Genesis 32:29 kjv
And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there.
Genesis 32:29 nkjv
Then Jacob asked, saying, "Tell me Your name, I pray." And He said, "Why is it that you ask about My name?" And He blessed him there.
Genesis 32:29 niv
Jacob said, "Please tell me your name." But he replied, "Why do you ask my name?" Then he blessed him there.
Genesis 32:29 esv
Then Jacob asked him, "Please tell me your name." But he said, "Why is it that you ask my name?" And there he blessed him.
Genesis 32:29 nlt
"Please tell me your name," Jacob said. "Why do you want to know my name?" the man replied. Then he blessed Jacob there.
Genesis 32 29 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Gen 17:5 | ...neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham... | God changes names to signify new destiny. |
| Gen 17:15 | ...Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be. | God changes names to signify new identity. |
| Gen 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... | Reaffirmation of Jacob's new name by God. |
| Hos 12:3-5 | He took his brother by the heel in the womb, and by his strength he had power with God: Yea, he had power over the angel, and prevailed... | Prophet Hosea comments on Jacob's struggle. |
| Isa 62:2 | ...thou shalt be called by a new name... | Future new names signifying new identities. |
| Rev 2:17 | To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written... | New name for believers who overcome. |
| Rom 8:37 | Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. | Believers prevail through Christ's love. |
| Eph 6:12 | For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers... | Spiritual struggle and overcoming. |
| Col 1:29 | Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily. | Paul's perseverance and striving in faith. |
| Phil 3:12 | Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after... | Striving towards spiritual maturity. |
| 2 Cor 12:9-10 | And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness... | God's power made perfect in human weakness. |
| Jam 5:16 | The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. | Power of prevailing prayer with God. |
| Luke 18:1-8 | ...men ought always to pray, and not to faint; Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God... | Perseverance in prayer rewarded by God. |
| Heb 11:6 | But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. | Faith enables one to seek and find God. |
| Heb 12:1 | ...let us run with patience the race that is set before us... | Perseverance in the faith journey. |
| Rev 3:21 | To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne... | Promise of reward for those who overcome. |
| 2 Cor 5:17 | Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. | New identity in Christ, new creation. |
| Gal 2:20 | I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me... | New life and identity in union with Christ. |
| Eph 4:22-24 | That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt... And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man... | Putting off old self, putting on new self. |
| Col 3:9-10 | Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man... | Embracing a new identity and conduct. |
| 1 Pet 5:10 | But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. | God strengthens after suffering, leading to prevailing. |
Genesis 32 verses
Genesis 32 29 Meaning
This verse signifies a monumental transformation in Jacob's life, as a divine being bestows upon him a new name, "Israel." This new name marks a shift from his past character, "Jacob" (meaning 'supplanter' or 'heel-grabber'), to a new identity embodying his spiritual journey and victory. It recognizes his persistent struggle and his success in prevailing, not against God in opposition, but in communion with God through tenacity and faith. This struggle and prevailing spirit are identified as his defining characteristic in his relationships with both God and other people.
Genesis 32 29 Context
Genesis 32:29 concludes the extraordinary and pivotal account of Jacob's nocturnal wrestling match at the ford of Jabbok. Jacob, filled with fear of his brother Esau's impending arrival after years of separation, sends his family and possessions ahead and remains alone. In this solitude, a divine being confronts him. This mysterious struggle lasts through the night until daybreak. Jacob, injured in his hip, refuses to let go until he receives a blessing. The name change is the blessing and the culmination of this intense encounter. Historically and culturally, a change of name, particularly by a deity, symbolized a complete transformation of identity, purpose, and destiny. It marked the transition from Jacob the 'deceiver' to Israel, 'one who struggles with God' and prevails, fundamentally preparing him for reconciliation with Esau and his destiny as the patriarch of God's chosen nation.
Genesis 32 29 Word analysis
- And he said,: This marks the moment the divine being speaks authoritatively. It is an utterance of blessing and declaration.
