Genesis 29:1-11

1 Then Jacob walked on and came into the land of the people of the east.

2 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, and a great stone was upon the well’s mouth.

3 And all the flocks gathered there; and they would roll the stone from the well’s mouth and water the sheep and put the stone again upon the well’s mouth in its place.

4 And Jacob said unto them, My brethren, where are you from? And they said, We are from Haran.

5 And he said unto them, Do you know Laban the son of Nahor? And they said, We know him.

6 And he said unto them, Is he well? And they said, He is well, and, behold, Rachel, his daughter, comes with the sheep.

7 And he said, behold, it is yet high day; neither is it time that the livestock should be gathered together; water the sheep and go and feed them.

8 And they said, We cannot until all the flocks are gathered together and until they roll the stone from the well’s mouth, that we may water the sheep.

9 And while he yet spoke with them, Rachel came with her father’s sheep, for she was the pastor.

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.

11 And Jacob kissed Rachel and lifted up his voice and wept.

Genesis 29:1-11 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.