King James Version

What Does Genesis 29:2 Mean?

Genesis 29:2 in the King James Version says “And he looked, and behold a well in the field, and, lo, there were three flocks of sheep lying by it; for out of that we...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he looked, and behold a well in the field, and, lo, there were three flocks of sheep lying by it; for out of that well they watered the flocks: and a great stone was upon the well's mouth.”

Genesis 29:2 · KJV

Context

1

Then Jacob went on his journey, and came into the land of the people of the east. went: Heb. lift up his feet people: Heb. children

2

And he looked, and behold a well in the field, and, lo, there were three flocks of sheep lying by it; for out of that well they watered the flocks: and a great stone was upon the well's mouth.

3

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.

4

And Jacob said unto them, My brethren, whence be ye? And they said, Of Haran are we.

Read Genesis 29 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he looked, and behold a well in the field, and, lo, there were three flocks of sheep lying by it... This passage belongs to the Jacob narratives which demonstrate God's sovereign election overriding human merit and the transformation of a deceiver into Israel, the father of the twelve tribes. The Jacob cycle shows how divine purposes advance through flawed individuals whom God graciously transforms.

Key themes include God's sovereign choice ("the older shall serve the younger"), the consequences of deception and family dysfunction, exile and return patterns, wrestling with God leading to blessing, and covenant renewal across generations. Jacob's character development from manipulative deceiver to mature patriarch demonstrates sanctification's lifelong process.

Theologically significant aspects include: (1) divine election based on grace not merit (Romans 9:10-13); (2) God's faithfulness to covenant promises despite human unfaithfulness; (3) discipline as evidence of divine love and means of transformation; (4) generational patterns of sin requiring divine intervention to break; (5) prayer and wrestling with God as legitimate expressions of faith. Jacob's limp after wrestling God symbolizes how divine encounters leave permanent marks, transforming our approach to life and dependence on God rather than our own cunning.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12-50) reflect the cultural, social, and legal customs of the ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1500 BCE). Archaeological discoveries including the Mari tablets, Nuzi tablets, and Egyptian records confirm many details: nomadic pastoralism, covenant-making ceremonies, marriage customs, property laws, and international travel patterns described in Genesis.

The cultural practices reflected include: treaty/covenant forms (Genesis 15), bride-price customs (Genesis 24, 29), inheritance laws favoring firstborn sons (Genesis 25, 27), adoption practices (Genesis 15, 30), levirate-type arrangements (Genesis 38), and Egyptian administrative systems (Genesis 41, 47). These parallels confirm Genesis's historical reliability while showing how God worked within ancient cultural frameworks to accomplish His purposes.

For later Israelites, these narratives established their identity as Abraham's descendants, explained their claim to Canaan, justified their possession of Joseph's bones (Exodus 13:19), and provided models of faith despite imperfection. The patriarchs' failures and God's faithfulness encouraged Israel that covenant relationship depended on God's grace rather than human merit. The movement from Mesopotamia to Canaan to Egypt set the stage for the Exodus and conquest narratives.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding this verse shape our doctrine of humanity, sin, or salvation?
  2. How does this passage challenge modern cultural assumptions about identity, purpose, or morality?
  3. What connections can we trace from this verse to Jesus' life, death, and resurrection?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וַיַּ֞רְא1 of 22

“And he looked”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

וְהִנֵּ֧ה2 of 22
H2009

lo!

הַבְּאֵֽר׃3 of 22

“and behold a well”

H875

a pit; especially a well

בַּשָּׂדֶ֗ה4 of 22

“in the field”

H7704

a field (as flat)

וְהִנֵּה5 of 22
H2009

lo!

שָׁ֞ם6 of 22
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

שְׁלֹשָׁ֤ה7 of 22

“and lo there were three”

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

הָֽעֲדָרִ֑ים8 of 22

“flocks”

H5739

an arrangement, i.e., muster (of animals)

צֹאן֙9 of 22

“of sheep”

H6629

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

רֹֽבְצִ֣ים10 of 22

“lying”

H7257

to crouch (on all four legs folded, like a recumbent animal); by implication, to recline, repose, brood, lurk, imbed

עָלֶ֔יהָ11 of 22
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כִּ֚י12 of 22
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

מִן13 of 22
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַבְּאֵֽר׃14 of 22

“and behold a well”

H875

a pit; especially a well

הַהִ֔וא15 of 22
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

יַשְׁק֖וּ16 of 22

“they watered”

H8248

to quaff, i.e., (causatively) to irrigate or furnish a potion to

הָֽעֲדָרִ֑ים17 of 22

“flocks”

H5739

an arrangement, i.e., muster (of animals)

וְהָאֶ֥בֶן18 of 22

“stone”

H68

a stone

גְּדֹלָ֖ה19 of 22

“and a great”

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

עַל20 of 22
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

פִּ֥י21 of 22

“mouth”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

הַבְּאֵֽר׃22 of 22

“and behold a well”

H875

a pit; especially a well

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 29:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 29:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 49:10John 4:6John 4:14Exodus 2:15-16Genesis 24:11Song of Solomon 1:6-7

Test Your Knowledge

Genesis 29 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterGenesis Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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