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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: Jacob Wrestles with God</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/j/jacob_wrestles_with_god.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> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><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/32-22.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/j/jacob.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> > Jacob Wrestles with God</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/j/jacob_settles_in_shechem.htm" title="Jacob Settles in Shechem">◄</a> Jacob Wrestles with God <a href="/topical/j/jacob_israel.htm" title="Jacob/Israel">►</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="#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>Biblical Reference:</b> <a href="/genesis/32-22.htm">Genesis 32:22-32</a><br><br><b>Context and Background:</b><br>The account of Jacob wrestling with God is a pivotal moment in the narrative of Jacob's life, occurring as he prepares to meet his estranged brother Esau. Jacob, having fled from Esau years earlier due to the deception he employed to receive Isaac's blessing, is now returning to Canaan with his family and possessions. The night before the anticipated reunion, Jacob finds himself alone, having sent his family and possessions across the Jabbok River.<br><br><b>The Wrestling Match:</b><br><a href="/genesis/32-24.htm">Genesis 32:24-25</a> states, "So Jacob was left all alone, and there a man wrestled with him until daybreak. When the man saw that He could not overpower Jacob, He touched the socket of Jacob’s hip so that his hip was dislocated as he wrestled with the man." This mysterious encounter is described as a physical struggle that lasts throughout the night. The "man" with whom Jacob wrestles is later understood to be a divine being, often interpreted as a theophany, or a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ.<br><br><b>Significance of the Encounter:</b><br>The wrestling match is symbolic of Jacob's lifelong struggle with God and man. Jacob, whose name means "supplanter" or "deceiver," has spent much of his life striving through his own strength and cunning. This encounter marks a turning point, as Jacob is forced to confront his limitations and dependence on God. The dislocation of his hip signifies a humbling and a physical reminder of his encounter with the divine.<br><br><b>The Blessing and Name Change:</b><br>In <a href="/genesis/32-26.htm">Genesis 32:26-28</a> , Jacob insists, "I will not let You go unless You bless me." The man asks Jacob his name and then declares, "Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men, and you have prevailed." The name "Israel" means "he struggles with God" or "God prevails," signifying a transformation in Jacob's identity and relationship with God. This blessing is a testament to Jacob's perseverance and the grace of God in acknowledging his struggle.<br><br><b>Theological Implications:</b><br>The encounter at the Jabbok River is rich with theological meaning. It illustrates the nature of God's relationship with His chosen people, characterized by both struggle and blessing. Jacob's experience is a microcosm of the spiritual journey, where believers wrestle with their faith, identity, and dependence on God. The narrative underscores the importance of divine blessing and the transformative power of God's intervention in human lives.<br><br><b>Legacy and Commemoration:</b><br><a href="/genesis/32-30.htm">Genesis 32:30</a> records Jacob naming the place Peniel, saying, "Indeed, I have seen God face to face, and yet my life was spared." This encounter leaves a lasting impact on Jacob, both physically and spiritually. The limp with which Jacob walks serves as a perpetual reminder of his encounter with God. The event is commemorated by the Israelites, who refrain from eating the tendon attached to the hip socket, as noted in <a href="/genesis/32-32.htm">Genesis 32:32</a> .<br><br><b>Conclusion:</b><br>The account of Jacob wrestling with God is a profound narrative that speaks to the human condition and the divine-human relationship. It highlights themes of struggle, transformation, and the pursuit of God's blessing, offering rich insights into the nature of faith and the character of God.</div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/i/iconoclasm--destroyed_by_jacob.htm">Iconoclasm: Destroyed by Jacob</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/j/jacob.htm">Jacob</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/j/jacob--40_days_mourning_for.htm">Jacob: 40 Days Mourning For</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/j/jacob--ancestor_of_jesus.htm">Jacob: Ancestor of Jesus</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/j/jacob--body_of,_embalmed.htm">Jacob: Body of, Embalmed</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/j/jacob--burial_of.htm">Jacob: Burial of</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/j/jacob--changed_to_israel.htm">Jacob: Changed to "Israel"</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/j/jacob--charges_his_sons_to_bury_him_in_the_field_of_machpelah.htm">Jacob: Charges his Sons to Bury Him in the Field of Machpelah</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/j/jacob--death_of.htm">Jacob: Death