Genesis 35:10 Meaning and Explanation
“And God said unto him, Thy name is Jacob: thy name shall not be called any more Jacob, but Israel shall be thy name: and he called his name Israel.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God tells Jacob that his name will no longer be Jacob but Israel, and calls him by his new name.
The Context of Genesis 35:10
God renames Jacob to Israel.
What Does Genesis 35:10 Mean?
The name change from Jacob ('heel-grabber' or 'supplanter') to Israel represents a transformation of identity and status. In biblical thought, a name change marked a fundamental shift in calling or role. Jacob had struggled—with his brother, his conscience, and with God—but now receives a new name reflecting a new chapter of faith and covenant responsibility.
This renaming echoes God's renaming of Abram to Abraham and Sarai to Sarah, placing Jacob in the lineage of covenant patriarchs. The new name Israel means 'he who strives with God,' commemorating Jacob's wrestling with God at Peniel (Genesis 32) and his persistence in faith despite his struggles.
Genesis 35:10 in the Original Language
Yisrael (יִשְׂרָאֵל), 'Israel' — traditionally understood as 'he who strives/contends with God.'
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 35:10
What does Genesis 35:10 mean?
God tells Jacob that his name will no longer be Jacob but Israel, and calls him by his new name.
What is the context of Genesis 35:10?
God renames Jacob to Israel.