Old Testament
Genesis 29:7
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Jacob said, "The sun is still high, and it's not yet time to bring the animals in. Give the sheep water and take them back out to graze."
Compare translations
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.
What Genesis 29:7 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, Jacob is observing the time of day and the needs of the sheep. He recognizes that it is still bright and warm, which means there is plenty of time for the animals to graze. Instead of rushing to gather them, he suggests giving them water first. This shows his understanding of the animals' needs and the importance of proper care. Jacob's approach reflects a balance between work and compassion, emphasizing that taking time to nurture is essential. By ensuring the sheep are well taken care of, he demonstrates responsibility and foresight. This moment highlights the significance of patience and attentiveness in our daily tasks, reminding us that sometimes, we need to prioritize the well-being of others before completing our own agendas. Jacob's actions serve as a model for how we can approach our responsibilities with care and consideration, ensuring that we do not overlook the needs of those we are responsible for, whether they are animals or people in our lives.
How to apply Genesis 29:7 to your life
In our busy lives, we often rush to complete tasks without considering the needs of others. Like Jacob, we should take a moment to assess the situation and prioritize care. By being attentive and patient, we can create a more supportive environment for those around us. Remember, nurturing relationships and responsibilities is just as important as getting things done quickly. Make time for what truly matters in your life today.
Curated for this public verse page. Genesis Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jacob's story: Jacob Meets Rachel (Genesis 29:1–14)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jacob
Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Genesis 29:7
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Genesis 29:7
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Genesis
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Genesis 29:7 mean?
Genesis 29:7 shows Jacob's awareness of the time and the needs of the sheep. He suggests giving them water before gathering them, reflecting his understanding of proper animal care and the importance of patience.
What is the significance of Jacob's actions in Genesis 29:7?
Jacob's actions highlight the importance of balancing work with compassion. By prioritizing the needs of the sheep, he demonstrates responsibility and foresight, reminding us to care for others before rushing to complete tasks.
How can we apply Genesis 29:7 in our lives?
We can apply Genesis 29:7 by taking time to assess the needs of others in our busy lives. Like Jacob, we should prioritize care and patience, ensuring we nurture relationships and responsibilities.
What themes are present in Genesis 29:7?
The themes in Genesis 29:7 include patience, responsibility, compassion, care, and nurturing. These themes encourage us to be attentive to the needs of others while managing our own tasks.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.