Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, “It is because I saw God face to face, and yet my life was spared.” New Living Translation Jacob named the place Peniel (which means “face of God”), for he said, “I have seen God face to face, yet my life has been spared.” English Standard Version So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel, saying, “For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life has been delivered.” Berean Standard Bible So Jacob named the place Peniel, saying, “Indeed, I have seen God face to face, and yet my life was spared.” King James Bible And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved. New King James Version So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: “For I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.” New American Standard Bible So Jacob named the place Peniel, for he said, “I have seen God face to face, yet my life has been spared.” NASB 1995 So Jacob named the place Peniel, for he said, “I have seen God face to face, yet my life has been preserved.” NASB 1977 So Jacob named the place Peniel, for he said, “I have seen God face to face, yet my life has been preserved.” Legacy Standard Bible So Jacob named the place Peniel, for he said, “I have seen God face to face, yet my life has been delivered.” Amplified Bible So Jacob named the place Peniel (the face of God), saying, “For I have seen God face to face, yet my life has not been snatched away.” Christian Standard Bible Jacob then named the place Peniel, “For I have seen God face to face,” he said, “yet my life has been spared.” Holman Christian Standard Bible Jacob then named the place Peniel, “For I have seen God face to face,” he said, “and I have been delivered.” American Standard Version And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for, said he, I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved. Contemporary English Version Jacob said, "I have seen God face to face, and I am still alive." So he named the place Peniel. English Revised Version And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for, said he, I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved. GOD'S WORD® Translation So Jacob named that place Peniel [Face of God], because he said, "I have seen God face to face, but my life was saved." Good News Translation Jacob said, "I have seen God face-to-face, and I am still alive"; so he named the place Peniel. International Standard Version Jacob would later call that place Peniel, because "I saw God face to face, but my life was spared." NET Bible So Jacob named the place Peniel, explaining, "Certainly I have seen God face to face and have survived." New Heart English Bible So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: "For I have seen God face to face, and my life has been preserved." Webster's Bible Translation And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSo Jacob named the place Peniel, saying, “Indeed, I have seen God face to face, and yet my life was spared.” World English Bible Jacob called the name of the place Peniel; for he said, “I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Jacob calls the name of the place Peniel: “For I have seen God face to face, and my life is delivered”; Young's Literal Translation And Jacob calleth the name of the place Peniel: for 'I have seen God face unto face, and my life is delivered;' Smith's Literal Translation And Jacob will call the name of the place, the face of God: for I saw God lace to face, and my soul shall be saved. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Jacob called the name of the place Phanuel, saying: I have seen God face to face, and my soul has been saved. Catholic Public Domain Version And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel, saying, “I have seen God face to face, and my soul has been saved.” New American Bible Jacob named the place Peniel, “because I have seen God face to face,” he said, “yet my life has been spared.” New Revised Standard Version So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, “For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life is preserved.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Jacob called the name of that place Peniel; for be said, I have seen an angel face to face, and my life is preserved. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Yaquuv called the name of that country, Penuyel, because, “I saw an Angel face to face and my life is saved.” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: 'for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And Jacob called the name of that place, the Face of God; for, said he, I have seen God face to face, and my life was preserved. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Jacob Wrestles with God…29And Jacob requested, “Please tell me your name.” But he replied, “Why do you ask my name?” Then he blessed Jacob there. 30So Jacob named the place Peniel, saying, “Indeed, I have seen God face to face, and yet my life was spared.” 31The sun rose above him as he passed by Penuel, and he was limping because of his hip.… Cross References Exodus 33:20 But He added, “You cannot see My face, for no one can see Me and live.” Judges 13:22 “We are going to die,” he said to his wife, “for we have seen God!” Hosea 12:3-4 In the womb he grasped his brother’s heel, and in his vigor he wrestled with God. / Yes, he struggled with the angel and prevailed; he wept and sought His favor; he found Him at Bethel and spoke with Him there— Exodus 24:10-11 and they saw the God of Israel. Under His feet was a work like a pavement made of sapphire, as clear as the sky itself. / But God did not lay His hand on the nobles of Israel; they saw Him, and they ate and drank. Numbers 12:8 I speak with him face to face, clearly and not in riddles; he sees the form of the LORD. Why then were you unafraid to speak against My servant Moses?” 