Genesis 29:7

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].

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.

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."

โ€œLook,โ€ said Jacob, โ€œit is still broad daylight; it is not yet time to gather the livestock. Water the sheep and take them back to pasture.โ€

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

Context of Genesis 29:7

Genesis 29 recounts Jacob's journey to Haran, seeking refuge from his brother Esau and a wife from his mother's kin. Upon arriving in the land of the people of the east, he encounters a well where three flocks of sheep are gathered, waiting to be watered. A large stone covers the well's mouth, a common practice to prevent dust or unauthorized use, and often requiring multiple shepherds to move. In this verse, Jacob, having just arrived, questions the shepherds about their apparent idleness.

His query highlights the customary practice of the time: sheep were usually watered and then led back to pasture. Jacob observes that "it is yet high day," meaning there is still plenty of daylight left, not evening, which would be the typical time for flocks to be gathered for the night. He suggests they should be actively watering and feeding their sheep rather than waiting.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Diligence and Productivity: Jacob's words reveal an expectation of diligence. He questions why the shepherds are not actively engaged in their duties, implying that there is ample time for work. This sets a tone of industriousness.
  • Observation and Initiative: Jacob, as an outsider, quickly assesses the situation and offers a practical observation. His directness and practical advice reflect his character, which will be further demonstrated when he rolls the stone away from the well himself shortly after.
  • Timing and Opportunity: The phrase "high day" emphasizes that the opportune moment for work has not passed. It encourages making the most of available time rather than procrastinating or idling.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "high day" in Hebrew is 'od hayyom gadol (ืขื•ึนื“ ื”ึทื™ึผื•ึนื ื’ึผึธื“ื•ึนืœ), which literally translates to "the day is yet great" or "there is still much of the day." This simple phrase carries the weight of Jacob's observation: it's not nearing sunset, so there's no reason for the sheep to be idle or for the shepherds to be waiting. It underscores the idea that there's ample time for productive work.

Practical Application

Genesis 29:7 offers timeless lessons about diligence and the efficient use of time. In our own lives, it challenges us to consider:

  • Avoiding Procrastination: Are we making the most of the "day" we have, or are we waiting for a later, perhaps less opportune, moment to complete our tasks?
  • Active Engagement: The verse encourages a proactive approach to responsibilities, rather than passive waiting. Just as the shepherds were expected to water their sheep, we are called to be diligent in our various callings and duties.
  • Discernment: Jacob's observation highlights the importance of discerning the proper time for action. Understanding when to work and when to rest is crucial for effective living, much like the wisdom found in Ecclesiastes 3:1, "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven."
Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ephesians 5:16 (4 votes)

    Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

  • Galatians 6:9 (3 votes)

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

  • Galatians 6:10 (3 votes)

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