Genesis 32:28-29 NLT,NIV,ESV

The Popular Commentary by Paul E. Kretzmann - Genesis 32:24-32

The Struggle at Peniel v. 24. And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day, until the morning dawned and its brightness arose in the eastern sky. Jacob, having crossed first with his family, returned and sent over his herds in charge of the servants, while he himself remained on the north side of the brook. Suddenly there came upon him a nameless man, and the two engaged in a fierce wrestling-match. v. 25. And when he saw that he prevailed not... read more

Johann Peter Lange

Lange's Commentary on the Holy Scriptures: Critical, Doctrinal and Homiletical - Genesis 32:3-32

FIFTH SECTIONJacob’s return. His fear of Esau. His night wrestlings with God. Peniel. The name Israel. Meeting and reconciliation with Esau. Genesis 32:3 to Genesis 33:163And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother, unto the land of Seir, the country of Edom. 4And he commanded them, saying, Thus shall ye speak unto my lord Esau; Thy servant Jacob saith thus, I have sojourned [have been a stranger] with Laban, and stayed there until now: 5And I have oxen, and asses, flocks, and... read more

Frederick Brotherton Meyer

F.B. Meyer's 'Through the Bible' Commentary - Genesis 32:13-32

Jacob Wrestles and Prevails Genesis 32:13-32 There is a fulsomeness in Jacob’s address to Esau, which sounds inconsistent with the noblest manhood and the firmest faith. Why should he speak of “my lord” Esau, and endeavor to appease his wrath with soft speeches and rich gifts? Evidently much had to be effected in his character before he could become one of the great spiritual forces of the world, and his supreme discipline came in that midnight wrestle. The Angel who wrestled with him could... read more

G. Campbell Morgan

G. Campbell Morgan's Exposition on the Whole Bible - Genesis 32:1-32

This is unquestionably one of the great chapters of the Bible, and it is significant how constant and powerful is its appeal to all who live on the principle of faith. It gives the account of the third direct communication of God to Jacob. As he returned to his own land, the same conflicting principles which have been evident throughout are still manifest. His going at all was in direct obedience to the distinct command of God. There was really no other reason to return. He might still have... read more

James Nisbet

James Nisbet's Church Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 32:28

A NEW NAME‘No more Jacob, but Israel.’ Genesis 32:28 I. The very twofold name of Jacob and of Israel is but the symbol of the blending of contradictions in Jacob’s character. The life of Jacob comes before us as a strange paradox, shot with the most marvellous diversities. He is the hero of faith, and the quick, sharp-witted schemer. To him the heavens are opened, and his wisdom passes into the cunning which is of the earth earthy. II. The character of Jacob is a form which is to be found... read more

Peter Pett

Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 32:27-29

‘And he said, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” And he said, “Your name will no more be called Jacob, but Israel (isra-el), for you have striven (from the verb sarah) with God and with men and have prevailed.” ’ The asking of the name in such circumstances is to seek the character of the person. Jacob meant ‘he who clutches’ and refers to the supplanting of the man Esau. Israel means ‘he who strives with God’ or ‘God strives’. This change of name marks the culmination of the change... read more

Arthur Peake

Arthur Peake's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 32:22-32

Genesis 32:22-Jonah : . The Wrestling of Jacob.— The narrative, for which Hosea 12:3-Deuteronomy : should be compared. is distributed between J and E by recent critics. Gunkel attributes Genesis 32:23-Jeremiah : a, Genesis 32:25 a, Genesis 32:26-Hosea :, Genesis 32:31 a to E; Genesis 32:22; Genesis 32:24, Genesis 32:25 b, Genesis 32:29 f., Genesis 32:31 b to J. The older critics treated the section as a unity, generally attributing it to J. So much uncertainty hangs over the analysis, that it... read more

Matthew Poole

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible - Genesis 32:28

No more Jacob, not Jacob only. See the like manner of expression 1 Samuel 8:7; Jeremiah 23:7; John 7:16; 1 Corinthians 1:17. Israel signifies a prince or prevailer with God; or, a prince of God, i.e. a great prince and conqueror. Thou hast in some sort conquered both God in this conflict and men, Laban, Esau, &c., and hast prevailed; or, and shalt prevail over Esau, of whom thou art afraid. read more

Matthew Poole

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible - Genesis 32:29

Tell me, I pray thee, thy name, that I may give thee the honour due to it. Art thou a created angel, or art thou the ever-blessed God? Wherefore dost thou ask after my name? A question which carries in it both a denial of his request, as Judges 13:17,Judges 13:18, and a reproof of his curiosity. He blessed him there, in an eminent and peculiar manner, which was a real answer to Jacob’s question, and gave him to understand both his name and nature. read more

Joseph Exell

Preacher's Complete Homiletical Commentary - Genesis 32:24-32

CRITICAL NOTES.—Genesis 32:24. Wrestled.] The Heb. word only occurs in this place. It seems to be derived from a word signifying “dust,” and the allusion is probably to the dust excited by the combatants in wrestling. A man. In Hosea 12:4-5, the man who wrestled with Jacob is called the angel, and the Lord of Hosts. In Genesis 32:30, Jacob calls him God. Genesis 32:25. The hollow of his thigh.] “Lit., the socket of the hip. It is not said that he struck it a blow (Knobel) (for it is God who is... read more