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 35:10KJV
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Genesis 35:10 (KJV)

What does Genesis 35:10 mean?

Genesis 35:10 records God telling Jacob that his name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, and God formally gives him this new name. This marks a turning point in Jacob’s life, as God is affirming a new identity and role for him within the story of Israel’s ancestors.

In this verse, God (speaking directly to Jacob) is confirming a name change that had first been mentioned earlier, after Jacob wrestled with a mysterious figure in Genesis 32. The name "Jacob" (which can mean "heel-grabber" or "supplanter") is replaced with "Israel," often understood as "he struggles with God" or "God prevails." This moment comes as Jacob is returning to Bethel, a significant place in his journey, and signals a new chapter in his relationship with God and his descendants’ future.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 35:10

  • יַעֲקֹב (Yaʿaqov, "Jacob"): This name is associated with Jacob’s earlier life, marked by struggle and sometimes deceit, and its mention here highlights the contrast with his new name.
  • יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisra'el, "Israel"): This new name is often understood as "he struggles with God" or "God prevails." The change emphasizes a shift in Jacob’s character and destiny, reflecting his direct encounter with God and his role as the ancestor of the Israelite people.
  • קָרָא (qara, "called"): The act of calling or naming is significant in the Hebrew Bible, often marking a new phase or mission in a person’s life. Here, God personally calls Jacob by his new name, underlining the importance and authority of the change.

Why Genesis 35:10 matters

  • Genesis 35:10 clarifies that the name "Israel" is not just a nickname but a divinely given identity, with lasting significance for Jacob’s descendants.
  • The verse connects back to Jacob’s earlier experiences and shows that God is intentionally shaping the story and identity of his people.
  • This moment sets the stage for the rest of Genesis, where Jacob’s sons (the tribes of Israel) become central, and it explains why the nation is later called "Israel."