Genesis 29:3

3 When all the flocks were gathered, the shepherds would roll the stone from the well and water the sheep; then they would return the stone, covering the well.

Genesis 29:3 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 29:3

And thither were all the flocks gathered
The three above mentioned, ( Genesis 29:2 ) : and they rolled the stone from the well's mouth, and watered the
sheep;
that is, when they watered the sheep, they used to roll away the stone from the mouth of the well in order to do it; for as yet the flocks, now lying by it, had not been watered, as appears from ( Genesis 29:7 Genesis 29:8 ) : and put a stone upon the well's mouth in this place;
this they were wont to do every time they watered the flocks.

Genesis 29:3 In-Context

1 Jacob set out again on his way to the people of the east.

2 He noticed a well out in an open field with three flocks of sheep bedded down around it. This was the common well from which the flocks were watered. The stone over the mouth of the well was huge.

3 When all the flocks were gathered, the shepherds would roll the stone from the well and water the sheep; then they would return the stone, covering the well.

4 Jacob said, "Hello friends. Where are you from?" They said, "We're from Haran."

5 Jacob asked, "Do you know Laban son of Nahor?" "We do."