יִשְׂרָאֵל

Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

Definition

The name יִשְׂרָאֵל (Israel) is first given to the patriarch Jacob after he wrestles with God at Peniel, meaning 'he strives with God' or 'God strives' (Genesis 32:28). It subsequently becomes the national name for the descendants of Jacob, the twelve tribes (Genesis 35:10-12). In a theological sense, Israel refers to the covenant people of God, a corporate identity bound by God's promises and law (Exodus 19:3-6). Later in the prophetic writings, the term can also signify the faithful remnant within the nation or the ideal people of God (Isaiah 49:3).

Biblical Usage

The term is used over 2,500 times throughout the Old Testament. It first appears in Genesis as a personal name for Jacob. From Exodus onward, it predominantly refers to the nation—the twelve tribes, their ancestors, and their collective experience (e.g., Exodus 1:1, 1 Samuel 17:53). It is used in historical narratives, legal texts (e.g., 'the people of Israel'), prophetic oracles of judgment and hope, and poetic literature (e.g., Psalms 114:1-2). A significant pattern is its use in the covenantal formula, 'the God of Israel' and 'the children/sons of Israel.'

Etymology

Derived from the verb שָׂרָה (śārâ, H8280), meaning 'to strive, contend, or rule,' and the noun אֵל (ʼēl, H410), meaning 'God.' The name is interpreted in Genesis 32:28 as 'you have striven with God and with men and have prevailed.' Alternative understandings include 'God strives' or 'he will rule as God,' highlighting the struggle and divine encounter central to its origin.

Semantic Range

Israel is a foundational theological concept representing God's chosen people, the recipients of His covenant, promises, and law (Deuteronomy 7:6-8). It embodies themes of election, redemption, corporate identity, and mission. Understanding the Hebrew term enriches Bible reading by clarifying the continuity from the patriarchs to the nation and the New Testament's reinterpretation of 'Israel' in Christ (Galatians 6:16, Romans 9:6-8). It is central to the biblical narrative of salvation history.

In the ancient Near East, a name change signified a transformation in identity and destiny (e.g., Abram to Abraham). For Jacob, becoming 'Israel' marked a shift from a deceptive supplanter to a patriarch who encountered God directly. As a national name, it created a powerful group identity distinct from surrounding nations like Egypt, Canaan, and later Assyria and Babylon, rooted in a shared ancestry and divine calling.

יַעֲקֹב (Yaʿăqōḇ, H3290) — The personal name of the patriarch, used before and sometimes after his name change, often referring to him as an individual. יְהוּדָה (Yəhûḏâ, H3063) — The tribe of Judah; later, the southern kingdom after the split, representing a part of the greater nation of Israel. עִבְרִי (ʿIḇrî, H5680) — 'Hebrew,' often used by outsiders or in contexts emphasizing ethnic or social distinction, rather than covenantal identity.

Word Details

Scripture References