Genesis 29:2 kjv

And he looked, and behold a well in the field, and, lo, there were three flocks of sheep lying by it; for out of that well they watered the flocks: and a great stone was upon the well's mouth.

Genesis 29:2 nkjv

And he looked, and saw a well in the field; and behold, there were three flocks of sheep lying by it; for out of that well they watered the flocks. A large stone was on the well's mouth.

Genesis 29:2 niv

There he saw a well in the open country, with three flocks of sheep lying near it because the flocks were watered from that well. The stone over the mouth of the well was large.

Genesis 29:2 esv

As he looked, he saw a well in the field, and behold, three flocks of sheep lying beside it, for out of that well the flocks were watered. The stone on the well's mouth was large,

Genesis 29:2 nlt

He saw a well in the distance. Three flocks of sheep and goats lay in an open field beside it, waiting to be watered. But a heavy stone covered the mouth of the well.

Genesis 29 verses

Genesis 29 2 Meaning

Genesis 29:2 describes Jacob's initial observation upon arriving in Paddan-Aram, a pivotal moment in his journey. He sees a well in a field, surrounded by three flocks of sheep waiting. This verse sets the immediate scene for Jacob's interaction with the local shepherds and the beginning of events leading to his meeting with Rachel, underscoring the vital role of a water source in ancient pastoral life and hinting at divine guidance in Jacob's arrival.

Genesis 29 2 Context

Genesis chapter 29 opens with Jacob continuing his journey from Beersheba to Haran after his profound dream at Bethel (Gen 28:10-22). He is seeking a wife from his mother's family, as instructed by his father Isaac. Upon reaching "the land of the children of the East," his arrival at this well signifies the first tangible step towards fulfilling God's promise and purpose for his life, providing a natural meeting point in an ancient nomadic society. Historically and culturally, wells were indispensable hubs in arid regions, serving as vital water sources for both humans and animals, and thus becoming common places for social interaction, news exchange, and sometimes, marital encounters, as seen with Isaac's servant meeting Rebekah.

Genesis 29 2 Word analysis

• And he looked, (וַיַּרְא - vayyar')
  • word: vayyar' - A common verb meaning "to see," "to look." The prefixed vav indicates a consecutive perfect tense, showing action following previous events (Jacob lifting his feet, coming to the land). It denotes immediate observation, indicating that the well was prominent or Jacob was actively scanning his surroundings.
  • significance: Emphasizes Jacob's awareness and attention, pivotal for the encounter about to unfold. It highlights the providence in what Jacob 'saw' right upon arrival.
• and behold (וְהִנֵּה - vehinnêh)
  • word: vehinnêh - An interjection or demonstrative particle meaning "behold!" or "lo!" It draws attention to what follows, creating a sense of surprise, revelation, or emphasis for the reader.
  • significance: Functions as a narrative pointer, signaling something important or noteworthy Jacob is about to discover. It underlines the serendipitous, almost divinely arranged nature of this discovery.
• a well (בְּאֵר - bə'êr)
  • word: bə'êr - A significant noun referring to a natural or excavated source of water, usually much deeper than a cistern. These were crucial for survival and communal life in the arid Near East.
  • significance: The well is the central element of the scene. It symbolizes life, provision, and sustenance. Biblically, wells are often places of significant divine encounters, covenants, and the finding of a spouse. Jacob's family history is intertwined with wells (e.g., Gen 21, 26).
• in the field, (בַּשָּׂדֶה - baśśādeh)
  • word: baśśādeh - Means "in the field" or "in the open country." The field implies a place of pasture or agriculture, setting the context for flocks.
  • significance: Locates the well in a pastoral setting, explaining the presence of sheep. It grounds the scene in the realities of ancient shepherding life, far from settled cities.
• and, lo, (וְהִנֵּה - vehinnêh)
  • word: vehinnêh - Repeated for emphasis.
  • significance: Re-emphasizes the observation, particularly the next significant element: the flocks. This second "behold" stresses the complete scene's impact on Jacob.
• there were three flocks (שְׁלֹשָׁה עִדְרֵי - shlōshāh `idhrê)
  • word: shlōshāh - The number "three." `idhrê - plural of `eder, meaning "flock" or "herd."
  • significance: The mention of "three" specific flocks provides a concrete detail, not necessarily profound symbolic meaning here beyond establishing a measurable count. It signals the presence of multiple groups, suggesting a common gathering point and the daily routine of watering.
• of sheep (צֹאן - tzō'n)
  • word: tzō'n - General term for small livestock, often referring to sheep and goats.
  • significance: Reinforces the pastoral setting and indicates the main users of the well. The sheep foreshadow the arrival of Rachel, who tends sheep.
• lying by it; (רֹבְצִים עָלֶיהָ - rōvtzîm `āleyhā)
  • word: rōvtzîm - present participle, "lying down," "resting." `āleyhā - "by it" or "upon it" (referring to the well).
  • significance: Indicates that the flocks were not actively drinking but waiting, perhaps for their turn or for a shepherd to roll away the stone (which becomes clear in Gen 29:3). This detail creates suspense and provides a reason for Jacob to engage the local shepherds. It implies a delay or a customary procedure.
• for out of that well they watered the flocks. (כִּי מִן־הַבְּאֵר הַהִיא יַשְׁקוּ הָעֲדָרִים - kî min-habbə'êr hahî yašqû hā`adhārîm)
  • words: kî - "for," "because." min-habbə'êr hahî - "from that well." yašqû - verb, "they water" or "they would water." hā`adhārîm - "the flocks."
  • significance: This phrase explains why the flocks were there – it was their designated watering spot. It establishes the purpose of the well for pastoral activities and sets up the following dialogue where Jacob inquires about the watering custom.

