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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Peniel</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/p/peniel.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/genesis/32-30.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/p/peniel.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Peniel</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/p/penetration.htm" title="Penetration">◄</a> Peniel <a href="/topical/p/peni'el.htm" title="Peni'el">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#hit" title="Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary">Hitchcock's</a> • <a href="#smi" title="Smith's Bible Dictionary">Smith's</a> • <a href="#isb" title="International Standard Bible Encyclopedia">ISBE</a> • <a href="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#heb" title="Strong's Hebrew Concordance">Hebrew</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div><b>Definition and Meaning:</b> <br>Peniel, also spelled Penuel, is a significant location in the biblical narrative, primarily known as the place where Jacob wrestled with God. The name "Peniel" means "face of God" in Hebrew, reflecting Jacob's profound encounter with the divine.<br><br><b>Biblical References:</b> <br>The primary reference to Peniel is found in <a href="/genesis/32-24.htm">Genesis 32:24-30</a>. In this passage, Jacob is returning to Canaan after years of living with his uncle Laban. On the night before he is to meet his estranged brother Esau, Jacob finds himself alone, and a mysterious man wrestles with him until daybreak. <a href="/genesis/32-30.htm">Genesis 32:30</a> states, "So Jacob named the place Peniel, saying, 'Indeed, I have seen God face to face, and yet my life was spared.'"<br><br><b>Historical and Theological Significance:</b> <br>Peniel holds a critical place in biblical history and theology. The encounter at Peniel is a turning point in Jacob's life, marking a transformation in his character and relationship with God. This event is often interpreted as a moment of divine testing and blessing, as Jacob is given a new name, Israel, meaning "he struggles with God" (<a href="/genesis/32-28.htm">Genesis 32:28</a>). This name change signifies Jacob's new identity and role as the patriarch of the Israelites.<br><br>Theologically, Peniel represents the mysterious and intimate nature of human encounters with God. Jacob's wrestling with God is symbolic of the struggles and perseverance required in faith. It underscores the idea that divine encounters can be both challenging and transformative, leading to a deeper understanding of God's presence and purpose.<br><br><b>Geographical Context:</b> <br>Peniel is located east of the Jordan River, near the Jabbok River. Its exact location is not definitively known, but it is generally associated with the region of Gilead. The geographical setting of Peniel, near a river crossing, is significant as it represents a transitional point in Jacob's journey, both physically and spiritually.<br><br><b>Cultural and Literary Aspects:</b> <br>In the broader cultural and literary context of the Bible, Peniel serves as a powerful narrative of personal struggle and divine encounter. The account of Jacob at Peniel is often cited in discussions of theophany, the appearance of God to humans, and is a vivid example of the personal nature of God's relationship with His chosen people.<br><br><b>Legacy and Influence:</b> <br>The account of Peniel has had a lasting impact on Judeo-Christian thought and spirituality. It is frequently referenced in sermons, theological discussions, and spiritual writings as an illustration of the transformative power of encountering God. The name "Peniel" itself has been adopted by various religious institutions and communities, symbolizing a place of divine presence and revelation.<a name="hit" id="hit"></a><div class="vheading2">Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary</div><span class="encheading">Peniel</span><p>face or vision of God; that sees God<a name="smi" id="smi"></a><div class="vheading2">Smith's Bible Dictionary</div><span class="encheading">Peniel</span><p>(<i>face of God</i>) the name which Jacob gave to the place in which he had wrestled with God: "He called the name of the place face of El,? for I have seen Elohim face to face." (<a href="/genesis/32-30.htm">Genesis 32:30</a>) In (<a href="/genesis/32-31.htm">Genesis 32:31</a>) and the other passages in which the name occurs, its form is changed to <a href="../p/penuel.htm">PENUEL</a>. From the narrative it is evident that Peniel lay somewhere on the north bank of the Jabbok, and between that torrent and the fords of the Jordan at Succoth, a few miles north of the glen where the Jabbok falls into the Jordan.<a name="isb" id="isb"></a><div class="vheading2">International Standard Bible Encyclopedia</div><span class="encheading">PENIEL</span><p>pe-ni'-el, pen'-i-el, pe'-ni-el (peni'el, "face of God"; Eidos theou): This is the form of the name in <a href="/genesis/32-30.htm">Genesis 32:30</a>. In the next verse and elsewhere it appears as "Penuel." The name is said to have been given to the place by Jacob after his night of wrestling by the Jabbok, because, as he said, "I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved." It was a height evidently close by the stream over which Jacob passed in the morning. Some have thought it might be a prominent cliff, the contour of which resembled a human face. Such a cliff on the seashore to the South of Tripoli was called theou prosopon, "face of God" (Strabo xvi.2, 15). In later times a city with a strong tower stood upon it. This lay in the line of Gideon's pursuit of the Midianites. When he returned victorious, he beat down the place because of the churlishness of the inhabitants (<a href="/judges/8-8.htm">Judges 8:8, 9, 17</a>). It was one of the towns "built" or fortified by Jeroboam (<a href="/1_kings/12-25.htm">1 Kings 12:25</a>). Merrill would identify it with Telul edh-Dhahab, "hills of gold," two hills with ruins that betoken great antiquity, and that speak of great strength, on the South of the Jabbok, about 10 miles East of Jordan (for description see Merrill, East of the Jordan, 390 if). A difficulty that seems fatal to this identification is that here the banks of the Jabbok are so precipitous as to be impassable. Conder suggests Jebel 'Osha. The site was clearly not far from Succoth; but no certainty is yet possible.