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Penuel

Historical Location
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

A site east of the Jordan where Jacob wrestled with God and was renamed Israel

Detailed Definition
Penuel (“face of God”) is where Jacob’s hip was dislocated in his nocturnal struggle, yet he prevailed and received a new name (Genesis 32). It symbolizes transformative encounter, blessing through struggle, and the cost of divine intimacy. Poets use Penuel to depict moments of crisis that redefine identity and purpose.
Example
Example in poetry:
In Genesis 32, Penuel is where Jacob wrestles God and is renamed Israel; The prophet Hosea (12:4) poetically recalls Jacob’s struggle at Penuel; Modern Jordanian poets reference Penuel as a ford of transformation; In liturgical verse, Penuel symbolizes divine encounter and personal change; Contemporary spiritual poetry uses Penuel to explore struggle, blessing, and identity.
Additional Notes
Penuel (“face of God”) is where Jacob wrestled the divine (Genesis 32). In poetry, it symbolizes transformative struggle and naming. Hosea 12:4 poetically recalls it. Students should note its location near the Jabbok River and its use as a metaphor for spiritual breakthrough.
Also Known As
Face of God Penuel Ford Jacob’s Wrestling Ground Jabbok Crossing
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