Genesis 29:1-10

1 Then Jacob went on his journey, and came into the land of the people of the east.

2 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.

3 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 its place.

4 And Jacob said to them, My brethren, whence [are] ye? And they said, We [are] from Haran.

5 And he said to them, Know ye Laban the son of Nahor? and they said, We know [him].

6 And he said to them, [Is] he well? And they said, [He is] well: and behold, Rachel his daughter cometh with the sheep.

7 And he said, Lo, [it is] yet high day, neither [is it] time that the cattle should be collected: water ye the sheep, and go [and] feed [them].

8 And they said, We cannot, until all the flocks are collected, and [till] they roll the stone from the well's mouth; then we water the sheep.

9 And while he was yet speaking with them, Rachel came with her father's sheep: for she kept them.

10 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 29:1-10 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO GENESIS 29

This chapter informs us of Jacob's coming to a well near Haran, where meeting with some shepherds he inquires after Laban, Ge 29:1-8; and there also with Rachel his daughter, the shepherds made known to him, and acquainted her who he was, Ge 29:9-12; upon which she ran to her father, and told him who was at the well, who went forth and brought him to his house, and kindly entertained him, Ge 29:13,14; with whom he agreed to stay and serve seven years for Rachel his daughter, Ge 29:15-20; at the end of which Jacob demands his wife, but instead of Rachel, Leah was brought to him as his wife, Ge 29:21-25; which being discovered, and complained of, it was proposed he should have Rachel also, provided he would serve yet seven years more, to which he agreed, Ge 29:26-30; and the chapter is concluded with an account of four sons being born to Jacob of Leah, Ge 29:31-35.