Jacob
Hebrew name traditionally explained as "holder of the heel" or "supplanter," though some scholars connect it instead to a phrase meaning "may God protect."
Meaning and origin
Jacob comes from the Hebrew יַעֲקֹב, traditionally linked to עָקֵב, meaning heel, because Genesis describes him being born grasping his twin brother Esau's heel.
How to pronounce Jacob
| English (US) | JAY-kub /ˈdʒeɪkəb/ |
|---|
About this entry
Drafted with the help of an AI model, then checked by a person. Last checked on 16 September 2026.
The sources behind this entry are listed in the app.