Genesis 29:7

KJV

And he said, Lo, [it is] yet high day, neither [is it] time that the cattle should be gathered together: water ye the sheep, and go [and] feed [them].

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559}, Lo {H2005}, it is yet high {H1419} day {H3117}, neither is it time {H6256} that the cattle {H4735} should be gathered together {H622}: water {H8248} ye the sheep {H6629}, and go {H3212} and feed {H7462} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

He said, "Look, there's still plenty of daylight left; and it isn't time to bring the animals home; so water the sheep; then go, and put them out to pasture."

Berean Standard Bible

“Look,” said Jacob, “it is still broad daylight; it is not yet time to gather the livestock. Water the sheep and take them back to pasture.”

American Standard Version

And he said, Lo, it is yet high day, neither is it time that the cattle should be gathered together: water ye the sheep, and go and feed them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jacob, newly arrived in Haran, encounters local shepherds gathered by a well with their flocks and immediately perceives their idleness, noting that it is still "high day" and therefore premature to gather their livestock for the night. With practical wisdom, he urges them to water their sheep and then lead them back to pasture, emphasizing the diligent and efficient utilization of the remaining daylight for their essential pastoral responsibilities.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** [Genesis 29](/genesis/29 "Jacob's Arrival in Haran") opens with Jacob's journey eastward, fleeing the wrath of his brother Esau after deceiving him for the birthright and blessing. His journey, marked by the significant encounter with God at [Bethel](/genesis/28-10-22 "Jacob's Dream at Bethel"), leads him to the land of Haran, his mother Rebekah's homeland, in search of a wife. Upon reaching a well, he finds three flocks of sheep and their shepherds waiting. This scene sets the stage for his crucial encounter with Rachel, Laban's daughter, who arrives shortly after Jacob's interaction with these shepherds. Jacob's immediate assessment and counsel in [Genesis 29:7](/genesis/29-7 "Jacob's Counsel to the Shepherds") highlight his practical nature and serve as a prelude to his decisive action of rolling the stone from the well, thereby demonstrating his strength and initiative.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, wells were vital communal resources, often covered by heavy stones to prevent contamination, evaporation, or unauthorized use. Moving such a stone typically required the combined effort of several shepherds, suggesting a customary practice of waiting until all flocks or designated individuals were present. The concept of "high day" (Hebrew: *yom gadol*) refers to the significant portion of daylight still remaining, indicating it was not yet evening, the usual time for gathering flocks for the night. Shepherds would water their sheep mid-day or late afternoon before leading them to graze further, making the shepherds' idleness in [Genesis 29:7](/genesis/29-7 "Jacob's Counsel to the Shepherds") unusual and inefficient from Jacob's perspective. This scene provides a glimpse into the daily rhythms and communal dynamics of ancient pastoral life.

* **Key Themes:** [Genesis 29:7](/genesis/29-7 "Jacob's Counsel to the Shepherds") contributes to several overarching themes in Genesis and the broader narrative. It underscores the theme of **Divine Providence**, as Jacob's journey and seemingly ordinary encounter with the shepherds are part of God's sovereign plan to lead him to his future family and fulfill the covenant promises (cf. [Genesis 28:15](/genesis/28-15 "God's Promise to Jacob")). The verse also highlights **Jacob's Character Development**, showcasing his shrewdness, diligence, and proactive nature, traits that will define much of his life and interactions, particularly with Laban. Furthermore, it subtly introduces the theme of **Stewardship and Diligence**, contrasting the shepherds' apparent idleness with Jacob's call to productive labor, a principle echoed throughout the wisdom literature (e.g., [Proverbs 6:6-11](/proverbs/6-6-11 "The Ant and the Sluggard")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lo (Hebrew, _hên'_):** A primitive particle used as an interjection, often translated as "behold!" or "look!" In this context, it serves to draw immediate attention to Jacob's observation, conveying a sense of surprise or urgency regarding the shepherds' inactivity. It sets a direct, almost challenging, tone for his subsequent words.
* **high day (Hebrew, _gâdôwl'_ H1419 and _yôwm'_ H3117):** Literally "great day" or "much day." The word *gâdôwl* (H1419) signifies "great" in any sense, while *yôwm* (H3117) refers to a "day" (as the warm hours). Together, "high day" indicates that a significant portion of the daylight hours still remained, far from the evening when flocks would typically be gathered. This phrase underscores Jacob's assessment that the shepherds were idling prematurely.
* **water (Hebrew, _shâqâh'_ H8248) and feed (Hebrew, _râʻâh'_ H7462):** *Shâqâh* means "to quaff" or "to irrigate," specifically to give drink. *Râʻâh* means "to tend a flock," including pasturing and generally ruling or caring for them. These two verbs represent the fundamental and immediate responsibilities of a shepherd. Jacob's command highlights the active, diligent care required for the flock's well-being and productivity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said, Lo, it is yet high day,"**: Jacob, observing the scene, expresses his surprise or direct observation. The phrase "high day" (literally "the day is yet great") signifies that a substantial portion of the day remains, meaning it is far from evening. This sets up Jacob's questioning of their current inactivity.
* **"neither is it time that the cattle should be gathered together:"**: Jacob points out that the customary time for gathering the flocks for the night has not yet arrived. This implies that the shepherds are either waiting unnecessarily or are being unproductive by not utilizing the remaining daylight. "Cattle" here refers broadly to their livestock, primarily sheep and goats.
* **"water ye the sheep, and go and feed them."**: This is Jacob's direct command and practical advice. He urges them to fulfill their immediate duties: first, to provide water for the thirsty sheep, and then to lead them back to pasture for further grazing. This instruction emphasizes diligence, efficiency, and the proper management of the flock's needs within the available time.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its message. **Direct Address** is prominent, as Jacob speaks directly to the shepherds, engaging them in a practical dialogue. The phrase "Lo, it is yet high day" functions as an **Exclamation** and an **Observation**, immediately drawing attention to the perceived inefficiency of the situation. There is also a subtle use of **Contrast** between the ideal (active shepherding) and the reality (idle waiting), which Jacob highlights. Furthermore, Jacob's words serve as a form of **Rhetorical Question** (though phrased as a statement), implicitly asking why they are not working when there is ample time. This direct, no-nonsense communication style immediately establishes Jacob's pragmatic and proactive character.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Jacob's counsel in [Genesis 29:7](/genesis/29-7 "Jacob's Counsel to the Shepherds") transcends a mere practical instruction on animal husbandry; it subtly introduces profound theological and thematic connections. It underscores the biblical emphasis on **diligence and stewardship** of time and resources. Jacob's observation that it is "yet high day" serves as a reminder that opportunities for productive labor should not be squandered through idleness or procrastination. This aligns with a broader scriptural principle that God's people are called to be active participants in their responsibilities, making the most of the time given to them. Furthermore, this seemingly small interaction is part of God's larger providential plan, guiding Jacob to his future wife and family, demonstrating that even in mundane encounters, divine purposes are at work, often facilitated by human diligence.

