Genesis 35:10

Authorized King James Version

And God said unto him, Thy name is Jacob: thy name shall not be called any more Jacob, but Israel shall be thy name: and he called his name Israel.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּֽאמֶר
H559
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
ל֥וֹ
H0
#3
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
H430
And 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
#4
שְׁמ֖וֹ
H8034
his name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#5
יַֽעֲקֹ֗ב
H3290
any more Jacob
jaakob, the israelitish patriarch
#6
לֹֽא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#7
וַיִּקְרָ֥א
H7121
and he called
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#8
שְׁמ֖וֹ
H8034
his name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#9
ע֜וֹד
H5750
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
#10
יַֽעֲקֹ֗ב
H3290
any more Jacob
jaakob, the israelitish patriarch
#11
כִּ֤י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#12
אִם
H518
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#13
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
H3478
Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#14
יִֽהְיֶ֣ה
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#15
שְׁמ֖וֹ
H8034
his name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#16
וַיִּקְרָ֥א
H7121
and he called
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#17
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#18
שְׁמ֖וֹ
H8034
his name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#19
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
H3478
Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through universal language and absolute statements. 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

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