Genesis 32:28

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

יֵֽאָמֵ֥ר

H559

And he said

to say (used with great latitude)

לֹ֤א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יַֽעֲקֹב֙

H3290

no more Jacob

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

יֵֽאָמֵ֥ר

H559

And he said

to say (used with great latitude)

עוֹד֙

H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

שִׁמְךָ֔

H8034

Thy name

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

כִּ֖י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל

H3478

but Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

#10

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#11

שָׂרִ֧יתָ

H8280

for as a prince hast thou power

to prevail

#12

עִם

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

#13

אֱלֹהִ֛ים

H430

with God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#14

וְעִם

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

#15

אֲנָשִׁ֖ים

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#16

וַתּוּכָֽל׃

H3201

and hast prevailed

to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Genesis.

Historical Context

The historical context of the patriarchal period (c. 2000-1500 BCE) and primeval history provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The ancient Near Eastern world with its creation myths, flood narratives, and patriarchal social structures provided the cultural backdrop against which God's revelation stands in stark contrast. The ancient Near Eastern cosmology and patriarchal society would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Ancient Near Eastern creation texts like Enuma Elish provide comparative context for understanding Genesis's unique theological perspective.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?
How does the creation and providence theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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