Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version When all the flocks were gathered there, the shepherds would roll the stone away from the well’s mouth and water the sheep. Then they would return the stone to its place over the mouth of the well. New Living Translation It was the custom there to wait for all the flocks to arrive before removing the stone and watering the animals. Afterward the stone would be placed back over the mouth of the well. English Standard Version and when all the flocks were gathered there, the shepherds would roll the stone from the mouth of the well and water the sheep, and put the stone back in its place over the mouth of the well. Berean Standard Bible When all the flocks had been gathered there, the shepherds would roll away the stone from the mouth of the well and water the sheep. Then they would return the stone to its place over the mouth of the well. King James Bible 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. New King James Version Now all the flocks would be gathered there; and they would roll the stone from the well’s mouth, water the sheep, and put the stone back in its place on the well’s mouth. New American Standard Bible When all the flocks were gathered there, they would roll the stone from the mouth of the well and water the sheep. Then they would put the stone back in its place on the mouth of the well. NASB 1995 When all the flocks were gathered there, they would then roll the stone from the mouth of the well and water the sheep, and put the stone back in its place on the mouth of the well. NASB 1977 When all the flocks were gathered there, they would then roll the stone from the mouth of the well, and water the sheep, and put the stone back in its place on the mouth of the well. Legacy Standard Bible And all the flocks would be gathered there, and they would roll the stone from the mouth of the well and give water to the sheep to drink and return the stone back to its place on the mouth of the well. Amplified Bible and when all the flocks were gathered there, the shepherds would roll the stone from the mouth of the well, water the sheep, and [afterward] replace the stone on the mouth of the well. Christian Standard Bible The shepherds would roll the stone from the opening of the well and water the sheep when all the flocks were gathered there. Then they would return the stone to its place over the well’s opening. Holman Christian Standard Bible When all the flocks were gathered there, the shepherds would roll the stone from the opening of the well and water the sheep. The stone was then placed back on the well’s opening. American Standard Version 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 its place. Contemporary English Version Shepherds would roll the rock away when all their sheep had gathered there. Then after the sheep had been watered, the shepherds would roll the rock back over the mouth of the well. English Revised Version 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 its place. GOD'S WORD® Translation When all the flocks were gathered there, the stone would be rolled off the opening of the well so that the sheep could be watered. Then the stone would be put back in place over the opening of the well. Good News Translation Whenever all the flocks came together there, the shepherds would roll the stone back and water them. Then they would put the stone back in place. International Standard Version and when all the flocks had been gathered there, they would roll away the stone from the opening of the well, water their flocks, and then return the stone to its place covering the opening of the well. Majority Standard Bible When all the flocks had been gathered there, the shepherds would roll away the stone from the mouth of the well and water the sheep. Then they would return the stone to its place over the mouth of the well. NET Bible When all the flocks were gathered there, the shepherds would roll the stone off the mouth of the well and water the sheep. Then they would put the stone back in its place over the well's mouth. New Heart English Bible Now all the flocks would be gathered there, and they would roll the stone from the well?s mouth, and water the sheep, and put the stone again on the well's mouth in its place. Webster's Bible Translation 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 its place. World English Bible There all the flocks were gathered. They rolled the stone from the well’s mouth, and watered the sheep, and put the stone back on the well’s mouth in its place. Literal Translations Literal Standard Version(When all the droves have been gathered there, and they have rolled the stone from off the mouth of the well, and have watered the flock, then they have turned back the stone on the mouth of the well to its place.) Young's Literal Translation (When thither have all the droves been gathered, and they have rolled the stone from off the mouth of the well, and have watered the flock, then they have turned back the stone on the mouth of the well to its place.) Smith's Literal Translation And they gather there all the flocks; and they rolled away the stone from the mouth of the well and watered the sheep, and turned back the stone upon the mouth of the well to its place. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd the custom was, when all the sheep were gathered together to roll away the stone, and after the sheep were watered, to put it on the mouth of the well again. Catholic Public Domain Version And the custom was, when all the sheep were gathered together, to roll away the stone. And when the flocks had been refreshed, they placed it over the mouth of the well again. New American Bible When all the shepherds were assembled there they would roll the stone away from the mouth of the well and water the sheep. Then they would put the stone back again in its place over the mouth of the well. New Revised Standard Version and when all the flocks were gathered there, the shepherds would roll the stone from the mouth of the well, and water the sheep, and put the stone back in its place on the mouth of the well. