(Genesis 35:9–10) Why does God reaffirm Jacob’s name to Israel here, even though it was already changed in Genesis 32:28?

Context of Genesis 35:9–10

Genesis 35:9–10 reads:

“After Jacob had returned from Paddan-aram, God appeared to him again and blessed him. And God said to him, ‘Though your name is Jacob, you will no longer be called Jacob. Instead, your name will be Israel.’ So He named him Israel.”

This reiterates the moment in Genesis 32:28 when God first changed Jacob’s name to Israel after wrestling with him at Peniel. The question arises: Why would God restate the same name change that was already pronounced?

Revisiting the Covenant and Blessing

In Genesis 35, the text underscores a renewed sense of God’s gracious commitment toward Jacob and his descendants. Leading up to this reaffirmation, Jacob obediently purges his household of foreign gods (Genesis 35:2–4). Such spiritual housecleaning and the subsequent journey to Bethel indicate a transition point in Jacob’s life. When God appears to Jacob again, He blesses him, reminding Jacob that he stands within the lineage of promise, extending from Abraham and Isaac.

By pronouncing again, “Instead, your name will be Israel” (Genesis 35:10), God publicly reinforces the covenant promises to a man finally standing on more faithful ground. This moment is not just a repetition; it is a ratification of Jacob’s position among the patriarchs who will be used to form the nation bearing his new name.

Name Changes and Their Significance in Scripture

Scripture often uses name changes to reflect profound identity shifts or specific covenantal purposes. In Genesis 17:5, Abram’s name is changed to Abraham when God solidifies His promises. Later, Sarai becomes Sarah (Genesis 17:15). These transformations are markers of new roles or deeper phases in God’s plan.

Similarly, Jacob’s transition to Israel conveys more than just a labeling. It represents a complete shift from the cunning Jacob—whose name can mean “heel-grabber” or “supplanter”—to the nation-founding Israel, usually understood as “God prevails” or “he struggles with God.” The reaffirmation in Genesis 35 shows that Jacob’s calling extends beyond a one-time event in Genesis 32; it is meant to endure for the generations that will issue from him.

Emphasis on Spiritual Maturity

By the time we reach Genesis 35, Jacob has experienced family struggles, personal losses, and reconciliations. Each step has shaped him into a more mature covenant bearer. The repeated name statement certifies that Jacob’s identity as “Israel” is neither accidental nor merely symbolic—it is who he truly becomes in the sustaining presence of God.

This mirrors other biblical figures who needed repeated reminders of their calling. Moses was repeatedly assured of God’s power when he hesitated to confront Pharaoh (Exodus 3–4). Gideon, likewise, required multiple signs (Judges 6). God’s reaffirmation of Jacob’s new name powerfully demonstrates His patience and ongoing work in the hearts of those He calls.

God’s Faithfulness Through Covenant Renewal

Throughout Genesis, God confirms and reconfirms His covenant at pivotal junctures. In the broader storyline, Genesis 35 is a turning point. Jacob’s return to the land of his fathers and his renewed worship of the true God coincide with a reaffirmation that he is no longer the deceiver but the chosen patriarch through whom the nation of Israel will arise.

The text immediately following this reaffirmation highlights covenant growth and family expansions (Genesis 35:11–12). God declares fruitfulness over Jacob, aligning him with the same blessing once granted to Abraham (Genesis 12:2–3). Thus, the restatement of Jacob’s new name seals his role in perpetuating the messianic lineage ultimately fulfilled in Christ.

Archaeological and Historical Corroborations

External sources testify to the historical reality of Israel as a distinct people. For instance, the Merneptah Stele (c. 1208 BC) includes one of the earliest known extrabiblical references to “Israel,” indicating a recognized people group in the land. This external attestation supports the biblical narrative that a nation called Israel—descended from Jacob—had already established an identity in the region.

Such findings bolster the consistent portrayal of Jacob’s legacy as Israel and the text’s reliability in describing major turning points, such as name changes, covenants, and generational blessings.

Practical and Theological Reflections

1. God’s reaffirmation reveals divine patience and commitment. Even after failures, Jacob is still chosen.

2. Name changes in Scripture reflect God’s transformative power and the new identity He grants.

3. Covenant renewal is both a historical reality and a spiritual illustration: God’s promises endure despite human frailty.

4. Archaeological artifacts like the Merneptah Stele corroborate the existence of Israel as historically grounded, reinforcing the narrative that Jacob’s descendants indeed became the “people of Israel.”

Conclusion

The reason God reaffirms Jacob’s name to Israel in Genesis 35:9–10, despite having already changed it in Genesis 32:28, is rooted in the broader scriptural pattern of covenant renewal, transformative identity, and the acknowledgment of a pivotal turning point. Affirming Jacob’s new name at Bethel underscores God’s redemptive plan through a maturing patriarch, prepares Jacob for his new leadership role, and visibly establishes the lineage that will grow into the nation of Israel.

This double affirmation underscores that the shift in identity requires both an initial decision and a subsequent confirmation at critical junctures in a believer’s journey. It confirms that God’s calling stands firm and is reinforced at moments of recommitment, marking Jacob not just as the recipient of a promise but as the father of a people who bear the name “Israel” through history.