Genesis 29:9 - While he was yet speaking with them, Rachel came with her father’s sheep, for she kept them.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Genesis 29:9" mean?
This verse from Genesis 29:9 provides a snapshot of the scene unfolding between Jacob and the shepherds in Haran, and introduces Rachel. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"While he was yet speaking with them...": This places Rachel's arrival in the context of the conversation Jacob was having with the shepherds. Jacob had just arrived in Haran and was inquiring about Laban, his mother Rebekah's brother, and was asking if they knew him.
"...Rachel came with her father’s sheep...": This tells us that Rachel is approaching the well with a flock of sheep. This is a crucial detail that establishes her role and immediately clarifies her family connection to Laban.
"...for she kept them.": This simple phrase explains why Rachel is tending sheep. It clarifies her occupation and suggests that she, not someone else, was directly responsible for looking after her father's flock. This was likely a common task for women in that time and place, especially those from less wealthy families. It shows that Rachel was likely a working woman.
In essence, the verse tells us:
Timing: Rachel arrived mid-conversation.
Identification: She's approaching with her father's sheep.
Occupation: She is a shepherdess.
Importance of the Verse:
Introduces Rachel: This is our first introduction to a key figure in the Jacob narrative.
Contextualizes her Role: It reveals her social standing and occupation, setting the stage for Jacob's attraction to her and his subsequent service to Laban.
Sets the Scene: The imagery of a woman tending sheep at a well is a classic pastoral scene that emphasizes the simplicity and rural nature of life in Haran.
The verse is concise but packed with important information for understanding the narrative that unfolds. It's not just a description, but a setup for the events to come.
Genesis 29:9 - While he was yet speaking with them, Rachel came with her father’s sheep, for she kept them.
What does "Genesis 29:9" mean?
This verse from Genesis 29:9 provides a snapshot of the scene unfolding between Jacob and the shepherds in Haran, and introduces Rachel. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"While he was yet speaking with them...": This places Rachel's arrival in the context of the conversation Jacob was having with the shepherds. Jacob had just arrived in Haran and was inquiring about Laban, his mother Rebekah's brother, and was asking if they knew him.
"...Rachel came with her father’s sheep...": This tells us that Rachel is approaching the well with a flock of sheep. This is a crucial detail that establishes her role and immediately clarifies her family connection to Laban.
"...for she kept them.": This simple phrase explains why Rachel is tending sheep. It clarifies her occupation and suggests that she, not someone else, was directly responsible for looking after her father's flock. This was likely a common task for women in that time and place, especially those from less wealthy families. It shows that Rachel was likely a working woman.
In essence, the verse tells us:
Timing: Rachel arrived mid-conversation.
Identification: She's approaching with her father's sheep.
Occupation: She is a shepherdess.
Importance of the Verse:
Introduces Rachel: This is our first introduction to a key figure in the Jacob narrative.
Contextualizes her Role: It reveals her social standing and occupation, setting the stage for Jacob's attraction to her and his subsequent service to Laban.
Sets the Scene: The imagery of a woman tending sheep at a well is a classic pastoral scene that emphasizes the simplicity and rural nature of life in Haran.
The verse is concise but packed with important information for understanding the narrative that unfolds. It's not just a description, but a setup for the events to come.