Is|ra|el

Is|ra|el «IHZ ree uhl», noun.

1. a name given to Jacob after he had wrestled with the angel (in the Bible, Genesis 32:28).

2. a name given to his descendants; the Jews; the Hebrews.

3. Figurative. a people or group regarded as chosen by God; the elect.

╂[< Hebrew yisrå'ēl, literally, “God strives,” but later construed as meaning “he who wrestles with God”]