<br><br>W. Ewing<p><a name="heb" id="heb"></a><div class="vheading2">Strong's Hebrew</div><a href="/hebrew/6439.htm"><span class="l">6439. Penuel -- "face of God," a place East of the Jordan, also <b>...</b></span></a><br><b>...</b> Word Origin from panim and el Definition "face of God," a place E. of the Jordan,<br> also two Isr. NASB Word Usage <b>Peniel</b> (1), Penuel (8). <b>Peniel</b>, Penuel. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/6439.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/maclaren/expositions_of_holy_scripture_h/jacobisraeljeshurun.htm"><span class="l">Jacob --Israel --Jeshurun</span></a> <br><b>...</b> There must be a <b>Peniel</b> between the two halves of the character, if there is to be<br> transformation. <b>...</b> Why have you failed? Because you have never been to <b>Peniel</b>. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/jacobisraeljeshurun.htm</font><p><a href="/library/whyte/lord_teach_us_to_pray/iv_jacob-wrestling.htm"><span class="l">Jacob-Wrestling</span></a> <br><b>...</b> PART II. SOME BIBLE TYPES OF PRAYER IV. JACOB-WRESTLING. "Lord, teach us to<br> pray.""Luke 11:1. "Jacob called the name of the place <b>Peniel</b>.""Genesis 32:30. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/whyte/lord teach us to pray/iv jacob-wrestling.htm</font><p><a href="/library/gaebelein/the_work_of_christ/i_his_past_work.htm"><span class="l">His Past Work.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> He appeared unto Jacob and was the mysterious man who wrestled with him at <b>Peniel</b>;<br> later Jacob called Him "The Angel, the Redeemer." Repeatedly we hear of Him <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the work of christ/i his past work.htm</font><p><a href="/library/watson/a_divine_cordial/the_worst_things_work_for.htm"><span class="l">The Worst Things Work for Good to the Godly</span></a> <br><b>...</b> the Lord blessed him. "Jacob called the name of the place <b>Peniel</b>, for I<br> have seen God face to face" (Genesis 32:30). Who would not <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/the worst things work for.htm</font><p><a href="/library/spurgeon/spurgeons_sermons_volume_9_1863/ebenezer.htm"><span class="l">Ebenezer!</span></a> <br><b>...</b> The God that spoke to Abraham at Mamre, hath he never spoken to you? The angel that<br> wrestled with Jacob at <b>Peniel</b>, hath he never wrestled with you? <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/ebenezer.htm</font><p><a href="/library/macneil/the_spirit-filled_life/chapter_vi_preventive_against_backsliding.htm"><span class="l">Preventive against Backsliding.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> he should be "filled with the Holy Ghost." They knew no reason why weary wastes<br> of disappointing years should stretch between Bethel and <b>Peniel</b>, between the <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../macneil/the spirit-filled life/chapter vi preventive against backsliding.htm</font><p><a href="/library/dods/the_expositors_bible_the_gospel_of_st_john_vol_i/i_the_incarnation.htm"><span class="l">The Incarnation.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Thus when the Angel of the Lord had appeared to Jacob and wrestled with him, Jacob<br> called the name of the place <b>Peniel</b>, for, said he, "I have seen God face to <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../dods/the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol i/i the incarnation.htm</font><p><a href="/library/hengstenberg/christology_of_the_old_testament/gen_xxxi_11.htm"><span class="l">Gen. xxxi. 11</span></a> <br><b>...</b> him. Jacob calls the place <b>Peniel</b>, ie, face of God, because he had seen<br> God face to face, and wonders that his life was preserved. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/gen xxxi 11.htm</font><p><a href="/library/spurgeon/spurgeons_sermons_volume_1_1855/joseph_attacked_by_the_archers.htm"><span class="l">Joseph Attacked by the Archers</span></a> <br><b>...</b> He had been noble in many instances during his life"at the sleeping place<br> of Bethel, the brook of Jabbok, and the halting of <b>Peniel</b>. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/joseph attacked by the archers.htm</font><p><a href="/library/morris/favourite_welsh_hymns/xxxiii_desire.htm"><span class="l">Desire.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Nor rest until my favoured ears. Caught angel-strains above the spheres. My soul,<br> it is thy <b>Peniel</b> here,. Repeat good Jacob's earnest prayer: <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/morris/favourite welsh hymns/xxxiii desire.htm</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/p/peniel.htm"><span class="l"><b>Peniel</b> (4 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b><b>PENIEL</b>. pe-ni'-el, pen'-i-el, pe'-ni-el (peni'el, "face of God"; Eidos theou): This<br> is the form of the name in Genesis 32:30. <b>...</b><b>Peniel</b> (4 Occurrences). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/p/peniel.htm - 9k</font><p><a href="/topical/e/eleloheisrael.htm"><span class="l">Eleloheisrael (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>...