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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//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" /><title>Genesis 32:29 And Jacob requested, "Please tell me your name." But he replied, "Why do you ask my name?" Then he blessed Jacob there.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/32-29.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/01_Gen_32_29.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 32:29 - Jacob Wrestles with God" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="And Jacob requested, Please tell me your name. But he replied, Why do you ask my name? 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Then he blessed Jacob there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/32.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Then Jacob asked him, “Please tell me your name.” But he said, “Why is it that you ask my name?” And there he blessed him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/32.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />And Jacob requested, “Please tell me your name.” But he replied, “Why do you ask my name?” Then he blessed Jacob there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/32.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Jacob asked <i>him</i>, and said, Tell <i>me</i>, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore <i>is</i> it <i>that</i> thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/32.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then Jacob asked, saying, “Tell <i>me</i> Your name, I pray.” And He said, “Why <i>is</i> it <i>that</i> you ask about My name?” And He blessed him there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/32.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />And Jacob asked him and said, “Please tell me your name.” But he said, “Why is it that you ask my name?” And he blessed him there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/32.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then Jacob asked him and said, &#8220Please tell me your name.&#8221 But he said, &#8220Why is it that you ask my name?&#8221 And he blessed him there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/32.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then Jacob asked him and said, “Please tell me your name.” But he said, “Why is it that you ask my name?” And he blessed him there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/32.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then Jacob asked him and said, “Please tell me your name.” But he said, “Why is it that you ask my name?” And he blessed him there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/32.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then Jacob asked Him, “Please tell me Your name.” But He said, “Why is it that you ask My name?” And He declared a blessing [of the covenant promises] on Jacob there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/32.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Jacob asked him, “Please tell me your name.” But he answered, “Why do you ask my name? ” And he blessed him there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/32.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Jacob asked Him, &#8220Please tell me Your name.&#8221 But He answered, &#8220Why do you ask My name?&#8221 And He blessed him there. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/32.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/32.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Jacob said, "Now tell me your name." "Don't you know who I am?" he asked. And he blessed Jacob. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/32.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/32.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Jacob said, "Please tell me your name." The man answered, "Why do you ask for my name?" Then he blessed Jacob there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/32.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Jacob said, "Now tell me your name." But he answered, "Why do you want to know my name?" Then he blessed Jacob. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/32.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"Please," Jacob inquired, "Tell me your name." But he asked, "Why are you asking about my name?" And he blessed Jacob there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/32.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />And Jacob requested, ?Please tell me your name.? But he replied, ?Why do you ask my name?? Then he blessed Jacob there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/32.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Then Jacob asked, "Please tell me your name." "Why do you ask my name?" the man replied. Then he blessed Jacob there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/32.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Then Jacob asked him, "Please tell me your name." But he said, "Why is it that you ask what my name is?" And he blessed him there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/32.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name: And he said, why is it that thou dost ask after my name? and he blessed him there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/32.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Jacob asked him, “Please tell me your name.” He said, “Why is it that you ask what my name is?” So he blessed him there. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/32.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And Jacob asks and says, “Please declare Your Name”; and He says, “Why [is] this, you ask for My Name?” And He blesses him there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/32.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Jacob asketh, and saith, 'Declare, I pray thee, thy name;' and he saith, 'Why is this, thou askest for My name?' and He blesseth him there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/32.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Jacob will ask and will say, Announce now, thy name: and he will say, For what this thou wilt ask for my name? and he will bless him there.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/32.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Jacob asked him, Tell me by what name art thou called? He answered: Why dost thou ask my name? And he blessed him in the same place. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/32.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Jacob questioned him, “Tell me, by what name are you called?” He responded, “Why do you ask my name?” And he blessed him in the same place.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/32.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Jacob then asked him, “Please tell me your name.” He answered, “Why do you ask for my name?” With that, he blessed him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/32.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Then Jacob asked him, “Please tell me your name.” But he said, “Why is it that you ask my name?” And there he blessed him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/32.