Jacob, also known as Israel, was a prominent patriarch and prophet described in the Book of Genesis. Born in Canaan to Isaac and Rebecca, he was the twin brother of Esau. He is a central figure in the Abrahamic traditions, recognized as the forefather of the twelve tribes of Israel through his many descendants. After a life involving various struggles, including a famous wrestling match with a divine being, he led his family to Egypt to escape a famine, where he eventually passed away.