Genesis 32:27 meaning summary explained with word-by-word analysis enriched with context, commentary and Cross References from KJV, NIV, ESV and NLT.
Genesis 32:27 kjv
And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob.
Genesis 32:27 nkjv
So He said to him, "What is your name?" He said, "Jacob."
Genesis 32:27 niv
The man asked him, "What is your name?" "Jacob," he answered.
Genesis 32:27 esv
And he said to him, "What is your name?" And he said, "Jacob."
Genesis 32:27 nlt
"What is your name?" the man asked. He replied, "Jacob."
Genesis 32 27 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Gen 25:26 | Afterward his brother came out, and his hand was grasping Esau's heel... So his name was called Jacob. | Jacob's birth, named "heel-grabber." |
| Gen 27:35-36 | "Your brother came with deception... Is he not rightly named Jacob? For he has cheated me these two times." | Esau's lament, linking Jacob's name to his character. |
| Gen 32:28 | Then he said, "Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel... you have struggled with God and with men..." | Immediate name change after Jacob's confession. |
| Gen 35:9-10 | God appeared to Jacob again... and said to him, "Your name is Jacob; no longer shall your name be called Jacob, but Israel shall be your name." | God reconfirms Jacob's new name and identity. |
| Hos 12:3-4 | In the womb he grasped his brother's heel... He strove with the angel and prevailed. He wept and sought his favor. | Prophetic reference to Jacob's wrestling and his past. |
| Exo 3:13-15 | Then Moses said to God, "Indeed, when I come to the children of Israel and say to them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me...' What is His name?" | God revealing His divine name, signifying nature. |
| 1 Sam 25:25 | "For as his name is, so is he: Nabal is his name, and folly is with him." | A person's name reflecting their character. |
| Psa 32:5 | I acknowledged my sin to You, and my iniquity I have not hidden... And You forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah. | Confession of sin leads to forgiveness. |
| Prov 28:13 | Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. | Confession as a path to mercy and prosperity. |
| Isa 62:2 | The nations shall see your righteousness, and all kings your glory; And you shall be called by a new name, which the mouth of the Lord will name. | God giving new names as a sign of transformation. |
| Isa 65:15 | "For the Lord God will call His servants by another name." | Prophetic promise of a new identity for God's servants. |
| Luke 15:18-19 | "I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, and I am no longer worthy...'" | The Prodigal Son's confession and return. |
| Jam 4:10 | Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you. | Humility as a prerequisite for divine elevation. |
| 1 Jn 1:9 | If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. | Confession as essential for cleansing and forgiveness. |
| Gen 3:9 | Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, "Where are you?" | God asking a question to prompt self-realization. |
| Gen 4:9 | Then the Lord said to Cain, "Where is Abel your brother?" He said, "I do not know. Am I my brother's keeper?" | God's probing question exposing defiance. |
| John 21:15-17 | Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?"... He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." | Jesus' threefold questioning of Peter to address past denial. |
| Matt 1:21 | She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins. | Jesus' name revealing His identity and purpose. |
| Acts 4:12 | "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." | The saving power inherent in a name (Jesus). |
| Rev 2:17 | "To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone with a new name written on it..." | Believers receiving a new name as a mark of intimacy and transformation. |
| Rev 3:12 | "Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of My God... And I will write on him My new name." | Receiving God's new name as a sign of belonging. |
| Gen 12:2 | "I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing." | God's promise of a great name and blessing to Abraham. |
| Job 38:2-3 | "Who is this who darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Now prepare yourself like a man... I will question you, and you shall answer Me." | God questioning Job to reveal his understanding. |
Genesis 32 verses
Genesis 32 27 meaning
Genesis 32:27 marks a pivotal moment in Jacob’s life. The question “What is your name?” posed by the divine being with whom Jacob wrestled, is not a request for identification but a probing inquiry into Jacob’s very character and past actions. Jacob’s response, "Jacob," is an admission of his identity as "the supplanter" or "deceiver." This direct, honest confession is a necessary precursor to his divine blessing and the changing of his name to Israel, signifying his transformed nature and relationship with God.
