Genesis 29:7
Genesis 29:7 in Multiple Translations
“Look,” said Jacob, “it is still broad daylight; it is not yet time to gather the livestock. Water the sheep and take them back to pasture.”
And he said, Lo, it is yet high day, neither is it time that the cattle should be gathered together: water ye the sheep, and go and feed them.
And he said, Lo, it is yet high day, neither is it time that the cattle should be gathered together: water ye the sheep, and go and feed them.
Then Jacob said, The sun is still high and it is not time to get the cattle together: get water for the sheep and go and give them their food.
“Look, there's still plenty of daylight left,” said Jacob. “It's too early to round up the sheep yet. Why not let them drink so they can go back to grazing?”
Then he sayd, Lo, it is yet hie day, neither is it time that the cattell shoulde be gathered together: water ye the sheepe and go feede them.
And he saith, 'Lo, the day [is] still great, [it is] not time for the cattle to be gathered; water ye the flock, and go, delight yourselves.'
He said, “Behold, it is still the middle of the day, not time to gather the livestock together. Water the sheep, and go and feed them.”
And he said, Lo, it is yet high day, neither is it time that the cattle should be collected: water ye the sheep, and go and feed them.
And Jacob said: There is yet much day remaining, neither is it time to bring the flocks into the folds again: first give the sheep drink, and so lead them back to feed.
Jacob said, “Hey! The sun is still high in the sky. It is not time for the flocks to be gathered for nighttime. Give the sheep some water and then take them back to ◄graze/eat grass► in the pastures!”
Then Jacob talked to the work-men again. He said, “Why are you mob waiting here, next to the water-hole? It’s only the middle of the day. It’s too early to bring your animals together to take them home. You should get water from the water-hole for your sheep to drink, and then take your sheep away and find grass for them to eat.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 29:7
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 29:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֗אמֶר
הֵ֥ן
עוֹד֙
הַ/יּ֣וֹם
גָּד֔וֹל
לֹא
עֵ֖ת
הֵאָסֵ֣ף
הַ/מִּקְנֶ֑ה
הַשְׁק֥וּ
הַ/צֹּ֖אן
וּ/לְכ֥וּ
רְעֽוּ
וַ/יֹּ֗אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הֵ֥ן
hên
H2005
look!
Part
עוֹד֙
ʻôwd
H5750
still
Adv
הַ/יּ֣וֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
Art | N-ms
גָּד֔וֹל
gâdôwl
H1419
Great (Sea)
Adj
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
עֵ֖ת
ʻêth
H6256
time
N-cs
הֵאָסֵ֣ף
ʼâçaph
H622
to gather
V-Niphal-Inf-a
הַ/מִּקְנֶ֑ה
miqneh
H4735
livestock
Art | N-ms
הַשְׁק֥וּ
shâqâh
H8248
to water
V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp
הַ/צֹּ֖אן
tsôʼn
H6629
Sheep (Gate)
Art | N-cs
וּ/לְכ֥וּ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2mp
רְעֽוּ
râʻâh
H7462
House of Shepherds
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 29:7
וַ/יֹּ֗אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
הֵ֥ן
hên
H2005
"look!"
Part
An expression meaning look or behold, used to get someone's attention, like in the prophet Isaiah's writings. It can also express surprise or introduce a hypothetical situation.
Definition: interj 1) behold, lo, though hypothetical part 2) if Aramaic equivalent: hen (הֵן "look!" H2006A)
Usage: Occurs in 311 OT verses. KJV: behold, if, lo, though. See also: Genesis 3:22; Job 2:6; Psalms 51:7.
עוֹד֙
ʻôwd
H5750
"still"
Adv
The word 'still' means something continues or happens again, like in Genesis 29:26 and Isaiah 2:11. It can also mean 'more' or 'additionally'.
Definition: subst 1) a going round, continuance adv 2) still, yet, again, besides 2a) still, yet (of continuance or persistence) 2b) still, yet, more (of addition or repetition) 2c) again 2d) still, moreover, besides Aramaic equivalent: od (עוֹד "still" H5751)
Usage: Occurs in 459 OT verses. KJV: again, [idiom] all life long, at all, besides, but, else, further(-more), henceforth, (any) longer, (any) more(-over), [idiom] once, since, (be) still, when, (good, the) while (having being), (as, because, whether, while) yet (within). See also: Genesis 4:25; Judges 9:37; 2 Chronicles 32:16.