Words-group analysis:

• "And he looked, and behold a well in the field, and, lo...": This phrase creates an immersive narrative scene for the reader, using repeated emphasis (behold, lo) to highlight Jacob's significant visual discovery and the providential nature of his arrival at this critical location.
• "...three flocks of sheep lying by it; for out of that well they watered the flocks.": This segment provides both precise detail (three flocks, sheep) and crucial contextual information (lying by it for watering). The combination suggests an accustomed routine interrupted, creating a natural point for Jacob's intervention, further hinting at divine orchestration.

Genesis 29 2 Bonus section

• The recurring motif of significant patriarchal encounters at wells (Rebekah and Isaac's servant, Jacob and Rachel, Moses and Zipporah) highlights wells as divinely appointed places of covenant and family continuation, underscoring God's orchestration in these critical life junctures.
• The scene suggests Jacob's observant nature. He "looked" and saw specific details (the well, three flocks, their posture), which allowed him to immediately grasp the situation and ask relevant questions (Gen 29:4-8). This observation sets him apart from a passive traveler.
• While the number "three" isn't given deep symbolic meaning in this particular verse, it introduces plurality, implying an existing system and a diverse group of local shepherds whom Jacob is about to meet and engage with. It sets the stage for a practical problem of accessing water rather than a grand theological pronouncement.

Genesis 29 2 Commentary

Genesis 29:2 paints a vivid and purposeful scene, laying the groundwork for Jacob's immediate future. Upon arriving in a strange land, the first prominent feature he encounters is a well, a hub of life and activity in the ancient Near East. The presence of not just one, but three distinct flocks of sheep waiting signifies a common and communal gathering point. The detail that they were "lying by it" implies a temporary pause or a customary waiting period, possibly due to a large stone covering the well's mouth (mentioned in the subsequent verse). This ordinary pastoral scene, however, is deeply imbued with divine providence. Just as Isaac's servant was led to Rebekah at a well (Gen 24), Jacob, too, is brought to this vital spot where his destined meeting will occur. It is an everyday scene that is part of God's larger, guiding plan for Jacob, assuring him that God's presence, promised in Bethel (Gen 28:15), is still with him, even in the routines of pastoral life.