Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Meaning:Peniel, also spelled Penuel, is a significant location in the biblical narrative, primarily known as the place where Jacob wrestled with God. The name "Peniel" means "face of God" in Hebrew, reflecting Jacob's profound encounter with the divine.
Biblical References:The primary reference to Peniel is found in
Genesis 32:24-30. In this passage, Jacob is returning to Canaan after years of living with his uncle Laban. On the night before he is to meet his estranged brother Esau, Jacob finds himself alone, and a mysterious man wrestles with him until daybreak.
Genesis 32:30 states, "So Jacob named the place Peniel, saying, 'Indeed, I have seen God face to face, and yet my life was spared.'"
Historical and Theological Significance:Peniel holds a critical place in biblical history and theology. The encounter at Peniel is a turning point in Jacob's life, marking a transformation in his character and relationship with God. This event is often interpreted as a moment of divine testing and blessing, as Jacob is given a new name, Israel, meaning "he struggles with God" (
Genesis 32:28). This name change signifies Jacob's new identity and role as the patriarch of the Israelites.
Theologically, Peniel represents the mysterious and intimate nature of human encounters with God. Jacob's wrestling with God is symbolic of the struggles and perseverance required in faith. It underscores the idea that divine encounters can be both challenging and transformative, leading to a deeper understanding of God's presence and purpose.
Geographical Context:Peniel is located east of the Jordan River, near the Jabbok River. Its exact location is not definitively known, but it is generally associated with the region of Gilead. The geographical setting of Peniel, near a river crossing, is significant as it represents a transitional point in Jacob's journey, both physically and spiritually.
Cultural and Literary Aspects:In the broader cultural and literary context of the Bible, Peniel serves as a powerful narrative of personal struggle and divine encounter. The account of Jacob at Peniel is often cited in discussions of theophany, the appearance of God to humans, and is a vivid example of the personal nature of God's relationship with His chosen people.
Legacy and Influence:The account of Peniel has had a lasting impact on Judeo-Christian thought and spirituality. It is frequently referenced in sermons, theological discussions, and spiritual writings as an illustration of the transformative power of encountering God. The name "Peniel" itself has been adopted by various religious institutions and communities, symbolizing a place of divine presence and revelation.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Penielface or vision of God; that sees God
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Peniel(face of God) the name which Jacob gave to the place in which he had wrestled with God: "He called the name of the place face of El,? for I have seen Elohim face to face." (Genesis 32:30) In (Genesis 32:31) and the other passages in which the name occurs, its form is changed toPENUEL. From the narrative it is evident that Peniel lay somewhere on the north bank of the Jabbok, and between that torrent and the fords of the Jordan at Succoth, a few miles north of the glen where the Jabbok falls into the Jordan.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
PENIELpe-ni'-el, pen'-i-el, pe'-ni-el (peni'el, "face of God"; Eidos theou): This is the form of the name inGenesis 32:30. In the next verse and elsewhere it appears as "Penuel." The name is said to have been given to the place by Jacob after his night of wrestling by the Jabbok, because, as he said, "I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved." It was a height evidently close by the stream over which Jacob passed in the morning. Some have thought it might be a prominent cliff, the contour of which resembled a human face. Such a cliff on the seashore to the South of Tripoli was called theou prosopon, "face of God" (Strabo xvi.2, 15). In later times a city with a strong tower stood upon it. This lay in the line of Gideon's pursuit of the Midianites. When he returned victorious, he beat down the place because of the churlishness of the inhabitants (Judges 8:8, 9, 17). It was one of the towns "built" or fortified by Jeroboam (1 Kings 12:25). Merrill would identify it with Telul edh-Dhahab, "hills of gold," two hills with ruins that betoken great antiquity, and that speak of great strength, on the South of the Jabbok, about 10 miles East of Jordan (for description see Merrill, East of the Jordan, 390 if). A difficulty that seems fatal to this identification is that here the banks of the Jabbok are so precipitous as to be impassable. Conder suggests Jebel 'Osha. The site was clearly not far from Succoth; but no certainty is yet possible.
