What is the significance of the opening phrase, "Your name is Yaakov"?
Ramban #1: 'Even though the angel of Esav changed your name, this was only in the form of a reference to the future, and at this point, your name is still Yaakov. But from now on, your name will no longer be Yaakov, but Yisrael.' 1
Ramban #2, Ibn Ezra, Seforno, Ohr ha'Chayim, Malbim: It indicates that the name Yisrael is in addition to that of Yaakov, which remains intact.
As the Pasuk concludes, "And he called his name Yisrael." Malbim - the angel said only that it will not be said that his name is Yaakov, rather, Yisrael. Hashem said that he will be called Yisrael.
What is the significance of the change from Yaakov to Yisrael?
Rashi: Whereas the former implies someone who lies in wait and who holds back, the latter implies a prince and a ruler. 1
Refer to 35:10:4:4.
Over all the inhabitants of Kena'an (Seforno).
What are the ramifications of "Lo Yikarei Shimcha Od Yaakov... "?
Berachos 13a: It does not mean that the name 'Yaakov' no longer exists - and that someone who calls him 'Yaakov' transgresses a Lav, 1 but that Yisrael is his main name and Yaakov secondary to it.
Berachos (13a): Seeing as Hashem himself later called him 'Yaakov' - See Bereishis 46:2.
Why does the Torah add "And He called his name 'Yisrael' "?
Ramban: Refer to 35:10:1:1*.
Seforno: Even though the name Yisrael really refers to the future, 1 the name would already take effect partially, from now on.
Ha'amek Davar: Not only the nation is called Yisrael, but also Yaakov himself. Earlier, he was punished for calling himself Yisrael before Hashem said this. Refer to 33:20:1:8.
Presumably to the time of Mashi'ach, when Yisrael will no longer be subservient to the nations.
It says that he will not be called Yaakov any more, like it says about 'Avram.' We do not find that Avraham is called Avram after his name was changed. Why is the name 'Yaakov' still used even after his name was changed?
Ohr ha'Chayim - Yaakov is the name of his Nefesh. Yisrael is due to Ru'ach that was added to him; it is not proper to lose his prior name. Also Avraham was renamed due to elevation; Avram is included in Avraham, so it is not lost - "Avram Hu Avraham" (Divrei ha'Yamim I 1:27).
Hadar Zekenim (to 35:9): The name Avram is from when he was a Goy. It is improper to use the same name after he converted. But Hashem Himself gave the name Yaakov! 1 He gave the name Yisrael only to show that he overcame an angel.
Malbim #1, Ha'amek Davar: Yaakov is his name based on natural conduct. Yisrael alludes to miraculous conduct, that powerful people will fear him and angels will serve him. The name Yaakov remains, for it was a Jewish name; also, miracles do not occur constantly. 2 Sometimes he will conduct based on nature. Avraham converted to become Jewish; a convert is like a newborn.
Ohr ha'Chayim, Malbim #2: Here it says "Lo Yikarei Shimcha Od." Regarding Avraham it says (17:5) "Lo Yikarei Od Es Shimcha" - at all.
Malbim #3: "Ki Im" is a stipulation - in some cases, you are still called Yaakov.
QUESTIONS ON RASHI
Rashi writes: "Your name shall no longer be called 'Yaakov' - which means, 'a person who comes in pursuit, in ambush.'" Why explain this way?
Gur Aryeh: It would have been possible to give the name Yisrael, without negating the name Yaakov. It must be that the name Yaakov has a disparaging connotation.
