בס”ד
Introduction
I regularly ask the Rabbi if he has a question for me to explore. This time, the question was: why did the name Avram change to Avraham and was not used anymore, while the name Jacob is still used even after it was changed to Israel?
Avram Becomes Avraham
G-d changes Avram’s name to Avraham in Genesis 17:5:
| 5 Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for the father of a multitude of nations have I made thee. | ה וְלֹא-יִקָּרֵא עוֹד אֶת-שִׁמְךָ, אַבְרָם; וְהָיָה שִׁמְךָ אַבְרָהָם, כִּי אַב-הֲמוֹן גּוֹיִם נְתַתִּיךָ. |
Avram, the first to openly proclaim the belief in one G-d, was cast into a fiery furnace by King Nimrod but survived with G-d’s help. Although the idolaters were initially disturbed, they let Avram live, assuming that his message of one G-d would fade away because the stars foretold he would have no children and thus no one to carry on his message. Despite their expectations, Avram’s message continued.
G-d changed Avram’s name to Avraham. This name change is directly related to the covenant G-d made with him. The covenant was that he would become a father of many nations. Avraham would not only father Isaac but also many other nations. Isaac, and then his son Jacob, along with their descendants, would spread the message of one G-d. Avraham would both physically and spiritually produce many descendants: the Jewish people and many others who would follow in his footsteps and accept the One G-d.
After this change, Avraham is never called Avram again; his new name reflects that the knowledge of God in the world would increase. From Avram and his immediate birthplace to Abraham, father of many nations.
Jacob Becomes Israel
In Genesis 35:10, G-d changes Jacob’s name to Israel:
| 10 And G-d said unto him: ‘Thy name is Jacob: thy name shall not be called any more Jacob, but Israel shall be thy name’; and He called his name Israel. | י וַיֹּאמֶר-לוֹ אֱלֹקים, שִׁמְךָ יַעֲקֹב: לֹא-יִקָּרֵא שִׁמְךָ עוֹד יַעֲקֹב, כִּי אִם-יִשְׂרָאֵל יִהְיֶה שְׁמֶךָ, וַיִּקְרָא אֶת-שְׁמוֹ, יִשְׂרָאֵל. |
Although the Bible states that Jacob will no longer be called Jacob, later passages show that his old name is still used. This difference has to do with the fact that Israel is not a continuation or expansion of Jacob, as was the case with Avraham, but rather a further development of his existing identity.
Jacob was the person who felt overshadowed by his brother Esau because his father expressed a preference for Esau. This led Jacob to wish he were Esau, which ultimately caused significant family problems.[1]
The name Israel means “You have struggled with G-d and with men and have overcome.” This name also carries the connotations of “prince” (sar) and “upright” (yashar), which contrasts sharply with the name Jacob, referring to someone who “holds onto the heel of his brother.”
Jacob’s transformation into Israel can be seen as an invitation to embody the qualities of a “prince” and an “upright” person. It is not a strict declaration but rather a challenge and a call: Behave in such a way that people call you Israel, a prince and a righteous person. Jacob continues to use his old name as a reminder of his origins and the difficulties he has overcome. At the same time, the name Israel reflects the transformation and new role he now fulfills, showing his satisfaction with himself and understanding the importance of being true to oneself rather than wishing to be someone else or to have someone else’s role or function.
Lessons from the Name Changes of Avram and Jacob
1. Avram to Avraham: Growing from the Past
The change from Avram to Avraham marks a progression in his role and identity. It reminds us that we should carry forward the positive lessons and values we have learned in the past and further develop them. For Noahides, this means you can continue your spiritual and ethical growth by building on the foundations of your past and expanding them in your current life.
2. Jacob to Israel: Be Yourself and Embrace Your Own Path
Jacob is called Israel as recognition of his victory and new role as a prince and righteous person. This teaches us the importance of remaining true to oneself, even when facing resistance or expectations from others. For Noahides, this means you can be yourself and maintain your own relationship with G-d without the pressure to convert to Judaism. You can have a sincere and meaningful connection with God in your own unique way.
A Practical Question about Name Changes
What I often see is that Noahides over time may want to change their names. Sometimes this is based on the fact that when someone converts to Judaism, they receive a new name, as this is done within Judaism because the person is effectively reborn, and a new name accompanies that rebirth. Note that when someone becomes a Noahide, they are not reborn but rather giving a better form to what they have already been since birth. However, it is permissible for Noahides to change their name to any Hebrew name they wish if they want to mark a clear transition from their past as idolaters and as a symbol of their new path following the G-d of Israel.
By Angelique Sijbolts
With thanks to Rabbi W. van Dijk for for the inspiring question and feedback and Rabbi Tani Burton for his feedback
Footnotes/ sources
Talmud Brachot 13a
Or HaChaim on Bereshit 35:10
[1] Aish.com Article: No Longer Shall You Be Called Jacob
Covenant & Conversation
by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks
The Word “Hebrew”: Insights into the Hebrew Language
by Rabbi Doniel Baron
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