Literal meaning is "God's prince". The name God gave Jacob (Gen. 35:10-12). Also the name of all of his descendants (Deut. 27:9). And of the nation.

Of the people of Israel God has declared, "Thus says the Lord: 'Israel is My son, My firstborn.'" (Ex. 4:22)

God places a curse upon those who curse Israel, and a blessing upon those who bless Israel (Num. 24:9, Gen. 12:3).

The descendents of Israel will be a nation forever (Jer 31:35-36).

God will never cast off the descendents of Israel (Jer. 31:37).

God's Name is on the Children of Israel (Num. 6:24-27).

Israel was the smallest Nation/people on the earth when chosen by God (Deut. 7:6-8). This was probably so that all would know that whatever Israel accomplishes is by God's power, and not Israel's own.

Many non-Jewish slaves joined themselves to Israel and Israel's God, thereby gaining their freedom in the exodus from Egypt (Ex. 12:38)

God will gather into Israel the non-Jews who hold fast His covenant and keep from defiling the Sabbath (Is. 56:1-8).

The non-Jews who join themselves to Israel receive a land inheritance and tribal affiliation (Eze. 47:21-23).

Gentiles without Messiah are alienated from the Commonwealth of Israel and estranged from the covenants of promise. But those who are in Messiah, although once far off, are brought near by His blood (Eph. 2:11-13). They become fellow citizens (Eph. 2:19).

In order to provide an opportunity for the Gentile's to be saved, Israel has been partially blinded. (Rom 11:25, 30).

Back to  Saint Paul was a lifelong Jew