</b> of Shechem, his first encampment of length and importance since the return to Palestine<br> from Paddan-aram and the eventful night at <b>Peniel</b> (Genesis 32:30). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/e/eleloheisrael.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/e/el-elohe-israel.htm"><span class="l">El-elohe-Israel (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>...</b> of Shechem, his first encampment of length and importance since the return to Palestine<br> from Paddan-aram and the eventful night at <b>Peniel</b> (Genesis 32:30). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/e/el-elohe-israel.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/p/peni'el.htm"><span class="l">Peni'el (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br>Peni'el. <b>Peniel</b>, Peni'el. Peninnah . Multi-Version Concordance Peni'el<br> (1 Occurrence). <b>...</b> <b>Peniel</b>, Peni'el. Peninnah . Reference Bible. <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/p/peni'el.htm - 6k</font><p><a href="/topical/p/penuel.htm"><span class="l">Penuel (7 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> It is also called "<b>Peniel</b>." Here Jacob wrestled (Genesis 32:24-32) "with a man"<br> ("the angel", Hosea 12:4. Jacob says of him, "I have seen God face to face <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/p/penuel.htm - 9k</font><p><a href="/topical/j/jacob.htm"><span class="l">Jacob (361 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Jacob prevailed, and as a memorial of it his name was changed to Israel (wrestler<br> with God); and the place where this occured he called <b>Peniel</b>, "for", said he <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/j/jacob.htm - 77k</font><p><a href="/topical/u/unequal.htm"><span class="l">Unequal (5 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Unequal (5 Occurrences). Genesis 32:31 And while he was going past <b>Peniel</b>, the sun<br> came up. And he went with unequal steps because of his damaged leg. (BBE). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/u/unequal.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/l/limped.htm"><span class="l">Limped (2 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Limped (2 Occurrences). Genesis 32:31 The sun rose on him as he passed over<br><b>Peniel</b>, and he limped because of his thigh. (WEB JPS ASV DBY). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/l/limped.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/l/limping.htm"><span class="l">Limping (2 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Limping (2 Occurrences). Genesis 32:31 And the sun rose upon him as he passed<br> over <b>Peniel</b>, and he limped upon his thigh. (See NAS RSV NIV). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/l/limping.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm"><span class="l">Israel (27466 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> The name conferred on Jacob after the great prayer-struggle at <b>Peniel</b> (Genesis<br> 32:28), because "as a prince he had power with God and prevailed." (see JACOB <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/i/israel.htm - 101k</font><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Peniel-in-the-Bible.html">What is the significance of Peniel in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Jacob-Israel.html">Why is Jacob called Jacob and Israel alternately in the book of Genesis? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/life-Jacob.html">Who was Jacob in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="cnc" id="cnc"></a><div class="vheading2">Concordance</div><span class="encheading">Peniel (4 Occurrences)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/genesis/32-30.htm">Genesis 32:30</a></span><br />Jacob called the name of the place <span class="boldtext">Peniel</span> : for, he said, "I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved."<br /><span class="source">(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/genesis/32-31.htm">Genesis 32:31</a></span><br />The sun rose on him as he passed over <span class="boldtext">Peniel</span>, and he limped because of his thigh.<br /><span class="source">(WEB JPS BBE DBY NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/judges/8-17.htm">Judges 8:17</a></span><br />And he broke down the tower of Penuel, and slew the men of the city.<br /><span class="source">(See NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/1_kings/12-25.htm">1 Kings 12:25</a></span><br />Then Jeroboam built Shechem in the hill-country of Ephraim, and dwelt therein; and he went out from thence, and built Penuel.<br /><span class="source">(See NIV)</span><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/p/peniel.htm">Peniel</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/p/peniel_or_penuel.htm">Peniel or Penuel</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/peniel.htm">Peniel (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/peninnah.htm">Peninnah (2 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/p/penetration.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Penetration"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Penetration" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/p/peni'el.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Peni'el"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Peni'el" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div> <div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"><script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script></div></td></tr></table></div></div></div> <br /><br /> <div align="center"> <div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>