Jacob Becomes “Israel”

After 20 years working for his uncle Laban in Haran, Jacob took his two wives, Leah and Rachel, their handmaidens, and his sons and left for his father’s house. During his journey one night, he breaks up camp and crosses his family over the Jabbok river. Remaining behind and alone, he encounters an angel that wrestles him till dawn. The angel then gives him a new name, Israel.

The Hebrew root of this word both means to strive or to exert superior power or authority (שרה), or to straighten (ישר). Overcoming this divine test from G-d, Jacob merits a new name, inherently also indicating a new status. In combination with the word El which means divine power, the name Israel means to strive and attain authoritative influence with the divine as well as to walk upright with G-d.

Genesis 32:25 and 29

Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the break of dawn.…He (the angel) said: "Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with divine powers and men and have prevailed.”