Bible Characters
Jacob: From the Birthright to the Twelve Tribes (+Quiz)
A birthright, a blessing, a ladder, Rachel and Leah, and a struggle that changed a name.
Jacob, the third of the patriarchs, is the father of the twelve tribes - the entire people of Israel. His story in the Book of Genesis is full of struggle, love, and inner strength, and he is one of the central figures in Bible quizzes.
▶ Play now: the Jacob quiz — 50 questions per level
The Birthright and the Blessing
Jacob and Esau were twins. Esau, the firstborn, sold Jacob the birthright for a bowl of lentil stew, and Jacob received the blessing from his father Isaac through the cunning of his mother Rebecca. Esau was furious, and Jacob was forced to flee to Laban in Haran.
The Dream of the Ladder
On his way, Jacob dreamed of a ladder set on the earth with its top reaching heaven, and angels of God going up and down on it. God stood over him and promised him the land and His protection. Jacob awoke and said, "Surely the Lord is in this place," and named it Bethel.
Rachel and Leah
At Laban's house Jacob worked seven years for Rachel, but Leah her sister was put in her place, and he worked another seven. From Rachel, Leah, and the two handmaids he had twelve sons and a daughter - the fathers of the tribes of Israel. His love for Rachel is one of the most moving stories in the Bible.
The Struggle and the Name Israel
On his return to the land, Jacob wrestled all night with a man (an angel) until dawn. He would not let go until he was blessed, and he received a new name: Israel - "for you have striven with God and with men and have prevailed." From this comes the name of the entire people.
The Reconciliation with Esau
Jacob feared meeting Esau; he sent gifts and prayed. But Esau ran to meet him, embraced and kissed him, and they wept together. The reconciliation between the brothers teaches that even deep rivalry can be healed.
Joseph and the Descent to Egypt
Jacob loved Joseph more than all his sons, and grieved for him for many years after the brothers sold him. In his old age he was told that Joseph was alive and ruled over Egypt; he went down to him with his entire household, and blessed his sons and grandsons before his death.
Play the Jacob quiz
Bible Quiz now has a dedicated Jacob quiz — real questions from the bank across five difficulty levels, 50 questions per level, from the easy questions up to the "Super-Rabbi" level with exact verses and numbers. You can also reach it from the character area or the game screen, via the "by hero" button.
FAQ
How many sons did Jacob have?
Twelve sons - from whom the twelve tribes of Israel arose - and one daughter, Dinah.
What was the dream of the ladder?
Jacob dreamed of a ladder between earth and heaven with angels going up and down on it, and God promised him the land.
How did Jacob receive the name Israel?
After he wrestled with the angel until dawn and did not let go - "for you have striven with God and with men and have prevailed."
For whom did Jacob work at Laban's house?
For Rachel - seven years, and then another seven - and he also married Leah.