Introduction:
Peni'el, also spelled Peniel, is a significant location in the biblical narrative, particularly in the life of Jacob. The name Peni'el means "face of God," reflecting the profound encounter Jacob had with God at this site. This entry explores the biblical account of Peni'el, its theological implications, and its place in the broader biblical narrative.

Biblical Account:
The primary reference to Peni'el is found in Genesis 32:22-32. Jacob, on his return journey to Canaan after years of service to Laban, finds himself in a moment of crisis. Fearing the impending encounter with his brother Esau, whom he had wronged years earlier, Jacob sends his family and possessions across the Jabbok River and remains alone. It is during this solitary night that Jacob wrestles with a mysterious man until daybreak.

Genesis 32:30 states, "So Jacob named the place Peniel, saying, 'Indeed, I have seen God face to face, and yet my life was spared.'" This verse highlights the transformative nature of Jacob's encounter, as he recognizes the divine presence in the struggle. The wrestling match results in a physical injury, as the man touches Jacob's hip socket, causing it to be dislocated. Despite the injury, Jacob refuses to release the man until he receives a blessing. The man then blesses Jacob and changes his name to Israel, meaning "he struggles with God."

Theological Implications:
Peni'el is a pivotal moment in Jacob's life, marking a transition from his old identity to a new one as Israel. This encounter signifies a personal and spiritual transformation, as Jacob moves from a life characterized by deception and self-reliance to one of faith and dependence on God. The renaming of Jacob to Israel is symbolic of this transformation and foreshadows the future nation that will bear his name.

The event at Peni'el also underscores the theme of divine grace and mercy. Despite Jacob's past actions, God chooses to engage with him, bless him, and preserve his life. This encounter is a testament to God's willingness to meet individuals where they are and to bring about change and redemption.

Cultural and Historical Context:
Peni'el is located near the Jabbok River, a tributary of the Jordan River, in the region of Gilead. The geographical setting of Peni'el is significant, as it serves as a boundary marker in Jacob's journey back to the Promised Land. The crossing of the Jabbok and the events at Peni'el symbolize a crossing over from Jacob's past into a new future ordained by God.

Legacy and Significance:
The account of Peni'el has left a lasting legacy in the biblical narrative and in the faith of Israel. The name Israel, given to Jacob at Peni'el, becomes the name of the nation descended from him. The encounter at Peni'el is often cited as an example of the mysterious and transformative nature of divine encounters, where human weakness meets divine strength.

In Christian theology, Peni'el is sometimes seen as a foreshadowing of the believer's encounter with Christ, where one's old self is put aside, and a new identity is embraced through faith. The struggle and blessing at Peni'el serve as a reminder of the ongoing process of sanctification in the life of a believer.

Conclusion:
Peni'el remains a powerful symbol of transformation, divine encounter, and the grace of God in the biblical narrative. The account of Jacob's wrestling with God at Peni'el continues to inspire and challenge believers to seek a deeper relationship with God, trusting in His ability to transform and bless.

Chapter xxxii
... For Peni'el means "face of God." The explanation really says more than "my life,
or soul, was spared." For natsal means "delivered" or "preserved." God did ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxii.htm

Peni'el (1 Occurrence)
Peni'el. Peniel, Peni'el. Peninnah . Multi-Version Concordance Peni'el
(1 Occurrence). Genesis 32:30 And Jacob called the name of ...
/p/peni'el.htm - 6k

Peniel (4 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia PENIEL. pe-ni'-el, pen'-i-el, pe'-ni-el (peni'el,
"face of God"; Eidos theou): This is the form of the name in Genesis 32:30. ...
/p/peniel.htm - 9k

Peninnah (2 Occurrences)

/p/peninnah.htm - 7k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus