Genesis 29:1-9

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.

Genesis 29:1-9 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.