of</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/j/jacob--deborah,_rebekah's_nurse,_dies,_and_is_buried_at_beth-el.htm">Jacob: Deborah, Rebekah's Nurse, Dies, and is Buried at Beth-El</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/j/jacob--descendants_of.htm">Jacob: Descendants of</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/j/jacob--dissatisfied_with_laban's_treatment_and_returns_to_the_land_of_canaan.htm">Jacob: Dissatisfied With Laban's Treatment and Returns to the Land of Canaan</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/j/jacob--dreads_to_meet_esau;_sends_him_presents;_wrestles_with_an_angel.htm">Jacob: Dreads to Meet Esau; Sends Him Presents; Wrestles With an Angel</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/j/jacob--erects_a_monument_at_rachel's_grave.htm">Jacob: Erects a Monument at Rachel's Grave</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/j/jacob--esau_seeks_to_kill,_escapes_to_padan-aram.htm">Jacob: Esau Seeks to Kill, Escapes to Padan-Aram</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/j/jacob--exacts_a_promise_from_joseph_to_bury_him_with_his_forefathers.htm">Jacob: Exacts a Promise from Joseph to Bury Him With his Forefathers</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/j/jacob--fradulently_obtains_his_father's_blessing.htm">Jacob: Fradulently Obtains his Father's Blessing</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/j/jacob--given_in_answer_to_prayer.htm">Jacob: Given in Answer to Prayer</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/j/jacob--gives_the_land_of_the_amorites_to_joseph.htm">Jacob: Gives the Land of the Amorites to Joseph</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/j/jacob--god_confirms_the_covenant_of_abraham_to.htm">Jacob: God Confirms the Covenant of Abraham To</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/j/jacob--hears_that_joseph_is_still_alive.htm">Jacob: Hears That Joseph is Still Alive</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/j/jacob--his_benediction_upon_joseph_and_his_two_sons.htm">Jacob: His Benediction Upon Joseph and his Two Sons</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/j/jacob--his_daughter,_dinah,_is_raped.htm">Jacob: His Daughter, Dinah, is Raped</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/j/jacob--his_final_prophetic_benedictions_upon_his_sons--asher.htm">Jacob: His Final Prophetic Benedictions Upon his Sons: Asher</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/j/jacob--his_final_prophetic_benedictions_upon_his_sons--benjamin.htm">Jacob: His Final Prophetic Benedictions Upon his Sons: Benjamin</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/j/jacob--his_final_prophetic_benedictions_upon_his_sons--dan.htm">Jacob: His Final Prophetic Benedictions Upon his Sons: Dan</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/j/jacob--his_final_prophetic_benedictions_upon_his_sons--gad.htm">Jacob: His Final Prophetic Benedictions Upon his Sons: Gad</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/j/jacob--his_final_prophetic_benedictions_upon_his_sons--issachar.htm">Jacob: His Final Prophetic Benedictions Upon his Sons: Issachar</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/j/jacob--his_final_prophetic_benedictions_upon_his_sons--joseph.htm">Jacob: His Final Prophetic Benedictions Upon his Sons: Joseph</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/j/jacob--his_final_prophetic_benedictions_upon_his_sons--judah.htm">Jacob: His Final Prophetic Benedictions Upon his Sons: Judah</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/j/jacob--his_final_prophetic_benedictions_upon_his_sons--naphtali.htm">Jacob: His Final Prophetic Benedictions Upon his Sons: Naphtali</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/j/jacob--his_final_prophetic_benedictions_upon_his_sons--simeon_and_levi.htm">Jacob: His Final Prophetic Benedictions Upon his Sons: Simeon and Levi</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/j/jacob--his_final_prophetic_benedictions_upon_his_sons--upon_reuben.htm">Jacob: His Final Prophetic Benedictions Upon his Sons: Upon Reuben</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/j/jacob--his_final_prophetic_benedictions_upon_his_sons--zebulun.htm">Jacob: His Final Prophetic Benedictions Upon his Sons: Zebulun</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/j/jacob--his_grief_over_the_detention_of_simeon_and_the_demand_for_benjamin_to_be_taken_into_egypt.htm">Jacob: His Grief Over the Detention of Simeon and the Demand for Benjamin to be Taken Into Egypt</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/j/jacob--his_grief_over_the_loss_of_joseph.htm">Jacob: His Grief Over the Loss of Joseph</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/j/jacob--his_love_for_benjamin.htm">Jacob: His Love for Benjamin</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/j/jacob--his_partiality_for_his_son,_joseph,_and_the_consequent_jealousy_of_his_other_sons.htm">Jacob: His Partiality for his Son, Joseph, and the Consequent Jealousy of his Other Sons</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/j/jacob--his_vision_of_the_ladder.htm">Jacob: His Vision of the Ladder</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/j/jacob--his_wealth.htm">Jacob: His Wealth</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/j/jacob--joseph's_prophetic_dream_concerning.htm">Jacob: Joseph's Prophetic