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd all the flocks were gathered there; and the shepherds rolled the stone from the well's mouth, and watered the sheep, and then put the stone back in its place upon the well's mouth. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And all the flocks assembled there and they rolled the stone from the mouth of the well and they give drink to the sheep and return the stone to the mouth of the well in its place. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And thither were all the flocks gathered; and they rolled the stone from the well's mouth, and watered the sheep, and put the stone back upon the well's mouth in its place.-- Brenton Septuagint Translation And there were all the flocks gathered, and they used to roll away the stone from the mouth of the well, and water the flocks, and set the stone again in its place on the mouth of the well. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Jacob Meets Rachel…2He looked and saw a well in the field, and near it lay three flocks of sheep, because the sheep were watered from this well. And a large stone covered the mouth of the well. 3When all the flocks had been gathered there, the shepherds would roll away the stone from the mouth of the well and water the sheep. Then they would return the stone to its place over the mouth of the well. 4“My brothers,” Jacob asked the shepherds, “where are you from?” “We are from Haran,” they answered.… Cross References Exodus 2:16-17 Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters, and they came to draw water and fill the troughs to water their father’s flock. / And when some shepherds came along and drove them away, Moses rose up to help them and watered their flock. John 4:6-7 Since Jacob’s well was there, Jesus, weary from His journey, sat down by the well. It was about the sixth hour. / When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.” 1 Samuel 9:11 And as they were climbing the hill to the city, they met some young women coming out to draw water and asked, “Is the seer here?” John 10:3-4 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen for his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. / When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. Isaiah 40:11 He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart. He gently leads the nursing ewes. Psalm 23:1-2 A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. / He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. Ezekiel 34:12-15 As a shepherd looks for his scattered sheep when he is among the flock, so I will look for My flock. I will rescue them from all the places to which they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness. / I will bring them out from the peoples, gather them from the countries, and bring them into their own land. I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, in the ravines, and in all the settlements of the land. / I will feed them in good pasture, and the lofty mountains of Israel will be their grazing land. There they will lie down in a good grazing land; they will feed in rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. ... John 10:11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. Jeremiah 31:10 Hear, O nations, the word of the LORD, and proclaim it in distant coastlands: “The One who scattered Israel will gather them and keep them as a shepherd keeps his flock. John 21:15-17 When they had finished eating, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love Me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” Jesus replied, “Feed My lambs.” / Jesus asked a second time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “You know I love You.” Jesus told him, “Shepherd My sheep.” / Jesus asked a third time, “Simon son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was deeply hurt that Jesus had asked him a third time, “Do you love Me?” “Lord, You know all things,” he replied. “You know I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. 1 Peter 5:2-4 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not out of greed, but out of eagerness; / not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. / And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. Luke 15:4-6 “What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the pasture and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? / And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders, / comes home, and calls together his friends and neighbors to tell them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my lost sheep!’ Matthew 18:12-14 What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost? / And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices more over that one sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. / In the same way, your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish. Revelation 7:17 For the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd. ‘He will lead them to springs of living water,’ and ‘God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’” Micah 5:4 He will stand and shepherd His flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majestic name of the LORD His God. And they will dwell securely, for then His greatness will extend to the ends of the earth. Treasury of Scripture 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 on the well's mouth in his place. the flocks. Jump to Previous Droves Flock Flocks Gathered Mouth Roll Rolled Sheep Shepherds Stone Thither Together Turned Water Watered Well'sJump to Next Droves Flock Flocks Gathered Mouth Roll Rolled Sheep Shepherds Stone Thither Together Turned Water Watered Well'sGenesis 29 1. Jacob comes to the well of Haran.9. He becomes acquainted with Rachel. 