share torah logo

Genesis 32:30 - Angel's name remains hidden

Genesis 32:30 - בראשית 32:30

Hebrew Text

וַיִּשְׁאַל יַעֲקֹב וַיֹּאמֶר הַגִּידָה־נָּא שְׁמֶךָ וַיֹּאמֶר לָמָּה זֶּה תִּשְׁאַל לִשְׁמִי וַיְבָרֶךְ אֹתוֹ שָׁם׃

English Translation

And Ya῾aqov asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Why is it that thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there.

Transliteration

Vayish'al Ya'akov vayomer hagida-na shmecha vayomer lama ze tish'al lishmi vayevarech oto sham.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּשְׁאַ֣ל יַעֲקֹ֗ב וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ הַגִּֽידָה־נָּ֣א שְׁמֶ֔ךָ וַיֹּ֕אמֶר לָ֥מָּה זֶּ֖ה תִּשְׁאַ֣ל לִשְׁמִ֑י וַיְבָ֥רֶךְ אֹת֖וֹ שָֽׁם׃
וַיִּשְׁאַ֣ל יַעֲקֹ֗ב וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ הַגִּֽידָה־נָּ֣א שְׁמֶ֔ךָ וַיֹּ֕אמֶר לָ֥מָּה זֶּ֖ה תִּשְׁאַ֣ל לִשְׁמִ֑י וַיְבָ֥רֶךְ אֹת֖וֹ שָֽׁם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Significance of Asking for the Name

In this verse (Bereshit 32:30), Yaakov asks the mysterious figure (understood by many commentators to be an angel) for his name. Rashi explains that Yaakov sought to know the angel's name so he could invoke it in prayer, as names hold spiritual power and connection to their essence. The angel's refusal to disclose his name indicates that divine beings operate beyond human comprehension, and their true nature cannot be fully grasped.

The Angel's Response and Its Meaning

The angel responds, "Why is it that you ask after my name?" Ramban (Nachmanides) suggests this implies that the angel's identity was not as important as the message he carried—namely, the divine blessing and protection for Yaakov. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 78:4) teaches that angels do not have fixed names; their names change based on their missions. Thus, the angel could not provide a permanent name.

The Blessing Bestowed Upon Yaakov

The verse concludes with the angel blessing Yaakov. According to the Sforno, this blessing reinforced Yaakov's new name, Yisrael, signifying his spiritual triumph and future role as the father of the Jewish people. The Talmud (Chullin 91b) notes that this blessing included divine protection for Yaakov and his descendants.

Key Lessons from the Verse

  • Divine Encounters Are Mysterious: The angel's reluctance to reveal his name teaches that encounters with the divine are often beyond human understanding.
  • Blessings Over Knowledge: The focus shifts from Yaakov's question to the angel's blessing, emphasizing that divine favor is more valuable than intellectual comprehension.
  • Yaakov's Transformation: This moment marks a pivotal transition in Yaakov's life, as he is blessed before reuniting with Esav and solidifying his role as Yisrael.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chullin 91b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the encounter between Jacob and the angel, focusing on the significance of asking for the angel's name.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Yaakov ask for the angel's name in Genesis 32:30?
A: Yaakov asked for the angel's name because names in Torah often represent essence and purpose (Rashi on Genesis 32:30). By knowing the angel's name, Yaakov sought to understand the divine mission behind their encounter. The angel responded that his name wasn't necessary to reveal, as the important outcome was the blessing Yaakov received.
Q: What is the significance of the angel not revealing his name in Genesis 32:30?
A: The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 78:4) explains that angels' names change based on their missions. Since this angel came specifically to bless Yaakov, his name wasn't relevant beyond that purpose. This teaches that we should focus on the blessings and lessons from divine encounters rather than seeking unnecessary details.
Q: What blessing did Yaakov receive in Genesis 32:30?
A: While the Torah doesn't specify the exact blessing, Rashi explains it was the blessing that Yaakov's descendants would carry G-d's name (the letter 'Heh' added to his name, making it 'Yisrael'). The Ramban adds that this included assurance of divine protection and the fulfillment of Abraham's blessings.
Q: Why is this verse important in Jewish tradition?
A: This verse marks the moment Yaakov's name was changed to Yisrael (Israel), establishing our identity as the Jewish people. The Talmud (Chullin 91b) sees this as a foundational moment where our ancestors received spiritual strength to face challenges while maintaining connection to Hashem.
Q: How can we apply the lesson of Genesis 32:30 today?
A: The Maharal teaches that this episode shows we don't always need to understand every detail of divine providence. Like Yaakov, we should focus on receiving and recognizing blessings in our lives, even when we don't comprehend all aspects of how they come about. The main thing is the blessing itself, not the 'name' or mechanism behind it.