Jacob’s name means “to grasp the heel” and “to supplant” (“supplant” means to take the place of another through force, scheming or strategy).  Jacob is asked by the man (or, angel) that he is wrestling with, “What is your name?” In answering Jacob is admitting, or confessing, before he re-enters the promised land his sinful tendency to come from behind in order to manipulate the situation for his own purpose and cheat to win.

Upon his confession to being “Jacob,” the Lord changes Jacob’s name to “Israel.” The idiom in the Hebrew says, “they shall say no more” that you are “Jacob.” The meaning of the name “Israel” is debated, but it would appear in this case the meaning that is referred to is “El will rule,” and “El will strive.” This verse may indicate a change in character for Jacob. Instead of being the nature of “Jacob will rule,” it has submitted to God and it is now, “God will rule.” Jacob has learned to trust God for protection and provision in a foreign country where he could not rule and could not defend himself. If it had not been for the Lord’s blessing Jacob in Padan Aram, Jacob would have been oppressed and destroyed by Laban. Jacob learned to trust God and not his own ability.

Jacob would now re-enter the promised land with a new name that indicated that he understood and had experience the truth – God will rule!