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People of the Bible
Who Was Jacob?
In short
Jacob was the son of Isaac and grandson of Abraham, a flawed, scheming man whom God nonetheless met in dreams and covenant. One night he wrestled with God until dawn and was renamed Israel.
From his twelve sons came the twelve tribes of Israel. His story is a testament to a God who works through imperfect people.
“And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.”
Genesis 32:28 · King James Version (public domain)
Jacob at a glance
| Name | Jacob |
|---|---|
| Where to read about them | Genesis |
| Key passage on this page | Genesis 32:28 |
| Passages linked to that verse | 10 |
| Translation on this page | King James Version (public domain) |
Read it in context
Read it beside its neighbours. These are the passages readers most often set next to this one.
- Revelation 2:17
- Genesis 35:10
- Isaiah 62:2-4
- Hosea 12:3-5
- Genesis 27:33-36
- Genesis 17:5
- Genesis 17:15
- John 1:42
- Genesis 25:31
- Genesis 33:4
Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info, used under CC BY.
Questions people ask
Where can I read about Jacob in the Bible?
Jacob appears in Genesis. Start with the key passage on this page, then read the whole chapter around it.
What other passages sit beside Genesis 32:28?
Readers most often set it next to Revelation 2:17, Genesis 35:10, Isaiah 62:2-4, Hosea 12:3-5.
Why does Jacob matter to Christians today?
Because the story of Jacob is told to point to Christ and to teach us to love one another. Read it as part of the one story of Scripture, not as a stand-alone biography.
Pray this
Jesus, our Shepherd, nothing about Jacob is hidden from you. We bring you Jacob, Genesis. Teach us to love one another, as you have loved us. In the name of Jesus, amen.
Live this
Take one step this week.
- Read the key passage, Genesis 32:28, aloud once today.
- Write one sentence about what Jacob's story says about God, not only about Jacob.
- Tell one person what you noticed, and ask what Bible story has stayed with them.
Where this fits in the walk with Christ
Nothing here is a finish line. It is one door into a life with Christ and with His people.
Read the story of Jacob
You can read the story of Jacob in Genesis on The Living Bread, free, with audio, and with Simon to answer your questions along the way.
