Jacob
Jacob in the Bible — second-born son of Isaac (GEN 25:25-26). Referenced in 81 scripture passages.
Name meaning: “that supplants, undermines; the heel”
Profile
- Gender
- male
- Scripture References
- 81 references
- Known Names
- 8 names
- Relationships
- 73 connections
Biography
Jacob is the second-born son of Isaac and a male patriarch in the biblical narrative. He is notably recognized as the father of twelve sons who became the progenitors of the twelve tribes of Israel. His life is marked by significant divine encounters and covenantal promises.
Names & Titles
The name Jacob means 'follower, replacer, one who follows at the heel,' reflecting his birth circumstances. God later gave him the name Israel, meaning 'he struggles with G-d [El],' after a profound encounter, signifying his spiritual wrestling and covenant relationship. He is also referred to by titles such as 'Israel My servant' and 'Jacob My servant,' highlighting his role as God's chosen servant in Scripture.
Family
Jacob is the son of Isaac and Rebekah and the father of twelve sons, including Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, and the daughter Dinah. He had children with his wives Bilhah and Zilpah as well. These relationships establish him as the patriarch of the tribes of Israel.
Significance
Jacob is a central figure in God's redemptive plan, chosen despite his imperfect character to carry forward the covenant promises given to Abraham and Isaac. His renaming to Israel signifies his unique role in God's unfolding purpose. Through his twelve sons, he fathered the tribes that form the nation of Israel, embodying God's electing grace and faithfulness.
Key Events
Names & Labels (8)
- Hebrew
- יַעֲקֹ֑ב
- Transliteration
- yaaqov
- Meaning
- follower, replacer, one who follows at the heel
- Greek
- Ιακωβ
- Reference
- GEN 25:26
- Strong's
- H3290
- Hebrew
- יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
- Transliteration
- yisərael
- Meaning
- he struggles with G-d [El]
- Greek
- Ισραηλ
- Reference
- GEN 32:28
- Strong's
- H3478
- Hebrew
- יְשֻׁרוּן
- Transliteration
- yəshurun
- Meaning
- upright
- Greek
- Ιακωβ
- Reference
- DEU 32:15
- Strong's
- H3484
- Hebrew
- יִשְׂרָאֵל עַבְדִּ֔י
- Transliteration
- yisərael avədiy
- Meaning
- Israel [my] servant
- Greek
- Ισραηλ, παῖς μου
- Reference
- ISA 41:8
- Strong's
- H3478, H5650
- Hebrew
- יַעֲקֹב עַבְדִּי
- Transliteration
- yaaqov avədiy
- Meaning
- Jacob [my] servant
- Greek
- παῖς μου Ιακωβ
- Reference
- ISA 44:1
- Strong's
- H3290, H5650
- Hebrew
- עַבְדִּי יַעֲקֹב
- Transliteration
- avədiy yaaqov
- Meaning
- my servant Jacob
- Greek
- Ιακωβ τοῦ παιδός
- Reference
- ISA 45:4
- Strong's
- H5650, H3290
- Hebrew
- יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל בְּחִירִי
- Transliteration
- yisərael bəchiyriy
- Meaning
- Israel [my] chosen [one]
- Greek
- Ισραηλ τοῦ ἐκλεκτοῦ
- Reference
- ISA 45:4
- Strong's
- H3478, H972
- Hebrew
- עַבְדִּי יִשְׂרָאֵ֕ל
- Transliteration
- avədiy yisərael
- Meaning
- [my] servant Israel
- Greek
- Δοῦλός μου εἶ σύ, Ισραηλ
- Reference
- ISA 49:3
- Strong's
- H5650, H3478
Family & Relationships (73)
father
ancestor
servant
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jacob in the Bible?
Jacob is the second-born son of Isaac and a male patriarch in the biblical narrative. He is notably recognized as the father of twelve sons who became the progenitors of the twelve tribes of Israel. His life is marked by significant divine encounters and covenantal promises.
What does the name Jacob mean?
The name Jacob means “that supplants, undermines; the heel” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.