Original Hebrew
Note: Words are shown in their original Hebrew order, which differs from English translations. This reflects the emphasis and structure of Scripture as originally written. Click any word to see its full lexicon entry.
1 Now the whole world had one language and a common form of speech.
7
וַֽ/יְהִ֥י כָל הָ/אָ֖רֶץ שָׂפָ֣ה אֶחָ֑ת וּ/דְבָרִ֖ים אֲחָדִֽים
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing it was H1961 וַֽ/יְהִ֥י הָיָה hâyâh HC/Vqw3ms all H3605 כָל כֹּל kôl HNcmsc earth H776 הָ/אָ֖רֶץ אֶרֶץ ʼerets HTd/Ncbsa language H8193 שָׂפָ֣ה שָׂפָה sâphâh HNcfsa one H259 אֶחָ֑ת אֶחָד ʼechâd HAcfsa words H1697 וּ/דְבָרִ֖ים דָּבָר dâbâr HC/Ncmpa one<s H259 אֲחָדִֽים אֶחָד ʼechâd HAcmpa
2 And as people journeyed eastward, they found a plain in the land of Shinar and settled there.
7
וַֽ/יְהִ֖י בְּ/נָסְעָ֣/ם מִ/קֶּ֑דֶם וַֽ/יִּמְצְא֥וּ בִקְעָ֛ה בְּ/אֶ֥רֶץ שִׁנְעָ֖ר וַ/יֵּ֥שְׁבוּ שָֽׁם
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing it was H1961 וַֽ/יְהִ֖י הָיָה hâyâh HC/Vqw3ms set out/ they H5265 בְּ/נָסְעָ֣/ם נָסַע nâçaʻ HR/Vqc/Sp3mp the] east H6924 מִ/קֶּ֑דֶם קֶדֶם qedem HR/Ncmsa they found H4672 וַֽ/יִּמְצְא֥וּ מָצָא mâtsâʼ HC/Vqw3mp a plain H1237 בִקְעָ֛ה בִּקְעָה biqʻâh HNcfsa the] land of H776 בְּ/אֶ֥רֶץ אֶרֶץ ʼerets HR/Ncbsc Shinar H8152 שִׁנְעָ֖ר שִׁנְעָר Shinʻâr HNp they dwelt H3427 וַ/יֵּ֥שְׁבוּ יָשַׁב yâshab HC/Vqw3mp there H8033 שָֽׁם שָׁם shâm HD
3 And they said to one another, “Come, let us make bricks and bake them thoroughly.” So they used brick instead of stone, and tar instead of mortar.
8
וַ/יֹּאמְר֞וּ אִ֣ישׁ אֶל רֵעֵ֗/הוּ הָ֚בָ/ה נִלְבְּנָ֣ה לְבֵנִ֔ים וְ/נִשְׂרְפָ֖ה לִ/שְׂרֵפָ֑ה וַ/תְּהִ֨י הַ/לְּבֵנָה֙ לְ/אָ֔בֶן וְ/הַ֣/חֵמָ֔ר הָיָ֥ה לַ/חֹֽמֶר
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing they said H559 וַ/יֹּאמְר֞וּ אָמַר ʼâmar HC/Vqw3mp each H376 אִ֣ישׁ אִישׁ ʼîysh HNcmsa to H413 אֶל אֵל ʼêl HR his H7453 רֵעֵ֗/הוּ רֵעַ rêaʻ HNcmsc/Sp3ms ! H3051 הָ֚בָ/ה יָהַב yâhab HVqv2ms/Sh let us make bricks H3835 נִלְבְּנָ֣ה לָבַן lâban HVqh1cp bricks H3843 לְבֵנִ֔ים לְבֵנָה lᵉbênâh HNcfpa let us burn [them H8313 וְ/נִשְׂרְפָ֖ה שָׂרַף sâraph HC/Vqh1cp burning H8316 לִ/שְׂרֵפָ֑ה שְׂרֵפָה sᵉrêphâh HR/Ncfsa it> became H1961 וַ/תְּהִ֨י הָיָה hâyâh HC/Vqw3fs the>/ brick H3843 הַ/לְּבֵנָה֙ לְבֵנָה lᵉbênâh HTd/Ncfsa stone H68 לְ/אָ֔בֶן אֶבֶן ʼeben HR/Ncfsa the>/ bitumen H2564 וְ/הַ֣/חֵמָ֔ר חֵמָר chêmâr HC/Td/Ncmsa it> became H1961 הָיָ֥ה הָיָה hâyâh HVqp3ms to <the>/ mortar H2563 לַ/חֹֽמֶר חֹמֶר chômer HRd/Ncmsa
4 “Come,” they said, “let us build for ourselves a city with a tower that reaches to the heavens, that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of all the earth.”
