what is the meaning of israel in the bible

The meaning of Israel in the Bible is derived from the Hebrew name Yisra'el, which means "God contends" or "one who struggles with God." It is a name used 2,431 times in the Bible and is included in 34 out of the 39 books in the Old Testament, as well as in 13 of the 27 New Testament books. The name was given to Jacob after he spent a night wrestling with God, and it was later given to his offspring and the nation that they eventually formed. Israel is central to the story of the redemption of humanity, as God used them to further his plan of redemption for the human race. The name "Israel" speaks of the ethnic or national Hebrews' and Jews' unique relationship with God, and it is also associated with the gathering of the house of Israel and their responsibilities to the nations of the world