Genesis 29:2

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he looked {H7200}, and behold a well {H875} in the field {H7704}, and, lo, there were three {H7969} flocks {H5739} of sheep {H6629} lying {H7257} by it; for out of that well {H875} they watered {H8248} the flocks {H5739}: and a great {H1419} stone {H68} was upon the well's {H875} mouth {H6310}.

Complete Jewish Bible

As he looked, he saw a well in a field; and there were three flocks of sheep lying there next to it; because they watered the sheep from that well. The stone on the well's mouth was large,

Berean Standard Bible

He looked and saw a well in the field, and near it lay three flocks of sheep, because the sheep were watered from this well. And a large stone covered the mouth of the well.

American Standard Version

And he looked, and, behold, a well in the field, and, lo, three flocks of sheep lying there by it; for out of that well they watered the flocks: and the stone upon the well’s mouth was great.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 29:2 vividly describes Jacob's initial observation upon arriving in the land of the people of the East, near Haran. The verse paints a pastoral scene centered around a vital well: Jacob sees a well in a field, three flocks of sheep resting nearby, and notes the practice of watering flocks from this source, along with the significant detail of a large, heavy stone covering the well's mouth. This seemingly simple description sets the stage for a pivotal encounter and highlights the communal life and resource management practices of ancient nomadic peoples.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 29 opens with Jacob's journey to Haran, following his profound encounter with God at Bethel, where he received the covenant promises (cf. [Genesis 28:10-22](/genesis/28-10-22 "Jacob's Dream at Bethel")). This verse immediately follows Jacob's "lifting up his feet" and coming to the land of the people of the East, signifying the end of his solitary journey and the beginning of his interaction with his mother's family. The description of the well, the flocks, and the stone serves as a detailed setup for the dramatic meeting with Rachel in the subsequent verses, where Jacob's strength and devotion will be immediately displayed (cf. [Genesis 29:9-10](/genesis/29-9-10 "Jacob meets Rachel at the well")). The well itself is a recurring motif in Genesis, often serving as a site of divine appointment and significant relational encounters, echoing earlier narratives like Abraham's servant meeting Rebekah at a well (cf. [Genesis 24:11-20](/genesis/24-11-20 "Rebekah at the Well")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, particularly in arid regions like Mesopotamia and Canaan, wells were indispensable lifelines, serving as the primary source of water for both human and animal populations. Their scarcity made them highly valuable, often leading to disputes (cf. [Genesis 26:15-22](/genesis/26-15-22 "Isaac's Wells of Contention")) and requiring communal management. The practice of covering wells with large stones was widespread. This served practical purposes: preventing evaporation in the harsh climate, keeping the water clean from debris and animals, and, crucially, regulating access. Such heavy stones often required the combined effort of several shepherds to move, ensuring that the precious resource was shared equitably and preventing any single individual from monopolizing it. This communal aspect fostered interdependence among pastoral communities, where cooperation was essential for survival and maintaining social order.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it subtly reinforces the theme of **Divine Providence**, as Jacob is led directly to this specific well where his future wife, Rachel, will soon appear. This echoes God's promise to be with Jacob wherever he goes (cf. [Genesis 28:15](/genesis/28-15 "God's Promise to Jacob")). Secondly, it highlights the **Importance of Water** as a symbol of life and sustenance, a recurring motif that will later point to spiritual life. Thirdly, the detail of the heavy stone and the waiting flocks introduces the theme of **Communal Life and Cooperation**, emphasizing the shared responsibilities and interdependencies within ancient pastoral societies. Finally, the well itself functions as a **Site of Significant Encounters**, a common biblical motif where pivotal relationships are forged and divine plans unfold, setting the stage for Jacob's family narrative.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **looked (Hebrew, _râʼâh'_):** From H7200, a primitive root meaning "to see, literally or figuratively." This word emphasizes Jacob's active observation upon arriving. It's not a casual glance but a deliberate assessment of his surroundings, indicating his readiness to engage with the new environment and its inhabitants. This "seeing" sets the stage for his immediate understanding of the situation at the well.
* **flocks (Hebrew, _ʻêder'_ / _tsôʼn'_):** H5739 refers to "an arrangement, i.e., muster (of animals); drove, flock, herd," while H6629 is a collective name for "a flock (of sheep or goats)." The use of "flocks" (plural) indicates the presence of multiple groups of animals, implying different shepherds or families. Their "lying by it" (H7257, _râbats'_) suggests a state of rest and waiting, highlighting the communal custom of waiting for all necessary parties to gather before watering.
* **great (Hebrew, _gâdôwl'_), stone (Hebrew, _ʼeben'_), mouth (Hebrew, _peh'_):** H1419 (_gâdôwl'_) means "great (in any sense)," emphasizing the significant size and weight of the stone (H68, _ʼeben'_). The stone was placed upon the well's "mouth" (H6310, _peh'_), referring to the opening or edge of the well. This combination of words powerfully conveys the formidable obstacle that required collective effort to move, underscoring the communal nature of water access and setting up Jacob's extraordinary individual feat in the subsequent verses.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he looked, and behold a well in the field,"**: Jacob's immediate action upon arriving is to observe his surroundings. The "well" (Hebrew, _bᵉʼêr'_) is the focal point, indicating its central importance in this pastoral landscape. The term "field" (Hebrew, _sâdeh'_) suggests an open, uncultivated area, typical of grazing lands. Jacob's gaze is drawn to this vital water source, signaling its significance for the unfolding narrative.
* **"and, lo, there [were] three flocks of sheep lying by it;"**: The exclamation "lo" (or "behold") draws attention to the surprising or noteworthy sight of multiple flocks. The specific number "three" adds a touch of concrete detail, emphasizing the gathering of various pastoral groups. The sheep "lying by it" implies a period of rest and waiting, suggesting a system or custom for watering that required patience and perhaps collective action.
* **"for out of that well they watered the flocks:"**: This clause explains the primary purpose of the well, confirming it as the shared source of water for these pastoral communities. It highlights the established routine and dependence on this single resource for the sustenance of their livestock, emphasizing the well's critical role in their daily lives.
* **"and a great stone [was] upon the well's mouth."**: This final detail is crucial. The "great stone" (Hebrew, _ʼeben gâdôwl'_) signifies its immense size and weight, making it a formidable barrier. Its placement "upon the well's mouth" served to protect the water from evaporation and contamination, but also, significantly, to regulate access. This detail foreshadows the communal effort required to move it, and Jacob's remarkable strength in doing so alone, which will be a key moment in his introduction to Rachel and the local shepherds.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to set the scene effectively. **Observation** is key, as the narrative begins with Jacob's act of "looking" and "beholding," drawing the reader's attention to what he sees. The use of the interjection "lo" or "behold" (Hebrew, _hinneh'_) serves as a **Narrative Pointer**, directing the reader's focus to significant details like the well and the flocks. **Foreshadowing** is subtly present in the description of the "great stone" upon the well's mouth, which immediately raises a question about how the water will be accessed, thereby anticipating Jacob's heroic act in [Genesis 29:10](/genesis/29-10 "Jacob rolls the stone alone"). The scene is also rich in **Symbolism**, with the well representing life, provision, and a communal gathering place, a recurring motif throughout Genesis for significant encounters. The "three flocks" and the "great stone" contribute to the **Verisimilitude** of the ancient pastoral setting, grounding the narrative in realistic cultural practices.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 29:2, while descriptive, is deeply imbued with theological significance, primarily highlighting God's meticulous providence and the unfolding of His covenant plan. Jacob's arrival at this specific well, at this precise moment, is not coincidental but divinely orchestrated, setting the stage for his meeting with Rachel and the continuation of the promised lineage. The well, a source of physical life in a parched land, also symbolizes the divine provision that sustains God's people. The communal aspect of watering, with the heavy stone requiring collective effort, underscores the importance of community and cooperation, reflecting God's design for human interdependence.

