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Genesis 35:10 - Jacob renamed Israel: why?

Genesis 35:10 - בראשית 35:10

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר־לוֹ אֱלֹהִים שִׁמְךָ יַעֲקֹב לֹא־יִקָּרֵא שִׁמְךָ עוֹד יַעֲקֹב כִּי אִם־יִשְׂרָאֵל יִהְיֶה שְׁמֶךָ וַיִּקְרָא אֶת־שְׁמוֹ יִשְׂרָאֵל׃

English Translation

And God said to him, Thy name Ya῾aqov: thy name shall not be called any more Ya῾aqov, but Yisra᾽el shall be thy name: and He called his name Yisra᾽el.

Transliteration

Vayomer lo Elohim shimcha Yaakov lo-yikare shimcha od Yaakov ki im-Yisrael yihyeh shmecha vayikra et-shmo Yisrael.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּֽאמֶר־ל֥וֹ אֱלֹהִ֖ים שִׁמְךָ֣ יַעֲקֹ֑ב לֹֽא־יִקָּרֵא֩ שִׁמְךָ֨ ע֜וֹד יַעֲקֹ֗ב כִּ֤י אִם־יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ יִהְיֶ֣ה שְׁמֶ֔ךָ וַיִּקְרָ֥א אֶת־שְׁמ֖וֹ יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
וַיֹּֽאמֶר־ל֥וֹ אֱלֹהִ֖ים שִׁמְךָ֣ יַעֲקֹ֑ב לֹֽא־יִקָּרֵא֩ שִׁמְךָ֨ ע֜וֹד יַעֲקֹ֗ב כִּ֤י אִם־יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ יִהְיֶ֣ה שְׁמֶ֔ךָ וַיִּקְרָ֥א אֶת־שְׁמ֖וֹ יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Significance of the Name Change from Yaakov to Yisrael

The verse (Bereishit 35:10) records Hashem's declaration to Yaakov Avinu that his name would no longer be called Yaakov, but rather Yisrael. This name change signifies a profound transformation in Yaakov's spiritual and national identity.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (ad loc.) explains that the name Yaakov relates to the root עקב (heel), alluding to how Yaakov held onto Eisav's heel at birth (Bereishit 25:26). Alternatively, it references the "trickery" (עקבה) Yaakov employed in obtaining the blessings (Bereishit 27:36). The name Yisrael, however, comes from the root שר (to rule), as Hashem states: "כי שרית עם אלוקים ועם אנשים ותוכל" – "for you have struggled with Divine and human beings and prevailed" (Bereishit 32:29). This denotes Yaakov's elevated status as one who overcomes challenges through spiritual strength.

The Rambam's Perspective

The Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 1:42) teaches that name changes in the Torah signify a transformation in purpose or destiny. Yaakov's new name, Yisrael, reflects his role as the progenitor of the Jewish nation – Bnei Yisrael – who would embody the ideals of struggling with and prevailing in Divine service.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 78:3) states that the name Yisrael is a composite of ישר-אל, meaning "straight to Hashem," indicating Yaakov's unwavering devotion.
  • Another interpretation (Midrash Tanchuma Vayishlach 8) suggests that the name change was a reward for Yaakov's perseverance in his struggles with Lavan, Eisav, and the angel.

Halachic Implications

The Gemara (Berachos 13a) discusses whether the Torah subsequently refers to him as Yaakov or Yisrael, concluding that both names remain in use. This teaches that while Yisrael represents his elevated spiritual state, the name Yaakov remains relevant to describe his human struggles and growth.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 13a
The verse is discussed in the context of the significance of name changes in the Torah, particularly focusing on the transformation from Ya'aqov to Yisra'el and its implications for Jewish identity.
📖 Megillah 17b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the names of the patriarchs and their spiritual significance, highlighting the moment Ya'aqov becomes Yisra'el as a pivotal point in Jewish history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did God change Jacob's name to Israel?
A: According to Rashi and the Midrash, the name 'Israel' (Yisrael) signifies that Jacob prevailed in his struggle with the angel (Genesis 32:29) and demonstrated his spiritual greatness. The name change reflects his elevated status as the father of the Jewish nation.
Q: Does the Torah still refer to Jacob after his name was changed to Israel?
A: Yes, the Torah continues to use both names 'Jacob' and 'Israel' interchangeably. The Ramban explains that 'Jacob' refers to his individual identity, while 'Israel' represents his role as the patriarch of the Jewish people.
Q: What is the significance of the name 'Israel'?
A: The name 'Israel' (Yisrael) means 'one who struggles with God' (Genesis 32:29). The Talmud (Berachos 13a) teaches that this name reflects the Jewish people's eternal relationship with Hashem—sometimes wrestling with challenges but ultimately remaining faithful.
Q: How does the name change from Jacob to Israel apply to us today?
A: The Midrash teaches that just as Jacob embodied both his personal identity ('Jacob') and his national mission ('Israel'), every Jew has both an individual purpose and a collective responsibility to the Jewish people. The name reminds us of our spiritual potential.
Q: Why is this verse important in Judaism?
A: This verse establishes the name 'Israel' as the eternal identity of the Jewish people. The Rambam emphasizes that the name represents our covenant with Hashem and our unique role in the world. It is the foundation of our national and spiritual identity.