הַ/יּ֣וֹם
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
גָּד֔וֹל
gâdôwl
H1419
"Great (Sea)"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something or someone great, whether in size, age, or importance. It appears in descriptions of the Great Sea and the Philistines. The word is used to convey a sense of magnitude or grandeur.
Definition: adj great Also named: pe.lish.ti (פְּלִשְׁתִּי "(Sea of the )Philistines" H6430I)
Usage: Occurs in 499 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far, (man of) great (man, matter, thing,-er,-ness), high, long, loud, mighty, more, much, noble, proud thing, [idiom] sore, ([idiom]) very. See also: Genesis 1:16; Joshua 7:26; 1 Kings 20:13.
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
עֵ֖ת
ʻêth
H6256
"time"
N-cs
Eth means time, especially now or when, and can refer to an event, experience, or occasion. It is often used to describe a specific moment or period.
Definition: 1) time 1a) time (of an event) 1b) time (usual) 1c) experiences, fortunes 1d) occurrence, occasion
Usage: Occurs in 258 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after, (al-) ways, [idiom] certain, [phrase] continually, [phrase] evening, long, (due) season, so (long) as, (even-, evening-, noon-) tide, (meal-), what) time, when. See also: Genesis 8:11; 2 Chronicles 35:17; Psalms 1:3.
הֵאָסֵ֣ף
ʼâçaph
H622
"to gather"
V-Niphal-Inf-a
To gather means to bring people or things together, often for a purpose like worship or community. It can also mean to take away or remove something, like gathering a harvest. This word appears in books like Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: 1) to gather, receive, remove, gather in 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to gather, collect 1a2) to gather (an individual into company of others) 1a3) to bring up the rear 1a4) to gather and take away, remove, withdraw 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to assemble, be gathered 1b2) (pass of Qal 1a2) 1b2a) to be gathered to one's fathers 1b2b) to be brought in or into (association with others) 1b3) (pass of Qal 1a4) 1b3a) to be taken away, removed, perish 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to gather (harvest) 1c2) to take in, receive into 1c3) rearguard, rearward (subst) 1d) (Pual) to be gathered 1e) (Hithpael) to gather oneself or themselves
Usage: Occurs in 188 OT verses. KJV: assemble, bring, consume, destroy, felch, gather (in, together, up again), [idiom] generally, get (him), lose, put all together, receive, recover (another from leprosy), (be) rereward, [idiom] surely, take (away, into, up), [idiom] utterly, withdraw. See also: Genesis 6:21; 1 Chronicles 11:13; Psalms 26:9.
הַ/מִּקְנֶ֑ה
miqneh
H4735
"livestock"
Art | N-ms
Livestock, such as cattle, sheep, and goats, are domestic animals that can be bought and owned, as described in the Bible, including in the book of Genesis and the story of Abraham's wealth.
Definition: 1) cattle, livestock 1a) cattle, livestock 1a1) in general of a purchasable domestic animal 1b) cows, sheep, goats (in herds and flocks)
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: cattle, flock, herd, possession, purchase, substance. See also: Genesis 4:20; Numbers 20:19; Psalms 78:48.
הַשְׁק֥וּ
shâqâh
H8248
"to water"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp
This verb means to give water or a drink to someone or something, often used in stories like Genesis and Exodus. It describes providing sustenance and care, like God giving water to the Israelites in the desert.
Definition: : watering(ANIMALS/PLANTS) 1) to give to drink, irrigate, drink, water, cause to drink water 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to water, irrigate 1a2) to water, give drink to 1b) (Pual) to be watered 1c) (Niphal) variant
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: cause to (give, give to, let, make to) drink, drown, moisten, water. See H7937 (שָׁכַר), H8354 (שָׁתָה). See also: Genesis 2:6; 1 Chronicles 11:17; Psalms 36:9.
הַ/צֹּ֖אן
tsôʼn
H6629
"Sheep (Gate)"
Art | N-cs
This word refers to a flock of sheep or goats, and is sometimes used to describe people in a figurative sense. It is also associated with the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem, a significant location in biblical times.
