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'''Jacob''' is a significant figure in the [[Bible]], [[Torah]], and [[Quran]], known for his role as the patriarch of the Israelites.
{{short description|Biblical patriarch}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}


== Early Life ==
'''Jacob''' is a significant figure in the [[Hebrew Bible]] and is considered one of the [[patriarchs]] of the [[Israelites]]. He is the son of [[Isaac]] and [[Rebekah]], the grandson of [[Abraham]] and [[Sarah]], and the twin brother of [[Esau]]. Jacob's story is primarily found in the [[Book of Genesis]].
Jacob was the son of [[Isaac]] and [[Rebecca]], and the twin brother of [[Esau]]. According to the Bible, Jacob was chosen by God to carry on [[Abraham]]'s covenant despite being the younger twin.  


== Jacob and Esau ==
==Early Life==
Jacob's relationship with his brother Esau was marked by conflict. Jacob bought Esau's birthright for a bowl of stew, and later deceived Isaac into giving him the blessing intended for Esau. This led to a long period of estrangement between the brothers.
Jacob was born to Isaac and Rebekah after a long period of childlessness. According to the biblical narrative, Jacob and his twin brother Esau struggled together in the womb, a foreshadowing of their future conflict. Esau was born first, but Jacob followed, grasping Esau's heel, which is why he was named Jacob, meaning "he who grasps the heel" or "supplanter."


== Jacob's Ladder ==
[[File:JacobBirthright.jpg|Jacob and Esau|thumb|left]]
One of the most famous stories about Jacob is his dream of a ladder reaching to heaven, known as [[Jacob's Ladder]]. In this dream, God reaffirmed the covenant he had made with Abraham.


== Jacob's Family ==
==Jacob and Esau==
Jacob had two wives, [[Leah]] and [[Rachel]], and two concubines, [[Bilhah]] and [[Zilpah]]. He had twelve sons and at least one daughter. His sons became the founders of the [[Twelve Tribes of Israel]].
Jacob's relationship with Esau was marked by rivalry and deception. Esau, being the firstborn, was entitled to the [[birthright]], a double portion of the inheritance and the leadership of the family. However, Jacob, with the help of his mother Rebekah, deceived his father Isaac into giving him the blessing meant for Esau. This act of deception led to a rift between the brothers, and Jacob fled to his uncle [[Laban]] in [[Haran]] to escape Esau's wrath.


== Jacob and God ==
==Jacob's Journey to Haran==
Jacob's relationship with God was complex and evolving. He had direct encounters with God, including the dream of Jacob's Ladder and a wrestling match with a man who is often interpreted as an angel or God himself. After this wrestling match, Jacob was given the name [[Israel]], meaning "he who struggles with God."
On his way to Haran, Jacob had a dream of a ladder reaching to heaven, with angels ascending and descending on it. This vision, known as [[Jacob's Ladder]], is a significant moment in Jacob's life, symbolizing the connection between God and man.


== Legacy ==
[[File:Blake_jacobsladder.jpg|Jacob's Ladder|thumb|right]]
Jacob's legacy is significant in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. He is considered a patriarch in all three religions, and his descendants, the Israelites, have played a major role in religious history.


== See Also ==
==Life with Laban==
* [[Abraham]]
In Haran, Jacob worked for his uncle Laban and fell in love with Laban's daughter [[Rachel]]. Jacob agreed to work for seven years to marry Rachel, but Laban deceived him by giving him his elder daughter [[Leah]] instead. Jacob then worked another seven years for Rachel. During his time with Laban, Jacob prospered and had many children, who would become the ancestors of the [[Twelve Tribes of Israel]].
 
[[File:Rachel_WilliamDyce.jpg|Rachel, Jacob's beloved wife|thumb|left]]
 
==Return to Canaan==
After many years, Jacob decided to return to Canaan. On his journey back, he prepared to meet Esau, fearing his brother's anger. However, Esau greeted him with forgiveness, and the brothers reconciled.
 
[[File:Jan_Victors_-_Jacob_Seeking_the_Forgiveness_of_Esau_-_79.330_-_Indianapolis_Museum_of_Art_(cropped).jpg|Jacob seeking Esau's forgiveness|thumb|right]]
 
==Wrestling with the Angel==
One of the most mysterious episodes in Jacob's life is his wrestling with an angel. This event occurred the night before his reunion with Esau. Jacob wrestled with the angel until daybreak, and as a result, his name was changed to [[Israel]], meaning "he who struggles with God."
 
[[File:Lutte_de_Jacob_avec_l'Ange.jpg|Jacob wrestling with the angel|thumb|left]]
 
==Later Life and Death==
Jacob eventually settled in Canaan, where he lived with his large family. His favorite son, [[Joseph]], was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, leading to a series of events that brought Jacob and his family to [[Egypt]]. Jacob died in Egypt, and his body was taken back to Canaan for burial in the Cave of Machpelah, the family tomb.
 
==Legacy==
Jacob is a central figure in the [[Abrahamic religions]], and his story is foundational to the identity of the Jewish people. His life is a complex narrative of struggle, faith, and redemption, reflecting the broader themes of the [[Bible]].
 
