Penuel

The name Penuel, sometimes rendered as Peniel, derives from the Hebrew roots panim (face) and El (God), collectively meaning 'face of God.' This etymology reflects the profound spiritual encounter associated with the name, suggesting an intimate proximity to the divine. Historically, it carries the weight of a moment when humanity and divinity intersected in a tangible way, as seen in the story of Jacob wrestling with God. The name’s linguistic roots underscore themes of revelation, divine presence, and transformation.

In the Bible, Penuel holds both geographical and personal significance. The Divine Proximity Index of 80.8/100 reflects its strong association with God, as the name is directly tied to Jacob's transformative encounter with the divine. Jacob’s declaration, 'For I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved' (Genesis 32:30), elevates Penuel as a symbol of divine revelation and human perseverance. The Jesus Circle Score of 94.1/100 further emphasizes its spiritual resonance, as the themes of wrestling with God and emerging transformed echo throughout the redemptive narrative of scripture. Beyond its spiritual symbolism, Penuel also appears as the name of two men in the Old Testament, tying it to the lineage of Judah and Benjamin. These personal connections underscore the name’s integration into Israel’s tribal and familial history, enriching its cultural and theological depth.

The name Penuel first appears in the dramatic and deeply spiritual account of Jacob wrestling with a divine being at the ford of the Jabbok River (Genesis 32:22-30). This pivotal moment marks a turning point in Jacob’s life, as he moves from a man of cunning to one who has been blessed and renamed Israel. The site, called Penuel, commemorates Jacob's encounter with God, where he declared, 'I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.' Later, the place becomes a city, referenced in the story of Gideon in Judges 8:4-17. The inhabitants of Penuel, along with those of Succoth, refuse aid to Gideon’s army, leading to their eventual punishment. This narrative reveals the city’s strategic location and the consequences of opposing God’s chosen deliverer. Additionally, the name Penuel is borne by two individuals in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles: a son of Hur, linked to the tribe of Judah (1 Chronicles 4:4), and a son of Shashak from the tribe of Benjamin (1 Chronicles 8:25). These brief mentions connect the name to Israel’s tribal heritage, adding layers of historical and theological significance.