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me your name. And he said, Why is it that you ask my name? And the angel blessed him there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/32.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Yaquuv asked him and said, “Show me your name”; he said to him, “Why do you ask about my name?”, and he blessed him there.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/32.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And Jacob asked him, and said: 'Tell me, I pray thee, thy name.' And he said: 'Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name?' And he blessed him there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/32.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Jacob asked and said, Tell me thy name; and he said, Wherefore dost thou ask after my name? and he blessed him there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/32-29.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=8283" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/genesis/32.htm">Jacob Wrestles with God</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">28</span>Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men, and you have prevailed.” <span class="reftext">29</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3290.htm" title="3290: ya·‘ă·qōḇ (N-proper-ms) -- A son of Isaac, also his desc. From aqab; heel-catcher; Jaakob, the Israelitish patriarch.">And Jacob</a> <a href="/hebrew/7592.htm" title="7592: way·yiš·’al (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To ask, inquire. Or shael; a primitive root; to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand.">requested,</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4994.htm" title="4994: nā (Interjection) -- I (we) pray, now. ">“Please</a> <a href="/hebrew/5046.htm" title="5046: hag·gî·ḏāh- (V-Hifil-Imp-ms:: 3fs) -- To be conspicuous. ">tell me</a> <a href="/hebrew/8034.htm" title="8034: šə·me·ḵā (N-msc:: 2ms) -- A primitive word; an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character.">your name.”</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">But he replied,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: lām·māh (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">“Why</a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: zeh (Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7592.htm" title="7592: tiš·’al (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To ask, inquire. Or shael; a primitive root; to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand.">do you ask</a> <a href="/hebrew/8034.htm" title="8034: liš·mî (Prep-l:: N-msc:: 1cs) -- A primitive word; an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character.">my name?”</a> <a href="/hebrew/1288.htm" title="1288: way·ḇā·reḵ (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To kneel, bless. A primitive root; to kneel; by implication to bless God, and man; also to curse.">Then he blessed</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’ō·ṯōw (DirObjM:: 3ms) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self.">Jacob</a> <a href="/hebrew/8033.htm" title="8033: šām (Adv) -- There, thither. A primitive particle; there then; often thither, or thence.">there.</a> </span><span class="reftext">30</span>So Jacob named the place Peniel, saying, “Indeed, I have seen God face to face, and yet my life was spared.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/12-3.htm">Hosea 12:3-4</a></span><br />In the womb he grasped his brother’s heel, and in his vigor he wrestled with God. / Yes, he struggled with the angel and prevailed; he wept and sought His favor; he found Him at Bethel and spoke with Him there—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/13-17.htm">Judges 13:17-18</a></span><br />Then Manoah said to the angel of the LORD, “What is your name, so that we may honor you when your word comes to pass?” / “Why do you ask my name,” said the angel of the LORD, “since it is beyond comprehension?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/3-13.htm">Exodus 3:13-14</a></span><br />Then Moses asked God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is His name?’ What should I tell them?” / God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/9-6.htm">Isaiah 9:6</a></span><br />For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/2-17.htm">Revelation 2:17</a></span><br />He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who overcomes, I will give the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone inscribed with a new name, known only to the one who receives it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/16-17.htm">Matthew 16:17</a></span><br />Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by My Father in heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/1-47.htm">John 1:47-51</a></span><br />When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, He said of him, “Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is no deceit.” / “How do You know me?” Nathanael asked. Jesus replied, “Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree.” / “Rabbi,” Nathanael answered, “You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/2-9.htm">Philippians 2:9-11</a></span><br />Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, / that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, / and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/9-5.htm">Acts 9:5</a></span><br />“Who are You, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” He replied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/3-12.htm">Revelation 3:12</a></span><br />The one who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will never again leave it. Upon him I will write the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God (the new Jerusalem that comes down out of heaven from My God), and My new name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/12-4.htm">2 Corinthians 12:4</a></span><br />was caught up to Paradise. The things he heard were inexpressible, things that man is not permitted to tell.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/14-9.htm">John 14:9</a></span><br />Jesus replied, “Philip, I have been with you all this time, and still you do not know Me? Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/33-19.htm">Exodus 33:19</a></span><br />“I will cause all My goodness to pass before you,” the LORD replied, “and I will proclaim My name—the LORD—in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/62-2.htm">Isaiah 62:2</a></span><br />Nations will see your righteousness, and all kings your glory. You will be called by a new name that the mouth of the LORD will bestow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/19-12.htm">Revelation 19:12</a></span><br />He has eyes like blazing fire, and many royal crowns on His head. He has a name written on Him that only He Himself knows.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray you, your name. And he said, Why is it that you do ask after my name? And he blessed him there.