The name “Israel” has its origins in the Hebrew Bible and is deeply rooted in ancient Semitic languages. In the biblical narrative, the name is given to Jacob after he wrestles with a divine figure (interpreted as an angel or God himself). Following this struggle, Jacob is told, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed” (Genesis 32:28).
The etymology of “Israel” is commonly interpreted as deriving from two Hebrew elements:
- “Yisra” (ישר), meaning “to strive,” “to struggle,” or “to contend.”
- “El” (אל), a common Semitic root for “God.”
Thus, “Israel” is often interpreted to mean “He who struggles with God,” “God contends,” or “One who wrestles with God.” This interpretation reflects the story of Jacob’s struggle and his direct encounter with the divine, which is a pivotal moment in his life and a significant event in the religious traditions that hold the Hebrew Bible as sacred.