Page "Jacob" Paragraph 2

Before the birth of Benjamin, Jacob is renamed " Israel " by an angel ( and ).

The name " Israel " can be translated as " God contended ", but other meanings have also been suggested.

Some commentators say the name comes from the verb śœarar (" to rule, be strong, have authority over "), thereby making the name mean " God rules " or " God judges ".

Other possible meanings include " the prince of God " ( from the King James Version ) or " El fights / struggles ".