: To persist, exert oneself, persevere

with
עִם־ (‘im-)
Preposition
Strong's 5973: With, equally with

God
אֱלֹהִ֛ים (’ĕ·lō·hîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

and with
וְעִם־ (wə·‘im-)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 5973: With, equally with

men,
אֲנָשִׁ֖ים (’ă·nā·šîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

and you have prevailed.”
וַתּוּכָֽל׃ (wat·tū·ḵāl)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 3201: To be able, have power

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OT Law: Genesis 32:28 He said Your name will no longer (Gen. Ge Gn)