Genesis 32:30

So Jacob named the place Peniel, ¹  explaining, ²  “Certainly ³  I have seen God face to face ⁴  and have survived.” ⁵ 

Ge 16:13; Ge 28:19; Ge 32:31; Ex 24:10,11; Ex 33:14,19-23; Nu 12:8; De 5:24; De 34:10; Jud 6:22,23; Jud 8:8,17; Jud 13:21,22; 1Ki 12:25; Isa 6:5; Joh 1:18; 2Co 3:18; 2Co 4:6; Ga 1:6; Eph 1:17; Col 1:15; 2Ti 1:10; Heb 11:27

¹ sn The name Peniel means “face of God.” Since Jacob saw God face to face here, the name is appropriate.

² tn The word “explaining” is supplied in the translation for stylistic reasons.

³ tn Or “because.”

⁴ sn I have seen God face to face. See the note on the name “Peniel” earlier in the verse.

⁵ tn Heb “and my soul [= life] has been preserved.”

sn I have survived. It was commonly understood that no one could see God and live (Gen 48:16; Exod 19:21, 24:10; and Judg 6:11, 22). On the surface Jacob seems to be saying that he saw God and survived. But the statement may have a double meaning, in light of his prayer for deliverance in v. 11. Jacob recognizes that he has survived his encounter with God and that his safety has now been guaranteed.