Meaning of Jacob in the Bible
Language: HebrewTransliteration: Ya'akovGender: MaleTestament: Old Testament
Meaning
“He grasps the heel”
Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, becomes the patriarch whose twelve sons stand behind the tribes of Israel. Genesis portrays his rivalry with Esau, years with Laban, encounter with God at Bethel, wrestling at the Jabbok, and the new name Israel.
Scripture References for Jacob
5 key passages featuring this name
Genesis 25:26
“And after that came his brother out, and his hand took hold on Esau’s heel; and his name was called Jacob: and Isaac was threescore years old when she bare them.”
Genesis 28:12
“And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it.”
Genesis 32:28
“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.”
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.”
Genesis 46:2
“And God spake unto Israel in the visions of the night, and said, Jacob, Jacob. And he said, Here am I.”
The Name Jacob in God's Word
Names in Scripture carry deep significance. Jacob — meaning “He grasps the heel” — reflects a truth about identity, purpose, and God's design. Meditate on these passages to understand what this name reveals about God's character and His people.
- Author:
- The Lord Will Editorial Team
- Reviewed by:
- Ugo Candido
- Last updated: