Bible Academy Start free trial

Patriarchs · around 2000-1850 BC

Jacob in the Bible

The wrestler transformed by God. Name meaning: “He takes by the heel,” hence “he supplants” (Gen 25:26; 27:36); later Israel, because he “wrestled with God” (Gen 32:28)

A grandson of Abraham, Jacob gets his brother Esau’s birthright and blessing by scheming, then reaps twenty years of deceit at the hands of his uncle Laban. Yet God pursues him with grace: at Bethel he promises him his presence; at Peniel he breaks him and renames him Israel. The father of the twelve sons who give their names to the tribes, he dies in Egypt, blessing and worshiping (Heb 11:21).

Main books: Genesis

Key moments

  • He buys Esau’s birthright Genesis 25:33
  • He deceives Isaac and receives the blessing Genesis 27:27
  • The dream of the ladder at Bethel Genesis 28:12
  • Tricked by Laban, he marries Leah Genesis 29:25
  • His wrestling at Peniel: he becomes Israel Genesis 32:28
  • Reconciled with Esau Genesis 33:4
  • He goes down to Egypt with his family Genesis 46:3–4
  • He blesses his twelve sons and dies Genesis 49:28

Strengths

  • Tenacity
  • Hunger for the blessing
  • Resourcefulness
  • Passionate love
  • Perseverance through hardship

Weaknesses

For a long time Jacob is a manipulator: he exploits his brother’s hunger, lies to his blind father, and plays tricks on Laban (Gen 25:31; 27:19; 30:37-43). As a father, he repeats his parents’ favoritism by preferring Rachel, then Joseph, which tears his family apart (Gen 29:30; 37:3-4).

Lessons for today

  • God chooses by grace, not by our merits: he chose Jacob before he had done anything good or bad (Rom 9:11-13).
  • You reap what you sow: the deceiver gets deceived in turn (Gen 29:25; Gal 6:7).
  • Real transformation comes through an encounter with God that makes us dependent on him: Jacob leaves Peniel limping, but blessed (Gen 32:26-31).
  • God stays faithful even when we are not: “I will not leave thee” (Gen 28:15).
And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.
Genesis 28:15
And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.
Genesis 32:26
And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.
Genesis 32:28

People around Jacob

  • Isaac — Father
  • Esau — Twin brother, the elder
  • Rachel — Beloved wife, mother of Joseph and Benjamin
  • Leah — First wife, mother of six sons including Levi and Judah
  • Laban — Uncle and father-in-law
  • Joseph — Favorite son

Stories with Jacob

Quiz: how well do you know Jacob?

What did Esau sell his birthright for?

What new name did God give Jacob?

How many years did Jacob serve Laban for his two wives?

There are many more questions like these in Bible Academy, each with its explanation and verse. Start your free trial.