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People • Biblical Figure

Jacob

Jacob is a Hebrew patriarch in the Book of Genesis and is traditionally regarded as the ancestor of the Twelve Tribes of Israel.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Jacob is a Hebrew patriarch in the Book of Genesis, traditionally regarded as the ancestor of the Twelve Tribes of Israel. He is the son of Isaac and Rebekah and the grandson of Abraham and Sarah. In biblical tradition, Jacob receives the name Israel after wrestling with a divine being.

Biblical role

Jacob appears in the Book of Genesis as a central patriarch in the ancestral narratives of Israel. He is portrayed as the son of Isaac and Rebekah and the grandson of Abraham and Sarah, linking him to the covenantal family line.

Name and identity

According to the biblical account, Jacob later received the name Israel after a pivotal struggle with a divine being. That name became associated with the people of Israel and with Jacob’s descendants.

Family and descendants

Jacob is traditionally described as the father of twelve sons, whose descendants became the Twelve Tribes of Israel. He is also associated with Dinah in biblical genealogy and family narratives. Jacob is the younger twin brother of Esau.

Religious significance

Jacob is an important figure in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, where he is remembered as a patriarch and ancestor in sacred history. In Jewish tradition, he is one of the three patriarchs.

Key facts

  • Jacob is one of the major patriarchs of the Hebrew Bible.
  • He is traditionally considered the father of the Twelve Tribes of Israel.
  • He is the younger twin brother of Esau.
  • Biblical tradition says he received the name Israel after wrestling with a divine being.
  • Later Jewish tradition identifies Jacob as a foundational ancestor of the Jewish people.
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Canadian context

Jacob is relevant to Canadian readers through his central place in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, all of which have longstanding communities in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Jacob in the Bible?
Jacob was a Hebrew patriarch in Genesis, the son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the grandson of Abraham and Sarah. He is traditionally regarded as the ancestor of the Twelve Tribes of Israel.
Why is Jacob also called Israel?
Biblical tradition says Jacob was renamed Israel after wrestling with a divine being. The name became associated with him and with the people descended from him.
Who were Jacob’s parents?
Jacob’s parents were Isaac and Rebekah, according to Genesis.
How many children did Jacob have?
Jacob is traditionally said to have had twelve sons, who became the ancestors of the Twelve Tribes of Israel.
What is Jacob’s importance in Judaism?
Jacob is one of the three patriarchs of Judaism and a foundational ancestor of the Jewish people in traditional belief.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Jacob-Hebrew-patriarch
    Supports: Jacob as Hebrew patriarch, son of Isaac and Rebekah, grandson of Abraham and Sarah, and traditional ancestor of the Twelve Tribes of Israel.
  2. My Jewish Learning — https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/jacob/
    Supports: Jacob as one of Judaism’s three patriarchs, son of Isaac and Rebecca, grandson of Abraham and Sarah, and father of twelve sons.
  3. Bible Gateway — https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/encyclopedia-of-the-bible/Jacob
    Supports: Jacob as son of Isaac and Rebecca, younger twin brother of Esau, husband of Leah and Rachel, and later called Israel.