13. Laban entertains him. 18. Jacob covenants for Rachel. 23. He is deceived by Laban with Leah. 28. He marries also Rachel, and serves for her seven years more. 32. Leah bears Reuben; 33. Simeon; 34. Levi; 35. and Judah. When all the flocks had been gathered there This phrase indicates a communal practice among shepherds in ancient Near Eastern cultures. Wells were often shared resources, and shepherds would gather their flocks together to ensure fair access to water. This practice highlights the importance of cooperation and community in pastoral life. The gathering of flocks can also be seen as a metaphor for unity and collective provision, themes that resonate throughout Scripture, such as in Psalm 133:1, which speaks of the goodness of brethren dwelling together in unity. the shepherds would roll away the stone from the mouth of the well and water the sheep Then they would return the stone to its place over the mouth of the well Persons / Places / Events 1. JacobThe central figure in this chapter, Jacob is on a journey to find a wife from his mother's family. His encounter at the well is a pivotal moment in his life. 2. Shepherds These are the individuals responsible for tending the flocks. They play a role in the communal activity of watering the sheep, which involves cooperation and timing. 3. The Well A significant location in the account, the well is a place of gathering and sustenance. It symbolizes provision and community. 4. The Stone The stone covering the well represents a barrier that requires collective effort to move, symbolizing obstacles that can be overcome through cooperation. 5. The Flocks Representing wealth and sustenance, the flocks are central to the livelihood of the people and are a reason for the gathering at the well. Teaching Points Community and CooperationThe act of rolling the stone away from the well required the shepherds to work together. This teaches the importance of community and cooperation in overcoming obstacles. Divine Timing The gathering of the flocks and the timing of Jacob's arrival at the well suggest divine orchestration. Trust in God's timing is crucial in our lives. Provision and Sustenance The well symbolizes God's provision. Just as the well provided water for the flocks, God provides for our needs. Barriers and Breakthroughs The stone over the well represents barriers in our lives. With faith and cooperation, these can be moved, leading to breakthroughs. Encounters with God Like Jacob, we can have significant encounters with God in ordinary places. Be open to divine appointments in daily life.Verse 3. - And thither were all the flecks gathered. "Fifteen minutes later we came to a large well in a valley among the swells, fitted up with troughs and reservoirs, with flocks waiting around" (Robinson, 3. p. 21). And they rolled the stone from the well's mouth, find watered the sheep, and put the stone again upon the well's mouth in his place. From the middle of ver. 2 the words are parenthetical, the watering of the flocks not having taken place till Rachel had arrived (ver. 9) and Jacob had uncovered the well (ver. 10). Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew When allכָל־ (ḵāl) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every the flocks הָעֲדָרִ֗ים (hā·‘ă·ḏā·rîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 5739: An arrangement, muster had been gathered וְנֶאֶסְפוּ־ (wə·ne·’es·p̄ū-) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural Strong's 622: To gather for, any purpose, to receive, take away, remove there, שָׁ֣מָּה (šām·māh) Adverb | third person feminine singular Strong's 8033: There, then, thither the shepherds would roll away וְגָלֲל֤וּ (wə·ḡā·lă·lū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural Strong's 1556: To roll, roll away the stone הָאֶ֙בֶן֙ (hā·’e·ḇen) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 68: A stone from מֵעַל֙ (mê·‘al) Preposition-m Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against the mouth פִּ֣י (pî) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 6310: The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to of the well הַבְּאֵ֔ר (hab·bə·’êr) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 875: A pit, a well and water וְהִשְׁק֖וּ (wə·hiš·qū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural Strong's 8248: To quaff, to irrigate, furnish a, potion to the sheep. הַצֹּ֑אן (haṣ·ṣōn) Article | Noun - common singular Strong's 6629: Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock Then they would return וְהֵשִׁ֧יבוּ (wə·hê·šî·ḇū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again the stone הָאֶ֛בֶן (hā·’e·ḇen) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 68: A stone to its place לִמְקֹמָֽהּ׃ (lim·qō·māh) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular Strong's 4725: A standing, a spot, a condition over עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against the mouth פִּ֥י (pî) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 6310: The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to of the well. הַבְּאֵ֖ר (hab·bə·’êr) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 875: A pit, a well Links Genesis 29:3 NIVGenesis 29:3 NLT Genesis 29:3 ESV Genesis 29:3 NASB Genesis 29:3 KJV Genesis 29:3 BibleApps.com Genesis 29:3 Biblia Paralela Genesis 29:3 Chinese Bible Genesis 29:3 French Bible Genesis 29:3 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 29:3 There all the flocks were gathered (Gen. 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