Genesis 29:1-8 ▼

1 Jacob resumed his journey and went to the eastern country.

2 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.

3 The shepherds would roll the stone from the opening of the well and water the sheep when all the flocks were gathered there. Then they would return the stone to its place over the well’s opening.

4 Jacob asked the men at the well, “My brothers! Where are you from? ” “We’re from Haran,” they answered.

5 “Do you know Laban, Nahor’s grandson? ” Jacob asked them. They answered, “We know him.”

6 “Is he well? ” Jacob asked. “Yes,” they said, “and here is his daughter Rachel, coming with his sheep.”

7 Then Jacob said, “Look, it is still broad daylight. It’s not time for the animals to be gathered. Water the flock, then go out and let them graze.”

8 But they replied, “We can’t until all the flocks have been gathered and the stone is rolled from the well’s opening. Then we will water the sheep.”