W. Ewing
Strong's Hebrew
6439. Penuel -- "face of God," a place East of the Jordan, also...... Word Origin from panim and el Definition "face of God," a place E. of the Jordan,
also two Isr. NASB Word Usage
Peniel (1), Penuel (8).
Peniel, Penuel.
...Library
Jacob --Israel --Jeshurun
... There must be aPeniel between the two halves of the character, if there is to be
transformation.... Why have you failed? Because you have never been toPeniel....
Jacob-Wrestling
... PART II. SOME BIBLE TYPES OF PRAYER IV. JACOB-WRESTLING. "Lord, teach us to
pray.""Luke 11:1. "Jacob called the name of the placePeniel.""Genesis 32:30....
His Past Work.
... He appeared unto Jacob and was the mysterious man who wrestled with him atPeniel;
later Jacob called Him "The Angel, the Redeemer." Repeatedly we hear of Him...
The Worst Things Work for Good to the Godly
... the Lord blessed him. "Jacob called the name of the placePeniel, for I
have seen God face to face" (Genesis 32:30). Who would not...
Ebenezer!
... The God that spoke to Abraham at Mamre, hath he never spoken to you? The angel that
wrestled with Jacob atPeniel, hath he never wrestled with you?...
Preventive against Backsliding.
... he should be "filled with the Holy Ghost." They knew no reason why weary wastes
of disappointing years should stretch between Bethel andPeniel, between the...
The Incarnation.
... Thus when the Angel of the Lord had appeared to Jacob and wrestled with him, Jacob
called the name of the placePeniel, for, said he, "I have seen God face to...
Gen. xxxi. 11
... him. Jacob calls the placePeniel, ie, face of God, because he had seen
God face to face, and wonders that his life was preserved....
Joseph Attacked by the Archers
... He had been noble in many instances during his life"at the sleeping place
of Bethel, the brook of Jabbok, and the halting ofPeniel....
Desire.
... Nor rest until my favoured ears. Caught angel-strains above the spheres. My soul,
it is thyPeniel here,. Repeat good Jacob's earnest prayer:...
Thesaurus
Peniel (4 Occurrences)...PENIEL. pe-ni'-el, pen'-i-el, pe'-ni-el (peni'el, "face of God"; Eidos theou): This
is the form of the name in Genesis 32:30.
...Peniel (4 Occurrences).
...Eleloheisrael (1 Occurrence)
... of Shechem, his first encampment of length and importance since the return to Palestine
from Paddan-aram and the eventful night atPeniel (Genesis 32:30)....
El-elohe-Israel (1 Occurrence)
... of Shechem, his first encampment of length and importance since the return to Palestine
from Paddan-aram and the eventful night atPeniel (Genesis 32:30)....
Peni'el (1 Occurrence)
Peni'el.Peniel, Peni'el. Peninnah . Multi-Version Concordance Peni'el
(1 Occurrence)....Peniel, Peni'el. Peninnah . Reference Bible.
Penuel (7 Occurrences)
... It is also called "Peniel." Here Jacob wrestled (Genesis 32:24-32) "with a man"
("the angel", Hosea 12:4. Jacob says of him, "I have seen God face to face...
Jacob (361 Occurrences)
... Jacob prevailed, and as a memorial of it his name was changed to Israel (wrestler
with God); and the place where this occured he calledPeniel, "for", said he...
Unequal (5 Occurrences)
... Unequal (5 Occurrences). Genesis 32:31 And while he was going pastPeniel, the sun
came up. And he went with unequal steps because of his damaged leg. (BBE)....
Limped (2 Occurrences)
... Limped (2 Occurrences). Genesis 32:31 The sun rose on him as he passed over
Peniel, and he limped because of his thigh. (WEB JPS ASV DBY)....
Limping (2 Occurrences)
... Limping (2 Occurrences). Genesis 32:31 And the sun rose upon him as he passed
overPeniel, and he limped upon his thigh. (See NAS RSV NIV)....
Israel (27466 Occurrences)
... The name conferred on Jacob after the great prayer-struggle atPeniel (Genesis
32:28), because "as a prince he had power with God and prevailed." (see JACOB...
Resources
What is the significance of Peniel in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhy is Jacob called Jacob and Israel alternately in the book of Genesis? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Jacob in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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