Genesis 29:4

KJV

And Jacob said unto them, My brethren, whence [be] ye? And they said, Of Haran [are] we.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Jacob {H3290} said {H559} unto them, My brethren {H251}, whence {H370} be ye? And they said {H559}, Of Haran {H2771} are we.

Complete Jewish Bible

Ya'akov said to them, "My brothers, where are you from?" They answered, "We're from Haran."

Berean Standard Bible

“My brothers,” Jacob asked the shepherds, “where are you from?” “We are from Haran,” they answered.

American Standard Version

And Jacob said unto them, My brethren, whence are ye? And they said, Of Haran are we.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 29:4 captures Jacob's initial interaction upon arriving in Haran, his mother's ancestral home, where he encounters local shepherds at a well. His direct inquiry, "My brethren, whence [be] ye?", serves as a pivotal moment, divinely orchestrated, that not only seeks information about his destination and kin but also immediately precedes the momentous meeting with Rachel, initiating a new and significant chapter in his life following his flight from Esau and his quest for a wife as commanded by Isaac.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a critical transition point in Jacob's narrative, immediately following his profound encounter with God at [Bethel](/genesis/28-10-22 "Genesis 28:10-22 - Jacob's Dream at Bethel") and his arduous journey from Beersheba. Having fled the wrath of his brother Esau ([Genesis 27:41](/genesis/27-41 "Genesis 27:41 - Esau's Hatred for Jacob")), Jacob is now actively seeking the family of his mother, Rebekah, in Padan-Aram, specifically the household of Laban. The dialogue initiated in this verse at the well sets the stage for the dramatic unfolding of Jacob's life in Haran, including his marriages to Leah and Rachel, the birth of his children, and his eventual prosperity, all of which are foundational to the formation of the nation of Israel. It is the first direct conversation Jacob has with locals upon reaching his destination, signaling the beginning of his new life phase.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, wells were not merely sources of water but vital communal hubs. They were essential for survival in arid regions, serving as gathering places for shepherds, travelers, and entire communities. These sites facilitated social interaction, news exchange, and even betrothals, as seen in other biblical narratives. The practice of watering flocks was a daily chore, often performed by women, making the well a natural place for Jacob to seek information and encounter the local populace. The term "brethren" used by Jacob was a common form of polite address among men, indicating a desire for fellowship and a respectful opening to conversation, rather than necessarily implying literal kinship. Haran itself was a significant city in Mesopotamia, located on major trade routes, making it a well-known destination for travelers from Canaan.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 29:4 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Guidance and Providence**, demonstrating how God sovereignly directs Jacob's steps, even through seemingly ordinary human interactions, to fulfill His covenant promises. Jacob's journey, though fraught with danger, is meticulously guided to his intended destination, mirroring God's consistent care for His chosen line, as seen in [Abraham's journey](/genesis/12-1-9 "Genesis 12:1-9 - God's Call to Abram") and [Isaac's marriage](/genesis/24 "Genesis 24 - Isaac and Rebekah"). Secondly, it underscores the **Importance of Family and Lineage** in the patriarchal narratives, as Jacob's primary purpose is to find a wife from his own kin to ensure the continuity of the covenant promises. This quest for family directly leads to the formation of the twelve tribes of Israel. Lastly, the **Well as a Thematic Location** is a recurring motif in Genesis, symbolizing encounters, provision, and the unfolding of God's plan through human relationships, echoing the earlier narrative of [Abraham's servant finding Rebekah at a well](/genesis/24-10-27 "Genesis 24:10-27 - Rebekah Found at the Well").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jacob (Hebrew, _Yaʻăqôb'_):** This proper noun refers to the Israelitish patriarch, whose name literally means "heel-catcher" or "supplanter." In this context, his direct inquiry at the well marks a new phase where he is no longer fleeing but actively seeking his destiny, guided by God's promises. His identity as the one chosen to carry forward the covenant lineage is central to the significance of this encounter.