</p><p class="hdg">Wherefore.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/32-27.htm">Genesis 32:27</a></b></br> And he said unto him, What <i>is</i> thy name? And he said, Jacob.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/29-29.htm">Deuteronomy 29:29</a></b></br> The secret <i>things belong</i> unto the LORD our God: but those <i>things which are</i> revealed <i>belong</i> unto us and to our children for ever, that <i>we</i> may do all the words of this law.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/13-16.htm">Judges 13:16-18</a></b></br> And the angel of the LORD said unto Manoah, Though thou detain me, I will not eat of thy bread: and if thou wilt offer a burnt offering, thou must offer it unto the LORD. For Manoah knew not that he <i>was</i> an angel of the LORD… </p><p class="hdg">blessed.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/32-26.htm">Genesis 32:26</a></b></br> And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/27-28.htm">Genesis 27:28,29</a></b></br> Therefore God give thee of the dew of heaven, and the fatness of the earth, and plenty of corn and wine: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/28-3.htm">Genesis 28:3,4,13,14</a></b></br> And God Almighty bless thee, and make thee fruitful, and multiply thee, that thou mayest be a multitude of people; … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/john/18-21.htm">Askest</a> <a href="/genesis/32-26.htm">Blessed</a> <a href="/genesis/31-55.htm">Blesseth</a> <a href="/genesis/32-26.htm">Blessing</a> <a href="/genesis/32-5.htm">Declare</a> <a href="/genesis/32-28.htm">Jacob</a> <a href="/genesis/32-11.htm">Please</a> <a href="/genesis/31-30.htm">Wherefore</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/judges/13-18.htm">Askest</a> <a href="/genesis/35-9.htm">Blessed</a> <a href="/genesis/35-9.htm">Blesseth</a> <a href="/genesis/33-11.htm">Blessing</a> <a href="/genesis/37-16.htm">Declare</a> <a href="/genesis/32-30.htm">Jacob</a> <a href="/genesis/33-10.htm">Please</a> <a href="/genesis/38-10.htm">Wherefore</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 32</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/32-1.htm">Jacob's vision at Mahanaim.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/32-3.htm">His message to Esau.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/32-6.htm">He is afraid of Esau's coming.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/32-9.htm">He prays for deliverance.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/32-13.htm">He sends a present to Esau, and passes the brook Jabbok.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/32-24.htm">He wrestles with an angel at Peniel, where he is called Israel.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">31. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/32-31.htm">He halts.</a></span><br></div></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> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/32.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/genesis/32.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>And Jacob requested, “Please tell me your name.”</b><br>Jacob's request for the name of the man he wrestled with is significant. In ancient Near Eastern culture, knowing someone's name was often associated with understanding their character or gaining power over them. This encounter occurs after a night of wrestling, symbolizing Jacob's struggle with God and man. The request reflects Jacob's desire for deeper understanding and assurance of the divine nature of his opponent. This moment is pivotal as it follows Jacob's transformation and renaming to Israel, meaning "he struggles with God."<p><b>But he replied, “Why do you ask my name?”</b><br>The response to Jacob's question is enigmatic and reflects a common biblical theme where God or His messengers do not reveal their names. This is seen in other instances, such as <a href="/judges/13-17.htm">Judges 13:17-18</a>, where the angel of the Lord tells Manoah that His name is "beyond understanding." The question implies that the name is either too sacred or beyond human comprehension. It emphasizes the mystery and transcendence of God, reminding Jacob and the readers that God's ways and identity are not fully graspable by human understanding.<p><b>Then he blessed Jacob there.</b><br>The blessing Jacob receives is a confirmation of the promises God made to him and his forefathers, Abraham and Isaac. This blessing is significant as it marks a turning point in Jacob's life, symbolizing his transformation and the fulfillment of God's covenant. The location of the blessing, Peniel, meaning "face of God," underscores the divine encounter. This blessing also prefigures the blessings found in Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises. Jacob's experience foreshadows the spiritual blessings believers receive through Jesus, who reconciles humanity with God.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jacob.htm">Jacob</a></b><br>The patriarch who wrestles with a divine being. His name means "supplanter" or "heel-grabber," reflecting his earlier life of deception.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_divine_being.htm">The Divine Being</a></b><br>Often interpreted as an angel or a theophany (a visible manifestation of God). This being wrestles with Jacob and blesses him, signifying a pivotal moment in Jacob's life.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/p/peniel.htm">Peniel</a></b><br>The place where Jacob wrestles with the divine being. The name means "face of God," indicating the significance of Jacob's encounter.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_blessing.htm">The Blessing</a></b><br>The divine being blesses Jacob, marking a transformation in his identity and relationship with God.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/n/name_inquiry.htm">Name Inquiry</a></b><br>Jacob's request for the divine being's name signifies a desire for deeper understanding and relationship, though the name is not revealed.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/transformation_through_struggle.htm">Transformation through Struggle</a></b><br>Jacob's wrestling with the divine being symbolizes the struggles we face in our spiritual journey. Through these struggles, God transforms us and gives us a new identity.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_mystery_of_god.htm">The Mystery of God</a></b><br>The divine being's refusal to reveal His name reminds us of the mystery of God. We are called to trust in God's character and promises, even when we do not fully understand Him.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seeking_god's_blessing.htm">Seeking God's Blessing</a></b><br>Like Jacob, we should earnestly seek God's blessing in our lives. This involves persistence in prayer and a willingness to be changed by God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/identity_in_christ.htm">Identity in Christ</a></b><br>Just as Jacob received a new name, believers receive a new identity in Christ. We are called to live out this identity in our daily lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/encountering_god.htm">Encountering God</a></b><br>Jacob's encounter with God at Peniel teaches us the importance of seeking personal encounters with God, which can lead to profound spiritual growth and change.