Genesis 32 27 Context
Genesis 32 recounts Jacob’s return to the land of Canaan after a twenty-year absence, during which he had served Laban. He is heading toward a potentially dangerous reunion with his estranged brother Esau, whom he previously deceived to gain the birthright and blessing. Jacob prepares for this encounter by sending lavish gifts to Esau and dividing his company into two camps, demonstrating both diplomatic strategy and fear. Yet, his deeper fear is revealed as he sends his family ahead across the Jabbok stream, choosing to remain alone on the other side of the river. It is in this profound state of isolation, vulnerability, and trepidation about his past coming to haunt him that a mysterious "Man" encounters him, initiating a night-long struggle. This wrestling match is physical, yet deeply spiritual, and leads directly to the question posed in verse 27, which demands Jacob confront his very identity before the one who is ultimately God Himself.
Genesis 32 27 Word analysis
- And he said (וַיֹּאמֶר - va-yom'er): This Hebrew term signals the initiation of a dialogue. Here, "he" refers to the mysterious figure, often identified as a divine messenger or pre-incarnate appearance of God, who has been wrestling with Jacob. The divine being's initiative in speaking emphasizes divine grace preceding human response.
- to him (לוֹ - lo): "Him" specifically refers to Jacob. This personal address highlights that the confrontation and subsequent dialogue are uniquely centered on Jacob, preparing him for a deeply personal transformation.
- "What (מַה - mah) is your name (שְּׁמֶךָ - shəmeka)?" This is the crucial interrogative. In ancient Hebrew culture, a name (שֵׁם - shem) was not merely an identifier but often reflected one’s character, destiny, or significant life event. The divine being, knowing all things, asks not for information, but to prompt Jacob’s self-awareness and confession of his true identity and life story, specifically as one who "supplants" or "deceives." It compels Jacob to face his past deeds, including taking the birthright and blessing from Esau. This is an act of humble disclosure.
- And he said (וַיֹּאמֶר - va-yom'er): This indicates Jacob's response, marking his compliance and submission to the divine interrogation.
- "Jacob (יַעֲקֹב - Ya'akov)." Jacob's simple, direct answer is a profound confession. He names himself, accepting the reality of his life’s character embodied in his name’s meaning: "heel-grabber," "supplanter," "deceiver." This moment of truthfulness, stripped of all artifice and guile, represents a turning point where he no longer tries to trick or manipulate. This genuine acknowledgment of his past identity is precisely what paves the way for his future transformation and new name.
Words-group by words-group analysis:
- "And he said to him, 'What is your name?'": This question by the divine being establishes a moment of deep spiritual inquiry, inviting introspection rather than merely requesting information. It is a divine initiative to bring Jacob to a place of truthfulness and humility. This divine questioning echoes God’s interrogations of Adam in the Garden (Gen 3:9) and Cain (Gen 4:9), always seeking confession and restoration.
- "And he said, 'Jacob.'": Jacob’s straightforward reply demonstrates his submission and willingness to acknowledge his very nature and past actions associated with his name. It signifies a profound shift from a man who constantly strived by cunning to one who confronts his true self. This raw honesty is critical for the divine change of name and character that follows.
Genesis 32 27 Bonus section
The "Man" with whom Jacob wrestled is interpreted by many Christian traditions and Old Testament scholars as a theophany or Christophany—a pre-incarnate appearance of God or Jesus Christ. Hosea 12:3-4 identifies this figure as an "angel," yet Jacob himself names the place Peniel ("face of God"), declaring "I have seen God face to face, and yet my life has been preserved" (Gen 32:30). This interaction signifies a divine encounter that profoundly impacts human identity and destiny. The physical limping of Jacob (Gen 32:31) serves as a lasting reminder of his personal struggle and transformation, a testament to God's power breaking down human pride to bring forth a new, stronger identity for His purposes. The significance of names continues throughout Scripture, with new names often indicating new relationships, missions, or changes in character, culminating in the believer's future new name in Christ.
Genesis 32 27 Commentary
Genesis 32:27 is the climax of Jacob’s wrestling with God, transforming a physical struggle into a spiritual unveiling. The question "What is your name?" from the divine being serves as a profound catalyst, demanding not simple identification but a deep self-reckoning. For Jacob, whose name literally meant "supplanter" or "deceiver," confessing "Jacob" was an acknowledgment of his entire history of cunning and trickery, from his birth grabbing Esau's heel to deceiving his father for the blessing. This raw, honest admission of his sinful nature and character, stripped of pretense, was the essential act of repentance required before God could bestow a new identity and purpose. It highlights that true blessing and transformation often follow genuine humility and self-awareness, allowing God's grace to work beyond human limitations and flawed character.