Quick Answer: How to Say Israel in Hebrew
Israel in Hebrew is:
Meaning: He who struggles with God, or God prevails
How to Pronounce Yisrael
The Hebrew word יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisrael) is pronounced yis-rah-EL.
Pronunciation Breakdown
- יִשְׂרָ (yisra) - Sounds like "yis-rah" (the "yis" as in "yes", the "rah" as in "father")
- אֵל (el) - Sounds like "EL" (the "e" as in "bed", emphasis on this syllable)
Stress: The emphasis is on the final syllable: yis-rah-EL
Practice Saying Yisrael
Try saying it slowly: yis-rah (pause) EL
Then say it faster: yis-rah-EL
Tip: The name has three syllables. The final syllable "EL" means "God" and is emphasized.
What Does Yisrael Mean?
The name יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisrael) has a profound meaning that comes from the story of Jacob wrestling with God. The name is typically interpreted as:
🤼 He Who Struggles with God
From "sarah" (struggled) + "El" (God) - one who wrestles or struggles with God
💪 God Prevails
From "yashar" (straight, upright) + "El" (God) - God rules or prevails
📖 Biblical Origin
Given to Jacob after wrestling with God at Peniel (Genesis 32:28)
🏛️ National Identity
Became the name for the nation of Israel, the people of God
Key Insight: The name Yisrael comes from the root ש.ר.ה (s.r.h) meaning "to struggle" or "to wrestle," combined with אֵל (El), meaning "God." When Jacob wrestled with God at Peniel, he was given this new name, signifying his transformation from a deceiver (Jacob) to one who struggles with God and prevails. This name became the identity of the entire nation, representing a people who engage with God, struggle with faith, and ultimately find blessing through that struggle.
How to Use Yisrael
Yisrael appears throughout the Hebrew Bible in various contexts. Here's how it's used:
1. As a Personal Name
Yisrael was first given as a personal name to Jacob:
Genesis 32:28:
וַיֹּאמֶר לֹא יַעֲקֹב יֵאָמֵר עוֹד שִׁמְךָ כִּי אִם יִשְׂרָאֵל
Vayomer lo Ya'akov ye'amer od shimcha ki im Yisrael
"He said, 'Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel'"
This verse marks the moment Jacob received his new name after wrestling with God.
2. As a National Name
Yisrael became the name for the entire nation descended from Jacob:
Exodus 1:1:
וְאֵלֶּה שְׁמוֹת בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל
Ve'eleh shemot bnei Yisrael
"These are the names of the sons of Israel"
Here, "bnei Yisrael" (sons of Israel) refers to the nation, the descendants of Jacob.
Biblical Significance of Yisrael
The name Yisrael is central to the biblical narrative and represents a profound transformation. Here are key biblical concepts involving Yisrael:
Genesis 32:28 - Jacob Becomes Israel
וַיֹּאמֶר לֹא יַעֲקֹב יֵאָמֵר עוֹד שִׁמְךָ כִּי אִם יִשְׂרָאֵל כִּי שָׂרִיתָ עִם אֱלֹהִים וְעִם אֲנָשִׁים וַתּוּכָל
Vayomer lo Ya'akov ye'amer od shimcha ki im Yisrael ki sarita im Elohim ve'im anashim vatuchal
"He said, 'Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.'"
This is the moment of transformation when Jacob, the deceiver, becomes Israel, the one who struggles with God and prevails. The name change represents a spiritual transformation and a new identity.
Hosea 12:3-4 - Remembering the Struggle
בַּבֶּטֶן עָקַב אֶת אָחִיו וּבְאוֹנוֹ שָׂרָה אֶת אֱלֹהִים
Babeten akav et achiv uve'ono sarah et Elohim
"In the womb he took his brother by the heel, and in his manhood he strove with God"
This verse connects Jacob's name (which means "heel-grabber") with his struggle with God, showing the full arc of his transformation.
Practical Tips for Understanding Yisrael
How to Study
- Practice pronunciation: Say "yis-rah-EL" slowly, emphasizing the final syllable
- Read Genesis 32: Study the story of Jacob wrestling with God to understand the name's origin
- Understand the meaning: Reflect on what it means to "struggle with God" and how that applies to faith
- Study biblical references: Look up verses mentioning Israel to see how the name is used throughout Scripture
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