* [Genesis 24:11](/genesis/24-11 "Rebekah at the Well") - Abraham's servant finds Rebekah at a well, illustrating wells as divinely appointed meeting places for covenant purposes.
* [Exodus 2:15-21](/exodus/2-15-21 "Moses at the Well") - Moses meets his future wife, Zipporah, and her sisters at a well, again demonstrating wells as sites of significant encounters and divine provision.
* [John 4:7-15](/john/4-7-15 "Jesus and the Samaritan Woman") - Jesus offers "living water" at Jacob's well, transforming the physical symbol into a spiritual reality of eternal life.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 29:2 invites us to consider the seemingly ordinary moments of our lives as potential points of divine appointment. Just as Jacob was unknowingly led to this specific well to meet his future, we can trust that God's providence is at work even in our daily routines and transitions. The scene also emphasizes the value of patience and observation, as Jacob waits and assesses the situation before acting. Furthermore, the communal nature of watering the flocks, necessitating cooperation to move the heavy stone, serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of community, shared responsibility, and mutual aid in overcoming life's obstacles. We are called to be attentive to the needs of those around us and to contribute our strength and resources for the common good, recognizing that some burdens are too heavy to bear alone. This ancient practice encourages us to think about how we steward shared resources, whether physical or spiritual, and to foster environments of equitable access and collaborative effort.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can I recognize God's providential hand in the seemingly ordinary details of my daily life?**
* **What "heavy stones" in my life or community require collective effort to move, and how can I contribute to that cooperation?**
* **In what ways am I called to be a steward of shared resources, both tangible and intangible, within my community?**
* **How does the idea of "waiting by the well" apply to times when I need to be patient and observant before acting?**

