Genesis 29:2 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Jacob discovers a well with shepherds and their flocks gathered at it.
The Context of Genesis 29:2
Jacob encounters shepherds at a well near Haran.
What Does Genesis 29:2 Mean?
Wells were vital resources in the ancient Near East, often serving as meeting places for nomadic herders. The stone covering the well prevented contamination and loss of water during hot days. Three flocks suggest a shared water source that served multiple families or clans.
This scene mirrors encounters at wells elsewhere in Genesis—places where significant meetings and covenants occur. The careful management of the well (a heavy stone placed deliberately) shows both the resource's importance and the social organization of pastoral society.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 29:2
What does Genesis 29:2 mean?
Jacob discovers a well with shepherds and their flocks gathered at it.
What is the context of Genesis 29:2?
Jacob encounters shepherds at a well near Haran.