Ἰακώβ (Iakōb)
Iakōb
Jacob
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 25 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The name Iakōb refers to the patriarch Jacob, the son of Isaac and father of Joseph, as well as to Mary’s husband in Matthew 1:15–16. The sources identify it as a transliteration of the Hebrew Ya‘aqov, meaning "heel-catcher" or "supplanter." In the New Testament, this name appears twenty-five times, primarily in the Gospels and Acts, serving as a bridge between Israel’s ancient history and its fulfillment in Christ.
Its usage carries significant theological weight. Jesus invokes Jacob in John 4:5–6 when speaking to the Samaritan woman at the well, grounding his message in the shared heritage of the patriarchs. Similarly, Stephen recounts Jacob’s journey to Egypt in Acts 7:8–15, highlighting God’s providence over the family line. Paul also references him in Romans 11:26, using the name to symbolize the collective people of Israel.
Interestingly, Moulton-Milligan notes that early magical papyri often invoked "the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob," suggesting the name was recognized for its power even outside biblical contexts. Early Christians preferred this direct Hebrew form over a fully Graecized version to preserve its sacred authority. This consistency in spelling underscores the name’s role as a fixed identifier for the foundational figures of the faith.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Jacob appears frequently in Scripture, linking the ancient promises to God with their fulfillment in Jesus. In Matthew’s genealogy, this name marks a crucial link in the chain of ancestors leading to Christ. It reminds us that God works through real people and specific family lines to bring about His redemptive plan. The continuity from Abraham to Jacob shows that God keeps His word across generations.
Jesus often invoked Jacob when speaking to others, such as at the well in Samaria. This connection grounds the gospel in a shared heritage that transcends cultural boundaries. When believers read these passages, they see themselves included in a story that began long ago but continues today. The name serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness to those who trust Him.
Paul also uses Jacob to speak about the broader people of Israel and their future hope. This usage invites readers to consider how God’s love extends to all nations through one family. The persistence of this name in the New Testament highlights its importance as a symbol of divine promise and covenant relationship.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 25 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Jacob13×
- Jacob;3×
- of Jacob.’2×
- of Jacob.2×
- of Jacob2×
- Jacob,2×
- of Jacob’?1×
- of Jacob?’1×
- of Jacob,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Ἰακὼβ15×
- Ἰακώβ·3×
- Ἰακώβ.3×
- Ἰακώβ,3×
- Ἰακώβ;2×
- Ἰακώβ.¶1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 1:16
Jacob became the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, from whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
This verse identifies Jacob as the father of Joseph, establishing the legal lineage through which Jesus inherits the throne of David.
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John 4:5
So he came to a city of Samaria called Sychar, near the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.
Jesus mentions the parcel of ground Jacob gave to Joseph, grounding His conversation with the Samaritan woman in a tangible historical reality.
-
Romans 11:26
and so all Israel will be saved. Even as it is written, “There will come out of Zion the Deliverer, and he will turn away ungodliness from Jacob.
Paul quotes prophecy regarding Jacob to illustrate God’s enduring plan for the salvation of Israel through the Deliverer from Zion.
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Hebrews 11:21
By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff.
The author highlights Jacob’s final act of blessing Joseph’s sons as a powerful example of faith that looks beyond immediate circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Jacob mean?
Why is Jacob mentioned so often in the New Testament?
How is Jacob different from Israel?
Every Occurrence (25 verses across 7 books)
Matthew 5 verses
Abraham became the father of Isaac. Isaac became the father of Jacob. Jacob became the father of Judah and his brothers.
Matthew 1:15Eliud became the father of Eleazar. Eleazar became the father of Matthan. Matthan became the father of Jacob.
Matthew 1:16Jacob became the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, from whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
Matthew 8:11I tell you that many will come from the east and the west, and will sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the…
Matthew 22:32‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? God is not the God of the dead, but of the…