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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Genesis 11:9 That is why it is called Babel, for there the LORD confused the language of the whole world, and from that place the LORD scattered them over the face of all the earth.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/11-9.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/01_Gen_11_09.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 11:9 - The Tower of Babel" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="That is why it is called Babel, for there the LORD confused the language of the whole world, and from that place the LORD scattered them over the face of all the earth." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/genesis/11-9.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/genesis/11-9.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/genesis/">Genesis</a> > <a href="/genesis/11.htm">Chapter 11</a> > Verse 9</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad9.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/genesis/11-8.htm" title="Genesis 11:8">◄</a> Genesis 11:9 <a href="/genesis/11-10.htm" title="Genesis 11:10">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/genesis/11.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/genesis/11.htm">New International Version</a> That is why it was called Babel —because there the LORD confused the language of the whole world. From there the LORD scattered them over the face of the whole earth. <a href="/nlt/genesis/11.htm">New Living Translation</a> That is why the city was called Babel, because that is where the LORD confused the people with different languages. In this way he scattered them all over the world. <a href="/esv/genesis/11.htm">English Standard Version</a> Therefore its name was called Babel, because there the LORD confused the language of all the earth. And from there the LORD dispersed them over the face of all the earth. <a href="/bsb/genesis/11.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> That is why it is called Babel, for there the LORD confused the language of the whole world, and from that place the LORD scattered them over the face of all the earth. <a href="/kjv/genesis/11.htm">King James Bible</a> Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth. <a href="/nkjv/genesis/11.htm">New King James Version</a> Therefore its name is called Babel, because there the LORD confused the language of all the earth; and from there the LORD scattered them abroad over the face of all the earth. <a href="/nasb_/genesis/11.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Therefore it was named Babel, because there the LORD confused the language of all the earth; and from there the LORD scattered them abroad over the face of all the earth. <a href="/nasb/genesis/11.htm">NASB 1995</a> Therefore its name was called Babel, because there the LORD confused the language of the whole earth; and from there the LORD scattered them abroad over the face of the whole earth. <a href="/nasb77/genesis/11.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Therefore its name was called Babel, because there the LORD confused the language of the whole earth; and from there the LORD scattered them abroad over the face of the whole earth. <a href="/lsb/genesis/11.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Therefore its name was called Babel, because there Yahweh confused the language of the whole earth; and from there Yahweh scattered them over the face of the whole earth. <a href="/amp/genesis/11.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Therefore the name of the city was Babel—because there the LORD confused the language of the entire earth; and from that place the LORD scattered and dispersed them over the surface of all the earth. <a href="/csb/genesis/11.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Therefore it is called Babylon, for there the LORD confused the language of the whole earth, and from there the LORD scattered them throughout the earth. <a href="/hcsb/genesis/11.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Therefore its name is called Babylon, for there the LORD confused the language of the whole earth, and from there the LORD scattered them over the face of the whole earth. <a href="/asv/genesis/11.htm">American Standard Version</a> Therefore was the name of it called Babel; because Jehovah did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did Jehovah scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth. <a href="/erv/genesis/11.htm">English Revised Version</a> Therefore was the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth. <a href="/gwt/genesis/11.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> This is why it was named Babel, because there the LORD turned the language of the whole earth into babble. From that place the LORD scattered them all over the face of the earth. <a href="/gnt/genesis/11.htm">Good News Translation</a> The city was called Babylon, because there the LORD mixed up the language of all the people, and from there he scattered them all over the earth. <a href="/isv/genesis/11.htm">International Standard Version</a> Therefore it was called Babylon, because there the LORD confused the language of all the earth, and from there the LORD scattered them over the surface of the entire earth. <a href="/msb/genesis/11.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> That is why it is called Babel, for there the LORD confused the language of the whole world, and from that place the LORD scattered them over the face of all the earth. <a href="/net/genesis/11.htm">NET Bible</a> That is why its name was called Babel--because there the LORD confused the language of the entire world, and from there the LORD scattered them across the face of the entire earth. <a href="/nheb/genesis/11.