Bible Characters › Jacob
Who Was Jacob in the Bible?
The short version, the key verse, and three quiz questions to check what you remember.
Jacob was Isaac’s son, renamed Israel.
Jacob bought his brother Esau’s birthright and later took his blessing by deceit, then fled. He dreamed of a ladder reaching to heaven, worked many years for Rachel, and wrestled with God at Peniel, where he was renamed Israel. His twelve sons became the twelve tribes of Israel.
Key verse
And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.Genesis 28:15 (KJV)
Where to read about Jacob
Genesis 25–50
Quick quiz
1. What new name did God give Jacob?
Israel (Genesis 32:28).
2. What did Jacob see in his dream at Bethel?
A ladder set up on the earth reaching to heaven (Genesis 28:12).
3. How many sons did Jacob have?
Twelve.
Next: Joseph · Previous: Isaac