1 Kings 19:11-13 Then the LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain before the LORD. Behold, the LORD is about to pass by.” And a great and mighty wind tore into the mountains and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. / After the earthquake there was a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a still, small voice. / When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Suddenly a voice came to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” Isaiah 6:1-5 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted; and the train of His robe filled the temple. / Above Him stood seraphim, each having six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. / And they were calling out to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; all the earth is full of His glory.” ... Deuteronomy 5:24 and you said, “Behold, the LORD our God has shown us His glory and greatness, and we have heard His voice out of the fire. Today we have seen that a man can live even if God speaks with him. Job 42:5-6 My ears had heard of You, but now my eyes have seen You. / Therefore I despise myself, and I repent in dust and ashes.” 1 John 4:12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God remains in us, and His love is perfected in us. John 1:18 No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is Himself God and is at the Father’s side, has made Him known. John 14:9 Jesus replied, “Philip, I have been with you all this time, and still you do not know Me? Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 1 Timothy 6:16 He alone is immortal and dwells in unapproachable light. No one has ever seen Him, nor can anyone see Him. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen. Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Revelation 22:4 They will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads. Treasury of Scripture And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved. Jacob. Genesis 32:31 And as he passed over Penuel the sun rose upon him, and he halted upon his thigh. Penuel. Genesis 28:19 And he called the name of that place Bethel: but the name of that city was called Luz at the first. Judges 8:8,17 And he went up thence to Penuel, and spake unto them likewise: and the men of Penuel answered him as the men of Succoth had answered him… 1 Kings 12:25 Then Jeroboam built Shechem in mount Ephraim, and dwelt therein; and went out from thence, and built Penuel. Peniel. I have. Genesis 16:13 And she called the name of the LORD that spake unto her, Thou God seest me: for she said, Have I also here looked after him that seeth me? Exodus 24:10,11 And they saw the God of Israel: and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness… Exodus 33:14,19-23 And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest… Jump to Previous Delivered Face Jacob Life Peniel Preserved SparedJump to Next Delivered Face Jacob Life Peniel Preserved SparedGenesis 32 1. Jacob's vision at Mahanaim.3. His message to Esau. 6. He is afraid of Esau's coming. 9. He prays for deliverance. 13. He sends a present to Esau, and passes the brook Jabbok. 24. He wrestles with an angel at Peniel, where he is called Israel. 31. He halts. So Jacob named the place Peniel Jacob's naming of the location "Peniel" is significant as it means "face of God" in Hebrew. This act of naming reflects a common biblical practice where significant encounters with God or pivotal events lead to the naming or renaming of places. The naming signifies a personal and transformative encounter with the divine. Geographically, Peniel is located near the Jabbok River, east of the Jordan, a region that holds historical significance for the Israelites. This event marks a turning point in Jacob's life, symbolizing his transition from fear to faith. saying, “Indeed, I have seen God face to face and yet my life was spared.” Persons / Places / Events 1. JacobThe patriarch who wrestled with a divine being, leading to a transformative encounter that changed his name to Israel. 2. Peniel The location where Jacob wrestled with God, meaning "face of God" in Hebrew, signifying the profound nature of Jacob's encounter. 3. Wrestling with God The event where Jacob physically and spiritually contended with a divine being, symbolizing his struggles and perseverance in faith. Teaching Points Encountering God in StruggleJacob's wrestling with God teaches us that our struggles can lead to profound encounters with God. In our challenges, we should seek God's presence and guidance. Transformation through Divine Encounters Just as Jacob was transformed and given a new name, our encounters with God can lead to personal transformation and a new identity in Christ. The Mercy of God Jacob's life was spared despite seeing God face to face, illustrating God's mercy and grace. We are reminded of God's compassion and the gift of life through His mercy. Perseverance in Faith Jacob's determination to not let go until he received a blessing encourages us to persist in our faith and seek God's blessings in our lives. Naming and Remembering By naming the place Peniel, Jacob memorialized his encounter with God. We should remember and commemorate our spiritual milestones as reminders of God's faithfulness. