69 Tell me your name. In primitive thought to know the name of a deity or supernatural being would enable one to use it for magical manipulation or power (A. S. Herbert, Genesis 12–50 [], 108). For a thorough structural analysis of the passage discussing the plays on the names and the request of Jacob, see R. Barthes, “The Struggle with the Angel: Textual Analysis of Genesis 32:23–33,” Structural Analysis and Biblical Exegesis (), 21–33.
70 The question uses the enclitic pronoun “this” to emphasize the import of the question.
71 Heb “and he said, ‘Why is it that you ask my name?’ ” The referent of the pronoun “he” (the man who wrestled with Jacob) has been specified for clarity, and the order of the introductory clause and the direct discourse has been rearranged in the translation for stylistic reasons.
72 The verb here means that the Lord endowed Jacob with success; he would be successful in everything he did, including meeting Esau.
73 Heb “him”; the referent (Jacob) has been specified in the translation for clarity.

In other versions

ESVEnglish Standard Version

Then Jacob asked him, “Please tell me your name.” But he said, “Why is it that you ask my name?” And there he blessed him.

NIVNew International Version (2011)

Jacob said, “Please tell me your name.”

But he replied, “Why do you ask my name?” Then he blessed him there.

CSBChristian Standard Bible

Then Jacob asked him, “Please tell me your name.”

But he answered, “Why do you ask my name?” And he blessed him there.

NLTNew Living Translation

“Please tell me your name,” Jacob said.

“Why do you want to know my name?” the man replied. Then he blessed Jacob there.

LEBThe Lexham English Bible

Then Jacob asked and said, “Please tell me your name.” And he said, “Why do you ask this—for my name?” And he blessed him there.

KJV 1900King James Version

And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there.

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