The answer is: His hip

Genesis 32:25 - During the night-long struggle, the being touched Jacob’s hip socket, dislocating it. This injury left Jacob with a limp, symbolizing his transformation and covenant with God. Some older translations use "hollow of the thigh", which isn't the thigh itself, but the hip socket.

Ah, the dramatic tale of Jacob wrestling a mysterious figure! Picture Jacob, worn out and exhausted from years of labor, trying to navigate the complicated relationships and loyalties swirling in his life. Now he’s throwing down in the dark—a transcendental battle at dawn, no less! When this enigmatic figure dislocates Jacob’s hip, it’s more than just an injury; it serves as a perfect metaphor for Jacob’s profound transformation.

Can you imagine limping from that wrestling match, a permanent reminder that change is painful but often necessary? In ancient times, names held deep significance, as Jacob—whose name means "heel-grabber" or "supplanter"—became Israel, meaning “he who struggles with God.” This echoes through every facet of his story, capturing the struggle between human will and divine will.

Interestingly, the limp did not mark him as a failure; rather, it was a badge of honor, showcasing his resilience and perseverance. Even hip injuries have biblical implications —think about how David danced with all his might before the Lord, and Paul talks about running with endurance. So Jacob’s injury points to a spiritual fitness that mirrors our own struggles in faith and life. Embracing our limitations—imbued with pain or not—means welcoming deeper relationships with the Divine and revealing our true selves. It’s fascinating how these elbowed moments of tough love lead us to embrace new identities!