9
וַ/יֹּאמְר֞וּ הָ֣בָ/ה נִבְנֶה עִ֗יר וּ/מִגְדָּל֙ וְ/רֹאשׁ֣/וֹ בַ/שָּׁמַ֔יִם וְ/נַֽעֲשֶׂה שֵׁ֑ם פֶּן נָפ֖וּץ עַל פְּנֵ֥י כָל הָ/אָֽרֶץ
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing they said H559 וַ/יֹּאמְר֞וּ אָמַר ʼâmar HC/Vqw3mp ! H3051 הָ֣בָ/ה יָהַב yâhab HVqv2ms/Sh let us build H1129 נִבְנֶה בָּנָה bânâh HVqh1cp a city H5892 עִ֗יר עִיר ʻîyr HNcfsa a tower H4026 וּ/מִגְדָּל֙ מִגְדָּל migdâl HC/Ncbsa top/ its H7218 וְ/רֹאשׁ֣/וֹ רֹאשׁ rôʼsh HC/Ncmsc/Sp3ms will be] in the/ heavens H8064 בַ/שָּׁמַ֔יִם שָׁמַיִם shâmayim HRd/Ncmda we may make H6213 וְ/נַֽעֲשֶׂה עָשָׂה ʻâsâh HC/Vqh1cp a name H8034 שֵׁ֑ם שֵׁם shêm HNcmsa lest H6435 פֶּן פֵּן pên HC we should be scattered H6327 נָפ֖וּץ פּוּץ pûwts HVqi1cp over H5921 עַל ʻal HR the] surface of H6440 פְּנֵ֥י פָּנִים pânîym HNcbpc all H3605 כָל כֹּל kôl HNcmsc earth H776 הָ/אָֽרֶץ אֶרֶץ ʼerets HTd/Ncbsa
5 Then the LORD came down to see the city and the tower that the sons of men were building.
3
וַ/יֵּ֣רֶד יְהוָ֔ה לִ/רְאֹ֥ת אֶת הָ/עִ֖יר וְ/אֶת הַ/מִּגְדָּ֑ל אֲשֶׁ֥ר בָּנ֖וּ בְּנֵ֥י הָ/אָדָֽם
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing he came down H3381 וַ/יֵּ֣רֶד יָרַד yârad HC/Vqw3ms Yahweh H3068 יְהוָ֔ה יְהֹוָה Yᵉhôvâh HNp see H7200 לִ/רְאֹ֥ת רָאָה râʼâh HR/Vqc obj H853 אֶת אֵת ʼêth HTo city H5892 הָ/עִ֖יר עִיר ʻîyr HTd/Ncfsa obj H853 וְ/אֶת אֵת ʼêth HC/To tower H4026 הַ/מִּגְדָּ֑ל מִגְדָּל migdâl HTd/Ncbsa which H834 אֲשֶׁ֥ר אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher HTr they had built H1129 בָּנ֖וּ בָּנָה bânâh HVqp3cp the] children of H1121 בְּנֵ֥י בֵּן bên HNcmpc the>/ humankind H120 הָ/אָדָֽם אָדָם ʼâdâm HTd/Ncmsa
6 And the LORD said, “If they have begun to do this as one people speaking the same language, then nothing they devise will be beyond them.