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_32.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 32</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/names_and_meanings_of_israel's_tribes.htm">What are the names and meanings of Israel's twelve tribes?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_work.htm">Who are the Sons of Jacob?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/can_a_touch_injure_jacob's_hip.htm">How is it scientifically plausible for Jacob’s hip to be permanently injured simply by a touch (Gen. 32:25)? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_jacob_wrestle_with_god.htm">Hosea 12:3–4: How can Jacob physically wrestle with God if God is portrayed elsewhere as omnipotent and spiritual? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/genesis/32.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(29) <span class= "bld">Wherefore . . . --</span>In much the same manner the angel refuses to tell Manoah his name (<a href="/judges/13-18.htm" title="And the angel of the LORD said to him, Why ask you thus after my name, seeing it is secret?">Judges 13:18</a>). Probably, however, in the blessing which followed there was a clear proof that Jacob's opponent was a Divine personage.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/32.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 29.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name</span>. A request indicating great boldness on the part of Jacob - the boldness of faith (<a href="/hebrews/4-16.htm">Hebrews 4:16</a>; <a href="/hebrews/10-19.htm">Hebrews 10:19</a>); and importing a desire on Jacob's part to be acquainted, not merely with the designation, but with the mysterious character of the Divine personage with whom he had been contending. <span class="cmt_word">And he</span> (the mysterious stranger) <span class="cmt_word">said, Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name?</span> Cf. <a href="/judges/13-18.htm">Judges 13:18</a>, where the angel gives the same reply to Manoah, adding, "seeing it is secret;" literally, <span class="accented">wonderful</span>, <span class="accented">i</span>.<span class="accented">e</span>. incomprehensible to mortal man; though here the words of Jacob's antagonist may mean that his name, so far as it could be learnt by man, was already plain from the occurrence which had taken place (Murphy, 'Speaker's Commentary,' Bush). <span class="cmt_word">And he blessed him there.</span> After this, every vestige of doubt disappeared from the soul of Jacob. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/32-29.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Then Jacob</span><br /><span class="heb">יַעֲקֹ֗ב</span> <span class="translit">(ya·‘ă·qōḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3290.htm">Strong's 3290: </a> </span><span class="str2">Jacob -- a son of Isaac, also his desc</span><br /><br /><span class="word">asked him,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּשְׁאַ֣ל</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiš·’al)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7592.htm">Strong's 7592: </a> </span><span class="str2">To inquire, to request, to demand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Please</span><br /><span class="heb">נָּ֣א</span> <span class="translit">(nā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interjection<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4994.htm">Strong's 4994: </a> </span><span class="str2">I pray', 'now', 'then'</span><br /><br /><span class="word">tell</span><br /><span class="heb">הַגִּֽידָה־</span> <span class="translit">(hag·gî·ḏāh-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5046.htm">Strong's 5046: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be conspicuous</span><br /><br /><span class="word">me Your name.”</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁמֶ֔ךָ</span> <span class="translit">(šə·me·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8034.htm">Strong's 8034: </a> </span><span class="str2">A name</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Why</span><br /><span class="heb">לָ֥מָּה</span> <span class="translit">(lām·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> </span><span class="str2">What?, what!, indefinitely what</span><br /><br /><span class="word">do you ask</span><br /><span class="heb">תִּשְׁאַ֣ל</span> <span class="translit">(tiš·’al)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7592.htm">Strong's 7592: </a> </span><span class="str2">To inquire, to request, to demand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">My name?”</span><br /><span class="heb">לִשְׁמִ֑י</span> <span class="translit">(liš·mî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8034.htm">Strong's 8034: </a> </span><span class="str2">A name</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he replied.</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">And He blessed</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיְבָ֥רֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(way·ḇā·reḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1288.htm">Strong's 1288: </a> </span><span class="str2">To kneel, to bless God, man, to curse</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[Jacob] there.</span><br /><span class="heb">שָֽׁם׃</span> <span class="translit">(šām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8033.htm">Strong's 8033: </a> </span><span class="str2">There, then, thither</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/32-29.htm">Genesis 32:29 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/32-29.htm">Genesis 32:29 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/32-29.htm">Genesis 32:29 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/32-29.htm">Genesis 32:29 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/32-29.htm">Genesis 32:29 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/32-29.htm">Genesis 32:29 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/32-29.htm">Genesis 32:29 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/32-29.htm">Genesis 32:29 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/32-29.htm">Genesis 32:29 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/32-29.htm">Genesis 32:29 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/32-29.htm">OT Law: Genesis 32:29 Jacob asked him Please tell me your (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/32-28.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 32:28"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 32:28" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/32-30.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 32:30"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 32:30" /></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="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>