* **brethren (Hebrew, _ʼâch'_):** Derived from a primitive word, this term signifies a brother in its widest sense, encompassing literal relationship, metaphorical affinity, or even a respectful address to a fellow countryman or associate. Jacob's use of "My brethren" here is a polite and conciliatory opening, indicating his desire to establish rapport and seek information from strangers in a foreign land, rather than implying immediate familial connection.
* **Haran (Hebrew, _Chârân'_):** This is the name of both a man and a place, meaning "parched." As a place, Haran was a significant city in Mesopotamia, the destination of Abraham's family before they continued to Canaan, and now the sought-after refuge and home for Jacob. Its mention confirms Jacob's successful arrival at the region where he expects to find his mother's relatives, marking the fulfillment of the initial leg of his journey.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jacob said unto them,"**: This opening clause establishes Jacob as the initiator of the conversation. Having traveled a long and difficult journey, he is now at a crucial juncture, and his proactive engagement with the local shepherds demonstrates his determination to find his way and fulfill his mission. The simplicity of the statement belies the profound significance of the interaction that follows.
* **"My brethren, whence [be] ye?"**: Jacob's address, "My brethren," is a polite and common form of greeting in the ancient Near East, designed to establish common ground and facilitate communication. His direct question, "whence [be] ye?", is a practical and urgent inquiry about their origin. It immediately reveals Jacob's purpose: to ascertain if he has indeed reached the vicinity of his destination and to locate the family of his mother, Rebekah, in Haran. This question is the catalyst for the entire series of events that will define his next two decades.
* **"And they said,"**: This brief clause signifies the shepherds' immediate and direct response to Jacob's inquiry, indicating their willingness to engage with him. Their prompt reply sets the stage for the crucial information that follows, demonstrating the natural flow of conversation at a communal gathering place like a well.
* **"Of Haran [are] we."**: The shepherds' concise and unambiguous reply confirms to Jacob that he has indeed arrived at his intended destination. This simple affirmation is pregnant with significance, as it directly leads to the revelation that Rachel, Laban's daughter, is approaching with her flock. This seemingly mundane exchange is, in fact, the divinely orchestrated moment that connects Jacob to his future wife and the commencement of his family life, fulfilling God's providential guidance.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Dialogue**, which is central to advancing the narrative. Jacob's direct question and the shepherds' concise answer immediately establish the setting and introduce the key information necessary for the plot to unfold. This simple exchange also functions as a form of **Foreshadowing** and **Dramatic Irony**. While the conversation itself is mundane, the reader understands its profound implications: this seemingly chance encounter at the well is divinely orchestrated and will lead directly to Jacob meeting Rachel, his future wife, and the mother of Joseph and Benjamin, thus shaping the lineage of Israel. The **Well Motif** itself is a significant literary device in Genesis, symbolizing a place of divine encounter, provision, and the unfolding of God's plan through human relationships, connecting this scene to other pivotal moments in the patriarchal narratives.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, though brief, powerfully illustrates God's meticulous **Divine Providence** in guiding Jacob's life. Having fled his brother and been sent by his father to find a wife, Jacob's journey culminates in this seemingly ordinary encounter at a well, which is, in reality, a divinely appointed moment leading directly to his meeting with Rachel and the establishment of his family. It highlights how God uses everyday interactions and circumstances to fulfill His grand purposes, ensuring the continuity of the covenant promises made to Abraham and Isaac. This search for kin also underscores the biblical emphasis on **Lineage and Covenant Continuity**, as the formation of Jacob's family is essential for the future nation of Israel, through whom the Messiah would ultimately come.

