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Genesis 32 · a question people ask

If he was renamed Israel, why does Genesis keep calling him Jacob?

In the text

Genesis doesn't explain. God renames him again at Bethel: "Your name shall not be Jacob any more, but your name will be Israel" (35:10). After that Genesis uses both names, for example "Now Israel loved Joseph" (37:3) and "Jacob tore his clothes" (37:34), and God himself calls him "Jacob, Jacob!" (46:2). Abram, by contrast, is never called Abram again in Genesis after God renames him (17:5).

The verses

“God said to him, “Your name is Jacob. Your name shall not be Jacob any more, but your name will be Israel.” He named him Israel.”
Genesis 35:10 · World English Bible
“Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age, and he made him a tunic of many colors.”
Genesis 37:3 · World English Bible
“Jacob tore his clothes, and put sackcloth on his waist, and mourned for his son many days.”
Genesis 37:34 · World English Bible
“God spoke to Israel in the visions of the night, and said, “Jacob, Jacob!” He said, “Here I am.””
Genesis 46:2 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of Genesis 32

Genesis 32: Face to face

Afraid of Esau, Jacob split his camp, sent gifts ahead and prayed God's promises back to him: "I am not worthy." Alone at the Jabbok he wrestled a man till dawn and would not let go without a blessing. Asked his name, he said "Jacob" this time, and was renamed Israel. He named the place Peniel, "I have seen God face to face", and left limping.

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Last reviewed September 25, 2026. Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions