The Genesis Project
Genesis 17 Genesis 35

Names

181 words · April 30, 2026

There are multiple "book ends" that run through Genesis. This one is fascinating in its repetition and it's reversal of order.

When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless. And I will make My covenant between Me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly.” Then Abram fell on his face, and God talked with him, saying: “As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, and you shall be a father of many nations. No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations. Genesis 17:1-5 (NKJV)

And God said to him, “Your name is Jacob; your name shall not be called Jacob anymore, but Israel shall be your name.” So He called his name Israel. Also God said to him: “I am God Almighty. Be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall proceed from you, and kings shall come from your body. Genesis 35:10-11 (NKJV)

Abraham Abram El Shaddai Israel Jacob names transformation

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