"Jacob" is from the root "akav" (the noun "akev" - "heel" and the verb "akav") - "to leave a mark," "to stab," also "to overcome," "to prevail," "to win.

Jacob is a man who fights and conquers, and also - who has left a "Trace", i.e., who has become the prototype of his righteous life for generations of all nations.

Jacob symbolizes the people of the true Faith, who are the spiritual bearers of the Light of God's Will for all Gentiles.

Jacob realized the Revelation of God's Will about his spiritual mission: with the new "Name" of "Israel" to overcome the pagan, carnal way of life of the nations and to call, to convert them to the true understanding and fulfillment of God's Commandments.  

"Jacob" figuratively represents the new religious system of service to God of the people, which follows the Letter and Spirit of God's Covenants.