Genesis 32:29
Genesis 32:29 in Multiple Translations
And Jacob requested, “Please tell me your name.” But he replied, “Why do you ask my name?” Then he blessed Jacob there.
And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there.
And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there.
Then Jacob said, What is your name? And he said, What is my name to you? Then he gave him a blessing.
“Please tell me your name,” Jacob asked. “Why do you ask me my name?” the man replied. Then he blessed Jacob there.
Then Iaakob demaded, saying, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore now doest thou aske my name? and he blessed him there
And Jacob asketh, and saith, 'Declare, I pray thee, thy name;' and he saith, 'Why [is] this, thou askest for My name?' and He blesseth him there.
Jacob asked him, “Please tell me your name.” He said, “Why is it that you ask what my name is?” So he blessed him there.
And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name: And he said, why is it that thou dost ask after my name? and he blessed him there.
Jacob asked him, Tell me by what name art thou called? He answered: Why dost thou ask my name? And he blessed him in the same place.
Jacob said, “Now, please tell me your name!” The man replied, “◄Why do you ask me what my name is?/You should not have to ask me what my name is!►” [RHQ] But he blessed Jacob there.
Then Jacob said to the man, “Please tell me your name.” But the man said, “You don’t need to ask my name.” Then he said to Jacob, “Things will go well for you.” And he left.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 32:29
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 32:29 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֗אמֶר
לֹ֤א
יַעֲקֹב֙
יֵאָמֵ֥ר
עוֹד֙
שִׁמְ/ךָ֔
כִּ֖י
אִם
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
כִּֽי
שָׂרִ֧יתָ
עִם
אֱלֹהִ֛ים
וְ/עִם
אֲנָשִׁ֖ים
וַ/תּוּכָֽל
וַ/יֹּ֗אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לֹ֤א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יַעֲקֹב֙
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
Jacob
N-proper
יֵאָמֵ֥ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
עוֹד֙
ʻôwd
H5750
still
Adv
שִׁמְ/ךָ֔
shêm
H8034
name
N-ms | Suff
כִּ֖י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
שָׂרִ֧יתָ
sârâh
H8280
to strive
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
עִם
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep
אֱלֹהִ֛ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
וְ/עִם
ʻim
H5973
with
Conj | Prep
אֲנָשִׁ֖ים
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-mp
וַ/תּוּכָֽל
yâkôl
H3201
be able
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-2ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 32:29
וַ/יֹּ֗אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
לֹ֤א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יַעֲקֹב֙
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
"Jacob"
N-proper
This word is the name of a person, Jacob, a key figure in the Bible. He was the son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the father of many tribes of Israel. The KJV simply translates it as Jacob.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently Another name of yis.ra.el (יִשְׂרָאֵל "Israel" H3478) § Jacob = "heel holder" or "supplanter" son of Isaac, grandson of Abraham, and father of the 12 patriarchs of the tribes of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 319 OT verses. KJV: Jacob. See also: Genesis 25:26; Genesis 34:1; Psalms 14:7.
יֵאָמֵ֥ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
עוֹד֙
ʻôwd
H5750
"still"
Adv
The word 'still' means something continues or happens again, like in Genesis 29:26 and Isaiah 2:11. It can also mean 'more' or 'additionally'.
Definition: subst 1) a going round, continuance adv 2) still, yet, again, besides 2a) still, yet (of continuance or persistence) 2b) still, yet, more (of addition or repetition) 2c) again 2d) still, moreover, besides Aramaic equivalent: od (עוֹד "still" H5751)
Usage: Occurs in 459 OT verses. KJV: again, [idiom] all life long, at all, besides, but, else, further(-more), henceforth, (any) longer, (any) more(-over), [idiom] once, since, (be) still, when, (good, the) while (having being), (as, because, whether, while) yet (within). See also: Genesis 4:25; Judges 9:37; 2 Chronicles 32:16.
שִׁמְ/ךָ֔
shêm
H8034
"name"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
כִּ֖י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
שָׂרִ֧יתָ
sârâh
H8280
"to strive"
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
This word means to strive or prevail, often referring to exerting power or authority. In the Bible, it is used to describe a prince or leader who has power and influence. The word emphasizes perseverance and determination.
Definition: 1) contend, have power, contend with, persist, exert oneself, persevere 1a) (Qal) to persevere, contend with
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: have power (as a prince). See also: Genesis 32:29; Hosea 12:4.
