Genesis 29:3

3 And the custom was that when all the sheep were gathered together, they should turn away the stone, and when the flocks were watered, they should put it (back) again on the mouth of 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 Therefore Jacob passed forth, and came into the east land;

2 and he saw a well in the field, and three flocks of sheep resting beside it, for why (the) sheep were watered thereof, and the mouth thereof was closed with a great stone.

3 And the custom was that when all the sheep were gathered together, they should turn away the stone, and when the flocks were watered, they should put it (back) again on the mouth of the well.

4 And Jacob said to the shepherds, Brethren, of whence be ye? Which answered, Of Haran (And they answered, We come from Haran).

5 And he asked them and said, Whether ye know Laban, the son of Nahor? (And) They said, We know him.