Genesis 29:6

Translation
King James Version
And he said unto them, Is he well? And they said, He is well: and, behold, Rachel his daughter cometh with the sheep.
Ask
KJV (with Strong's)
And he said H559 unto them, Is he well H7965? And they said H559, He is well H7965: and, behold, Rachel H7354 his daughter H1323 cometh H935 with the sheep H6629.
Ask
Complete Jewish Bible
He asked them, "Are things going well with him?""Yes," they answered, "and here comes his daughter Rachel with the sheep."
Ask
Berean Standard Bible
“Is he well?” Jacob inquired. “Yes,” they answered, “and here comes his daughter Rachel with his sheep.”
Ask
American Standard Version
And he said unto them, Is it well with him? And they said, It is well: and, behold, Rachel his daughter cometh with the sheep.
Ask
World English Bible Messianic
He said to them, “Is it well with him?” They said, “It is well. See, Rachel, his daughter, is coming with the sheep.”
Ask
Geneva Bible (1599)
Againe he sayd vnto them, Is he in good health? And they answered, He is in good health, and beholde, his daughter Rahel commeth with the sheepe.
Ask
Young's Literal Translation
And he saith to them, `Hath he peace?' and they say, `Peace; and lo, Rachel his daughter is coming with the flock.'
Ask
See also
1 Samuel 25:5Exodus 18:72 Samuel 20:9Genesis 43:27Genesis 37:141 Samuel 17:22
See on the biblical-era map
All Genesis Sites (Canaan)
All Genesis Sites (Canaan) View full PDF
All Genesis Sites (Middle East)
All Genesis Sites (Middle East) View full PDF
Genesis 24:1-14, Genesis 27:41-28:9, Genesis 28:10-22, Genesis 29:1-13
Genesis 24:1-14, Genesis 27:41-28:9, Genesis 28:10-22, Genesis 29:1-13 View full PDF

Map © Biblica Open Bible Maps · CC BY-SA 4.0

In the KJVVerse 802 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Genesis 29:6 captures a pivotal moment in Jacob's journey to Haran, where, upon inquiring about his uncle Laban's well-being, he receives an affirmative answer just as Laban's daughter Rachel arrives with her flock. This seemingly ordinary encounter at a well is divinely orchestrated, marking the initial meeting between Jacob and Rachel and setting the stage for a significant chapter in the patriarchal history of Israel, characterized by God's guiding providence and the unfolding of His covenant promises.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: This verse is embedded within the narrative of Jacob's flight from Esau and his journey to Paddan-Aram, as commanded by his parents and reaffirmed by God at Bethel in Genesis 28:10-22. Having received divine assurances of protection and prosperity, Jacob arrives in the land of the eastern peoples. The immediate preceding verses (Genesis 29:1-5) describe Jacob encountering shepherds at a well, a common gathering place, and his inquiry about Laban, his mother Rebekah's brother. Verse 6 serves as the direct answer to Jacob's question, immediately followed by Rachel's arrival, which dramatically shifts the narrative focus to Jacob's personal life and the beginning of his family formation.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: In the ancient Near East, wells were vital centers of community life, serving as watering holes for livestock, meeting places, and often sites for significant social interactions, including betrothals (as seen with Isaac and Rebekah in Genesis 24). Shepherding was a primary occupation, and daughters, even of prominent families, were actively involved in daily tasks like watering sheep. The custom of inquiring about one's "well-being" (Hebrew: shalom) was a comprehensive greeting, encompassing health, prosperity, and overall welfare, reflecting a deep cultural value placed on peace and wholeness within families and communities.
  • Key Themes: Genesis 29:6 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Genesis. It highlights Divine Providence, demonstrating God's active hand in guiding Jacob's steps and orchestrating seemingly coincidental events to fulfill His promises, particularly those made at Bethel (e.g., Genesis 28:15). The verse also introduces the theme of Family Formation and Covenant Continuation, as Rachel's arrival is crucial for Jacob's lineage, which will become the twelve tribes of Israel. Furthermore, it subtly introduces the theme of Love and Relationship, setting the stage for Jacob's deep affection for Rachel, which will drive much of the subsequent narrative in Genesis 29, Genesis 30, Genesis 31.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • said (Hebrew, ʼâmar', H559): A primitive root meaning "to say," used with great latitude. In this context, it signifies a direct verbal exchange, Jacob's inquiry, and the shepherds' response, highlighting the immediate and personal nature of the conversation.
  • well (Hebrew, shâlôwm', H7965): This word encompasses far more than mere physical health. It means "safe, i.e. (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e. health, prosperity, peace." Jacob's question about Laban's shalom was a comprehensive inquiry into his overall state of being, including his peace, prosperity, and wholeness. The affirmative answer confirms Laban's complete well-being.
  • cometh (Hebrew, bôwʼ', H935): A primitive root meaning "to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)." Here, it denotes Rachel's active approach with her sheep, emphasizing her timely and intentional arrival at the well, which is crucial for the narrative's progression.
  • daughter (Hebrew, bath', H1323): A feminine form meaning "a daughter." This term identifies Rachel's familial relationship to Laban, establishing her identity and connection within the family Jacob is seeking.
  • sheep (Hebrew, tsôʼn', H6629): A collective name for "a flock (of sheep or goats)." This detail grounds the narrative in the pastoral reality of the time and highlights Rachel's role as a shepherdess, a common and respectable occupation for women in that culture.

