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The first appearance of the word is in Genesis, chap. 32, verse 29, where Jacob's name is changed by a mysterious figure with whom he has wrestled through the night, and who -- it is generally agreed -- is sent by heaven. The next obvious question is: What does the name mean ? There are several suggestions from various Hebrew scholars and commentators. His original name "Jacob" is related to the noun for 'heel', and to the verbs for 'outsmart' or 'deceive'; the name might suggest that through trickery and deceit, Jacob received blessings to which he was not entitled. His new name "Israel" is related to the nouns for 'authority', 'superiority', and 'prince'.

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16y ago

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