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Jacob

Faith Q&A › Metropolitan Youssef › Holy Scripture › Jacob

The question

My question is about Genesis 32:24-30 "Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day. Now when He saw that He did not prevail against him, He touched the socket of his hip; and the socket of Jacob's hip was out of joint as He wrestled with him. And He said, 'Let Me go, for the day breaks.' But he said, 'I will not let You go unless You bless me!' So He said to him, 'What is your name?' He said, 'Jacob.' And He said, 'Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed.' Then Jacob asked, saying, 'Tell me Your name, I pray.' And He said, 'Why is it that you ask about My name?' And He blessed him there. So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: 'For I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.'" Is this an angel on behalf of God or God himself that Jacob is wrestling? And if he is not an angel, is he God incarnate or Jesus?

The answer

It is more likely that the Man whom Jacob wrestled is a manifestation of God (the second Hypostasis of the Holy Trinity), but not in human flesh. Jacob's life was full of struggles and strife. "And He said 'Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed" (Genesis 32:28). Jacob prevailed, because regardless of his struggles, he remained focused on receiving God's blessings, and it was granted to him. The end of his earthly life was free from the struggles he had endured throughout. He saw his beloved Joseph again and all his sons made peace with one another and enjoyed prosperity until the end of his days. We refer to these patriarchs as Abraham Your Servant, Isaac Your Beloved, and Jacob Your Saint.

Answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab)

Related questions

Questions answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab) of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. Question 1387 on the Diocese’s Q&A site. Questions and answers © Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. All rights reserved.