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Genesis 29:8

Genesis 29:8 in Multiple Translations

But 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.”

And they said, We cannot, until all the flocks be gathered together, and till they roll the stone from the well’s mouth; then we water the sheep.

And they said, We cannot, until all the flocks be gathered together, and they roll the stone from the well’s mouth; then we water the sheep.

And they said, We are not able to do so till all the flocks have come together and the stone has been rolled away from the mouth of the water-hole; then we will get water for the sheep.

“We can't do that until all the flocks have arrived,” they told him. “Then we roll away the stone from the well and let the sheep drink.”

But they sayde, We may not vntill all the flocks be brought together, and till men rolle the stone from the welles mouth, that we may water the sheepe.

And they say, 'We are not able, till that all the droves be gathered together, and they have rolled away the stone from the mouth of the well, and we have watered the flock.'

They said, “We can’t, until all the flocks are gathered together, and they roll the stone from the well’s mouth. Then we will water the sheep.”

And they said, We cannot, until all the flocks are collected, and till they roll the stone from the well's mouth; then we water the sheep.

They answered: We cannot, till all the cattle be gathered together, and we remove the stone from the well’s mouth, that we may water the flocks.

They replied, “No, we cannot do that until all the flocks are gathered here and the stone is removed from the top of the well. After that, we will give water to the sheep.”

But the work-men said, “No, we can’t do that yet. We always wait until all the other work-men come here with their sheep. After that, we will move that big stone that is on top of the water-hole, and then we will get water for our sheep to drink.”

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Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 29:8

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 29:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יֹּאמְרוּ֮ לֹ֣א נוּכַל֒ עַ֣ד אֲשֶׁ֤ר יֵאָֽסְפוּ֙ כָּל הָ֣/עֲדָרִ֔ים וְ/גָֽלֲלוּ֙ אֶת הָ/אֶ֔בֶן מֵ/עַ֖ל פִּ֣י הַ/בְּאֵ֑ר וְ/הִשְׁקִ֖ינוּ הַ/צֹּֽאן
וַ/יֹּאמְרוּ֮ ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Part
נוּכַל֒ yâkôl H3201 be able V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
עַ֣ד ʻad H5704 till Prep
אֲשֶׁ֤ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
יֵאָֽסְפוּ֙ ʼâçaph H622 to gather V-Niphal-Imperf-3mp
כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms
הָ֣/עֲדָרִ֔ים ʻêder H5739 flock Art | N-mp
וְ/גָֽלֲלוּ֙ gâlal H1556 to roll Conj | V-Qal-3cp
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
הָ/אֶ֔בֶן ʼeben H68 stone Art | N-fs
מֵ/עַ֖ל ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Prep
פִּ֣י peh H6310 lip N-ms
הַ/בְּאֵ֑ר bᵉʼêr H875 well Art | N-fs
וְ/הִשְׁקִ֖ינוּ shâqâh H8248 to water Conj | V-Hiphil-1cp
הַ/צֹּֽאן tsôʼn H6629 Sheep (Gate) Art | N-cs
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 29:8