* [Proverbs 6:6-11](/proverbs/6-6-11 "The Sluggard and the Ant")
* [Ecclesiastes 3:1-8](/ecclesiastes/3-1-8 "A Time for Everything")
* [Colossians 3:23](/colossians/3-23 "Work Heartily for the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Genesis 29:7](/genesis/29-7 "Jacob's Counsel to the Shepherds") offers a timeless challenge for personal reflection and practical application in our contemporary lives. The "high day" Jacob speaks of can be seen as a metaphor for the time, opportunities, and resources God has graciously given us. Are we, like the shepherds, sometimes waiting idly, procrastinating, or failing to seize the present moment for productive work, spiritual growth, or acts of service? This verse calls us to cultivate a spirit of diligence and intentionality in all our endeavors—whether in our vocations, our relationships, or our walk with God. It reminds us that there is often "yet high day" for us to engage purposefully with our responsibilities, to "water our sheep" (attend to our duties and the needs of those under our care) and "feed them" (nurture growth and productivity), rather than passively waiting for circumstances to change or for others to act. Embracing this proactive mindset allows us to honor God with our time and contribute meaningfully to His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I currently "waiting" or being idle, when there is "yet high day" for action?**
* **How can I cultivate a more diligent and proactive approach to my responsibilities, both personal and spiritual?**
* **What "sheep" (responsibilities, people, spiritual disciplines) am I called to "water and feed" today, making the most of the time God has given me?**

### FAQ
**Why were the shepherds waiting if it was "high day"?**

Answer: The biblical text does not explicitly state the shepherds' reasons for waiting. However, ancient Near Eastern wells were often covered by a large, heavy stone that typically required multiple individuals to move. It's highly probable that the shepherds were waiting for all the flocks, or a sufficient number of shepherds, to gather before they collectively removed the stone to water their animals. Some commentators also suggest they might have been waiting for a specific shepherd, perhaps Rachel, who had the authority or the key to the well, to arrive. Jacob's question in [Genesis 29:7](/genesis/29-7 "Jacob's Counsel to the Shepherds") highlights the inefficiency of this collective waiting, suggesting they could have been more productive.

**What does "high day" signify in ancient pastoral life?**

Answer: The phrase "high day" (Hebrew: *'od hayyom gadol*, literally "the day is yet great") signifies that a substantial portion of the daylight hours was still remaining. It indicates that it was not yet evening, which was the customary time for shepherds to gather their flocks for the night. In ancient pastoral life, this meant there was ample time for the sheep to be watered and then led back to pasture for further grazing before sunset. Jacob's emphasis on "high day" in [Genesis 29:7](/genesis/29-7 "Jacob's Counsel to the Shepherds") underscores his observation that the shepherds were prematurely idle and not making the most of the available productive time.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Genesis 29:7](/genesis/29-7 "Jacob's Counsel to the Shepherds") speaks to human diligence, it finds a profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the life and ministry of Jesus. Our Lord consistently operated with a profound awareness of divine timing and an unwavering commitment to fulfilling His Father's will. Jesus declared, "[I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work](/john/9-4 "John 9:4 - Jesus Heals the Blind Man")" ([John 9:4](/john/9-4 "John 9:4 - Jesus Heals the Blind Man")). He never procrastinated on His mission of teaching, healing, and ultimately, redeeming humanity. Like the diligent shepherd, Jesus is the [Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd"), actively caring for His flock, leading them to [living waters](/john/4-10-14 "John 4:10-14 - Jesus and the Samaritan Woman at the Well") and spiritual pasture. Believers, as followers of Christ, are called to emulate His example of purposeful living and diligent stewardship, actively engaging in the work of the Kingdom while it is "high day," before the spiritual "night" arrives when opportunities for witness and service may cease (cf. [Ephesians 5:15-16](/ephesians/5-15-16 "Walk Wisely, Redeeming the Time")).

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

Ephesians 5:16

Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

Galatians 6:9

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Galatians 6:10

As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all [men], especially unto them who are of the household of faith.