עִם
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
אֱלֹהִ֛ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
וְ/עִם
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
אֲנָשִׁ֖ים
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
וַ/תּוּכָֽל
yâkôl
H3201
"be able"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-2ms
This Hebrew word means to be able or have power, used in various contexts, such as overcoming or enduring, and is translated as 'be able' or 'have power' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to prevail, overcome, endure, have power, be able 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be able, be able to gain or accomplish, be able to endure, be able to reach 1a2) to prevail, prevail over or against, overcome, be victor 1a3) to have ability, have strength Aramaic equivalent: ye.khel (יְכִל "be able" H3202)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: be able, any at all (ways), attain, can (away with, (-not)), could, endure, might, overcome, have power, prevail, still, suffer. See also: Genesis 13:6; 1 Kings 14:4; Psalms 13:5.
Study Notes — Genesis 32:29
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 32:29 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 32:29
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 32:29
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 32:29
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 32:29
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 32:29
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 32:29
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 32:29
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 32:29
- Sermons on Genesis 32:29
Context — Jacob Wrestles with God
27“What is your name?” the man asked. “Jacob,” he replied.
28Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men, and you have prevailed.”
29And Jacob requested, “Please tell me your name.” But he replied, “Why do you ask my name?” Then he blessed Jacob there.
30So Jacob named the place Peniel, saying, “Indeed, I have seen God face to face, and yet my life was spared.” 31The sun rose above him as he passed by Penuel, and he was limping because of his hip.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 9:6 | For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. |
| 2 | Judges 13:16–18 | And the angel of the LORD replied, “Even if I stay, I will not eat your food. But if you prepare a burnt offering, offer it to the LORD.” For Manoah did not know that it was the angel of the LORD. Then Manoah said to the angel of the LORD, “What is your name, so that we may honor you when your word comes to pass?” “Why do you ask my name,” said the angel of the LORD, “since it is beyond comprehension?” |
| 3 | Job 11:7 | Can you fathom the deep things of God or discover the limits of the Almighty? |
| 4 | Luke 1:19 | “I am Gabriel,” replied the angel. “I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. |
| 5 | Genesis 28:13–14 | And there at the top the LORD was standing and saying, “I am the LORD, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you now lie. Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and east and north and south. All the families of the earth will be blessed through you and your offspring. |
| 6 | Proverbs 30:4 | Who has ascended to heaven and come down? Who has gathered the wind in His hands? Who has bound up the waters in His cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His name, and what is the name of His Son— surely you know! |
| 7 | Genesis 27:28–29 | May God give to you the dew of heaven and the richness of the earth— an abundance of grain and new wine. May peoples serve you and nations bow down to you. May you be the master of your brothers, and may the sons of your mother bow down to you. May those who curse you be cursed, and those who bless you be blessed.” |
| 8 | Hosea 6:1 | Come, let us return to the LORD. For He has torn us to pieces, but He will heal us; He has wounded us, but He will bind up our wounds. |
| 9 | Genesis 32:26–27 | Then the man said, “Let me go, for it is daybreak.” But Jacob replied, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” “What is your name?” the man asked. “Jacob,” he replied. |
| 10 | Genesis 28:3–4 | May God Almighty bless you and make you fruitful and multiply you, so that you may become a company of peoples. And may He give the blessing of Abraham to you and your descendants, so that you may possess the land where you dwell as a foreigner, the land God gave to Abraham.” |
Genesis 32:29 Summary
In this verse, Jacob asks the man he is wrestling with to tell him his name, but the man refuses, instead choosing to bless Jacob. This blessing is a reminder of God's favor and approval, and it marks a turning point in Jacob's journey with God. Just like Jacob, we can experience God's blessing and transformation in our lives when we surrender to Him and trust in His goodness, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7. As we reflect on this verse, we can ask ourselves how we can position ourselves for an encounter with God and experience His blessing in our own lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the man refuse to tell Jacob his name?
The man's refusal to reveal his name is a reminder of the mystery and majesty of God, as seen in Exodus 34:5-7, where God's name is closely tied to His character and nature. This encounter emphasizes Jacob's limitations in understanding God's ways.
What is the significance of the man blessing Jacob?
The blessing bestowed upon Jacob signifies God's approval and favor, much like the blessings given by God to Abraham in Genesis 12:2-3, and serves as a reminder of God's covenant promises to Jacob and his descendants.
Why is Jacob so insistent on knowing the man's name?
