Genesis 29:3 kjv

And thither were all the flocks gathered: and they rolled the stone from the well's mouth, and watered the sheep, and put the stone again upon the well's mouth in his place.

Genesis 29:3 nkjv

Now all the flocks would be gathered there; and they would roll the stone from the well's mouth, water the sheep, and put the stone back in its place on the well's mouth.

Genesis 29:3 niv

When all the flocks were gathered there, the shepherds would roll the stone away from the well's mouth and water the sheep. Then they would return the stone to its place over the mouth of the well.

Genesis 29:3 esv

and when all the flocks were gathered there, the shepherds would roll the stone from the mouth of the well and water the sheep, and put the stone back in its place over the mouth of the well.

Genesis 29:3 nlt

It was the custom there to wait for all the flocks to arrive before removing the stone and watering the animals. Afterward the stone would be placed back over the mouth of the well.

Genesis 29 verses

Genesis 29 3 Meaning

Genesis 29:3 describes the standard, communal procedure for watering sheep at the well in Haran. It states that all the flocks had to be gathered before the heavy stone covering the well's mouth could be rolled away. Once the sheep were watered, the stone would be returned to its place, ensuring the preservation and shared access to the vital water source.

Genesis 29 3 Context

Genesis 29:3 is set at a crucial moment in Jacob's journey to Haran, following his vision at Bethel (Gen 28). He has just arrived at the vicinity of Laban's household and found shepherds gathered by a well. This verse details the established social custom surrounding the well's usage. In an arid region, a well was not just a source of water but a central hub for community life, commerce, and social interaction. The shared labor and waiting period described here illustrate the importance of managing this vital resource communally and fairly, highlighting an aspect of ancient pastoral life and social norms before Jacob's direct intervention.

Genesis 29 3 Word analysis

• And thither (וְשָׁמָּה - v'shammah): The initial conjunction "And" links this action directly to the previous verse, emphasizing continuity. "Thither" (lit. "and there") reiterates the specific location—the well—as the central point for both the gathering of flocks and the action of rolling the stone. It highlights the customary practice at this particular well.
• were all the flocks (כָּל־הָעֲדָרִים - kol-ha'adarim): "All" underscores the totality, indicating that every shepherd present with their respective flocks participated in or waited for this collective ritual. "Flocks" refers to herds of sheep and goats, which were the primary livestock of pastoral societies. The passive voice ("were gathered") implies an expectation and established routine for the animals to be brought to this point.
• gathered (נֶאֶסְפוּ - ne'esfu): From the root אָסַף (asaph), meaning "to gather" or "to assemble." In the passive voice here, it suggests they were habitually assembled or brought together. This gathering points to a pre-arranged schedule or unspoken communal agreement for accessing the water.
• and thither (וְשָׁמָּה - v'shammah): Repetition of "and thither" emphasizes that all the actions—gathering, rolling, watering, and replacing—occurred at this single, vital location, reinforcing the well's significance as a communal focal point.
• they rolled (וְגָלֲלוּ - v'galalu): From the root גָּלַל (galal), meaning "to roll." This is an active verb, indicating the direct effort of the shepherds. The past tense shows a completed action in their routine. The act of rolling suggests the substantial size and weight of the stone, making it a collective endeavor rather than a solitary one.
• the stone (אֶת־הָאֶבֶן - et-ha'even): A singular, definite "stone" implies it was a specific, known, and likely large rock used to cover the well. In a deeper biblical sense, "stone" can carry significant symbolic weight, representing obstacles, covenant markers, or foundational elements. Here, it is a practical barrier.
• from the well's mouth (מֵעַל פִּי הַבְּאֵר - me'al pi habbe'er): "Well's mouth" (lit. "mouth of the well") is an idiom for the opening or top of the well. This covering was essential to prevent evaporation in the hot climate, protect the water from dirt and debris, and regulate access, thereby preserving the valuable resource.
• and watered (וְהִשְׁקוּ - v'hishku): From the root שָׁקָה (shaqah), "to give drink to," specifically used for animals or plants. This is the primary purpose of the whole elaborate procedure – to provide sustenance for the flocks.
• the sheep (אֶת־הַצֹּאן - et-hatzon): Refers to the collective sheep and goats of the flocks present, as opposed to the people.
• and put the stone again (וְהֵשִׁיבוּ אֶת־הָאֶבֶן - v'heshivu et-ha'even): From the root שׁוּב (shuv), meaning "to return" or "to restore." The phrase "put again" indicates the immediate replacement of the stone after watering. This action highlights discipline, communal responsibility, and a structured system for maintaining the well's integrity.
• upon the well's mouth (עַל־פִּי הַבְּאֵר - al-pi habbe'er): Reinforces the exact position where the stone belongs.
• in his place (לִמְקֹמָהּ - limkomah): Lit. "to its place." This further emphasizes the strict adherence to the established custom, where the stone was always returned precisely to its rightful covering position. This order prevents any single party from having preferential access and protects the common resource.

Genesis 29 3 Bonus section

• The detail of "all the flocks gathered" indicates that there was a collective decision or agreement among the shepherds to wait until every participant arrived before opening the well. This was a form of resource management to ensure equitable distribution of water.
• The fact that it took multiple shepherds to roll the stone implies it was exceptionally heavy, emphasizing the strength of the communal bond or necessity of cooperation for survival in that environment. This also magnifies Jacob's singular feat in verse 10.
• Wells in the Bible are often sites of significant encounters and revelations (e.g., Isaac and Rebekah, Jacob and Rachel, Jesus and the Samaritan woman), symbolizing meeting points for God's divine plan to unfold amidst human activity. This verse sets the stage for such an encounter for Jacob.
• The ritual of rolling away and replacing the stone demonstrates good stewardship and disciplined care for shared community assets, reflecting the importance of resources in the survival of pastoral peoples.

Genesis 29 3 Commentary

Genesis 29:3 succinctly reveals a vital communal practice in the ancient Near East: the managed access to a precious resource – water. The large, immovable stone at the well's mouth signifies not merely a physical barrier but also an established social order requiring collective effort. All flocks had to be present, and all shepherds shared the labor of rolling the heavy stone to water their animals. This communal endeavor prevented selfish overuse or depletion of the well and fostered fairness among the herdsmen. It underscores a life dictated by common needs and shared responsibility. This seemingly simple custom sets a clear precedent for Jacob's later, highly unusual, action of single-handedly rolling away the stone in verse 10, highlighting a significant break from established norms that would draw the attention of the local shepherds.