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Genesis 32:30?2. How does Jacob's encounter in Genesis 32:30 deepen our understanding of God's presence? 3. What does "I saw God face to face" reveal about Jacob's spiritual transformation? 4. How can Genesis 32:30 inspire us to seek personal encounters with God today? 5. What other biblical figures experienced transformative encounters with God, similar to Jacob's? 6. How can we apply Jacob's perseverance in prayer to our own spiritual lives? 7. Why did Jacob name the place Peniel in Genesis 32:30? 8. How does seeing God face to face align with God's invisibility? 9. What does Genesis 32:30 reveal about God's nature? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 32? 11. Why does Jacob’s claim of seeing God “face to face” (Gen. 32:30) not conflict with John 1:18, which says no one has ever seen God? 12. Who is the biblical angel Phanuel? 13. Who is the biblical angel Phanuel? 14. Jesus says, “No one has seen God” (John 1:18), but Genesis 32:30 says Jacob saw God face to face. Isn’t this a contradiction? What Does Genesis 32:30 Mean So Jacob named the place Peniel• Jacob marks the encounter with a name that means “Face of God,” just as he earlier called Luz “Bethel” after his ladder vision (Genesis 28:19). • Naming memorializes God’s faithfulness and teaches future generations to recall His interventions, echoing Samuel’s “Ebenezer” stone (1 Samuel 7:12). • This practice encourages us, like Abraham at Moriah (Genesis 22:14), to attach tangible reminders to moments when God meets us. “Indeed, I have seen God face to face” • Jacob recognizes that his mysterious Wrestler is no mere angel but God Himself, paralleling Moses who later speaks with the LORD “face to face, as a man speaks with his friend” (Exodus 33:11). • The intimacy foretells Christ’s incarnate revelation: “Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father” (John 14:9), and John’s assurance that “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). • Gideon likewise trembles after a divine encounter (Judges 6:22-23), affirming that God sometimes reveals Himself in personal, relational ways while still veiling full glory. “and yet my life was spared.” • Jacob marvels because common understanding held that no one could see God and live (Exodus 33:20; Judges 13:22). • His spared life highlights God’s mercy amid holiness, anticipating the refuge sinners find in substitutionary sacrifice (Leviticus 17:11) and ultimately in Christ who “bore our sins in His body on the tree” (1 Peter 2:24). • The experience transforms Jacob, who limps away but walks in blessing, mirroring Paul’s thorn that kept him dependent on grace (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). • It reassures believers that we may now “approach the throne of grace with confidence” (Hebrews 4:16) because the same God who wrestled with Jacob desires relationship, not destruction. summary Peniel commemorates a night when the living God met Jacob personally, wrestled him into submission, and spared his life. Naming the site anchors memory; seeing God face to face unveils divine intimacy; surviving the encounter celebrates mercy over judgment. Together, the verse proclaims a holy yet approachable God who meets, transforms, and preserves those He chooses, pointing forward to the ultimate revelation in Jesus Christ. (30) Peniel.--Elsewhere Penuel, and so probably it should be read here. It means, "the face of God." For the rest of the verse see Note on Genesis 16:13.Verse 30. - And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel (i.e. "the face of God." Its situation must have been close to the Jabbok. The reason given for its designation follows): for I have seen God (Elohim) face to face, and my life is preserved (cf. Genesis 16:13; Exodus 14:11; Exodus 33:20; Judges 6:22; Judges 13:22; Isaiah 6:5).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew So Jacobיַעֲקֹ֛ב (ya·‘ă·qōḇ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3290: Jacob -- a son of Isaac, also his desc named וַיִּקְרָ֧א (way·yiq·rā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read the place הַמָּק֖וֹם (ham·mā·qō·wm) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4725: A standing, a spot, a condition Peniel, פְּנִיאֵ֑ל (pə·nî·’êl) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 6439: Penuel -- 'face of God', a place East of the Jordan, also two Israelites saying, “Indeed, כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction I have seen רָאִ֤יתִי (rā·’î·ṯî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular Strong's 7200: To see God אֱלֹהִים֙ (’ĕ·lō·hîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative face פָּנִ֣ים (pā·nîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 6440: The face to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to face, פָּנִ֔ים (pā·nîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 6440: The face and yet my life נַפְשִֽׁי׃ (nap̄·šî) Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 5315: A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion was spared.” וַתִּנָּצֵ֖ל (wat·tin·nā·ṣêl) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 5337: To strip, plunder, deliver oneself, be delivered, snatch away, deliver Links Genesis 32:30 NIVGenesis 32:30 NLT Genesis 32:30 ESV Genesis 32:30 NASB Genesis 32:30 KJV Genesis 32:30 BibleApps.com Genesis 32:30 Biblia Paralela Genesis 32:30 Chinese Bible Genesis 32:30 French Bible Genesis 32:30 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 32:30 Jacob called the name of the place (Gen. 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