Gen 32:27 | TNotes | STEP | 32:27 What is your name? The Lord’s question was really about Jacob’s character, not his identity (cp. 3:9 ; 4:9 ). By giving his name, Jacob confessed his nature, his way of doing things as “Heel-grabber, Deceiver, Usurper.” Before God would bless him, he had to acknowledge who he was, and then God would change his identity.

‏ Genesis 32:27

32:27 ^a What is your name? The Lord’s question was really about Jacob’s character, not his identity (cp. 3:9 ^b; 4:9 ^c). By giving his name, Jacob confessed his nature, his way of doing things as “Heel-grabber, Deceiver, Usurper.” Before God would bless him, he had to acknowledge who he was, and then God would change his identity.