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Therefore its name was called Babel, because there God confused the language of all the earth. From there he scattered them over the face of the whole earth. <a href="/wbt/genesis/11.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Therefore is the name of it called Babel, because the LORD there confounded the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth. <a href="/web/genesis/11.htm">World English Bible</a> Therefore its name was called Babel, because there Yahweh confused the language of all the earth. From there, Yahweh scattered them abroad on the surface of all the earth. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/genesis/11.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> therefore [one] has called its name Babel, for there YHWH has confused the language of all the earth, and from there YHWH has scattered them over the face of all the earth. <a href="/ylt/genesis/11.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> therefore hath one called its name Babel, for there hath Jehovah mingled the pronunciation of all the earth, and from thence hath Jehovah scattered them over the face of all the earth. <a href="/slt/genesis/11.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Therefore its name was called confusion, for there Jehovah confounded the lip of all the earth: and from thence Jehovah dispersed them over the face of all the earth.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/genesis/11.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And therefore the name thereof was called Babel, because there the language of the whole earth was confounded: and from thence the Lord scattered them abroad upon the face of all countries. <a href="/cpdv/genesis/11.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And for this reason, its name was called ‘Babel,’ because in that place the language of the whole earth became confused. And from then on, the Lord scattered them across the face of every region. <a href="/nabre/genesis/11.htm">New American Bible</a> That is why it was called Babel, because there the LORD confused the speech of all the world. From there the LORD scattered them over all the earth. <a href="/nrsvce/genesis/11.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Therefore it was called Babel, because there the LORD confused the language of all the earth; and from there the LORD scattered them abroad over the face of all the earth.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/genesis/11.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Therefore they called the name of it Babel; because it was there that the LORD confounded the language of all the earth; and from there the LORD scattered them upon the face of all the earth. <a href="/hpbt/genesis/11.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> Because of this, He called its name Babel, because there LORD JEHOVAH confused the language of all the Earth, and from there LORD JEHOVAH scattered them on the face of all the Earth.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/genesis/11.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Therefore was the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth; and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth. <a href="/sep/genesis/11.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> On this account its name was called Confusion, because there the Lord confounded the languages of all the earth, and thence the Lord scattered them upon the face of all the earth. <a href="/parallel/genesis/11-9.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=2372" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/genesis/11.htm">The Tower of Babel</a> …8So the LORD scattered them from there over the face of all the earth, and they stopped building the city. 9<a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">That is why</a> <a href="/hebrew/3651.htm" title="3651: kên (Adv) -- So, thus. From kuwn; properly, set upright; hence just; but usually rightly or so."></a> <a href="/hebrew/8034.htm" title="8034: šə·māh (N-msc:: 3fs) -- A primitive word; an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character.">it</a> <a href="/hebrew/7121.htm" title="7121: qā·rā (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To call, proclaim, read. A primitive root; to call out to.">is called</a> <a href="/hebrew/894.htm" title="894: bā·ḇel (N-proper-fs) -- From balal; confusion; Babel, including Babylonia and the Babylonian empire.">Babel,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/8033.htm" title="8033: šām (Adv) -- There, thither. A primitive particle; there then; often thither, or thence.">there</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/1101.htm" title="1101: bā·lal (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To mingle, mix, confuse, confound. A primitive root; to overflow; by implication, to mix; also to fodder.">confused</a> <a href="/hebrew/8193.htm" title="8193: śə·p̄aṯ (N-fsc) -- Or sepheth; probably from caphah or shaphah through the idea of termination; the lip; by implication, language; by analogy, a margin.">the language</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">of the whole</a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: hā·’ā·reṣ (Art:: N-fs) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth.">world,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8033.htm" title="8033: ū·miš·šām (Conj-w, Prep-m:: Adv) -- There, thither. A primitive particle; there then; often thither, or thence.">and from that place</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/6327.htm" title="6327: hĕ·p̄î·ṣām (V-Hifil-Perf-3ms:: 3mp) -- To be dispersed or scattered. A primitive root; to dash in pieces, literally or figuratively.">scattered them</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">over</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: pə·nê (N-cpc) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">the face</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">of all</a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: hā·’ā·reṣ (Art:: N-fs) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth.">the earth.