King James Version

What Does Genesis 29:3 Mean?

Genesis 29:3 in the King James Version says “And thither were all the flocks gathered: and they rolled the stone from the well's mouth, and watered the sheep, and pu...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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 29:3 · 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.

5

And he said unto them, Know ye Laban the son of Nahor? And they said, We know him.

Read Genesis 29 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And thither were all the flocks gathered: and they rolled the stone from the well's mouth, and water... 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 this verse deepen our understanding of God's character and His relationship with creation?
  2. How does this passage challenge modern cultural assumptions about identity, purpose, or morality?
  3. How does this passage point forward to Christ and the gospel of redemption?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וְנֶֽאֶסְפוּ1 of 20

“gathered”

H622

to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)

שָׁ֣מָּה2 of 20
H8033

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

כָל3 of 20
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָֽעֲדָרִ֗ים4 of 20

“And thither were all the flocks”

H5739

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

וְגָלֲל֤וּ5 of 20

“and they rolled”

H1556

to roll (literally or figuratively)

אֶת6 of 20
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הָאֶ֛בֶן7 of 20

“the stone”

H68

a stone

מֵעַל֙8 of 20
H5921

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

פִּ֥י9 of 20

“mouth”

H6310

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

הַבְּאֵ֖ר10 of 20

“from the well's”

H875

a pit; especially a well

וְהִשְׁק֖וּ11 of 20

“and watered”

H8248

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

אֶת12 of 20
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַצֹּ֑אן13 of 20

“the sheep”

H6629

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

וְהֵשִׁ֧יבוּ14 of 20

“again”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

אֶת15 of 20
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הָאֶ֛בֶן16 of 20

“the stone”

H68

a stone

עַל17 of 20
H5921

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

פִּ֥י18 of 20

“mouth”

H6310

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

הַבְּאֵ֖ר19 of 20

“from the well's”

H875

a pit; especially a well

לִמְקֹמָֽהּ׃20 of 20

“in his place”

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

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 29:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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