Jacob is a biblical hero who depicts the power and grace of God to change and renew. He is most commonly known in the Bible for his cunning and deceitful ways, especially towards his twin brother Esau. However, after losing to God in a wrestling match, Jacob received God’s blessings and a new name – Israel.

Who Was Jacob in the Bible? Why Did He Wrestle With God?

Explore the life of Jacob, son of Isaac and brother of Esau, and discover how God shaped a flawed man into Israel’s patriarch.

Jacob is a Hebrew patriarch in the Book of Genesis in the Hebrew Bible. He is the grandson of Abraham, son of Isaac, and father of the ancestors of the Twelve Tribes of Israel. He is also noted for taking the birthright of his brother, his labors to marry Rachel, his vision of a ladder to heaven, and his wrestling match with a divine being.

Jacob’s life began with a struggle. As a twin in the womb with Esau, he jostled for position and was born grasping his brother’s heel. Jacob’s name is translated as “he deceives” (Genesis 25:26). When his mother, Rebekah, asked God during her pregnancy what was happening to her, God told her that there were two nations within her womb who would become divided. One would be stronger ...