Picture description: Jacob Wrestling with the Angel by Alexander Louis Leloir
Picture copyright: public domain
Genesis 25:19
The name came from the Hebrew name יַעֲקֹב (Ya’aqov), meaning “supplanter” and “holder of the heel”. Jacob was the son of Isaac and Rebecca. When he was born, he came out of Rebecca’s womb with his hand grasping his twin brother Esau’s heel and so he was given the name.
As recounted in the Old Testament, Jacob gave Esau some lentil stew in exchange for his birthright. He then disguised himself as Esau to deceive Isaac for his blessings, so his name also carried the meaning of “supplanter”.
After wrestling with an angel, God changed his name to Israel because he had struggled with God and with men and had overcome. Later on his twelve sons became the twelve tribes of Israel.
Male
angel Esau holder Isaac Israel Jacob lentil wrestle
NIV official site
Chinese Bible (???)
A lot of phrases, such as "two-edged sword" and " an eye for an eye", are taken from the English Bible. Learning the stories behind these idioms is fun, and can help boost your vocabulary. Click here to find out now!