Jacob's persistence in asking for the man's name demonstrates his desire for a deeper understanding of God's nature and character, much like Moses' request to see God's glory in Exodus 33:18. This desire for intimacy with God is a hallmark of a genuine faith.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the story in Genesis 32?
This verse is a pivotal moment in Jacob's journey, as it marks a turning point in his relationship with God, from one of deception and manipulation to one of surrender and trust, as seen in his newfound name, Israel, in Genesis 32:28.
Reflection Questions
- What are the ways in which I, like Jacob, try to grasp or understand God's nature and character, and how can I cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and awe in my relationship with Him?
- In what ways have I experienced God's blessing and favor in my life, and how can I respond with gratitude and humility, like Jacob?
- How can I, like Jacob, move from a place of striving and self-reliance to one of surrender and trust in God's sovereignty and goodness?
- What are the areas in my life where I need to experience God's blessing and transformation, and how can I, like Jacob, position myself for an encounter with God?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 32:29
And Jacob asked [him], and said, tell [me], I pray thee, thy name,.... Being asked his own name, and told it, and having another given him more significative and expressive, he is emboldened to ask
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 32:29
And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day. There wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day - an unknown person appeared suddenly to oppose his entrance into Canaan.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 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 ,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.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 32:29
Genesis 32:29 And Jacob asked [him], and said, Tell [me], I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore [is] it [that] thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there.Ver. 29. And he blessed him there.] That was a better thing to Jacob than to answer his curious request of knowing the angel’ s name. So when the disciples asked our Saviour, "Wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?" "It is not for you to know the times," saith he, "but ye shall receive the Holy Ghost"; that is better for you, &c. God sometimes doth not only "grant a man’ s prayer," but "fulfil his counsel." This if he do not, because we sometimes ask we know not what, yet some better thing we shall be sure of. "I will strengthen the house of Judah, and they shall be as if I had not cast them off l and I will hear them."
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 32:29
(29) Wherefore . . . —In much the same manner the angel refuses to tell Manoah his name (Judges 13:18). Probably, however, in the blessing which followed there was a clear proof that Jacob’s opponent was a Divine personage.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 32:29
Verse 29. Tell me, I pray thee, thy name.] It is very likely that Jacob wished to know the name of this angel, that he might invoke him in his necessities: but this might have led him into idolatry, for the doctrine of the incarnation could be but little understood at this time; hence, he refuses to give himself any name, yet shows himself to be the true God, and so Jacob understood him; (see Genesis 32:28;) but he wished to have heard from his own lips that name by which he desired to be invoked and worshipped. Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name?] Canst thou be ignorant who I am? And he blessed him there - gave him the new heart and the new nature which God alone can give to fallen man, and by the change he wrought in him, sufficiently showed who he was. After this clause the Aldine edition of the Septuagint, and several MSS., add ὁεστιθαυμαστον, or καιτουτοεστιθαυμαστον, which is wonderful; but this addition seems to have been taken from Judges 13:18.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 32:29
29. And he blessed him] The name is refused, but the blessing previously asked for (Genesis 32:26) is granted. The same occurrence is recorded in Judges 13:17-21. The prayer may not always be right or wise. But the blessing is not refused, because the literal answer is not given. The blessing is the sign of God’s Presence and the pledge of man’s salvation.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 32:29
29. Tell me… thy name — In the loftiest attainments of soul-struggle with God this is the profoundest prayer that can be uttered.
Sermons on Genesis 32:29
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Genesis) Genesis 32:25-32 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob wrestling with God and how it relates to our spiritual journey. Jacob initially wrestles with God, but eventually realize |
|
How God Broke Jacob by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jacob from the book of Genesis. Jacob, who had done wrong things and was running away, had a vision of a ladder from heaven to e |
|
Overcoming Barriers to Spiritual Awakening in the Church by Don Currin | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about Billy Sunday, an American evangelist, who held a crusade in a town in the Midwest. Despite preaching the gospel from Isaiah 61-1, |
|
A Christmas Question by C.H. Spurgeon | The sermon transcript describes the pitiable condition of those who died from hunger and cold in the streets. It then transitions to a depiction of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, |
|
Let God Be in You by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God has chosen individuals from seemingly ordinary and unpromising backgrounds to serve Him. He encourages the audience, whether they a |
|
|
Christ the Man #1 by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of learning and remembering spiritual principles. He highlights the story of a man who relied on the Lord and experienced divi |
|
Are You Preventing Christ's Return by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of finding freedom in Jesus Christ. He uses the example of a blind man, George Madison, who is given a picture of the queen. |