Definition: This name means sheep and goats Also named: probatikos (προβατικός "Sheep Gate" G4262)
Usage: Occurs in 247 OT verses. KJV: (small) cattle, flock ([phrase] -s), lamb ([phrase] -s), sheep(-cote, -fold, -shearer, -herds). See also: Genesis 4:2; Deuteronomy 28:31; Psalms 44:12.
וּ/לְכ֥וּ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2mp
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
רְעֽוּ
râʻâh
H7462
"House of Shepherds"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
This verb means to care for or tend to someone or something, like a shepherd with his flock. It can also mean to rule over or associate with someone as a friend, and is sometimes used to describe a close relationship.
Definition: Ra'ah = "pasturing" perh. "binding-house of the shepherds"
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] break, companion, keep company with, devour, eat up, evil entreat, feed, use as a friend, make friendship with, herdman, keep (sheep) (-er), pastor, [phrase] shearing house, shepherd, wander, waste. See also: Genesis 4:2; Isaiah 40:11; Psalms 23:1.
Study Notes — Genesis 29:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 29:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 29:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 29:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 29:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 29:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 29:7
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 29:7
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 29:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 29:7
- Sermons on Genesis 29:7
Context — Jacob Meets Rachel
5“Do you know Laban the grandson of Nahor?” Jacob asked. “We know him,” they replied.
6“Is he well?” Jacob inquired. “Yes,” they answered, “and here comes his daughter Rachel with his sheep.”
7“Look,” said Jacob, “it is still broad daylight; it is not yet time to gather the livestock. Water the sheep and take them back to pasture.”
8But they replied, “We cannot, until all the flocks have been gathered and the stone has been rolled away from the mouth of the well. Then we will water the sheep.” 9While he was still speaking with them, Rachel arrived with her father’s sheep, for she was a shepherdess.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ephesians 5:16 | redeeming the time, because the days are evil. |
| 2 | Galatians 6:9–10 | Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith. |
Genesis 29:7 Summary
[Genesis 29:7 shows us that Jacob was a thoughtful and helpful person who cared about the needs of others, including the sheep. He suggested watering the sheep and taking them back to pasture because it was still daytime and they needed care. This verse teaches us the importance of being considerate and responsible, just like Jacob, and trusting in God's plan, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11. By following Jacob's example, we can demonstrate love and care for those around us, just as Jesus taught us to love our neighbors as ourselves, in Mark 12:31.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the time of day in Genesis 29:7?
The time of day is significant because it highlights Jacob's practical and considerate nature, as seen in his suggestion to water the sheep and take them back to pasture, demonstrating his understanding of the needs of the animals and the importance of responsible stewardship, as taught in Proverbs 12:10.
Why did Jacob suggest watering the sheep and taking them back to pasture?
Jacob suggested this because it was still broad daylight and not yet time to gather the livestock, showing his awareness of the daily routine and needs of the sheep, and his willingness to help, as exemplified in Philippians 2:4 where we are encouraged to look out for the interests of others.
What can we learn from Jacob's interaction with the shepherds in Genesis 29:7?
We can learn the importance of being considerate and helpful towards others, as Jacob demonstrated by offering to assist the shepherds, reflecting the biblical principle of loving our neighbors as ourselves, found in Leviticus 19:18 and Mark 12:31.
How does Genesis 29:7 relate to Jacob's character development?
This verse shows Jacob's resourceful and responsible side, as he takes initiative to help the shepherds, foreshadowing his future role as a leader and shepherd of his family, as seen in Genesis 30-33, and demonstrating the importance of faith and trust in God's plan, as emphasized in Romans 8:28.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can demonstrate consideration and helpfulness towards others in my daily life, like Jacob did with the shepherds?
- How can I apply the principle of responsible stewardship, as seen in Jacob's care for the sheep, to my own life and responsibilities?
- What are some times when I have had to wait or be patient, like the shepherds waiting to water their sheep, and how can I trust in God's timing, as encouraged in Psalm 27:14?