וַ/יֹּאמְרוּ֮ ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
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.
לֹ֣א 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.
נוּכַל֒ yâkôl H3201 "be able" V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
This Hebrew word means to be able or have power, used in various contexts, such as overcoming or enduring, and is translated as 'be able' or 'have power' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to prevail, overcome, endure, have power, be able 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be able, be able to gain or accomplish, be able to endure, be able to reach 1a2) to prevail, prevail over or against, overcome, be victor 1a3) to have ability, have strength Aramaic equivalent: ye.khel (יְכִל "be able" H3202)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: be able, any at all (ways), attain, can (away with, (-not)), could, endure, might, overcome, have power, prevail, still, suffer. See also: Genesis 13:6; 1 Kings 14:4; Psalms 13:5.
עַ֣ד ʻad H5704 "till" Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
אֲשֶׁ֤ר 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.
יֵאָֽסְפוּ֙ ʼâçaph H622 "to gather" V-Niphal-Imperf-3mp
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.
כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הָ֣/עֲדָרִ֔ים ʻêder H5739 "flock" Art | N-mp
A flock refers to a group of animals, like sheep or cattle, that are herded together. In the Bible, it can also mean a herd or a drove of animals. This term is used to describe various scenes in the Bible.
Definition: 1) flock, herd 1a) flock 1b) herds, flocks and herds
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: drove, flock, herd. See also: Genesis 29:2; Isaiah 17:2; Psalms 78:52.
וְ/גָֽלֲלוּ֙ gâlal H1556 "to roll" Conj | V-Qal-3cp
The Hebrew word 'to roll' means to move something in a rolling motion, and it can be used literally or figuratively. It appears in various forms, such as rolling away or rolling down, and is used in different contexts throughout the Bible. This verb can also mean to flow down or to seek occasion.
Definition: 1) to roll, roll away, roll down, roll together 1a) (Qal) to roll 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to roll up 1b2) to flow down 1c) (Pilpel) to roll 1d) (Poal) to be rolled 1e) (Hithpoel) to roll oneself 1f) (Hithpalpel) to roll oneself 1g) (Hiphil) to roll away Aramaic equivalent: ge.lal (גְּלָל "great" H1560)
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: commit, remove, roll (away, down, together), run down, seek occasion, trust, wallow. See also: Genesis 29:3; Psalms 22:9; Psalms 37:5.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הָ/אֶ֔בֶן ʼeben H68 "stone" Art | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a stone, which could be a rock, a weight, or even a precious gem. It is used to describe a variety of objects, from building materials to hailstones. The KJV translates it as stone or weight.
Definition: : weight 1) stone (large or small) 1a) common stone (in natural state) 1b) stone, as material 1b1) of tablets 1b2) marble, hewn stones 1c) precious stones, stones of fire 1d) stones containing metal (ore), tool for work or weapon 1e) weight 1f) plummet (stones of destruction) also made of metal 1g) stonelike objects, eg hailstones, stony heart, ice 1h) sacred object, as memorial Samuel set up to mark where God helped Israel to defeat the Philistines 1i) (simile) 1i1) sinking in water, motionlessness 1i2) strength, firmness, solidity 1i3) commonness 1j) (metaph) 1j1) petrified with terror 1j2) perverse, hard heart
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carbuncle, [phrase] mason, [phrase] plummet, (chalk-, hail-, head-, sling-) stone(-ny), (divers) weight(-s). See also: Genesis 2:12; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 91:12.
מֵ/עַ֖ל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
פִּ֣י peh H6310 "lip" N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
הַ/בְּאֵ֑ר bᵉʼêr H875 "well" Art | N-fs
A well or pit, like a water source, is what this word refers to. It can also mean a spring, and is often translated as a well or pit in the Bible.
Definition: well, pit, spring
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: pit, well. See also: Genesis 14:10; Genesis 29:3; Psalms 55:24.
וְ/הִשְׁקִ֖ינוּ shâqâh H8248 "to water" Conj | V-Hiphil-1cp
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/צֹּֽאן 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.

Study Notes — Genesis 29:8

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Mark 16:3 They were asking one another, “Who will roll away the stone from the entrance of the tomb?”
2 Luke 24:2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb,
3 Genesis 34:14 “We cannot do such a thing,” they said. “To give our sister to an uncircumcised man would be a disgrace to us.
4 Genesis 43:32 They separately served Joseph, his brothers, and the Egyptians. They ate separately because the Egyptians would not eat with the Hebrews, since that was detestable to them.
5 Genesis 29:3 When all the flocks had been gathered there, the shepherds would roll away the stone from the mouth of the well and water the sheep. Then they would return the stone to its place over the mouth of the well.

