3795. For she was a shepherdess (or, “she was one who feeds.”) That this signifies that the affection of interior truth teaches what is in the Word, is evident from the signification of a “shepherd,” or one that feeds the flock, as being one who leads and teaches (n. 343); and from the representation of Rachel, who in the present case is “she,” as being the affection of interior truth (concerning which just above, n. 3793). The reason this teaching is said to be from the Word is that she came to the well with the flock; and that the “well” signifies the Word may be seen above (n. 3765). Moreover it is the affection of interior truth which teaches; for from this affection the church is a church, and a shepherd or pastor is a pastor. The reason why in the Word a “shepherd,” and “one that feeds” signifies those who lead and teach, is that a “flock” signifies those who are led and taught, consequently churches, and also doctrines of the church (n. 3767, 3768, 3783). That a “shepherd” and a “flock” have such a signification is well known in the Christian world, for so they who teach and they who learn are called, and therefore it is needless to confirm this from the Word.

3765. And behold a well. That this signifies the Word, is evident from the signification of a “well,” as being the Word, and also doctrine from the Word (n. 2702, 3096, 3424). The Word is here called a well,” because the natural is treated of, which regarded in itself apprehends the Word solely as to the literal sense; whereas the Word is called a “fountain” when the rational is treated of, by which the Word can be perceived according to the internal sense.