KJV ORIGINAL
And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
Jacob asked him, 'Please tell me your name.' But the man replied, 'Why do you ask for my name?' Then he blessed Jacob right there.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
Jacob asks the mysterious man for his name, but instead of answering, the man blesses Jacob.
📚 Historical Context
This occurs during Jacob's famous wrestling match with a mysterious figure (often understood to be God or an angel) at the Jabbok River. Jacob had been traveling back to face his brother Esau after years of separation, and this supernatural encounter happened the night before their reunion. The refusal to give a name was significant in ancient cultures, as knowing someone's name often implied having power over them.
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.
Share or Save