Genesis 29:7 (KJV)

What does Genesis 29:7 mean?

Genesis 29:7 shows Jacob telling the shepherds that it is still the middle of the day, not the usual time to gather the livestock, and instructs them to water their sheep and then take them out to graze. Jacob is pointing out that their workday is not over and encouraging them to keep tending the animals.

In this scene, Jacob has just arrived at a well near Haran and is speaking to local shepherds. He notices that the shepherds and their flocks are gathered at the well, even though it is not yet evening, which is when animals are usually brought in. Jacob’s words highlight his awareness of shepherding customs and set the stage for his meeting with Rachel, who soon arrives with her father’s sheep.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 29:7

• The word for "high" (גָּדוֹל, gadol) is often used for "great" or "large," and here it means the day is still "great" or "strong"—in other words, it is still broad daylight, not late in the day.
• The word for "gathered together" (אָסַף, asaf) means to collect or assemble, and in this context, it refers to the usual practice of bringing livestock together at the end of the day.
• The word for "water" (שָׁקָה, shaqah) means to give drink, and Jacob is directly telling the shepherds to water their sheep, showing his practical concern for the animals’ care.
• The word for "feed" (רָעָה, ra‘ah) means to pasture or tend, and Jacob is urging the shepherds to return the sheep to grazing rather than waiting idly.

Why Genesis 29:7 matters

• This verse shows Jacob’s familiarity with shepherding routines and hints at his work ethic and sense of responsibility, even as a newcomer.
• The verse sets up the meeting between Jacob and Rachel, which is a key turning point in the story, by showing why Jacob is at the well and how he interacts with the locals.
• Jacob’s question also subtly challenges the shepherds’ behavior, suggesting they may be taking a break too early, and this adds a layer of realism to the story’s setting.