- In what ways can I reflect the heart of a servant, like Jacob, in my interactions with others, and how can I prioritize their needs above my own, as taught in Matthew 20:26-28?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 29:7
And he said, lo, [it is] yet high day,.... Noonday, when the sun is highest; at which time in those hot countries flocks used to be made to lie down in shady places, and by still waters, to which the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 29:7
And he said unto them, Is he well? And they said, He is well: and, behold, Rachel his daughter cometh with the sheep. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 29:7
Neither is it time that the cattle should be taken from their pasture, and brought to be watered.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 29:7
Genesis 29:7 And he said, Lo, [it is] yet high day, neither [is it] time that the cattle should be gathered together: water ye the sheep, and go [and] feed [them].Ver. 7. Neither is it time, &c.] Time is a precious commodity, and must be thriftily husbanded. The common complaint is, We want time: but the truth is, we do not so much want, as waste it, as the heathen observed: which they that do, are wastefullest prodigals: for, of all other possessions, two may be had together; but two moments of time cannot be possessed together. This made the philosopher so parsimonious of time: Nullus mihi per otium exit dies - I cannot afford to cast away a day; pattem noctium studiis vindico - part of the night I take for my studies. So did Charles the Great; and after him, Charles the Fifth, who, when at any time in the field against the enemy, spent what hours he could spare in the study of the mathematics. He had, for that purpose, as his instructor, Turrianus of Cremona ever with him. As if he had been of Cato’ s mind, that great men must be able to give good account, non minus otii, quam negotii ; no less of their leisure, than of their labour. His constant custom was, saith Cicero, to call to mind, at evening, what thing soever he had seen, read, or done, that day. King Alfred, that reigned here (Anno Dom. 872), is said to have cast the natural day into three parts: eight hours he spent in praying, study, and writing; eight in the service of his body; eight in the affairs of state. Which spaces (having then no other engine for it) he measured by a great wax light, divided into so many parts; receiving notice by the keeper thereof, as the various hours passed in the burning. “ Qui nescit quo vita modo volat, audiat horas: Quam sit vita brevis, nos docet ille sonus .” Non parum habemus temporis, sed multum perdimus. - Senec.
Epist. Cato in Orig. Cic. De Senect. Dan. Chron., fol. 13.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 29:7
(7) Neither is it time that the cattle should be gathered together.—Rather, neither is it time for folding the cattle. As there were still several hours of daylight, Jacob is surprised that they do not immediately upon their arrival give the sheep water, and drive them back to the pasture. But if the well belonged to Laban, their reason for waiting till Rachel came is plain.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 29:7
Verse 7. It is yet high day] The day is but about half run; neither is it time that the cattle should be gathered together-it is surely not time yet to put them into the folds; give them therefore water, and take them again to pasture.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 29:7
7. it is yet high day] Lit. “the day is great”; like the Fr. “il fait grand jour.” Lat. adhuc multum diei super est. Jacob is a practical shepherd; he says “there is still the whole afternoon: what is the good of wasting time, and delaying to water the sheep?” It was not yet time to gather together the animals to bring them back for the night.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 29:7
7. Yet high day — Hebrews, the day is yet great. That is, a great portion of it yet remains.
Sermons on Genesis 29:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Holding Unto True Treasures by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of holding on to true treasures. He starts by emphasizing the importance of love and relationships in our earthly lives, highligh |
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Be My Witnesses (Compilation) by Compilations | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of making a difference in the world and not living a self-consumed life. They urge listeners to not let the sun go down withou |
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The Mantle of Elijah - Part 1 by David Wilkerson | This sermon focuses on the story of Elijah and Elisha from 2 Kings 2, highlighting the passing of the mantle from Elijah to Elisha and the desire for a double portion of God's Spir |
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The Use of Your Time by Steven J. Lawson | This sermon delves into the life and resolutions of Jonathan Edwards, highlighting his unwavering commitment to glorifying God, his perspective on time and eternity, and his prepar |
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What Time Is It? Christ's Coming by F.J. Huegel | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the theme of "What time is it?" referring to the position of the Son of Righteousness according to God's clock. He mentions that there are si |
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A Lost Opportunity by J. Glyn Owen | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a parable about a barren fig tree and its implications for our lives. The parable emphasizes the importance of producing fruit and the conse |
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A Life Beyond Description by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living a life that reflects the teachings of Jesus Christ. He urges listeners to examine their lives and ensure that they |