Jacob, also called Israel, was the son of Isaac and the father of the twelve patriarchs of Israel. He and his older brother, Esau, were twins— and when they were born, Jacob was grasping the heel of Esau. The name Jacob means “heel holder”.
After this, his brother came out, with his hand grasping Esau’s heel; so he was named Jacob. (Genesis 25:26).
Jacob deceived or supplanted his brother Esau’s birth right for a bowl of stew
He said to Jacob, “Quick, let me have some of that red stew! I’m famished!” (That is why he was also called Edom.) Jacob replied, “First sell me your birthright.” “Look, I am about to die,” Esau said. “What good is the birthright to me?” But Jacob said, “Swear to me first.” So he swore an oath to him, selling his birthright to Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and some lentil stew. He ate and drank, and then got up and left. So Esau despised his birthright (Genesis 25:29–34)
Tricking Isaac to gain the blessing he wanted to give Esau
He went to his father and said, “My father.” “Yes, my son,” he answered. “Who is it?” Jacob said to his father, “I am Esau your firstborn. I have done as you told me. Please sit up and eat some of my game, so that you may give me your blessing.” (Genesis 27:17—19)
Once, even Jacob the Deceiver was deceived by his uncle Laban. Jacob had worked for seven years to pay the bride price for Rachel, but Laban gave Jacob Rachel’s older sister, Leah, instead. Jacob had to work another seven years for Rachel. He also fooled his uncle Laban to increase his flocks . Later, after Jacob wrestled with a man of God at the Jabbok River, his name was appropriately changed to Israel, meaning “one who strives with God”