1
וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר יְהוָ֗ה הֵ֣ן עַ֤ם אֶחָד֙ וְ/שָׂפָ֤ה אַחַת֙ לְ/כֻלָּ֔/ם וְ/זֶ֖ה הַחִלָּ֣/ם לַ/עֲשׂ֑וֹת וְ/עַתָּה֙ לֹֽא יִבָּצֵ֣ר כֹּ֛ל אֲשֶׁ֥ר יָזְמ֖וּ לַֽ/עֲשֽׂוֹת
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing he said H559 וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר אָמַר ʼâmar HC/Vqw3ms Yahweh H3068 יְהוָ֗ה יְהֹוָה Yᵉhôvâh HNp here! H2005 הֵ֣ן הֵן hên HTm a people H5971 עַ֤ם עַם ʻam HNcmsa one H259 אֶחָד֙ אֶחָד ʼechâd HAcmsa a language H8193 וְ/שָׂפָ֤ה שָׂפָה sâphâh HC/Ncfsa one H259 אַחַת֙ אֶחָד ʼechâd HAcfsa belongs] to/ all of/ them H3605 לְ/כֻלָּ֔/ם כֹּל kôl HR/Ncmsc/Sp3mp this H2088 וְ/זֶ֖ה זֶה zeh HC/Pdxms is] beginning/ they H2490 הַחִלָּ֣/ם חָלַל châlal HVhc/Sp3mp do H6213 לַ/עֲשׂ֑וֹת עָשָׂה ʻâsâh HR/Vqc now H6258 וְ/עַתָּה֙ עַתָּה ʻattâh HC/D not H3808 לֹֽא לֹא lôʼ HTn it will be withheld H1219 יִבָּצֵ֣ר בָּצַר bâtsar HVNi3ms all H3605 כֹּ֛ל כֹּל kôl HNcmsa that H834 אֲשֶׁ֥ר אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher HTr they will plan H2161 יָזְמ֖וּ זָמַם zâmam HVqi3mp do H6213 לַֽ/עֲשֽׂוֹת עָשָׂה ʻâsâh HR/Vqc
7 Come, let Us go down and confuse their language, so that they will not understand one another’s speech.”
1
הָ֚בָ/ה נֵֽרְדָ֔ה וְ/נָבְלָ֥ה שָׁ֖ם שְׂפָתָ֑/ם אֲשֶׁר֙ לֹ֣א יִשְׁמְע֔וּ אִ֖ישׁ שְׂפַ֥ת רֵעֵֽ/הוּ
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing ! H3051 הָ֚בָ/ה יָהַב yâhab HVqv2ms/Sh let us go down H3381 נֵֽרְדָ֔ה יָרַד yârad HVqh1cp let us confuse H1101 וְ/נָבְלָ֥ה בָּלַל bâlal HC/Vqh1cp there H8033 שָׁ֖ם שָׁם shâm HD their H8193 שְׂפָתָ֑/ם שָׂפָה sâphâh HNcfsc/Sp3mp that H834 אֲשֶׁר֙ אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher HTr not H3808 לֹ֣א לֹא lôʼ HTn they will hear H8085 יִשְׁמְע֔וּ שָׁמַע shâmaʻ HVqi3mp each H376 אִ֖ישׁ אִישׁ ʼîysh HNcmsa the] language of H8193 שְׂפַ֥ת שָׂפָה sâphâh HNcfsc his H7453 רֵעֵֽ/הוּ רֵעַ rêaʻ HNcmsc/Sp3ms
8 So the LORD scattered them from there over the face of all the earth, and they stopped building the city.
1
וַ/יָּ֨פֶץ יְהוָ֥ה אֹתָ֛/ם מִ/שָּׁ֖ם עַל פְּנֵ֣י כָל הָ/אָ֑רֶץ וַֽ/יַּחְדְּל֖וּ לִ/בְנֹ֥ת הָ/עִֽיר
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing he scattered H6327 וַ/יָּ֨פֶץ פּוּץ pûwts HC/Vhw3ms Yahweh H3068 יְהוָ֥ה יְהֹוָה Yᵉhôvâh HNp obj.>/ them H853 אֹתָ֛/ם אֵת ʼêth HTo/Sp3mp there H8033 מִ/שָּׁ֖ם שָׁם shâm HR/D over H5921 עַל ʻal HR the] surface of H6440 פְּנֵ֣י פָּנִים pânîym HNcbpc all H3605 כָל כֹּל kôl HNcmsc earth H776 הָ/אָ֑רֶץ אֶרֶץ ʼerets HTd/Ncbsa they ceased H2308 וַֽ/יַּחְדְּל֖וּ חָדַל châdal HC/Vqw3mp build H1129 לִ/בְנֹ֥ת בָּנָה bânâh HR/Vqc city H5892 הָ/עִֽיר עִיר ʻîyr HTd/Ncfsa
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.