</a> <div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/acts/2-6.htm">Acts 2:6-11</a> And when this sound rang out, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking his own language. / Astounded and amazed, they asked, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? / How is it then that each of us hears them in his own native language? ... <a href="/revelation/17-15.htm">Revelation 17:15</a> Then the angel said to me, “The waters you saw, where the prostitute was seated, are peoples and multitudes and nations and tongues. <a href="/zephaniah/3-9.htm">Zephaniah 3:9</a> For then I will restore pure lips to the peoples, that all may call upon the name of the LORD and serve Him shoulder to shoulder. <a href="/deuteronomy/32-8.htm">Deuteronomy 32:8</a> When the Most High gave the nations their inheritance, when He divided the sons of man, He set the boundaries of the peoples according to the number of the sons of God. <a href="/1_corinthians/14-10.htm">1 Corinthians 14:10-11</a> Assuredly, there are many different languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning. / If, then, I do not know the meaning of someone’s language, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and he is a foreigner to me. <a href="/isaiah/13-11.htm">Isaiah 13:11</a> I will punish the world for its evil and the wicked for their iniquity. I will end the haughtiness of the arrogant and lay low the pride of the ruthless. <a href="/psalms/55-9.htm">Psalm 55:9</a> O Lord, confuse and confound their speech, for I see violence and strife in the city. <a href="/jeremiah/50-2.htm">Jeremiah 50:2</a> “Announce and declare to the nations; lift up a banner and proclaim it; hold nothing back when you say, ‘Babylon is captured; Bel is put to shame; Marduk is shattered, her images are disgraced, her idols are broken in pieces.’ <a href="/isaiah/2-11.htm">Isaiah 2:11</a> The proud look of man will be humbled, and the loftiness of men brought low; the LORD alone will be exalted in that day. <a href="/daniel/4-30.htm">Daniel 4:30</a> the king exclaimed, “Is this not Babylon the Great, which I myself have built as a royal residence by the might of my power and for the glory of my majesty?” <a href="/luke/1-51.htm">Luke 1:51</a> He has performed mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who are proud in the thoughts of their hearts. <a href="/isaiah/24-1.htm">Isaiah 24:1</a> Behold, the LORD lays waste the earth and leaves it in ruins. He will twist its surface and scatter its inhabitants— <a href="/psalms/33-10.htm">Psalm 33:10</a> The LORD frustrates the plans of the nations; He thwarts the devices of the peoples. <a href="/isaiah/14-13.htm">Isaiah 14:13-14</a> You said in your heart: “I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God. I will sit on the mount of assembly, in the far reaches of the north. / I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.” <a href="/romans/1-21.htm">Romans 1:21-22</a> For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts. / Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools,</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from there did the LORD scatter them abroad on the face of all the earth.Babel.<a href="/genesis/10-5.htm">Genesis 10:5,10,20,31</a> By these were the isles of the Gentiles divided in their lands; every one after his tongue, after their families, in their nations… <a href="/isaiah/13-1.htm">Isaiah 13:1-14:32</a> The burden of Babylon, which Isaiah the son of Amoz did see… <a href="/jeremiah/50-1.htm">Jeremiah 50:1-51:64</a> The word that the LORD spake against Babylon and against the land of the Chaldeans by Jeremiah the prophet… the face.<a href="/genesis/10-25.htm">Genesis 10:25,32</a> And unto Eber were born two sons: the name of one was Peleg; for in his days was the earth divided; and his brother's name was Joktan… <a href="/acts/17-26.htm">Acts 17:26</a> And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/11-8.htm">Abroad</a> <a href="/genesis/10-10.htm">Babel</a> <a href="/genesis/11-7.htm">Confound</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-6.htm">Confounded</a> <a href="/acts/19-32.htm">Confused</a> <a href="/genesis/11-8.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/genesis/11-8.htm">Face</a> <a href="/genesis/11-6.htm">Language</a> <a href="/revelation/18-6.htm">Mingled</a> <a href="/luke/20-18.htm">Scatter</a> <a href="/genesis/11-8.htm">Scattered</a> <a href="/genesis/11-7.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/genesis/11-8.htm">Surface</a> <a href="/genesis/11-8.htm">Thence</a> <a href="/genesis/11-8.htm">Whole</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/15-5.htm">Abroad</a> <a href="/psalms/87-4.htm">Babel</a> <a href="/exodus/23-27.htm">Confound</a> <a href="/joshua/10-10.htm">Confounded</a> <a href="/exodus/14-24.htm">Confused</a> <a href="/genesis/12-3.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/genesis/11-28.htm">Face</a> <a href="/genesis/42-23.htm">Language</a> <a href="/exodus/9-24.htm">Mingled</a> <a href="/genesis/49-7.htm">Scatter</a> <a href="/exodus/5-12.htm">Scattered</a> <a href="/genesis/40-8.