Gen 32:30 | TNotes | STEP | 32:30 Peniel (which means “face of God”): The name shows that Jacob recognized the man as a manifestation of God (a theophany ). • yet my life has been spared (or and I have been rescued ): The saying probably meant that Jacob realized that his prayer to be rescued from Esau (32:11 ) had been answered, for if he could meet God like this and walk away, he had nothing to fear from Esau. The saying may also reflect an ancient understanding that no one could see God and live (see Exod 33:20 ).

cExod 33:20►

‏ Genesis 32:30

32:30 ^a Peniel (which means “face of God”): The name shows that Jacob recognized the man as a manifestation of God (a theophany).

• yet my life has been spared (or and I have been rescued): The saying probably meant that Jacob realized that his prayer to be rescued from Esau (32:11 ^b) had been answered, for if he could meet God like this and walk away, he had nothing to fear from Esau. The saying may also reflect an ancient understanding that no one could see God and live (see Exod 33:20 ^c).