1
עַל כֵּ֞ן קָרָ֤א שְׁמָ/הּ֙ בָּבֶ֔ל כִּי שָׁ֛ם בָּלַ֥ל יְהוָ֖ה שְׂפַ֣ת כָּל הָ/אָ֑רֶץ וּ/מִ/שָּׁם֙ הֱפִיצָ֣/ם יְהוָ֔ה עַל פְּנֵ֖י כָּל הָ/אָֽרֶץ
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing there- H5921 עַל ʻal HR -fore H3651 כֵּ֞ן כֵּן kên HTm someone called H7121 קָרָ֤א קָרָא qârâʼ HVqp3ms its H8034 שְׁמָ/הּ֙ שֵׁם shêm HNcmsc/Sp3fs Babel H894 בָּבֶ֔ל בָּבֶל Bâbel HNp for H3588 כִּי kîy HC there H8033 שָׁ֛ם שָׁם shâm HD he confused H1101 בָּלַ֥ל בָּלַל bâlal HVqp3ms Yahweh H3068 יְהוָ֖ה יְהֹוָה Yᵉhôvâh HNp the] language of H8193 שְׂפַ֣ת שָׂפָה sâphâh HNcfsc all H3605 כָּל כֹּל kôl HNcmsc earth H776 הָ/אָ֑רֶץ אֶרֶץ ʼerets HTd/Ncbsa from/ there H8033 וּ/מִ/שָּׁם֙ שָׁם shâm HC/R/D he scattered/ them H6327 הֱפִיצָ֣/ם פּוּץ pûwts HVhp3ms/Sp3mp Yahweh H3068 יְהוָ֔ה יְהֹוָה Yᵉhôvâh HNp over H5921 עַל ʻal HR the] surface of H6440 פְּנֵ֖י פָּנִים pânîym HNcbpc all H3605 כָּל כֹּל kôl HNcmsc common H776 הָ/אָֽרֶץ אֶרֶץ ʼerets HTd/Ncbsa
10 This is the account of Shem. Two years after the flood, when Shem was 100 years old, he became the father of Arphaxad.
אֵ֚לֶּה תּוֹלְדֹ֣ת שֵׁ֔ם שֵׁ֚ם בֶּן מְאַ֣ת שָׁנָ֔ה וַ/יּ֖וֹלֶד אֶת אַרְפַּכְשָׁ֑ד שְׁנָתַ֖יִם אַחַ֥ר הַ/מַּבּֽוּל
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing these H428 אֵ֚לֶּה אֵלֶּה ʼêl-leh HPdxcp are] [the] accounts of H8435 תּוֹלְדֹ֣ת תּוֹלְדָה tôwlᵉdâh HNcfpc Shem H8035 שֵׁ֔ם שֵׁם Shêm HNp Shem H8035 שֵׁ֚ם שֵׁם Shêm HNp was] a son of H1121 בֶּן בֵּן bên HNcmsc one hundred H3967 מְאַ֣ת מֵאָה mêʼâh HAcfsc year[s H8141 שָׁנָ֔ה שָׁנֶה shâneh HNcfsa he fathered H3205 וַ/יּ֖וֹלֶד יָלַד yâlad HC/Vhw3ms obj H853 אֶת אֵת ʼêth HTo Arphaxad H775 אַרְפַּכְשָׁ֑ד אַרְפַּכְשַׁד ʼArpakshad HNp two years H8141 שְׁנָתַ֖יִם שָׁנֶה shâneh HAcfda after H310 אַחַ֥ר אַחַר ʼachar HR flood H3999 הַ/מַּבּֽוּל מַבּוּל mabbûwl HTd/Ncmsa
11 And after he had become the father of Arphaxad, Shem lived 500 years and had other sons and daughters.
וַֽ/יְחִי שֵׁ֗ם אַֽחֲרֵי֙ הוֹלִיד֣/וֹ אֶת אַרְפַּכְשָׁ֔ד חֲמֵ֥שׁ מֵא֖וֹת שָׁנָ֑ה וַ/יּ֥וֹלֶד בָּנִ֖ים וּ/בָנֽוֹת
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing he lived H2421 וַֽ/יְחִי חָיָה châyâh HC/Vqw3ms Shem H8035 שֵׁ֗ם שֵׁם Shêm HNp after H310 אַֽחֲרֵי֙ אַחַר ʼachar HR he H3205 הוֹלִיד֣/וֹ יָלַד yâlad HVhc/Sp3ms obj H853 אֶת אֵת ʼêth HTo Arphaxad H775 אַרְפַּכְשָׁ֔ד אַרְפַּכְשַׁד ʼArpakshad HNp five H2568 חֲמֵ֥שׁ חָמֵשׁ châmêsh HAcfsa hundred<s H3967 מֵא֖וֹת מֵאָה mêʼâh HAcbpa year[s H8141 שָׁנָ֑ה שָׁנֶה shâneh HNcfsa he fathered H3205 וַ/יּ֥וֹלֶד יָלַד yâlad HC/Vhw3ms sons H1121 בָּנִ֖ים בֵּן bên HNcmpa apple (of the eye) H1323 וּ/בָנֽוֹת בַּת bath HC/Ncfpa
