A Project Genesis website

JewishAnswers.org

Ask the Rabbi: answers from Project Genesis rabbis

,

Israel

Question

Why was Jacob called "Israel"?

Answer

After Jacob struggled with the angel (Gen.32:25-31), the angel told him that he would be renamed "Israel" (literally: he will overcome G-d") because he had overcome a heavenly opponent (Esau's guardian angel). Jacob accepted that name (see Gen.33:20), and G-d afterwards confirmed it (Gen.35:10).