Dream Concerning</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/j/jacob--journeys_to_ephrath.htm">Jacob: Journeys to Ephrath</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/j/jacob--journeys_to_shalem,_where_he_purchase_a_parcel_of_ground_from_hamor_and_erects_an_altar.htm">Jacob: Journeys to Shalem, where he Purchase a Parcel of Ground from Hamor and Erects an Altar</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/j/jacob--journeys_to_succoth.htm">Jacob: Journeys to Succoth</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/j/jacob--list_of_the_names_of_his_twelve_sons.htm">Jacob: List of the Names of his Twelve Sons</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/j/jacob--lives_in_egypt_for_seventeen_years.htm">Jacob: Lives in Egypt for Seventeen Years</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/j/jacob--lives_in_the_land_of_canaan.htm">Jacob: Lives in the Land of Canaan</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/j/jacob--meets_angels_of_god_on_the_journey,_and_calls_the_place_mahanaim.htm">Jacob: Meets Angels of God on the Journey, and Calls the Place "Mahanaim"</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/j/jacob--meets_joseph.htm">Jacob: Meets Joseph</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/j/jacob--moves_to_egypt.htm">Jacob: Moves to Egypt</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/j/jacob--obtains_esau's_birthright_for_just_one_bowl_of_stew.htm">Jacob: Obtains Esau's Birthright for Just One Bowl of Stew</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/j/jacob--pharaoh_receives_him,_and_is_blessed_by_jacob.htm">Jacob: Pharaoh Receives Him, and is Blessed by Jacob</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/j/jacob--prophecies_concerning_himself_and_his_descendants.htm">Jacob: Prophecies Concerning Himself and his Descendants</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/j/jacob--reconciliation_of,_with_esau.htm">Jacob: Reconciliation of, With Esau</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/j/jacob--returns_to_arbah,_the_city_of_his_father.htm">Jacob: Returns to Arbah, the City of his Father</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/j/jacob--returns_to_beth-el,_where_he_builds_an_altar,_and_erects_and_dedicates_a_pillar.htm">Jacob: Returns to Beth-El, where he Builds an Altar, and Erects and Dedicates a Pillar</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/j/jacob--sends_to_egypt_to_buy_corn_(grain).htm">Jacob: Sends to Egypt to Buy Corn (Grain)</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/j/jacob--serves_fourteen_years_for_leah_and_rachel.htm">Jacob: Serves Fourteen Years for Leah and Rachel</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/j/jacob--sharp_practice_of,_with_the_flocks_and_herds_of_laban.htm">Jacob: Sharp Practice of, With the Flocks and Herds of Laban</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/j/jacob--sojourns_in_haran_with_his_uncle,_laban.htm">Jacob: Sojourns in Haran With his Uncle, Laban</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/j/jacob--son_of_isaac,_and_the_twin_brother_of_esau.htm">Jacob: Son of Isaac, and the Twin Brother of Esau</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/j/jacob--the_incest_of_his_son,_reuben,_with_his_concubine,_bilhah.htm">Jacob: The Incest of his Son, Reuben, With his Concubine, Bilhah</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/j/jacob--the_land_of_goshen_assigned_to.htm">Jacob: The Land of Goshen Assigned To</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/j/jacob--the_list_of_his_children_and_grandchildren_who_went_down_into_egypt.htm">Jacob: The List of his Children and Grandchildren Who Went Down Into Egypt</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/j/jacob--the_well_of.htm">Jacob: The Well of</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/j/jacobs_well.htm">Jacobs Well</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/m/miscegenation--jacob.htm">Miscegenation: Jacob</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/miscarry.htm">Miscarry (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/u/unproductive.htm">Unproductive (5 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/j/jehovah-what.htm">Jehovah-what (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/wholesome.htm">Wholesome (10 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/wombs.htm">Wombs (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/miscarriage.htm">Miscarriage (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/mischance.htm">Mischance (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/barren.htm">Barren (44 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/barrenness.htm">Barrenness (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/purified.htm">Purified (44 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/breasts.htm">Breasts (39 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/e/elisha.htm">Elisha (70 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/spring.htm">Spring (122 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/salt.htm">Salt (45 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/womb.htm">Womb (84 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/h/henceforth.htm">Henceforth (68 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a 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