12 When Arphaxad was 35 years old, he became the father of Shelah.
וְ/אַרְפַּכְשַׁ֣ד חַ֔י חָמֵ֥שׁ וּ/שְׁלֹשִׁ֖ים שָׁנָ֑ה וַ/יּ֖וֹלֶד אֶת שָֽׁלַח
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing Arphaxad H775 וְ/אַרְפַּכְשַׁ֣ד אַרְפַּכְשַׁד ʼArpakshad HC/Np he lived H2421 חַ֔י חָיָה châyâh HVqp3ms five H2568 חָמֵ֥שׁ חָמֵשׁ châmêsh HAcfsa thirty H7970 וּ/שְׁלֹשִׁ֖ים שְׁלוֹשִׁים shᵉlôwshîym HC/Acbpa year[s H8141 שָׁנָ֑ה שָׁנֶה shâneh HNcfsa he fathered H3205 וַ/יּ֖וֹלֶד יָלַד yâlad HC/Vhw3ms obj H853 אֶת אֵת ʼêth HTo Shelah H7974 שָֽׁלַח שֶׁלַח Shelach HNp
13 And after he had become the father of Shelah, Arphaxad lived 403 years and had other sons and daughters.
וַֽ/יְחִ֣י אַרְפַּכְשַׁ֗ד אַֽחֲרֵי֙ הוֹלִיד֣/וֹ אֶת שֶׁ֔לַח שָׁלֹ֣שׁ שָׁנִ֔ים וְ/אַרְבַּ֥ע מֵא֖וֹת שָׁנָ֑ה וַ/יּ֥וֹלֶד בָּנִ֖ים וּ/בָנֽוֹת
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing he lived H2421 וַֽ/יְחִ֣י חָיָה châyâh HC/Vqw3ms Arphaxad H775 אַרְפַּכְשַׁ֗ד אַרְפַּכְשַׁד ʼArpakshad HNp after H310 אַֽחֲרֵי֙ אַחַר ʼachar HR he H3205 הוֹלִיד֣/וֹ יָלַד yâlad HVhc/Sp3ms obj H853 אֶת אֵת ʼêth HTo Shelah H7974 שֶׁ֔לַח שֶׁלַח Shelach HNp three H7969 שָׁלֹ֣שׁ שָׁלוֹשׁ shâlôwsh HAcfsa years H8141 שָׁנִ֔ים שָׁנֶה shâneh HNcfpa four H702 וְ/אַרְבַּ֥ע אַרְבַּע ʼarbaʻ HC/Acfsa hundred<s H3967 מֵא֖וֹת מֵאָה mêʼâh HAcbpa year[s H8141 שָׁנָ֑ה שָׁנֶה shâneh HNcfsa he fathered H3205 וַ/יּ֥וֹלֶד יָלַד yâlad HC/Vhw3ms sons H1121 בָּנִ֖ים בֵּן bên HNcmpa apple (of the eye) H1323 וּ/בָנֽוֹת בַּת bath HC/Ncfpa
14 When Shelah was 30 years old, he became the father of Eber.
וְ/שֶׁ֥לַח חַ֖י שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים שָׁנָ֑ה וַ/יּ֖וֹלֶד אֶת עֵֽבֶר
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing Shelah H7974 וְ/שֶׁ֥לַח שֶׁלַח Shelach HC/Np he lived H2421 חַ֖י חָיָה châyâh HVqp3ms thirty H7970 שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים שְׁלוֹשִׁים shᵉlôwshîym HAcbpa year[s H8141 שָׁנָ֑ה שָׁנֶה shâneh HNcfsa he fathered H3205 וַ/יּ֖וֹלֶד יָלַד yâlad HC/Vhw3ms obj H853 אֶת אֵת ʼêth HTo Eber H5677 עֵֽבֶר עֵבֵר ʻÊbêr HNp
