Genesis 29:7 kjv
And he said, Lo, it is yet high day, neither is it time that the cattle should be gathered together: water ye the sheep, and go and feed them.
Genesis 29:7 nkjv
Then he said, "Look, it is still high day; it is not time for the cattle to be gathered together. Water the sheep, and go and feed them."
Genesis 29:7 niv
"Look," he said, "the sun is still high; it is not time for the flocks to be gathered. Water the sheep and take them back to pasture."
Genesis 29:7 esv
He said, "Behold, it is still high day; it is not time for the livestock to be gathered together. Water the sheep and go, pasture them."
Genesis 29:7 nlt
Jacob said, "Look, it's still broad daylight ? too early to round up the animals. Why don't you water the sheep and goats so they can get back out to pasture?"
Genesis 29 7 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Gen 24:11 | "He made his camels kneel down outside the city by the well of water at the time of evening..." | Well as meeting place, importance of water |
| Gen 30:29-30 | "You yourself know how I have served you... for it was little which thou hadst before I came..." | Jacob's diligence and productivity |
| Gen 31:38-40 | "These twenty years I have been with you... the drought consumed me by day and the frost by night..." | Jacob's relentless dedication as a shepherd |
| Exod 2:16-19 | Moses helping Jethro's daughters water their flock | Helping at the well, shepherding duties |
| Psa 23:2 | "He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters." | God as a good shepherd providing sustenance |
| Isa 40:11 | "He will tend His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs in His arms..." | God's tender care as a shepherd |
| Jer 23:1-4 | Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep. | Responsibility of shepherds (leaders) |
| Ezek 34:2-10 | Prophecy against negligent shepherds of Israel. | Condemnation of idle/poor shepherds |
| Zech 11:15-17 | Warning against the worthless shepherd. | Negative example of a lazy shepherd |
| Jn 10:11-14 | "I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep." | Jesus as the ultimate diligent shepherd |
| Acts 20:28 | "Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock... to shepherd the church of God..." | Apostolic instruction for pastoral diligence |
| 1 Pet 5:2-3 | "Shepherd the flock of God among you... not by compulsion, but voluntarily..." | Call for faithful shepherding (spiritual) |
| Prov 6:6-11 | "Go to the ant, O sluggard... A little sleep, a little slumber..." | Rebuke against laziness, call for diligence |
| Prov 10:4 | "Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth." | Contrast between laziness and diligence |
| Prov 12:24 | "The hand of the diligent will rule, but the slothful will be put to forced labor." | Rewards of diligence, consequences of idleness |
| Ecc 3:1-8 | "There is an appointed time for everything..." | Importance of appropriate timing for tasks |
| Ecc 9:10 | "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might..." | Call for maximum effort in present tasks |
| Col 3:23-24 | "Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord..." | Diligence in all labor as service to God |
| Eph 5:15-16 | "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time..." | Redeeming the time, wisdom in managing life |
| Rom 12:11 | "Not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord..." | Avoidance of sluggishness in service |
| 2 Thes 3:10-12 | "If anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either." | Disciplinary action against idleness |
Genesis 29 verses
Genesis 29 7 Meaning
Genesis 29:7 portrays Jacob's keen observation and diligent nature upon encountering the local shepherds. He points out that there is still ample daylight remaining and it is not yet the customary time for gathering the flocks for the night. Consequently, he questions their idleness and directs them to perform the crucial tasks of watering their sheep and leading them out to pasture while there is still time. The verse underscores the importance of efficient work, proper time management, and responsible care for the flock, implicitly rebuking laxity.
Genesis 29 7 Context
Genesis 29 recounts Jacob's journey to Haran after fleeing from Esau. He arrives at a well in the field and encounters shepherds waiting with their flocks. The common practice was for all flocks to gather before the heavy stone covering the well's mouth was rolled away, and the sheep were watered communally, indicating a system of resource management and cooperation. In this verse, Jacob, observing the shepherds resting while much daylight remained, interjects, suggesting a more efficient and productive use of their time. This encounter immediately showcases Jacob's shrewdness, practicality, and work ethic, foreshadowing his diligent service under Laban. The passage sets the scene for his pivotal meeting with Rachel and the unfolding of his future in Haran.
