Bible Questions and Answers

Why was Jacob's name changed to Israel? What does Israel mean?

Jacob was renamed Israel by the angel he wrestled with at the Jabbok ford on his return from Padan Aram.

The account appears in Genesis 32:

Genesis 32:24-31 Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day. 25 Now when He saw that He did not prevail against him, He touched the socket of his hip; and the socket of Jacob’s hip was out of joint as He wrestled with him. 26 And He said, Let Me go, for the day breaks." But he said, "I will not let You go unless You bless me!" 27 So He said to him, What is your name? He said, "Jacob." 28 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. 29 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. 30 And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: For I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved. 31 Just as he crossed over Penuel the sun rose on him, and he limped on his hip. 32 Therefore to this day the children of Israel do not eat the muscle that shrank, which is on the hip socket, because He touched the socket of Jacob’s hip in the muscle that shrank.

His name change was repeated in Genesis 35 when God appeared to him at Bethel.

Genesis 35:9,10 Then God appeared to Jacob again, when he came from Padan Aram, and blessed him. 10 And God said to him, "Your name is Jacob; your name shall not be called Jacob anymore, but Israel shall be your name." So He called his name Israel.

Hosea writes:

Hosea 12:3,4 He took his brother by the heel in the womb, And in his strength he struggled with God. 4 Yes, he struggled with the Angel and prevailed; He wept, and sought favor from Him. He found Him in Bethel, And there He spoke to us...

Using Strong’s Concordance:

Israel 03478. ישׂראל Yisra’el; from 08280 (to prevail) and 0410 (God).

The reason given for his name change - "for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed".

I hope you find this helpful.

God bless,
Glenn