Genesis 29:6

KJV

And he said unto them, [Is] he well? And they said, [He is] well: and, behold, Rachel his daughter cometh with the sheep.

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He asked them, "Are things going well with him?""Yes," they answered, "and here comes his daughter Rachel with the sheep."

Berean Standard Bible

“Is he well?” Jacob inquired. “Yes,” they answered, “and here comes his daughter Rachel with his sheep.”

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.

Commentary

### 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](/genesis/28-10-22 "Jacob's Dream at Bethel"). 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](/genesis/24 "The Story of Rebekah and Isaac")). 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](/genesis/28-15 "God's Promise to Jacob")). 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 29-31](/genesis/29-31 "Jacob's Family and Laban's Deception").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **said (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** From 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'_):** From 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'_):** From 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'_):** From 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'_):** From 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.

* [Genesis 28:15](/genesis/28-15 "God's Promise to Jacob at Bethel")
* [Psalm 37:23](/psalms/37-23 "The Lord directs the steps of the godly")
* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps")

### 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](/genesis/28-15 "God's Promise to Jacob").

**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](/revelation/21-2 "The New Jerusalem, the bride of Christ"). 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](/john/4-10-14 "Jesus offers living water"). 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](/isaiah/9-6 "The Prince of Peace")) 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](/colossians/1-19-20 "Reconciliation through Christ")).

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

1 Samuel 25:5

And David sent out ten young men, and David said unto the young men, Get you up to Carmel, and go to Nabal, and greet him in my name:

Exodus 18:7

¶ And Moses went out to meet his father in law, and did obeisance, and kissed him; and they asked each other of [their] welfare; and they came into the tent.

2 Samuel 20:9

And Joab said to Amasa, [Art] thou in health, my brother? And Joab took Amasa by the beard with the right hand to kiss him.

Genesis 43:27

And he asked them of [their] welfare, and said, [Is] your father well, the old man of whom ye spake? [Is] he yet alive?

Genesis 37:14

And he said to him, Go, I pray thee, see whether it be well with thy brethren, and well with the flocks; and bring me word again. So he sent him out of the vale of Hebron, and he came to Shechem.

1 Samuel 17:22

And David left his carriage in the hand of the keeper of the carriage, and ran into the army, and came and saluted his brethren.