Genesis 29 7 Word analysis
- And he said: Refers to Jacob. This marks his first active speech in this scene, highlighting his assertive and questioning character.
- Behold: (Hebrew: hinneh, הִנֵּה). An interjection drawing immediate attention to an observation. It emphasizes Jacob's prompt assessment of the situation.
- it is yet high day: (Hebrew: ‘ôd hayyōm gāḏôl, עוֹד הַיּוֹם גָּדוֹל). Literally "still the day is great/much." This signifies that a considerable amount of daylight hours remain. Jacob notices the shepherds are not maximizing their workday. It implies there is ample time for more activity.
- neither is it time: (Hebrew: wĕlō’ ‘ēt, וְלֹא עֵת). And not time. Jacob asserts that their current inactivity is inappropriate given the conditions. This contrasts with the notion of waiting for an "appointed time" in Ecc 3:1.
- that the cattle should be gathered together: (Hebrew: lĕhe’āsōph hamiqneh, לְהֵאָסֵף הַמִּקְנֶה). Refers to the end-of-day practice of corralling livestock. Jacob points out it's too early for this phase. The word miqneh can refer broadly to various livestock, but in context, it's used synonymously with sheep.
- water ye the sheep: (Hebrew: hašqû haṣṣō’n, הַשְּׁקוּ הַצֹּאן). A direct, urgent command. Watering the flock was a primary and essential task for their well-being. This demonstrates Jacob's immediate grasp of the shepherds' duties.
- and go and feed them: (Hebrew: wĕlēḵû ûrĕ‘û, וּלְכוּ וּרְעוּ). Literally "and go and pasture them." This indicates that after watering, the sheep should be led to graze, signifying the continuation of active shepherding, not rest. It is a further instruction for productive labor.
Words-group analysis:
- "Behold, it is yet high day, neither is it time that the cattle should be gathered together": Jacob's observation and logical deduction. He assesses the temporal context ("high day") and customary practice ("not time... to be gathered"), challenging the shepherds' premature cessation of work. This phrase reveals Jacob's astute judgment and a practical mindset, indicating an understanding of optimal working conditions in shepherding.
- "water ye the sheep, and go and feed them": This is Jacob's proactive instruction. He provides a direct and practical solution, demonstrating his knowledge of proper shepherding and encouraging immediate action. It reflects a work ethic that prioritizes the welfare of the flock and the efficient use of time.
Genesis 29 7 Bonus section
- Jacob's knowledge of shepherding routines is evident here, hinting at his own background or quick understanding of the trade, which he would master over the next 20 years.
- The interaction subtly contrasts Jacob's diligent character with the potentially complacent local shepherds, setting him apart as a proactive and responsible individual. This aligns with a biblical emphasis on diligence over idleness (Prov 6:6-11).
- The "well" often serves as a significant meeting place in Genesis narratives, symbolizing the source of life and often catalyzing important events, like the meeting of spouses.
- The phrase "high day" reflects the agricultural and pastoral rhythms of ancient life, where tasks were dictated by the sun's position. This specific reference highlights the biblical appreciation for redeeming time for productive labor.
Genesis 29 7 Commentary
Genesis 29:7 provides a vivid snapshot of Jacob's character and the societal norms of ancient shepherding. His immediate interjection to the resting shepherds is not merely an expression of impatience but reflects his inherent industriousness and sharp perception. He observes that despite much daylight remaining, the shepherds are inactive, awaiting a communal watering time usually reserved for evening. Jacob's directive to "water ye the sheep, and go and feed them" is a simple but powerful command for diligence. It emphasizes the critical need to leverage available time and resources, particularly for the well-being of the flock, a duty paramount for any shepherd. This incident prefigures Jacob's later decades of tireless, conscientious service to Laban, underscoring that a true and faithful worker seizes opportunities for productivity rather than yielding to idleness. This principle extends metaphorically to believers in their stewardship of time and responsibilities.