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/genesis/41-56.htm">Surface</a> <a href="/genesis/12-8.htm">Thence</a> <a href="/genesis/13-9.htm">Whole</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 11</div>1. <a href="/genesis/11-1.htm">One language in the world.</a> 2. <a href="/genesis/11-2.htm">The building of Babel.</a> 5. <a href="/genesis/11-5.htm">It is interrupted by the confusion of tongues, and the builders dispersed.</a> 10. <a href="/genesis/11-10.htm">The generations of Shem.</a> 27. <a href="/genesis/11-27.htm">The generations of Terah, the father of Abram.</a> 31. <a href="/genesis/11-31.htm">Terah, with Abram and Lot, move from Ur to Haran.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/11.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/genesis/11.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>That is why it is called Babel The name "Babel" is derived from the Hebrew word "balal," meaning to confuse or mix. This etymology is significant as it directly relates to the event of God confusing the languages. Babel is often associated with Babylon, a city that later becomes a symbol of human pride and rebellion against God. The Tower of Babel narrative sets the stage for the recurring biblical theme of human attempts to reach divine status, which is consistently thwarted by God. This theme is echoed in the story of Nebuchadnezzar's Babylon in the Book of Daniel and the symbolic Babylon in Revelation.for there the LORD confused the language of the whole world The confusion of languages is a divine intervention to halt the unified rebellion of humanity. This act of God serves as a judgment against human pride and disobedience. The phrase "the whole world" emphasizes the universality of the event, affecting all of humanity. This confusion leads to the diversification of languages and cultures, which is a key element in the development of human civilization. Theologically, this event underscores God's sovereignty over human affairs and His ability to disrupt human plans. It also foreshadows the reversal of this confusion at Pentecost in <a href="/acts/2.htm">Acts 2</a>, where the Holy Spirit enables the apostles to speak in various tongues, symbolizing the reunification of humanity under the Gospel.and from that place the LORD scattered them over the face of all the earth The scattering of people is both a judgment and a fulfillment of God's command to "fill the earth" (<a href="/genesis/1-28.htm">Genesis 1:28</a>). This dispersal leads to the formation of nations and the spread of different cultures and languages. Theologically, it highlights the consequences of sin, as human unity is broken due to rebellion against God. This scattering also sets the stage for God's redemptive plan through Abraham, whose descendants are called to be a blessing to all nations (<a href="/genesis/12-3.htm">Genesis 12:3</a>). The scattering and subsequent gathering of nations is a recurring biblical motif, culminating in the eschatological vision of all nations worshiping God together, as seen in <a href="/revelation/7-9.htm">Revelation 7:9</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/b/babel.htm">Babel</a> The city where humanity attempted to build a tower to reach the heavens, symbolizing human pride and disobedience. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a> The divine being who intervened to confuse the language of the people, demonstrating His sovereignty and authority over human affairs. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_confusion_of_language.htm">The Confusion of Language</a> A divine act that disrupted human unity and ambition, leading to the scattering of people across the earth. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_scattering_of_nations.htm">The Scattering of Nations</a> The dispersal of humanity across the globe, resulting in the formation of diverse cultures and languages. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_tower_of_babel.htm">The Tower of Babel</a> The structure that humanity endeavored to build, representing their desire to make a name for themselves apart from God.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_pride.htm">The Danger of Pride</a> The account of Babel warns against the sin of pride and the desire to elevate oneself above God. It serves as a reminder to remain humble and dependent on Him. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a> God's intervention at Babel demonstrates His ultimate control over human history and His ability to accomplish His purposes despite human plans. <a href="/topical/u/unity_in_diversity.htm">Unity in Diversity</a> While Babel resulted in the scattering of people, the New Testament reveals God's plan to unite all nations through Christ, emphasizing the beauty of diversity within the body of Christ. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_obedience.htm">The Importance of Obedience</a> The Babel account underscores the importance of obeying God's commands, as disobedience leads to chaos and division. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_language.htm">The Power of Language</a> Language is a powerful tool that can be used for good or ill. As believers, we are called to use our words to build up and edify others.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_11.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 11</a> <a href="/q/what_is_cultural_translation.htm">What is cultural translation?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_purpose_of_stonehenge.htm">What is the purpose of Stonehenge?</a> <a href="/q/why_do_linguistics_contradict_babel.htm">Why do linguistic studies contradict the Tower of Babel story?