* [Genesis 24:10-20](/genesis/24-10-20 "Abraham's Servant Finds Rebekah at the Well")
* [Exodus 2:15-21](/exodus/2-15-21 "Moses Meets Zipporah at the Well")
* [John 4:5-10](/john/4-5-10 "Jesus and the Samaritan Woman at Jacob's Well")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 29:4 serves as a profound reminder that God's sovereign plan often unfolds not through dramatic miracles alone, but also through the seemingly mundane interactions and daily encounters of life. Jacob's simple question at the well, driven by a practical need for information, becomes the divinely appointed catalyst for a major turning point in his life. For believers today, this passage encourages a posture of attentiveness and faith, recognizing that God is actively at work in the ordinary, guiding our steps, opening doors, and connecting us with the right people at the right time to fulfill His purposes in our lives. It challenges us to be present and open in our daily interactions, understanding that even the most casual conversations can be part of God's unfolding plan for us and for others.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can I cultivate a greater awareness of God's providence in the seemingly ordinary moments of my daily life?**
* **In what ways might my simple, everyday interactions be part of God's larger plan for myself or for others?**
* **How does Jacob's proactive inquiry encourage me to seek guidance and connection in unfamiliar or challenging situations?**

### FAQ
**Why is the well a significant location in biblical narratives?**

Answer: Wells were crucial for survival in ancient arid lands, serving as primary sources of water for people and livestock. Consequently, they became natural gathering places for communities, travelers, and shepherds. Biblically, wells are often symbolic sites of significant encounters, betrothals, and divine provision, representing life, community, and the unfolding of God's plan through human interaction. Notable examples include [Abraham's servant finding Rebekah](/genesis/24 "Abraham's Servant and Rebekah"), [Moses meeting Zipporah](/exodus/2 "Moses Flees to Midian"), and [Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman](/john/4 "Jesus and the Samaritan Woman").

**What is the significance of Jacob addressing the shepherds as "My brethren"?**

Answer: Jacob's use of "My brethren" (Hebrew: *achai*) is a polite and common form of address in the ancient Near East, signifying a desire for fellowship, common ground, or a respectful opening to conversation, rather than indicating literal family ties. It reflects Jacob's immediate intention to establish rapport and gather information in an unfamiliar place, signaling his peaceful intentions and desire for connection. This respectful approach facilitates the crucial exchange that leads to his meeting with Rachel.

**How does this verse demonstrate divine guidance?**

Answer: While the verse describes a simple human interaction, it is part of a larger narrative of God's active guidance in Jacob's life. Having fled Esau and been sent by Isaac to find a wife, Jacob is led directly to the well where he meets the very people who can connect him to his mother's family, ultimately leading to his meeting with Rachel. This seemingly coincidental encounter is presented as part of God's providential care, directing him precisely to his intended destination and the fulfillment of God's covenant promises, echoing the divine assurance given to him at [Bethel](/genesis/28-15 "God's Promise to Jacob at Bethel").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jacob's arrival in Haran, initiated by this seemingly simple inquiry at the well, marks a crucial step in the formation of the twelve tribes of Israel, from whom the Messiah would ultimately descend. This moment, guided by divine providence, underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises made to [Abraham](/genesis/12-1-3 "The Abrahamic Covenant") and [Isaac](/genesis/26-3-4 "God's Promise to Isaac"), ensuring the continuation of the lineage through which the Redeemer would come. Just as Jacob was led to his kinsmen to establish his family, Christ, the true Son of Abraham and Jacob, gathers His spiritual family—the church—from all nations, fulfilling the promise that all peoples would be blessed through Abraham's seed ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Christ, the Seed of Abraham")). This seemingly ordinary encounter at a well thus points forward to the ultimate gathering of God's people under the [Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ](/john/10-11-16 "Jesus, the Good Shepherd"), who provides living water to all who believe ([John 4:13-14](/john/4-13-14 "The Living Water")).

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

Genesis 28:10

¶ And Jacob went out from Beersheba, and went toward Haran.

Genesis 27:43

Now therefore, my son, obey my voice; and arise, flee thou to Laban my brother to Haran;

Acts 7:2

And he said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran,

Acts 7:4

Then came he out of the land of the Chaldaeans, and dwelt in Charran: and from thence, when his father was dead, he removed him into this land, wherein ye now dwell.

Genesis 24:10

¶ And the servant took ten camels of the camels of his master, and departed; for all the goods of his master [were] in his hand: and he arose, and went to Mesopotamia, unto the city of Nahor.

Genesis 11:31

And Terah took Abram his son, and Lot the son of Haran his son's son, and Sarai his daughter in law, his son Abram's wife; and they went forth with them from Ur of the Chaldees, to go into the land of Canaan; and they came unto Haran, and dwelt there.