Patriarch · OT
Jacob
The grandson of Abraham, renamed Israel, and father of the twelve tribes.
Jacob (Hebrew Yaakov, 'heel-grabber' or 'supplanter') was the younger of Isaac and Rebekah's twin sons. From the womb he grasped at his brother Esau's heel, and the name proved prophetic. He bought Esau's birthright for a bowl of stew and later, at Rebekah's prompting, deceived his blind father to receive the firstborn's blessing.
Fleeing Esau's anger, Jacob traveled north to Haran. On the way he dreamed of a ladder reaching to heaven and received God's covenant promise directly. He served his uncle Laban twenty years, was tricked into marrying Leah before Rachel, and fathered eleven sons and a daughter there; the twelfth son, Benjamin, came later in Canaan. Returning home, he wrestled all night with a mysterious figure at the Jabbok and emerged limping but renamed: Israel, 'one who strives with God.'
In his old age, after the long sorrow of believing Joseph dead, Jacob was reunited with his son in Egypt, blessed Pharaoh, prophesied over each of his sons, and died at one hundred forty-seven years old. His descendants became the nation of Israel.
Key moments
Took Esau's birthright and blessing
Through bargain and deception.
Saw the ladder at Bethel
Heaven opened and God renewed the covenant.
Served Laban twenty years
Married Leah and Rachel, fathered the twelve tribes.
Wrestled at Peniel
Renamed Israel; left limping and blessed.
Reunited with Joseph in Egypt
Lived seventeen years there and blessed his sons.
Key verses
"And after that came forth his brother, and his hand had hold on Esau’s heel; and his name was called Jacob: and Isaac was threescore years old when she bare them."
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"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."
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"And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for thou hast striven with God and with men, and hast prevailed."
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"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."
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"By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff."
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Frequently asked
Why did God change Jacob's name to Israel?
After wrestling all night at the Jabbok, the angel said, 'Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed' (Genesis 32:28). The new name marked a transformation — the grasping schemer became the wounded patriarch who clung to God for blessing.
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