Verse Breakdown

  • "And he said unto them, Is he well?": This clause initiates the interaction, with Jacob (the "he") directly asking the shepherds about the welfare of Laban. His question, using the Hebrew shalom, is not merely a superficial greeting but a profound inquiry into Laban's overall state of being, encompassing peace, health, and prosperity. It reveals Jacob's immediate concern for his mother's family upon arriving in the region.
  • "And they said, He is well:": The shepherds' concise and affirmative response confirms Laban's good condition. This immediate reassurance sets the stage for the subsequent revelation, indicating that Jacob's journey has indeed brought him to the right place and that his kinsman is thriving.
  • "and, behold, Rachel his daughter cometh with the sheep.": This final, climactic phrase introduces Rachel into the narrative. The interjection "behold" (Hebrew: hinneh) draws immediate attention to her arrival, emphasizing its suddenness and significance. Her identity as Laban's daughter and her role as a shepherdess are clearly stated, providing Jacob with the crucial information he sought and setting the scene for their momentous first encounter. The timing of her arrival, precisely as Laban's well-being is confirmed, underscores the divine orchestration of events.

Literary Devices

The verse employs several effective Literary Devices. The use of Dialogue is central, immediately drawing the reader into the conversation between Jacob and the shepherds and creating a sense of immediacy and directness. The repeated use of the word "well" (Hebrew shalom) creates a subtle Repetition that emphasizes the theme of welfare and peace, not just as a greeting but as a state of being that Jacob is seeking for his family. The phrase "and, behold, Rachel his daughter cometh" utilizes Foreshadowing and Dramatic Irony. The "behold" (Hebrew hinneh) functions as an Exclamatory Particle, signaling a sudden and important development, building anticipation for Rachel's appearance. For the reader, Rachel's arrival is a moment of Divine Intervention, though presented as a natural occurrence, highlighting God's providential hand in guiding Jacob's path to his future wife. This seemingly ordinary scene at a well is imbued with extraordinary significance through these literary techniques.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Genesis 29:6 stands as a powerful testament to God's meticulous Divine Providence and His unwavering Faithfulness to His Covenant Promises. Despite Jacob's flight from Esau and his uncertain future, God actively orchestrates his path, leading him directly to his kinsman Laban and, more importantly, to Rachel, who would become the beloved mother of Joseph and Benjamin, crucial figures in the formation of the twelve tribes of Israel. This seemingly chance encounter at a common well underscores the biblical truth that God works through ordinary circumstances to bring about His extraordinary purposes, demonstrating His sovereign control over every detail of life, especially for those within His covenant. This event is a direct continuation of the promises made to Jacob at Bethel, assuring him of God's presence and guidance.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Genesis 29:6 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, reminding us that God's providence often works through the seemingly mundane and ordinary moments of our lives. Just as Jacob's divinely appointed meeting with Rachel occurred at a common well, our own paths are continually guided by God in ways we may not always immediately perceive. This verse encourages us to cultivate a deep trust in God's timing and sovereignty, recognizing that even the most routine interactions or unexpected encounters can be significant steps in His divine plan for us. It challenges us to remain attentive to the subtle ways God directs our lives, fostering a spirit of expectancy and faith that He is always working for our good and the fulfillment of His purposes. Furthermore, Jacob's simple act of inquiring about Laban's "well-being" (shalom) serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of genuine human connection and the Christ-like call to seek the holistic welfare of others, reflecting a desire for their peace, health, and prosperity in every aspect of life.

Questions for Reflection

  • How does this verse challenge your understanding of divine providence in your own life?
  • Can you recall a seemingly ordinary encounter that, in retrospect, proved to be divinely orchestrated in your life?
  • In what ways can you actively seek the "shalom" (holistic well-being) of those around you today?
  • How does trusting God's timing, as exemplified in this passage, impact your patience and peace in uncertain situations?

FAQ

What is the significance of Rachel's arrival at this specific moment?

Answer: Rachel's arrival at the very moment Jacob was speaking to the shepherds about Laban is profoundly significant because it demonstrates divine orchestration. It was not a random occurrence but a divinely appointed meeting that initiated a crucial chapter in Jacob's life, directly leading to his marriage and the continuation of the Abrahamic covenant through his offspring. This precise timing underscores God's active involvement in guiding Jacob's journey and fulfilling His promises, as seen in Genesis 28:15.

