Genesis 29:9
Genesis 29:9 in Multiple Translations
While he was still speaking with them, Rachel arrived with her father’s sheep, for she was a shepherdess.
¶ And while he yet spake with them, Rachel came with her father’s sheep: for she kept them.
While he was yet speaking with them, Rachel came with her father’s sheep; for she kept them.
While he was still talking with them, Rachel came with her father's sheep, for she took care of them.
While he was still talking with them Rachel arrived with the flock she was looking after for her father.
While he talked with them, Rahel also came with her fathers sheepe, for she kept them.
He is yet speaking with them, and Rachel hath come with the flock which her father hath, for she [is] shepherdess;
While he was yet speaking with them, Rachel came with her father’s sheep, for she kept them.
And while he was yet speaking with them, Rachel came with her father's sheep: for she kept them.
They were yet speaking, and behold Rachel came with her father’s sheep: for she fed the flock.
While he was still talking with them, Rachel came with her father’s sheep. She was the one who took care of her father’s sheep.
While Jacob and the work-men were still talking to each other, Laban’s daughter Rachel came to the water-hole with some sheep. Those sheep belonged to Rachel’s father Laban, and Rachel looked after those sheep for her father.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 29:9
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 29:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
עוֹדֶ֖/נּוּ
מְדַבֵּ֣ר
עִמָּ֑/ם
וְ/רָחֵ֣ל
בָּ֗אָה
עִם
הַ/צֹּאן֙
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
לְ/אָבִ֔י/הָ
כִּ֥י
רֹעָ֖ה
הִֽוא
עוֹדֶ֖/נּוּ
ʻôwd
H5750
still
Adv | Suff
מְדַבֵּ֣ר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel
עִמָּ֑/ם
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep | Suff
וְ/רָחֵ֣ל
Râchêl
H7354
Rachel
Conj | N-proper
בָּ֗אָה
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
עִם
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep
הַ/צֹּאן֙
tsôʼn
H6629
Sheep (Gate)
Art | N-cs
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
לְ/אָבִ֔י/הָ
ʼâb
H1
father
Prep | N-ms | Suff
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
רֹעָ֖ה
râʻâh
H7462
House of Shepherds
V-Qal
הִֽוא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 29:9
עוֹדֶ֖/נּוּ
ʻôwd
H5750
"still"
Adv | Suff
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.
מְדַבֵּ֣ר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
עִמָּ֑/ם
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
וְ/רָחֵ֣ל
Râchêl
H7354
"Rachel"
Conj | N-proper
Rachel was a wife of Jacob and the mother of Joseph and Benjamin. Her name means ewe, and she is an important figure in the book of Genesis, where her story is told in detail.
Definition: A woman living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.6; daughter of: Laban (H3837A); sister of: Leah (H3812); married to Israel (H3478); mother of: Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144) Also named: Rhachēl (Ῥαχήλ "Rachel" G4478) § Rachel = "ewe" daughter of Laban, wife of Jacob, and mother of Joseph and Benjamin
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: Rachel. See also: Genesis 29:6; Genesis 30:25; Jeremiah 31:15.
בָּ֗אָה
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
עִם
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
הַ/צֹּאן֙
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.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
לְ/אָבִ֔י/הָ
ʼâb
H1
"father"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
רֹעָ֖ה
râʻâh
H7462
"House of Shepherds"
V-Qal
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.
הִֽוא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
Study Notes — Genesis 29:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 29:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 29:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 29:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 29:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 29:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 29:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 29:9
- Sermons on Genesis 29:9
Context — Jacob Meets Rachel
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.
10As soon as Jacob saw Rachel, the daughter of his mother’s brother Laban, with Laban’s sheep, he went up and rolled the stone away from the mouth of the well and watered his uncle’s sheep. 11Then Jacob kissed Rachel and wept aloud.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 2:21 | Moses agreed to stay with the man, and he gave his daughter Zipporah to Moses in marriage. |
| 2 | Song of Solomon 1:7–8 | Tell me, O one I love, where do you pasture your sheep? Where do you rest them at midday? Why should I be like a veiled woman beside the flocks of your companions? If you do not know, O fairest of women, follow the tracks of the flock, and graze your young goats near the tents of the shepherds. |
| 3 | Exodus 2:15–16 | When Pharaoh heard about this matter, he sought to kill Moses. But Moses fled from Pharaoh and settled in the land of Midian, where he sat down beside a well. Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters, and they came to draw water and fill the troughs to water their father’s flock. |
| 4 | Genesis 24:15 | Before the servant had finished praying, Rebekah came out with her jar on her shoulder. She was the daughter of Bethuel son of Milcah, the wife of Abraham’s brother Nahor. |
Genesis 29:9 Summary
Genesis 29:9 tells us about Rachel, who was a shepherdess taking care of her father's sheep, and how she arrived at the well where Jacob was waiting. This verse shows us how God brings people together in unexpected ways, just like He did with Isaac and Rebekah in Genesis 24:15-27. It reminds us to be faithful in our daily tasks, like Rachel, and to trust in God's sovereignty, as seen in Psalm 37:23. By looking at this verse, we can see how God is always at work in our lives, even when we don't realize it, and that He is working everything out for our good (Romans 8:28).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is significant about Rachel being a shepherdess in Genesis 29:9?
