Verse

Genesis 29:2

ESV As he looked, he saw a well in the field, and behold, three flocks of sheep lying beside it, for out of that well the flocks were watered. The stone on the well 's mouth was large,
NIV There he saw a well in the open country, with three flocks of sheep lying near it because the flocks were watered from that well. The stone over the mouth of the well was large.
NASB He looked, and saw a well in the field, and behold, three flocks of sheep were lying there beside it, because they watered the flocks from that well. Now the stone on the mouth of the well was large.
CSB He looked and saw a well in a field. Three flocks of sheep were lying there beside it because the sheep were watered from this well. But a large stone covered the opening of the well.
NLT He saw a well in the distance. Three flocks of sheep and goats lay in an open field beside it, waiting to be watered. But a heavy stone covered the mouth of the well.
KJV 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.
NKJV And he looked, and saw a well in the field; and behold, there were three flocks of sheep lying by it; for out of that well they watered the flocks. A large stone was on the well’s mouth.

What does Genesis 29:2 mean?

Jacob does not know it, yet, but he has reached his destination. He is not far from the town of Haran where his uncle Laban lives. As he nears the area, he comes to a well in a field. Wells were places of great significance in this region where water was life. Wells were also often associated with God's blessing. Jacob's ancestor Abraham had gone through considerable trouble over wells during his time in Canaan (Genesis 21:25). Jacob's father, Isaac, as well, had experienced disputes over wells and access to water (Genesis 26:18–22).

Three flocks of sheep and their shepherds are gathered near the well, which is covered with a large stone. The shepherds are waiting for all the sheep to arrive, so they can be watered all at once.
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