Genesis 29 10

Genesis 29:10 kjv

And it came to pass, when Jacob saw Rachel the daughter of Laban his mother's brother, and the sheep of Laban his mother's brother, that Jacob went near, and rolled the stone from the well's mouth, and watered the flock of Laban his mother's brother.

Genesis 29:10 nkjv

And it came to pass, when Jacob saw Rachel the daughter of Laban his mother's brother, and the sheep of Laban his mother's brother, that Jacob went near and rolled the stone from the well's mouth, and watered the flock of Laban his mother's brother.

Genesis 29:10 niv

When Jacob saw Rachel daughter of his uncle Laban, and Laban's sheep, he went over and rolled the stone away from the mouth of the well and watered his uncle's sheep.

Genesis 29:10 esv

Now as soon as Jacob saw Rachel the daughter of Laban his mother's brother, and the sheep of Laban his mother's brother, Jacob came near and rolled the stone from the well's mouth and watered the flock of Laban his mother's brother.

Genesis 29:10 nlt

And because Rachel was his cousin ? the daughter of Laban, his mother's brother ? and because the sheep and goats belonged to his uncle Laban, Jacob went over to the well and moved the stone from its mouth and watered his uncle's flock.

Genesis 29 verses

Genesis 29 10 meaning

Genesis 29:10 describes the pivotal moment when Jacob first encounters Rachel at a well near Haran. Upon seeing Rachel, his cousin, and her flock of sheep belonging to their mutual uncle Laban, Jacob immediately springs into action. Demonstrating remarkable strength, he single-handedly removes a heavy stone that covered the well's mouth, a task typically requiring multiple shepherds, and then waters Rachel's sheep. This act is not merely a polite gesture but a display of competence, resolve, and devotion, marking a significant turn in Jacob's journey and fulfilling divine providence.

Genesis 29 10 Context

Genesis chapter 29 continues Jacob's journey from Beersheba to Haran, following his vision at Bethel where God reaffirmed the covenant made with Abraham and Isaac (Gen 28:10-15). Jacob is fleeing his brother Esau, having deceived Isaac to receive the birthright blessing. He arrives at the well outside Haran, his ancestral homeland, specifically sent by his father to take a wife from the daughters of Laban, his mother's brother (Gen 28:2). Before the events of this verse, Jacob inquires of the shepherds gathered at the well about Laban, directly stating his purpose of finding his kin. It is precisely as he is speaking with them that Rachel approaches with her father's sheep, setting the scene for their momentous encounter described in Gen 29:10.

Genesis 29 10 Word analysis

• And it came to pass (וַיְהִי - vayhi): This common Hebrew narrative opener signifies a significant event or transition. It often carries a nuance of divine purpose or orchestration behind the unfolding circumstances. Not merely a sequence, but a divinely ordained development.
• when Jacob (יַעֲקֹב - Ya'akov): Meaning "he grasps the heel" or "supplanter." Here, Jacob, though marked by past deceptions, begins a new phase of his life marked by more direct and open actions.
• saw (כִּרְאוֹת - kir'ot): The intensive form "as seeing" implies an immediate, direct, and purposeful observation, indicating recognition and perhaps an immediate connection.
• Rachel (רָחֵל - Rachel): Means "ewe," suggesting beauty, gentleness, and fertility. Her name fits perfectly with her role as a shepherdess.
• the daughter of Laban his mother's brother (בַּת לָבָן אֲחִי אִמּוֹ - bat Lavan achi immo): The repeated phrase (occurring three times in this verse) emphatically establishes the close family relationship. This repeated emphasis highlights Jacob's fulfillment of his parents' command to marry within his kin, thereby continuing the covenant lineage. It also implicitly contrasts with the later relational struggles between Jacob and Laban, reminding the reader of the blood ties that initially bind them.
• and the sheep of Laban his mother's brother: Emphasizes Rachel's familial connection and responsibilities, showing her as part of Laban's household, a marker of her status.
• that Jacob went near (וַיִּגַּשׁ יַעֲקֹב - vayyiggash Ya'akov): Implies immediate, decisive movement. Jacob does not hesitate but acts directly and assertively.
• and rolled the stone (וַיָּגֶל אֶת־הָאֶבֶן - vayyagel et-ha'even): "Rolled away the stone." This was an act of significant strength. Gen 29:8 indicates that the stone required a collective effort, signifying its large size and weight. Jacob's single-handed effort underscores his physical prowess and resolute character. This heroic action also prefigures his later perseverance and struggle.
• from the well's mouth (מֵעַל פִּי הַבְּאֵר - me'al pi habb'er): The "mouth" refers to the opening. Wells in the ancient world were vital sources of life and frequent meeting places for social interaction, particularly for betrothal narratives in the Bible (e.g., Rebekah, Moses and Zipporah).
• and watered the flock (וַיַּשְׁקְ אֶת־צֹאן - vayyashk e't-tso'n): Jacob taking charge and performing the crucial task. This demonstrates his readiness to provide and his skill as a shepherd, qualities that would be essential in his future life and in caring for his family. It is an immediate display of his value.

Genesis 29 10 Bonus section

The meeting at the well in Genesis 29:10 mirrors the earlier significant betrothal narrative of Isaac and Rebekah (Gen 24). In both accounts, a future matriarch of Israel is found at a well, showcasing a common biblical literary motif for divinely orchestrated marital connections and the continuity of the covenant lineage. However, Jacob's act is more proactive and forceful compared to Abraham's servant's careful negotiation and prayer, highlighting a different facet of the patriarchal character. Jacob’s strength in moving the stone is considered an expression of newfound power or spirit, possibly linked to God's presence promised in the Bethel dream. Some interpretations suggest a metaphorical rolling away of an obstacle (the stone) for Jacob, clearing his path to finding his intended partner and starting his family, which is a step towards nation-building for Israel.

Genesis 29 10 Commentary

Genesis 29:10 captures a climactic and romantically charged moment in Jacob's journey. Having been guided by God's promise and escaping from Esau, Jacob arrives at the perfect time and place to meet Rachel, confirming divine providence at work in his life. His immediate and vigorous action—single-handedly rolling the massive stone and watering the flock—serves multiple purposes. It showcases his strength and capability, presenting him not as the deceiver of his past, but as a man of action and a prospective provider. This decisive act wins the respect and admiration of Rachel, setting the stage for their profound relationship. The repeated emphasis on "Laban his mother's brother" ties this new encounter firmly within the family covenant, underlining the importance of lineage for the fulfillment of God's promises. It is an ideal introduction that contrasts with the later manipulative dynamics between Jacob and Laban.