Introduction

Understanding Greek words like Ἰακώβ (Iakōb) is essential for Biblical studies because it reveals the cultural and historical significance of names and terms in the scriptures. The Greek word Ἰακώβ is particularly significant as it is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Jacob. This name appears frequently in both the Old and New Testaments, referring to key figures, including the patriarch Jacob, the father of the twelve tribes of Israel, and others named Jacob in the genealogies of Jesus. Understanding the meaning and context of Ἰακώβ helps us appreciate its importance in biblical narratives and its broader cultural implications.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: Ἰακώβ (Iakōb) [ee-ah-KOHB]
• Etymology: Derived from the Hebrew name יַעֲקֹב (Ya‘aqov), meaning “heel-grabber” or “supplanter.”
• Part of Speech: Proper noun, masculine.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Ἰακώβ (Iakōb): Refers to the patriarch Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, and father of the twelve tribes of Israel.
• Also refers to other men named Jacob in the genealogies and narratives of the New Testament.

Similar Words: Ἰσραήλ (Israēl) [ees-rah-EL], which refers to both the person (Jacob’s divinely given name) and the nation descended from him. While Ἰακώβ specifically denotes the individual named Jacob, Ἰσραήλ often has a broader application, referring to the covenant people or nation.

Further Insights: Ἰακώβ is a proper noun that does not follow a typical declension pattern for common nouns. However, its occurrences in Greek texts maintain consistency in form due to its status as a proper name. Below is a chart for reference:

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Lexicon Insights

BDAG: Ἰακώβ is identified as a significant biblical name, representing Jacob, the patriarch of the twelve tribes. It is noted for its use both in references to the Old Testament patriarch and in genealogical records of the New Testament.

Thayers: This lexicon explains that Ἰακώβ corresponds to the Hebrew Ya‘aqov, meaning “heel-grabber” or “supplanter.” It provides detailed entries for the occurrences of the name in both the Old and New Testaments, emphasizing its patriarchal significance and usage in the genealogies of Christ.

Vines: Ἰακώβ is noted as the name of both the Old Testament patriarch and other minor New Testament figures. Vines highlights the significance of the name Jacob in terms of its connotations of one who supplants or takes the place of another.

LSJ: The LSJ lexicon, while focused on classical Greek, mentions Ἰακώβ in its biblical context, linking it back to its Hebrew roots and noting its consistent usage in Greek biblical texts.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s defines Ἰακώβ as the Greek form of the Hebrew name Jacob, meaning “heel-grabber” or “supplanter.” The concordance provides multiple references to the usage of Ἰακώβ in the New Testament, especially in the genealogies and in passages referring to the patriarch Jacob.

Related Scripture References

• Matthew 1:2: “Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob (Ἰακώβ), and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers.”
• Matthew 22:32: “I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob (Ἰακώβ)? He is not the God of the dead but of the living.”
• Romans 9:13: “As it is written, ‘Jacob (Ἰακώβ) I loved, but Esau I hated.'”
• Hebrews 11:21: “By faith Jacob (Ἰακώβ), when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff.”
• James 2:21: “Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? And Jacob (Ἰακώβ) said…”

Classical Usage

While Ἰακώβ does not appear in classical Greek literature, it is prominently featured in the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible). Below are three examples from the Septuagint:

Summary of Ἰακώβ (G2384)

The Greek word Ἰακώβ (Iakōb) refers to the patriarch Jacob, a central figure in both Jewish and Christian traditions, known as the father of the twelve tribes of Israel. The name, originating from the Hebrew Ya‘aqov, means “heel-grabber” or “supplanter,” reflecting the narrative of his birth and life in the Hebrew Bible. In the New Testament, Ἰακώβ is not only used to refer to the patriarch but also appears in genealogies and teachings that connect the Jewish heritage to Christian theology. Its consistent usage across the Bible underscores its importance in understanding God’s covenantal relationships and His promises to His people.

Did You Know?

The name Jacob (Ἰακώβ) is used for both the Old Testament patriarch and for other New Testament figures. For example, in Matthew 1:16, Jacob is listed as the father of Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus. This illustrates the name’s continuity and cultural significance from the Hebrew Scriptures into the Greek New Testament, bridging Jewish and Christian narratives.