Genesis 29:8 Summary

This verse explains that the shepherds could not water the sheep until all the flocks were gathered and the stone was rolled away from the well. This was a team effort that required everyone to work together. It's like when we need to work together with others to accomplish a task, as seen in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. By waiting for the right moment and working together, we can achieve great things and demonstrate our trust in God's plan, as described in Jeremiah 29:11.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the shepherds say they could not water the sheep until all the flocks were gathered?

The shepherds said they could not water the sheep until all the flocks were gathered because it was a collective effort to roll away the stone from the mouth of the well, as seen in Genesis 29:8. This was a practical consideration to ensure all the sheep could be watered at the same time.

What was the purpose of the stone at the mouth of the well?

The stone at the mouth of the well was likely used to prevent the water from being contaminated and to regulate access to the well, as mentioned in Genesis 29:8. This was an important consideration in a desert region where water was scarce.

How does this verse relate to the broader story of Jacob and Rachel?

This verse sets the stage for Jacob's meeting with Rachel, as seen in Genesis 29:9-10. It highlights Jacob's initiative and kindness in helping to water the sheep, which ultimately leads to his meeting with Rachel and their subsequent marriage, as described in Genesis 29:18-30.

What can we learn from the shepherds' response to Jacob's suggestion?

The shepherds' response to Jacob's suggestion teaches us about the importance of following established protocols and waiting for the right time to act, as seen in Genesis 29:8. This can be compared to waiting on God's timing, as described in Psalm 27:14, which says to 'wait on the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait on the Lord'.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some times in my life when I have had to wait for the right moment to act, and how did I respond?
  2. How can I apply the principle of waiting for the right time to act in my own life, and what are some areas where I need to be more patient?
  3. What are some ways I can demonstrate kindness and initiative, like Jacob did in this verse, in my daily interactions with others?
  4. How can I trust God's timing in my life, even when it seems like things are not moving forward as quickly as I would like?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 29:8

And they said, we cannot,.... That is, water the sheep; either because the stone was a great one, as Jarchi observes, and therefore used to be removed by the joint strength of all the shepherds when

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 29:8

And they said, We cannot, until all the flocks be gathered together, and till they roll the stone from the well's mouth; then we water the sheep. They said, We cannot, until.

Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 29:8

Genesis 29:8 And they said, We cannot, until all the flocks be gathered together, and [till] they roll the stone from the well’ s mouth; then we water the sheep.Ver. 8. We cannot, until all the flocks.] As we are not, by the example of these shepherds, to enterprise things above our strength, so neither to be discouraged by every difficulty; but to lend, and borrow help one of another; each man "pleasing his neighbour for his good, and serving him in love, to edification". “ Divisae his operae, sed mens fuit unica, pavit Ore Lutherus oves, flore Melancthon apes .”

Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 29:8

(8) And till they roll the stone . . . —More correctly, then they roll the stone from the well’s mouth, and we water the sheep. As soon as the flocks were all collected round the well the stone is removed. and all in their turn give their sheep water.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 29:8

Verse 8. We cannot, until all the flocks be gathered together] It is a rule that the stone shall not be removed till all the shepherds and the flocks which have a right to this well be gathered together; then, and not before, we may water the sheep. See Clarke on Genesis 29:3.

Cambridge Bible on Genesis 29:8

8. We cannot] The local custom was not to be broken. All the flocks were to be collected, before any were to be watered; and then those who had come first had the privilege of watering their flocks first.

Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 29:8

8. We cannot — There was an understanding among them that the stone should not be removed until all the flocks were gathered together.

Sermons on Genesis 29:8

SermonDescription
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 29:6-10 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Jacob arriving in a new land and encountering his cousin Rachel. Jacob immediately takes charge and instructs the shepherds on h
John Gifford Bellett A Letter to a Bereaved Brother by John Gifford Bellett John Gifford Bellett preaches about the abundant joy found in God's presence, as seen in the opening of Luke where angels and filled human vessels express joy in the Holy Ghost. Be
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 44:16-17 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the 44th chapter of Genesis, which tells the story of Joseph and his brothers. The brothers have come to Egypt to buy corn, and Joseph tests

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