### FAQ
**Why was the stone on the well's mouth so heavy?**

Answer: The "great stone" was intentionally heavy for several practical and communal reasons. Its weight prevented excessive evaporation of the precious water, which was vital in the arid climate of the ancient Near East. It also kept the well clean from debris, dust, and animals. Most importantly, its immense weight meant it typically required the combined effort of multiple shepherds to move. This ensured that the water, a critical shared resource, was not monopolized by one individual or flock and fostered cooperation and communal agreement among the shepherds for its equitable distribution.

**What is the significance of wells in biblical narratives?**

Answer: Wells are recurring and highly significant motifs throughout biblical narratives. They are far more than mere water sources; they symbolize life, provision, and often serve as crucial gathering places and sites of pivotal encounters. Many life-changing events unfold at wells, including the meeting of future spouses (e.g., Isaac and Rebekah in [Genesis 24:11](/genesis/24-11 "Rebekah at the well"), Jacob and Rachel here in [Genesis 29:2](/genesis/29-2 "Jacob arrives at the well")), the calling of leaders (e.g., Moses at the well in [Exodus 2:15-21](/exodus/2-15-21 "Moses at the well")), and even profound theological discussions, such as Jesus's encounter with the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well (cf. [John 4:6-26](/john/4-6-26 "Jesus and the Samaritan Woman at the Well")). They highlight God's providential leading and the unfolding of His redemptive plan through human interactions.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Genesis 29:2 describes a physical well and the practicalities of ancient pastoral life, it subtly points to deeper spiritual realities fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The well, a source of vital physical sustenance in a thirsty land, serves as a powerful type for Christ as the ultimate "Living Water" (cf. [John 4:10-14](/john/4-10-14 "Jesus offers Living Water")), who provides inexhaustible spiritual refreshment and eternal life to all who believe. Just as the shepherds gathered their flocks around the well for physical nourishment, Christ gathers His church, His flock (cf. [John 10:11-16](/john/10-11-16 "Jesus the Good Shepherd")), to Himself for spiritual sustenance and guidance. The heavy stone covering the well's mouth, requiring collective effort to remove, can be seen as a dim foreshadowing of the obstacles that separate humanity from true life, ultimately overcome by Christ's singular, powerful act of redemption. His death and resurrection rolled away the "stone" of sin and death (cf. [Matthew 28:2](/matthew/28-2 "Angel rolls away the stone")), granting access to the wellspring of eternal life and inviting all to drink freely without communal effort, for He alone satisfies the soul's deepest thirst (cf. [Revelation 22:17](/revelation/22-17 "The Spirit and the Bride say, 'Come!'")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 4:6

Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with [his] journey, sat thus on the well: [and] it was about the sixth hour.

Isaiah 49:10

They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them.

Song Of Solomon 1:6

Look not upon me, because I [am] black, because the sun hath looked upon me: my mother's children were angry with me; they made me the keeper of the vineyards; [but] mine own vineyard have I not kept.

Song Of Solomon 1:7

¶ Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest, where thou makest [thy flock] to rest at noon: for why should I be as one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy companions?

Genesis 24:11

And he made his camels to kneel down without the city by a well of water at the time of the evening, [even] the time that women go out to draw [water].

Exodus 2:15

Now when Pharaoh heard this thing, he sought to slay Moses. But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh, and dwelt in the land of Midian: and he sat down by a well.

Exodus 2:16

¶ Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters: and they came and drew [water], and filled the troughs to water their father's flock.