- Your name shall be called no more Jacob,: יַעֲקֹב (Ya'aqov). Meaning 'heel-catcher,' 'supplanter,' 'deceiver.' This name reflected his cunning nature and how he had dealt with Esau and Laban. The removal signifies the end of his old, deceitful identity.
- but Israel: יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisra'el). This is a composite name. The first part is likely from שָׂרָה (sarah), meaning 'to strive,' 'contend,' or 'rule/be a prince.' The second part, אֵל (El), means 'God.' The name can be interpreted as "God strives" (referring to God's struggle with Jacob and for Jacob), "he strives with God," "he who contends with God," or "prince of God." It implies persistent wrestling, not defiance, but tenacious engagement in prayer and faith.
- for as a prince: כִּי-שָׂרִיתָ (ki-sarita). From שַׂר (sar), meaning 'prince,' 'chief,' 'ruler.' The word used for 'strive' (sarita) is related to 'sar,' indicating a princely or authoritative struggle.
- hast thou power with God: עִם-אֱלֹהִים (im-Elohim). This is a remarkable declaration. It does not suggest superiority over God, but rather a capacity to engage, to persist in spiritual conflict, and through humble, tenacious faith, to prevail in prayer and dependence.
- and with men,: וְעִם-אֲנָשִׁים (ve'im-anashim). Jacob's ability to contend and prevail with God implies a spiritual strength and favor that will translate to his dealings with human adversaries or challenges, foreshadowing his successful reconciliation with Esau.
- and hast prevailed.: וַתּוּכָל (vattukhal). From יָכֹל (yakol), 'to be able,' 'to prevail,' 'to overcome.' This confirms Jacob's successful endurance and winning the spiritual encounter, granted by God.
Words-group by words-group analysis:
- "Your name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel": This central declaration signifies a divinely mandated change of identity, reflecting a deep spiritual transformation from one who takes by deception to one who persists with God. It foreshadows the character of the nation to come, defined by its relationship with God.
- "for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men": This explains the meaning of "Israel" and the basis for the name change. Jacob's tenacious, persistent struggle, akin to a prince's authority and resolve, enabled him to "power" or "prevail" with God. This spiritual victory implies corresponding influence and success in his human relationships.
- "and hast prevailed": This short phrase summarizes the outcome of the struggle, emphasizing Jacob's tenacity and the divine affirmation of his persistent seeking, culminating in a blessing rather than defeat. It underlines the theme of prevailing through faith and determination.
Genesis 32 29 Bonus section
- The name change highlights God's sovereignty over identity and destiny. He initiates and completes transformation.
- The encounter, including Jacob's injury, teaches that genuine spiritual breakthrough often comes through brokenness, persistence, and surrender in the midst of struggle.
- The term "Israel" implies that the very nature of God's covenant people would be one of continuous striving with God—in prayer, in obedience, in challenging times—always seeking His face and His blessing.
- Jacob's limp after the encounter served as a perpetual, physical memorial not only of his meeting with God but also of the source of his new identity and blessing—humiliation and dependency.
Genesis 32 29 Commentary
Genesis 32:29 is the climax of Jacob’s wrestling encounter at Peniel, a defining moment that marks a profound shift in his spiritual journey. His former name, Jacob, carried the stigma of deceit and trickery; the new name, Israel, speaks of one who strives or contends with God and prevails. This prevailing is not a victory over God in an antagonistic sense, but rather a victory with God, achieved through unwavering persistence in seeking His blessing and refusing to let go. Jacob's physical injury (a dislocated hip) serves as a lasting reminder of his weakness and his complete dependence on God, paradoxically emphasizing that his true strength and prevailing came not from himself but through his tenacious hold on the divine. His newfound power with God directly impacts his relations with men, allowing him to approach Esau from a position of spiritual maturity and divine favor rather than fear. This verse lays the foundational identity for the entire nation of Israel—a people characterized by their struggle and their perseverance in relationship with God.