"Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed."
Biblical Name · Hebrew Origin
Jacob Meaning in the Bible
Jacob
boy
Jacob means "Supplanter; He who grasps the heel", a boy's name of Hebrew origin. Jacob appears in the King James Bible, and Genesis 32:28 is the passage most often tied to it. Jacob's transformation teaches that God changes identities — turning deceivers into princes and failures into fathers of nations.
Is Jacob in the Bible?
Yes — Jacob appears in the King James Bible, including Genesis 32:28.
Pronunciation:/JAY-kub/
OriginHebrew
MeaningSupplanter; He who grasps the heel
What does Jacob mean?
Jacob is a boy name of Hebrew origin meaning "Supplanter; He who grasps the heel". Jacob's name means 'supplanter' or 'one who follows,' as he was born grasping his twin Esau's heel. His life is a powerful story of transformation — from a deceiver who schemed for blessings to Israel, a prince who wrestled with God.
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What does Jacob mean in the Bible?
Jacob means "Supplanter; He who grasps the heel" and is a name of Hebrew origin. Below is what Scripture and Christian tradition attach to that meaning.
Where does Jacob appear in the Bible (KJV)?
Jacob is connected to 1 key passage in the King James Bible, beginning with Genesis 32:28. Each verse is quoted in full below.
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What are the variants and nicknames of Jacob?
Jacob has 9 recorded variants, short forms, and translations across languages and biblical traditions.
Variants & related forms
Common nicknames
Jim
Jake
Jaco
Which books of the Bible mention Jacob?
Jacob is mentioned across 3 books of the Bible. Follow any book below to read it in the KJV.
What is the spiritual meaning of Jacob?
Jacob's transformation teaches that God changes identities — turning deceivers into princes and failures into fathers of nations.
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What names are related to Jacob?
Names like Jacob
Other Hebrew biblical names that share the spirit of "Supplanter; He who grasps the heel" — discovered by matching meaning category and origin.
Names that pair well with Jacob
Sibling sets, middle-name combinations, and complementary pairings chosen for matching origin, meaning, and similar syllable weight.
Share the meaning of Jacob
Download a printable name card with the KJV verse and meaning — perfect for Pinterest, Instagram, or a baptism keepsake.
Jacob name meaning: frequently asked questions
Yes — Jacob appears in the King James Bible, including Genesis 32:28.
Jacob means "Supplanter; He who grasps the heel." It is a Hebrew name. The King James Bible uses it in Genesis 32:28, so the meaning is carried by a real person in Scripture.
Hebrew. Jacob comes into English from Hebrew and carries the sense "Supplanter; He who grasps the heel." It appears in the King James Bible, including Genesis 32:28.
Common questions about the name Jacob
Can I download a free King James Bible PDF to study the name Jacob?
Yes. The complete King James Bible is available as a free PDF download — all 66 books, 1,189 chapters, ready to read offline or print. No sign-up required.
Where can I read the full biblical context for Jacob?
You can read every verse where Jacob appears in the King James Bible by downloading the free KJV PDF or reading online. The download page also includes a bookmarked Book of Psalms KJV PDF for easy reference.