Genesis 29:3 - There all the flocks were gathered. They rolled the stone from the well’s mouth, and watered the sheep, and put the stone again on the well’s mouth in its place.
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What does "Genesis 29:3" mean?
This verse in Genesis 29:3 describes a common scene at a well in ancient times, highlighting the customs and labor involved in watering flocks:
"There all the flocks were gathered." This tells us the well was a popular and necessary source of water for multiple shepherds and their flocks. It suggests a communal aspect of well usage, though potentially with rules or order.
"They rolled the stone from the well’s mouth..." Wells were often covered with a large stone to:
Prevent evaporation and keep the water cool.
Prevent animals from falling in and contaminating the water.
Control access to the water.
This implies the stone was heavy and required significant effort to move. The "They" suggests cooperation among the shepherds was needed.
"...and watered the sheep..." This is the primary purpose of the well and the shepherds' presence.
"...and put the stone again on the well’s mouth in its place." This emphasizes the responsibility of the shepherds to maintain the well and its water source. Replacing the stone was crucial for preservation and future use.
In essence, the verse paints a picture of a shared resource, requiring communal effort and responsibility to maintain. The stone represents a barrier to access that requires labor to overcome, reinforcing the value of the water.
In the context of the larger story, this verse sets the scene for Jacob's arrival and encounter with Rachel. The fact that he later single-handedly moves the stone (Genesis 29:10) highlights his strength and sets him apart from the other shepherds, playing a role in his meeting and subsequent relationship with Rachel.
Genesis 29:3 - There all the flocks were gathered. They rolled the stone from the well’s mouth, and watered the sheep, and put the stone again on the well’s mouth in its place.
What does "Genesis 29:3" mean?
This verse in Genesis 29:3 describes a common scene at a well in ancient times, highlighting the customs and labor involved in watering flocks:
"There all the flocks were gathered." This tells us the well was a popular and necessary source of water for multiple shepherds and their flocks. It suggests a communal aspect of well usage, though potentially with rules or order.
"They rolled the stone from the well’s mouth..." Wells were often covered with a large stone to:
Prevent evaporation and keep the water cool.
Prevent animals from falling in and contaminating the water.
Control access to the water.
This implies the stone was heavy and required significant effort to move. The "They" suggests cooperation among the shepherds was needed.
"...and watered the sheep..." This is the primary purpose of the well and the shepherds' presence.
"...and put the stone again on the well’s mouth in its place." This emphasizes the responsibility of the shepherds to maintain the well and its water source. Replacing the stone was crucial for preservation and future use.
In essence, the verse paints a picture of a shared resource, requiring communal effort and responsibility to maintain. The stone represents a barrier to access that requires labor to overcome, reinforcing the value of the water.
In the context of the larger story, this verse sets the scene for Jacob's arrival and encounter with Rachel. The fact that he later single-handedly moves the stone (Genesis 29:10) highlights his strength and sets him apart from the other shepherds, playing a role in his meeting and subsequent relationship with Rachel.