15 And after he had become the father of Eber, Shelah lived 403 years and had other sons and daughters.
וַֽ/יְחִי שֶׁ֗לַח אַחֲרֵי֙ הוֹלִיד֣/וֹ אֶת עֵ֔בֶר שָׁלֹ֣שׁ שָׁנִ֔ים וְ/אַרְבַּ֥ע מֵא֖וֹת שָׁנָ֑ה וַ/יּ֥וֹלֶד בָּנִ֖ים וּ/בָנֽוֹת
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing he lived H2421 וַֽ/יְחִי חָיָה châyâh HC/Vqw3ms Shelah H7974 שֶׁ֗לַח שֶׁלַח Shelach HNp after H310 אַחֲרֵי֙ אַחַר ʼachar HR he H3205 הוֹלִיד֣/וֹ יָלַד yâlad HVhc/Sp3ms obj H853 אֶת אֵת ʼêth HTo Eber H5677 עֵ֔בֶר עֵבֵר ʻÊbêr HNp three H7969 שָׁלֹ֣שׁ שָׁלוֹשׁ shâlôwsh HAcfsa years H8141 שָׁנִ֔ים שָׁנֶה shâneh HNcfpa four H702 וְ/אַרְבַּ֥ע אַרְבַּע ʼarbaʻ HC/Acfsa hundred<s H3967 מֵא֖וֹת מֵאָה mêʼâh HAcbpa year[s H8141 שָׁנָ֑ה שָׁנֶה shâneh HNcfsa he fathered H3205 וַ/יּ֥וֹלֶד יָלַד yâlad HC/Vhw3ms sons H1121 בָּנִ֖ים בֵּן bên HNcmpa apple (of the eye) H1323 וּ/בָנֽוֹת בַּת bath HC/Ncfpa
16 When Eber was 34 years old, he became the father of Peleg.
וַֽ/יְחִי עֵ֕בֶר אַרְבַּ֥ע וּ/שְׁלֹשִׁ֖ים שָׁנָ֑ה וַ/יּ֖וֹלֶד אֶת פָּֽלֶג
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing he lived H2421 וַֽ/יְחִי חָיָה châyâh HC/Vqw3ms Eber H5677 עֵ֕בֶר עֵבֵר ʻÊbêr HNp four H702 אַרְבַּ֥ע אַרְבַּע ʼarbaʻ HAcfsa thirty H7970 וּ/שְׁלֹשִׁ֖ים שְׁלוֹשִׁים shᵉlôwshîym HC/Acbpa year[s H8141 שָׁנָ֑ה שָׁנֶה shâneh HNcfsa he fathered H3205 וַ/יּ֖וֹלֶד יָלַד yâlad HC/Vhw3ms obj H853 אֶת אֵת ʼêth HTo Peleg H6389 פָּֽלֶג פֶּלֶג Peleg HNp
17 And after he had become the father of Peleg, Eber lived 430 years and had other sons and daughters.
וַֽ/יְחִי עֵ֗בֶר אַחֲרֵי֙ הוֹלִיד֣/וֹ אֶת פֶּ֔לֶג שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים שָׁנָ֔ה וְ/אַרְבַּ֥ע מֵא֖וֹת שָׁנָ֑ה וַ/יּ֥וֹלֶד בָּנִ֖ים וּ/בָנֽוֹת
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing he lived H2421 וַֽ/יְחִי חָיָה châyâh HC/Vqw3ms Eber H5677 עֵ֗בֶר עֵבֵר ʻÊbêr HNp after H310 אַחֲרֵי֙ אַחַר ʼachar HR he H3205 הוֹלִיד֣/וֹ יָלַד yâlad HVhc/Sp3ms obj H853 אֶת אֵת ʼêth HTo Peleg H6389 פֶּ֔לֶג פֶּלֶג Peleg HNp thirty H7970 שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים שְׁלוֹשִׁים shᵉlôwshîym HAcbpa year[s H8141 שָׁנָ֔ה שָׁנֶה shâneh HNcfsa four H702 וְ/אַרְבַּ֥ע אַרְבַּע ʼarbaʻ HC/Acfsa hundred<s H3967 מֵא֖וֹת מֵאָה mêʼâh HAcbpa year[s H8141 שָׁנָ֑ה שָׁנֶה shâneh HNcfsa he fathered H3205 וַ/יּ֥וֹלֶד יָלַד yâlad HC/Vhw3ms sons H1121 בָּנִ֖ים בֵּן bên HNcmpa apple (of the eye) H1323 וּ/בָנֽוֹת בַּת bath HC/Ncfpa
18 When Peleg was 30 years old, he became the father of Reu.
וַֽ/יְחִי פֶ֖לֶג שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים שָׁנָ֑ה וַ/יּ֖וֹלֶד אֶת רְעֽוּ
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing he lived H2421 וַֽ/יְחִי חָיָה châyâh HC/Vqw3ms Peleg H6389 פֶ֖לֶג פֶּלֶג Peleg HNp thirty H7970 שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים שְׁלוֹשִׁים shᵉlôwshîym HAcbpa year[s H8141 שָׁנָ֑ה שָׁנֶה shâneh HNcfsa he fathered H3205 וַ/יּ֖וֹלֶד יָלַד yâlad HC/Vhw3ms obj H853 אֶת אֵת ʼêth HTo Reu H7466 רְעֽוּ רְעוּ Rᵉʻûw HNp