What does the Hebrew word "shalom" imply when Jacob asks if Laban is "well"?

Answer: The Hebrew word shalom (שָׁלוֹם), translated as "well" in this context, encompasses a much broader and richer concept than merely physical health. Derived from a root meaning "to be complete" or "to be sound," shalom signifies completeness, soundness, welfare, prosperity, and well-being in every aspect of life—physical, material, social, and spiritual. Therefore, Jacob's inquiry about Laban's shalom was a comprehensive question about his overall state of being, encompassing his peace, prosperity, and wholeness, reflecting a deep cultural value for holistic well-being in the ancient Near East.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

While Genesis 29:6 directly narrates Jacob's personal journey and the formation of the patriarchal family, it subtly points to Christ through the overarching themes of divine providence and the covenant of promise. Jacob, a patriarch through whom the lineage of the Messiah would come, is led by God's hand to find his bride, Rachel, at a well—a place of life-giving water and significant encounters. This foreshadows Christ's ultimate work in seeking and preparing His own bride, the Church, not from a specific lineage or nation, but from among all peoples, as prophesied in Revelation 21:2. The well, a source of sustenance, also points to Christ as the true living water, offering eternal life and spiritual refreshment to all who believe, as He declared to the Samaritan woman at another well in John 4:10-14. Furthermore, the comprehensive "well-being" or shalom that Jacob inquires about ultimately finds its perfect fulfillment in Christ. He is the "Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6) who brings true and lasting shalom—reconciliation with God, inner peace, and holistic well-being—through His redemptive work on the cross, establishing a kingdom of peace that transcends all earthly circumstances (Colossians 1:19-20).

Copy as

Commentary on Genesis 29 verses 1–8

All the stages Israel's march to Canaan are distinctly noticed, but no particular journal is kept of Jacob's expedition further than Beth-el; no, he had no more such happy nights as he had at Beth-el, no more such visions of the Almighty. That was intended for a feast; he must not expect it to be his daily bread. But, 1. We are here told how cheerfully he proceeded in his journey after the sweet communion he had with God at Beth-el: Then Jacob lifted up his feet; so the margin reads it, Gen 29:1. Then he went on with cheerfulness and alacrity, not burdened with his cares, nor cramped with his fears, being assured of God's gracious presence with him. Note, After the visions we have had of God, and the vows we have made to him in solemn ordinances, we should run the way of his commandments with enlarged hearts, Heb 12:1. 2. How happily he arrived at his journey's end. Providence brought him to the very field where his uncle's flocks were to be watered, and there he met with Rachel, who was to be his wife. Observe, (1.) The divine Providence is to be acknowledged in all the little circumstances which concur to make a journey, or other undertaking, comfortable and successful. If, when we are at a loss, we meet seasonably with those that can direct us - if we meet with a disaster, and those are at hand that will help us - we must not say that it was by chance, nor that fortune therein favoured us, but that it was by Providence, and that God therein favoured us. Our ways are ways of pleasantness, if we continually acknowledge God in them. (2.) Those that have flocks must look well to them, and be diligent to know their state, Pro 27:23. What is here said of the constant care of the shepherds concerning their sheep (Gen 29:2, Gen 29:3, Gen 29:7, Gen 29:8) may serve to illustrate the tender concern which our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, has for his flock, the church; for he is the good Shepherd, that knows his sheep, and is known of them, Joh 10:14. The stone at the well's mouth, which is so often mentioned here, was either to secure their property in it (for water was scarce, it was not there usus communis aquarum - for every one's use), or it was to save the well from receiving damage from the heat of the sun, or from any spiteful hand, or to prevent the lambs of the flock from being drowned in it. (3.) Separate interests should not take us from joint and mutual help; when all the shepherds came together with their flocks, then, like loving neighbours, at watering-time, they watered their flocks together. (4.) It becomes us to speak civilly and respectfully to strangers. Though Jacob was no courtier, but a plain man, dwelling in tents, and a stranger to compliment, yet he addresses himself very obligingly to the people he met with, and calls them his brethren, Gen 29:4. The law of kindness in the tongue has a commanding power, Pro 31:26. Some think he calls them brethren because they were of the same trade, shepherds like him. Though he was now upon his preferment, he was not ashamed of his occupation. (5.) Those that show respect have usually respect shown to them. As Jacob was civil to these strangers, so he found them civil to him. When he undertook to teach them how to despatch their business (Gen 29:7), they did not bid him meddle with his own concerns and let them alone; but, though he was a stranger, they gave him the reason of their delay, Gen 29:8. Those that are neighbourly and friendly shall have neighbourly and friendly usage.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–8. Public domain.
Copy as
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
Copy as

Continue studying Genesis 29:6 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.

Read & Compare

Commentaries

Original Language & Research

Sermons, Hymns & Audio

TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.