==Related Pages==
* [[Isaac]]
* [[Isaac]]
* [[Esau]]
* [[Esau]]
* [[Rachel]]
* [[Leah]]
* [[Leah]]
* [[Rachel]]
* [[Joseph (son of Jacob)]]
* [[Twelve Tribes of Israel]]
* [[Twelve Tribes of Israel]]


[[Category:Biblical Figures]]
[[Category:Biblical patriarchs]]
[[Category:Religious Figures]]
[[Category:Book of Genesis people]]
[[Category:Judaism]]
[[Category:Christianity]]
[[Category:Islam]]
 
{{stub}}
<gallery>
File:Jan_Victors_-_Jacob_Seeking_the_Forgiveness_of_Esau_-_79.330_-_Indianapolis_Museum_of_Art_(cropped).jpg|Jacob
File:ACU_Jacobs_Dream_artwork.JPG|Jacob
File:Abraham_-_Isaac_-_Jacob_-_Judah_by_Michelangelo_Buonarroti.jpg|Jacob
File:JacobBirthright.jpg|Jacob
File:Govert_Flinck_-_Isaac_Blessing_Jacob_-_WGA07930.jpg|Jacob
File:Blake_jacobsladder.jpg|Jacob
File:Rachel_WilliamDyce.jpg|Jacob
File:Lutte_de_Jacob_avec_l'Ange.jpg|Jacob
File:Francesco_Hayez_061.jpg|Jacob
File:Metz_Der_Tod_Rahels.jpg|Jacob
File:Giovanni_Andrea_de_Ferrari_-_'Joseph's_Coat_Brought_to_Jacob',_oil_on_canvas,_c._1640,_El_Paso_Museum_of_Art.jpg|Jacob
File:Procession_of_the_Aamu,_Tomb_of_Khnumhotep_II_(composite).jpg|Jacob
</gallery>
<gallery>
File:Jan Victors - Jacob Seeking the Forgiveness of Esau - 79.330 - Indianapolis Museum of Art (cropped).jpg|Jacob Seeking the Forgiveness of Esau
File:Procession of the Aamu, Tomb of Khnumhotep II (composite).jpg|Procession of the Aamu, Tomb of Khnumhotep II
File:Drawing of the procession of the Aamu group tomb of Khnumhotep II at Beni Hassan.jpg|Drawing of the Procession of the Aamu, Tomb of Khnumhotep II
</gallery>

Latest revision as of 11:45, 23 March 2025

Biblical patriarch



Jacob is a significant figure in the Hebrew Bible and is considered one of the patriarchs of the Israelites. He is the son of Isaac and Rebekah, the grandson of Abraham and Sarah, and the twin brother of Esau. Jacob's story is primarily found in the Book of Genesis.

Early Life[edit]

Jacob was born to Isaac and Rebekah after a long period of childlessness. According to the biblical narrative, Jacob and his twin brother Esau struggled together in the womb, a foreshadowing of their future conflict. Esau was born first, but Jacob followed, grasping Esau's heel, which is why he was named Jacob, meaning "he who grasps the heel" or "supplanter."

Jacob and Esau

Jacob and Esau[edit]

Jacob's relationship with Esau was marked by rivalry and deception. Esau, being the firstborn, was entitled to the birthright, a double portion of the inheritance and the leadership of the family. However, Jacob, with the help of his mother Rebekah, deceived his father Isaac into giving him the blessing meant for Esau. This act of deception led to a rift between the brothers, and Jacob fled to his uncle Laban in Haran to escape Esau's wrath.

Jacob's Journey to Haran[edit]

On his way to Haran, Jacob had a dream of a ladder reaching to heaven, with angels ascending and descending on it. This vision, known as Jacob's Ladder, is a significant moment in Jacob's life, symbolizing the connection between God and man.

Jacob's Ladder

Life with Laban[edit]

In Haran, Jacob worked for his uncle Laban and fell in love with Laban's daughter Rachel. Jacob agreed to work for seven years to marry Rachel, but Laban deceived him by giving him his elder daughter Leah instead. Jacob then worked another seven years for Rachel. During his time with Laban, Jacob prospered and had many children, who would become the ancestors of the Twelve Tribes of Israel.

Rachel, Jacob's beloved wife

Return to Canaan[edit]

After many years, Jacob decided to return to Canaan. On his journey back, he prepared to meet Esau, fearing his brother's anger. However, Esau greeted him with forgiveness, and the brothers reconciled.

Jacob seeking Esau's forgiveness

Wrestling with the Angel[edit]

One of the most mysterious episodes in Jacob's life is his wrestling with an angel. This event occurred the night before his reunion with Esau. Jacob wrestled with the angel until daybreak, and as a result, his name was changed to Israel, meaning "he who struggles with God."

Jacob wrestling with the angel

Later Life and Death[edit]

Jacob eventually settled in Canaan, where he lived with his large family. His favorite son, Joseph, was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, leading to a series of events that brought Jacob and his family to Egypt. Jacob died in Egypt, and his body was taken back to Canaan for burial in the Cave of Machpelah, the family tomb.

Legacy[edit]

Jacob is a central figure in the Abrahamic religions, and his story is foundational to the identity of the Jewish people. His life is a complex narrative of struggle, faith, and redemption, reflecting the broader themes of the Bible.

Related Pages[edit]