19 And after he had become the father of Reu, Peleg lived 209 years and had other sons and daughters.
וַֽ/יְחִי פֶ֗לֶג אַחֲרֵי֙ הוֹלִיד֣/וֹ אֶת רְע֔וּ תֵּ֥שַׁע שָׁנִ֖ים וּ/מָאתַ֣יִם שָׁנָ֑ה וַ/יּ֥וֹלֶד בָּנִ֖ים וּ/בָנֽוֹת
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing he lived H2421 וַֽ/יְחִי חָיָה châyâh HC/Vqw3ms Peleg H6389 פֶ֗לֶג פֶּלֶג Peleg HNp after H310 אַחֲרֵי֙ אַחַר ʼachar HR he H3205 הוֹלִיד֣/וֹ יָלַד yâlad HVhc/Sp3ms obj H853 אֶת אֵת ʼêth HTo Reu H7466 רְע֔וּ רְעוּ Rᵉʻûw HNp nine H8672 תֵּ֥שַׁע תֵּשַׁע têshaʻ HAcfsa years H8141 שָׁנִ֖ים שָׁנֶה shâneh HNcfpa two hundred H3967 וּ/מָאתַ֣יִם מֵאָה mêʼâh HC/Acbda year[s H8141 שָׁנָ֑ה שָׁנֶה shâneh HNcfsa he fathered H3205 וַ/יּ֥וֹלֶד יָלַד yâlad HC/Vhw3ms sons H1121 בָּנִ֖ים בֵּן bên HNcmpa apple (of the eye) H1323 וּ/בָנֽוֹת בַּת bath HC/Ncfpa
20 When Reu was 32 years old, he became the father of Serug.
וַ/יְחִ֣י רְע֔וּ שְׁתַּ֥יִם וּ/שְׁלֹשִׁ֖ים שָׁנָ֑ה וַ/יּ֖וֹלֶד אֶת שְׂרֽוּג
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing he lived H2421 וַ/יְחִ֣י חָיָה châyâh HC/Vqw3ms Reu H7466 רְע֔וּ רְעוּ Rᵉʻûw HNp two H8147 שְׁתַּ֥יִם שְׁנַיִם shᵉnayim HAcfda thirty H7970 וּ/שְׁלֹשִׁ֖ים שְׁלוֹשִׁים shᵉlôwshîym HC/Acbpa year[s H8141 שָׁנָ֑ה שָׁנֶה shâneh HNcfsa he fathered H3205 וַ/יּ֖וֹלֶד יָלַד yâlad HC/Vhw3ms obj H853 אֶת אֵת ʼêth HTo Serug H8286 שְׂרֽוּג שְׂרוּג Sᵉrûwg HNp
21 And after he had become the father of Serug, Reu lived 207 years and had other sons and daughters.
וַ/יְחִ֣י רְע֗וּ אַחֲרֵי֙ הוֹלִיד֣/וֹ אֶת שְׂר֔וּג שֶׁ֥בַע שָׁנִ֖ים וּ/מָאתַ֣יִם שָׁנָ֑ה וַ/יּ֥וֹלֶד בָּנִ֖ים וּ/בָנֽוֹת
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing he lived H2421 וַ/יְחִ֣י חָיָה châyâh HC/Vqw3ms Reu H7466 רְע֗וּ רְעוּ Rᵉʻûw HNp after H310 אַחֲרֵי֙ אַחַר ʼachar HR he H3205 הוֹלִיד֣/וֹ יָלַד yâlad HVhc/Sp3ms obj H853 אֶת אֵת ʼêth HTo Serug H8286 שְׂר֔וּג שְׂרוּג Sᵉrûwg HNp seven H7651 שֶׁ֥בַע שֶׁבַע shebaʻ HAcfsa years H8141 שָׁנִ֖ים שָׁנֶה shâneh HNcfpa two hundred H3967 וּ/מָאתַ֣יִם מֵאָה mêʼâh HC/Acbda year[s H8141 שָׁנָ֑ה שָׁנֶה shâneh HNcfsa he fathered H3205 וַ/יּ֥וֹלֶד יָלַד yâlad HC/Vhw3ms sons H1121 בָּנִ֖ים בֵּן bên HNcmpa apple (of the eye) H1323 וּ/בָנֽוֹת בַּת bath HC/Ncfpa
