Jacob (1)
Peopleâš¡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)
The name Jacob derives from the Hebrew root 'aqab', meaning 'to follow' or 'to supplant', and functions as a theophoric name implying 'May God protect' or 'God sustains'.
What is the meaning of Jacob (1) in the Bible?
The name Jacob derives from the Hebrew root 'aqab', meaning 'to follow' or 'to supplant', and functions as a theophoric name implying 'May God protect' or 'God sustains'.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the etymology of Jacob clarifies the narrative tension in Genesis regarding birthrights and divine election, helping readers grasp the theological themes of substitution and covenant fulfillment central to the patriarchal accounts.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
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Source Attribution & Provenance
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been editorially modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and formatted for fast contextual reference.