In verse 6 Jacob asks a third question: Is it well with him? This question is literally “[Is] shalom to him?” Shalom here has the sense of well-being or good health. Languages differ greatly in the way they express inquiries concerning a third person’s well-being; for example, “Does his heart rest?” “Does his liver sit quietly?” “Is coolness with his innermost?” The local men give a one-word reply, “Shalom,” meaning that he is well.

During this conversation the approach of Rachel, Laban’s daughter, causes the men to call Jacob’s attention to her: and see, Rachel his daughter is coming. See translates the Hebrew hinneh, which calls Jacob’s attention to this event. Good News Translation and others say “Look.” We may also say in English, for example, “There is Rachel.” Von Rad and others suggest that the men point out Rachel to Jacob so that he will direct his questions to her and not bother them any further.

Coming with the sheep must often be expressed as “bringing the sheep.” In sheep-raising cultures the appropriate term should be used, such as leading or driving the sheep. The word for sheep is the same as in Gen 29.2.

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Genesis. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1997. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .