The Hebrew name Yaaqob (Jacob) is derived from aqeb (heel) and means "he grasps the heel" or "supplanter." Jacob was born clutching his twin brother Esau's heel (Genesis 25:26). The name occurs over 340 times in the Old Testament and refers both to the patriarch and, by extension, to the nation of Israel as his descendants.
Yaaqob represents one of the most dramatic character arcs in Scripture — from a deceiver who manipulated his way to the blessing, to a man transformed by an encounter with God. His name change to Israel ("he strives with God") at Peniel (Genesis 32:28) marks a turning point. The dual names Jacob/Israel are used throughout the prophets to refer to God's chosen people, often in parallel. God identifies Himself as "the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob," making this name central to covenant identity.