Rachel being a shepherdess highlights her role and responsibility in taking care of her father's sheep, as seen in Genesis 29:9, and it also shows her connection to the outdoors and the family's livelihood, similar to other biblical figures like Moses who also had experience tending sheep (Exodus 3:1).
Why is it important to note the timing of Rachel's arrival in Genesis 29:9?
The timing of Rachel's arrival is crucial because it sets the stage for Jacob's encounter with her and his subsequent actions, as seen in Genesis 29:10-11, and it also underscores the providence of God in bringing them together, much like the way God brought Isaac and Rebekah together in Genesis 24:15-27.
How does Genesis 29:9 relate to the broader story of Jacob's journey?
Genesis 29:9 is a pivotal moment in Jacob's journey as it marks the beginning of his interactions with his uncle Laban's family, particularly Rachel, whom he will eventually marry, and it sets the stage for the events that will unfold in the subsequent chapters, including his time working for Laban (Genesis 29:15-30) and his eventual departure (Genesis 31:1-55).
What can we learn about God's character from the way He orchestrates the events in Genesis 29:9?
From Genesis 29:9, we can learn about God's sovereignty and providence in bringing people together and orchestrating events to fulfill His purposes, as seen in other passages like Genesis 24:12-14 and Psalm 37:23, which remind us that God is actively involved in our lives and is working everything out for our good (Romans 8:28).
Reflection Questions
- How do you see God's providence at work in the events of your own life, and what can you learn from Jacob's experience in Genesis 29:9?
- In what ways can you, like Rachel, be faithful in your daily responsibilities and trust God to bring about the right relationships and opportunities in your life?
- What can you learn from Jacob's initial encounter with Rachel about the importance of treating others with kindness and respect, as seen in Genesis 29:10-11?
- How does Genesis 29:9 encourage you to trust in God's timing and plan for your life, even when circumstances seem uncertain or unclear?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 29:9
And while he yet spake with them,.... While Jacob was thus discoursing with the shepherds: Rachel came with her father's sheep; to water them at the well.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 29:9
And while he yet spake with them, Rachel came with her father's sheep: for she kept them. While he yet spake ... Rachel came.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 29:9
Genesis 29:9 And while he yet spake with them, Rachel came with her father’ s sheep: for she kept them.Ver. 9. For she kept them.] Leah might be left at home, for the tenderness of her eyes. A man is to see that all under his roof have a fit employment; as the master gave each servant his task, his talent, according to his various abilities, secundum peritiam et potentiam . And everyone hath some excellency or other in him, can we but find and improve it. God hath dispensed his gifts diversely, for the common benefit. And as, in the same pasture, the ox can find fodder, the hound a hare, the stork a lizard, the fair maid flowers: so there is none so worthless, but something may be made of him; some good extracted out of the unlikeliest. Yea, wisdom is such an elixir, as by contaction (if there be any disposition of goodness in the same metal) it will render it of the property.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 29:9
(9) Rachel came with her father’s sheep.—Comp. Exodus 2:16; and so in modern times Mr. Malan saw “the sheik’s daughter, the beautiful and well-favoured Ladheefeh, drive her flock of fine patriarchal sheep” to a well for water in this very region (Philosophy or Truth, p. 95). As forty years at least elapsed between this meeting of Jacob and Rachel and the birth of Benjamin, she must have been a mere child at this time.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 29:9
Verse 9. Rachel came with her father's sheep] So we find that young women were not kept concealed in the house till the time they were married, which is the common gloss put on עלמה almah, a virgin, one concealed. Nor was it beneath the dignity of the daughters of the most opulent chiefs to carry water from the well, as in the case of Rebekah; or tend sheep, as in the case of Rachel. The chief property in those times consisted in flocks: and who so proper to take care of them as those who were interested in their safety and increase? Honest labour, far from being a discredit, is an honour both to high and low. The king himself is served by the field; and without it, and the labour necessary for its cultivation, all ranks must perish. Let every son, let every daughter, learn that it is no discredit to be employed, whenever it may be necessary, in the meanest offices, by which the interests of the family may be honestly promoted.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 29:9
9. Rachel came — Her coming roused in Jacob’s soul all the tender emotions of home, kindred, loves, and hopes.
Sermons on Genesis 29:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Leaning Upon Her Beloved by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson emphasizes the importance of fully leaning on Jesus, akin to John resting on His breast at the Last Supper, as a demonstration of our love and trust in Him. He illustr |
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Facing Your Failures by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Moses and his journey from failure to success. He encourages listeners not to give up just because they have failed, emphasizing |
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(Genesis) Genesis 25:1-2 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Genesis chapter 25, which covers the death of Abraham and the generations of Ishmael and Isaac. The chapter also highlights the birth of Jaco |
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(Through the Bible) Exodus 1-5 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God is not just a passive observer of our struggles and suffering. He takes action to deliver His people from their hardships. The prea |
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Israel's Rapid Multiplication by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith begins a verse-by-verse study through the book of Exodus. He highlights the significance of the word "now" at the beginning of the book, explaini |
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(Genesis) Genesis 24:15-20 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Rebekah from the book of Genesis. He highlights her polite and courteous nature, as well as her beauty. The preacher emphasizes |
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Pentecost and Being Led by the Spirit by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher tells the story of Abraham's servant who was sent to find a wife for Isaac. The servant prayed to God for a sign, asking that the woman who would be Is |