Genesis 29:10

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Genesis 29:10 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And it came to pass, when Jacob saw Rachel the daughter of Laban his mother`s brother, and the sheep of Laban his mother`s brother, that Jacob went near, and rolled the stone from the well`s mouth, and watered the flock of Laban his mother`s brother.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And it came to pass, when Jacob saw Rachel the daughter of Laban his mother`s brother, and the sheep of Laban his mother`s brother, that Jacob went near, and rolled the stone from the well`s mouth, and watered the flock of Laban his mother`s brother.
Genesis 29:10 — American Standard Version

Context — Genesis 29

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
10And it came to pass, when Jacob saw Rachel the daughter of Laban his mother`s brother, and the sheep of Laban his mother`s brother, that Jacob went near, and rolled the stone from the well`s mouth, and watered the flock of Laban his mother`s brother.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And it came to pass, when Jacob saw Rachel, the daughter of Laban his mother’s brother, etc.] Coming with her flock towards the well, and for whom and whose flock only the shepherds might be waiting: and the sheep of Laban his mother’s brother; wherefore out of respect to him and his, he being so nearly allied to him, it was that Jacob went near, and rolled the stone from the well’s mouth, either with the help of the shepherds, or of himself by his own strength; which the Jewish writers f1471 say amazed the shepherds, that he should do that himself, which required their united strength. The Targum of Jonathan says, he did it with one of his arms; and Jarchi, that he removed it as easily as a…”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“29:10 In contrast to the lazy, unhelpful shepherds (29:7-8), Jacob is portrayed as generous, industrious, and energetic. • Jacob . . . watered his uncle’s flock: Laban’s flocks would flourish under Jacob’s care.”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification