The name Jacob originates from the Latin Iacob, derived from the Greek Ἰακώβ (Iakob), which in turn comes from the Hebrew name יַעֲקֹב (Yaʿaqov). In the Old Testament, Jacob, later named Israel, is the son of Isaac and Rebecca and the father of the twelve founders of the twelve tribes of Israel. His name is traditionally interpreted as 'holder of the heel' or 'supplanter,' as he was born holding his twin brother Esau's heel and later deprived Esau of his birthright. Alternative theories suggest ...