</a> <a href="/q/why_do_non-christian_religions_spread.htm">How do we explain the spread of non-Christian religions despite claims of divine favor?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/genesis/11.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(9) Therefore is the name of it called Babel.--Babel is, in Aramaic, Bab-el, the gate of God, and in Assyrian, Bab-ili (<a href="/genesis/10-10.htm" title="And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel, and Erech, and Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar.">Genesis 10:10</a>). It is strange that any one should have derived the word from Bab-Bel, the gate of Bel, for there is no trace that the second b was ever doubled; moreover, Bel is for Baal; and though we Westerns omit the strong guttural, because we cannot pronounce it, the Orientals would preserve it. El is the regular Semitic word for God--in Assyrian, Ili; in Arabic, Ilah; in Syriac, Moho. So far from diminishing, this increases the force of the Scriptural derivation. Man calls his projected city Bab-el, the gate--that is, the court--of God; God calls it Babble; for in all languages indistinct and confused speech is represented by the action of the lips in producing the sound of b. The exact Hebrew word for this was balbal--the Greek verb, bambaino; the Latin, balbutio; and a man who stammered was called balbus. The town, then, keeps-its first name, but with a contemptuous meaning attached to it; just as Nabal (<a href="/1_samuel/25-25.htm" title="Let not my lord, I pray you, regard this man of Belial, even Nabal: for as his name is, so is he; Nabal is his name, and folly is with him: but I your handmaid saw not the young men of my lord, whom you did send.">1Samuel 25:25</a>) may really have had his name from the nabla, or harp, but from the day that his wife gave it a contemptuous meaning Nabal has signified only folly.The Babylonian legends are in remarkable agreement with the Hebrew narrative. They represent the building of the tower as impious, and as a sort of Titanic attempt to scale the heavens. This means that the work was one of vast purpose; for there is something in the human mind which attaches the idea of impiety to all stupendous undertakings, and the popular feeling is always one of rejoicing at their failure. The gods therefore destroy at night what the builders had wrought by day; and finally, Bel, "the father of the gods," confounds their languages. It is remarkable that the very word used here is balai (or perhaps balah), and thus the meaning of "confusion" would attach to the word equally in the Assyrian as in the Hebrew language (Chald. Gen., p. 166).One question remains: Was the tower of Babel the temple of Bel destroyed by Xerxes, and which was situated in the centre of Babylon? or was it the tower of Borsippa, the site of which was in one of the suburbs, about two miles to the south? This tower was the observatory of the Chaldean astronomers, and its name, according to Oppert, means "the tower of languages." We incline to the belief that this ruin, now called the Birs-Nimrud, was the original tower, and that the temple of Bel was a later construction, belonging to the palmy times of the Chaldean monarchy. An account of it will be found in Sayce, Chald. Gen., pp. 169, 170, and in Rawlinson, Anc. Mon., i. 12, 21, &c.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/11.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 9. - Therefore is the name of it called Babel. For Balbel, confusion (σύγχυσις, LXX., Josephus), from Balal, to confound; the derivation given by the sacred writer in the following clause (cf. for the elision of the letter l, totaphah for tophtaphah, <a href="/exodus/13-16.htm">Exodus 13:16</a>, and cochav for covcav, <a href="/genesis/37-9.htm">Genesis 37:9</a>). Other derivations suggested are Bab-Bel, the gate or court of Bolus (Eichhorn, Lange), an explanation of the term which Furst thinks not impossible, and Kalisch declares "can scarcely be overlooked;" and Bab-il, the gate of God (Rosenmüller, Gesenius, Colenso); but the first is based upon a purely mythical personage, Bel, the imaginary founder of the city; and the second, if even it were supported by evidence, which it is not, is not so likely as that given by Moses. Because the Lord did there confound - how is not explained, but has been conjectured to be by an entirely inward process, viz., changing the ideas associated with words (Koppen); by a process wholly outward, viz.. an alteration of the mode of pronouncing words (Hoffman), though more probably by both (Keil), or possibly by the first insensibly leading to the second - the language of all the earth: and from thence did the Lord scatter them. As the result not simply of their growing discord, dissensio animorum, per quam factum sit, ut qui turrem struehant distracti sint in contraria studia et consilia (Vitringa); but chiefly of their diverging tongues - a statement which is supposed to conflict with the findings of modern philology, that the existing differences of language among mankind are the result of slow and gradual changes brought about by the operation of natural causes, such as the influence of locality in changing and of time in corrupting human speech. But (1) modern philology has as yet only succeeded in explaining the growth of what might be called the sub-modifications of human speech, and is confessedly unable to account for what appears to be its main division into a Shemitic, an Aryan, and a Turanian tongue, which may have been produced in the sudden and miraculous way described; and (2) nothing prevents us from regarding the two events, the confusion of tongues and the dispersion of the nations, as