Jacob wrestling with the angel is described in the Book of Genesis (chapter 32:22–32; also referenced in the Book of Hosea, chapter 12:3–5).[1] The "angel" in question is referred to as "man" (אִישׁ: Ish) and "God" (אֵל: El) in Genesis, while Hosea references an "angel" (מַלְאָךְ: Malakh).[1][2] The account includes the renaming of Jacob as Israel (etymologized as "contends-with-God").[1]
In the Genesis patriarchal narrative, Jacob spent the night alone on a riverside during his journey back to Canaan.[1] He encounters a "man" who proceeds to wrestle with him until dawn.[1] In the end, Jacob is given the name Israel and blessed, while the "man" refuses to give his own name. Jacob then names the place where they wrestled Penuel (פְּנוּאֵל: "face of God" or "facing God"[3]).
- ^ a b c d e Nabulsi, Rachel (May 2023). "Rudolf Otto and the Fearful Numinous: Jacob and Moses Wrestle with the Dangerous Divine; An Investigation of Genesis 32:22-33 and Exodus 4:24-26". Biblical Theology Bulletin. 53 (2). SAGE Publications on behalf of Biblical Theology Bulletin Inc.: 84–95. doi:10.1177/01461079231177689. ISSN 1945-7596. S2CID 258990435.
- ^ John Muddiman (2007). Barton, John; Muddiman, John (eds.). The Oxford Bible Commentary (Illustrated, reprint, revised ed.). Oxford University Press. p. 577. ISBN 9780199277186.
- ^ Strong's Concordance H6439