Genesis 29:8

And they said, We cannot, until all the flocks be gathered together, and [till] they roll the stone from the well's mouth; then we water the sheep.

And they said {H559}, We cannot {H3201}, until all the flocks {H5739} be gathered together {H622}, and till they roll {H1556} the stone {H68} from the well's {H875} mouth {H6310}; then we water {H8248} the sheep {H6629}.

They answered, "We can't, not until all the flocks have been gathered together, and they roll the stone away from the opening of the well. That's when we water the sheep."

But they replied, โ€œWe cannot, until all the flocks have been gathered and the stone has been rolled away from the mouth of the well. Then we will water the sheep.โ€

And they said, We cannot, until all the flocks be gathered together, and they roll the stone from the wellโ€™s mouth; then we water the sheep.

Commentary

Genesis 29:8 offers a glimpse into the daily life and communal customs of ancient Near Eastern shepherds. This verse sets the scene for Jacob's first significant interaction upon arriving in Haran, highlighting the practicalities of watering livestock and the social dynamics surrounding shared resources.

Context

Having journeyed from Beersheba, Jacob arrives in the land of the people of the east, where he encounters shepherds gathered around a well. He inquires why they are not watering their flocks. Their reply in verse 8 reveals a common practice: a large, heavy stone covered the well's mouth, likely to protect the water from debris and unauthorized use, and to conserve it. The custom dictated that all flocks from various shepherds had to be gathered before the stone could be moved, requiring a collective effort. This communal responsibility ensured fair access and prevented any single shepherd from monopolizing the vital water source. This custom is further elaborated when Jacob himself rolls the stone away later in the chapter, demonstrating his strength and eagerness.

Key Themes

  • Communal Responsibility and Cooperation: The requirement for all flocks to gather before moving the stone underscores the importance of shared duties and collective action in ancient pastoral societies. It highlights a system designed for fairness and mutual support.
  • Patience and Timing: The shepherds' waiting signifies a necessary patience, acknowledging that certain tasks require the right conditions or the presence of all involved parties. This echoes the biblical principle that there is a time for every purpose under heaven.
  • Overcoming Obstacles: The heavy stone covering the well represents a significant obstacle that required considerable effort to move. This foreshadows the many challenges Jacob would face, often requiring strength and perseverance.
  • Divine Providence: While the verse itself is a simple statement of fact, the delay it describes is divinely orchestrated. It ensures Jacob's presence at the well precisely when Rachel arrives, setting in motion key events in his life and the patriarchal narrative.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "roll the stone" translates from the Hebrew verb galal (ื’ึผึธืœึทืœ), which literally means "to roll" or "to remove by rolling." This emphasizes the physical effort involved and the substantial size of the stone. The "well's mouth" (pi habbe'er) is a common idiom, literally "mouth of the well," referring to its opening and further illustrating the careful protection of this essential water source.

Practical Application

Genesis 29:8 offers several lessons for contemporary life:

  • The Value of Collaboration: Many significant challenges in life, whether in family, community, or work, require collective effort. Like the shepherds, we often achieve more by working together and bearing one another's burdens.
  • Understanding Shared Resources: The well represents any shared resource or common good. This verse reminds us of the importance of fair access, responsible management, and communal agreement regarding such resources.
  • Patience in Process: Not all tasks can be rushed. Sometimes, waiting for the right moment, for all parties to be present, or for clarity to emerge, is crucial for success and harmony.
  • God's Orchestration in Delays: Even seemingly inconvenient delays or obstacles can be part of a larger, divinely guided plan. Trusting that God works all things together for good can bring peace and perspective.
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

  • Mark 16:3 (4 votes)

    And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre?

  • Luke 24:2 (4 votes)

    And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre.

  • Genesis 29:3 (3 votes)

    And thither were all the flocks gathered: and they rolled the stone from the well's mouth, and watered the sheep, and put the stone again upon the well's mouth in his place.

  • Genesis 34:14 (3 votes)

    And they said unto them, We cannot do this thing, to give our sister to one that is uncircumcised; for that [were] a reproach unto us:

  • Genesis 43:32 (3 votes)

    And they set on for him by himself, and for them by themselves, and for the Egyptians, which did eat with him, by themselves: because the Egyptians might not eat bread with the Hebrews; for that [is] an abomination unto the Egyptians.