Genesis 35:10 - God said to him, “Your name is Jacob. Your name shall not be Jacob any more, but your name will be Israel.” He named him Israel.
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What does "Genesis 35:10" mean?
Genesis 35:10 describes a pivotal moment in Jacob's life where God reaffirms and elevates his identity. Let's break down the meaning:
"God said to him, 'Your name is Jacob.'": This acknowledges Jacob's current identity. "Jacob" (יַעֲקֹב, Ya'akov) in Hebrew means "heel-grabber" or "supplanter." It is often associated with his birth, where he grabbed his brother Esau's heel, and his later actions, such as deceiving his father to obtain Esau's blessing. The name carries a connotation of trickery or striving.
"Your name shall not be Jacob any more...": This is a significant turning point. God is declaring that the old identity associated with the name "Jacob" is no longer the defining characteristic of this man. The aspects of trickery and striving are being superseded.
"...but your name will be Israel.": This introduces the new name, "Israel" (יִשְׂרָאֵל, Yisra'el). The meaning of "Israel" is debated, but it's generally understood to mean "he struggles with God" or "God prevails" or "God rules." This new name represents a transformed character and a new relationship with God. It signifies a man who has wrestled with God (as demonstrated in Genesis 32:24-30) and ultimately prevailed, or a man over whom God reigns.
"He named him Israel.": This is the formal act of God bestowing the new name upon Jacob, solidifying the change in his identity and destiny.
In summary, the verse signifies:
Transformation: Jacob is undergoing a transformation from a man known for his cunning and deception to a man who has wrestled with God and been blessed.
New Identity: The new name "Israel" marks a new identity and a deeper relationship with God.
Divine Approval: God is endorsing Jacob's changed character and purpose.
Legacy: Jacob/Israel's name becomes the name of the nation that descends from him (the Israelites). This name represents a people who strive with God and are blessed by Him.
Promise: The name change can be seen as a foreshadowing of the future of Jacob's descendants, the nation of Israel.
The renaming is not merely a cosmetic change. It represents a profound shift in Jacob's character and purpose, and it has lasting significance for the entire nation that will descend from him. It symbolizes that through struggle and submission to God, individuals and nations can experience transformation and divine blessing.
Genesis 35:10 - God said to him, “Your name is Jacob. Your name shall not be Jacob any more, but your name will be Israel.” He named him Israel.
What does "Genesis 35:10" mean?
Genesis 35:10 describes a pivotal moment in Jacob's life where God reaffirms and elevates his identity. Let's break down the meaning:
"God said to him, 'Your name is Jacob.'": This acknowledges Jacob's current identity. "Jacob" (יַעֲקֹב, Ya'akov) in Hebrew means "heel-grabber" or "supplanter." It is often associated with his birth, where he grabbed his brother Esau's heel, and his later actions, such as deceiving his father to obtain Esau's blessing. The name carries a connotation of trickery or striving.
"Your name shall not be Jacob any more...": This is a significant turning point. God is declaring that the old identity associated with the name "Jacob" is no longer the defining characteristic of this man. The aspects of trickery and striving are being superseded.
"...but your name will be Israel.": This introduces the new name, "Israel" (יִשְׂרָאֵל, Yisra'el). The meaning of "Israel" is debated, but it's generally understood to mean "he struggles with God" or "God prevails" or "God rules." This new name represents a transformed character and a new relationship with God. It signifies a man who has wrestled with God (as demonstrated in Genesis 32:24-30) and ultimately prevailed, or a man over whom God reigns.
"He named him Israel.": This is the formal act of God bestowing the new name upon Jacob, solidifying the change in his identity and destiny.
In summary, the verse signifies:
Transformation: Jacob is undergoing a transformation from a man known for his cunning and deception to a man who has wrestled with God and been blessed.
New Identity: The new name "Israel" marks a new identity and a deeper relationship with God.
Divine Approval: God is endorsing Jacob's changed character and purpose.
Legacy: Jacob/Israel's name becomes the name of the nation that descends from him (the Israelites). This name represents a people who strive with God and are blessed by Him.
Promise: The name change can be seen as a foreshadowing of the future of Jacob's descendants, the nation of Israel.
The renaming is not merely a cosmetic change. It represents a profound shift in Jacob's character and purpose, and it has lasting significance for the entire nation that will descend from him. It symbolizes that through struggle and submission to God, individuals and nations can experience transformation and divine blessing.