Genesis 29:2

in the field There is no exact description of the place where this well was. It was not, apparently, the same as "the well of water," "without the city," in Genesis 24:11.

for out of that well This clause and Genesis 29:3 are parenthetical, describing the custom of the country, i.e. "they were wont towater": "were wont toroll and put the stone again."

the stone upon the well's mouth A well was a cistern or tank, often covered with a large stone requiring two or three men to remove it. This stone protected the water from the rays of the sun and from mischief or pollution. In the present instance the well seems to have belonged to the community, and was not opened for use, until all the herdsmen and shepherds had come.