occurring simultaneously, and even acting and reacting on each other. As the tribes parted, their speech would diverge, and, on the other hand, as the tongues differed, those who spoke the same or cognate dialects would draw together and draw apart from the rest. We may even suppose that, prior to the building of Babel, if any of the human family had begun to spread themselves abroad upon the surface of the globe, a slight diversity in human speech had begun to show itself; and the truthfulness of the narrative will in no wise be endangered by admitting that the Divine interposition at Babel may have consisted in quickening a natural process which had already commenced to operate; nay, we are rather warranted to conclude that the whole work of subdividing human speech was not compressed into a moment of time, but, after receiving this special impulse, was left to develop and complete itself as the nations wandered farther and ever farther from the plains of Shinar (cf. Kurtz, 'Hist. of the Old Covenant,' vol. 1. pp. 108-117 (Clark's For. Theol. Lib.), and 'Quarry on Genesis,' pp. 195-206). CHALDAEAN LEGEND OF THE TOWER OF BABEL. Berosus, indeed, does not refer to it, and early writers are obliged to have recourse to somewhat doubtful authorities to confirm it. Eusebius, e.g., quotes Abydenus as saying that "not long after the Flood, the ancient race of men were so puffed up with their strength and tallness of stature that they began to despise and contemn the gods, and labored to erect that very lofty tower which is now called Babylon, intending thereby to scale the heaven& But when the building approached the sky, behold, the gods called in the aid of the winds, and by their help overturned the tower, and cast it to the ground! The name of the ruin is still called Babel, because until this time all men had used the same speech; but now there was sent upon them a confusion of many and diverse tongues" ('Praep. Ev.,' 9:14). But the diligence of the late George Smith has been rewarded by discovering the fragment of an Assyrian tablet (marked If, 3657 in British Museum) containing an account of the building of the tower, in which the gods are represented as being angry at the work and confounding the speech of the builders. In col. 1, lines 5 and 6 (according to W. St. C. Boscawen's translation) run - . . . <a href="/commentaries/genesis/11-9.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>That is why עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against it שְׁמָהּ֙ (šə·māh) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8034.htm">Strong's 8034: </a> A name is called קָרָ֤א (qā·rā) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7121.htm">Strong's 7121: </a> To call, proclaim, read Babel, בָּבֶ֔ל (bā·ḇel) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_894.htm">Strong's 894: </a> Babylon -- an eastern Mediterranean empire and its capital city for כִּי־ (kî-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction there שָׁ֛ם (šām) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8033.htm">Strong's 8033: </a> There, then, thither the LORD יְהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel confused בָּלַ֥ל (bā·lal) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1101.htm">Strong's 1101: </a> To mingle, mix, confuse, confound the language שְׂפַ֣ת (śə·p̄aṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8193.htm">Strong's 8193: </a> The lip, language, a margin of the whole כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every world, הָאָ֑רֶץ (hā·’ā·reṣ) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> Earth, land and from that place וּמִשָּׁם֙ (ū·miš·šām) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-m | Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8033.htm">Strong's 8033: </a> There, then, thither the LORD יְהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel scattered הֱפִיצָ֣ם (hĕ·p̄î·ṣām) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6327.htm">Strong's 6327: </a> To be dispersed or scattered them over עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against the face פְּנֵ֖י (pə·nê) Noun - common plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> The face of the whole כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every earth. הָאָֽרֶץ׃ (hā·’ā·reṣ) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> Earth, land <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/11-9.htm">Genesis 11:9 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/genesis/11-9.htm">Genesis 11:9 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/genesis/11-9.htm">Genesis 11:9 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/genesis/11-9.htm">Genesis 11:9 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/genesis/11-9.htm">Genesis 11:9 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/11-9.htm">Genesis 11:9 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/11-9.htm">Genesis 11:9 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/11-9.htm">Genesis 11:9 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/11-9.htm">Genesis 11:9 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/genesis/11-9.htm">Genesis 11:9 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/genesis/11-9.htm">OT Law: Genesis 11:9 Therefore its name was called Babel because (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/11-8.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 11:8"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 11:8" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/11-10.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 11:10"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 11:10" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>