22 When Serug was 30 years old, he became the father of Nahor.
וַ/יְחִ֥י שְׂר֖וּג שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים שָׁנָ֑ה וַ/יּ֖וֹלֶד אֶת נָחֽוֹר
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing he lived H2421 וַ/יְחִ֥י חָיָה châyâh HC/Vqw3ms Serug H8286 שְׂר֖וּג שְׂרוּג Sᵉrûwg HNp thirty H7970 שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים שְׁלוֹשִׁים shᵉlôwshîym HAcbpa year[s H8141 שָׁנָ֑ה שָׁנֶה shâneh HNcfsa he fathered H3205 וַ/יּ֖וֹלֶד יָלַד yâlad HC/Vhw3ms obj H853 אֶת אֵת ʼêth HTo Nahor H5152 נָחֽוֹר נָחוֹר Nâchôwr HNp
23 And after he had become the father of Nahor, Serug lived 200 years and had other sons and daughters.
וַ/יְחִ֣י שְׂר֗וּג אַחֲרֵ֛י הוֹלִיד֥/וֹ אֶת נָח֖וֹר מָאתַ֣יִם שָׁנָ֑ה וַ/יּ֥וֹלֶד בָּנִ֖ים וּ/בָנֽוֹת
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing he lived H2421 וַ/יְחִ֣י חָיָה châyâh HC/Vqw3ms Serug H8286 שְׂר֗וּג שְׂרוּג Sᵉrûwg HNp after H310 אַחֲרֵ֛י אַחַר ʼachar HR he H3205 הוֹלִיד֥/וֹ יָלַד yâlad HVhc/Sp3ms obj H853 אֶת אֵת ʼêth HTo Nahor H5152 נָח֖וֹר נָחוֹר Nâchôwr HNp two hundred H3967 מָאתַ֣יִם מֵאָה mêʼâh HAcbda year[s H8141 שָׁנָ֑ה שָׁנֶה shâneh HNcfsa he fathered H3205 וַ/יּ֥וֹלֶד יָלַד yâlad HC/Vhw3ms sons H1121 בָּנִ֖ים בֵּן bên HNcmpa apple (of the eye) H1323 וּ/בָנֽוֹת בַּת bath HC/Ncfpa
24 When Nahor was 29 years old, he became the father of Terah.
וַ/יְחִ֣י נָח֔וֹר תֵּ֥שַׁע וְ/עֶשְׂרִ֖ים שָׁנָ֑ה וַ/יּ֖וֹלֶד אֶת תָּֽרַח
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing he lived H2421 וַ/יְחִ֣י חָיָה châyâh HC/Vqw3ms Nahor H5152 נָח֔וֹר נָחוֹר Nâchôwr HNp nine H8672 תֵּ֥שַׁע תֵּשַׁע têshaʻ HAcfsa twenty H6242 וְ/עֶשְׂרִ֖ים עֶשְׂרִים ʻesrîym HC/Acbpa year[s H8141 שָׁנָ֑ה שָׁנֶה shâneh HNcfsa he fathered H3205 וַ/יּ֖וֹלֶד יָלַד yâlad HC/Vhw3ms obj H853 אֶת אֵת ʼêth HTo Terah H8646 תָּֽרַח תֶּרַח Terach HNp
25 And after he had become the father of Terah, Nahor lived 119 years and had other sons and daughters.
וַ/יְחִ֣י נָח֗וֹר אַחֲרֵי֙ הוֹלִיד֣/וֹ אֶת תֶּ֔רַח תְּשַֽׁע עֶשְׂרֵ֥ה שָׁנָ֖ה וּ/מְאַ֣ת שָׁנָ֑ה וַ/יּ֥וֹלֶד בָּנִ֖ים וּ/בָנֽוֹת
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing he lived H2421 וַ/יְחִ֣י חָיָה châyâh HC/Vqw3ms Nahor H5152 נָח֗וֹר נָחוֹר Nâchôwr HNp after H310 אַחֲרֵי֙ אַחַר ʼachar HR he H3205 הוֹלִיד֣/וֹ יָלַד yâlad HVhc/Sp3ms obj H853 אֶת אֵת ʼêth HTo Terah H8646 תֶּ֔רַח תֶּרַח Terach HNp nine- H8672 תְּשַֽׁע תֵּשַׁע têshaʻ HAcfsa teen H6240 עֶשְׂרֵ֥ה עָשָׂר ʻâsâr HAcfsa year[s H8141 שָׁנָ֖ה שָׁנֶה shâneh HNcfsa one hundred H3967 וּ/מְאַ֣ת מֵאָה mêʼâh HC/Acbsc year[s H8141 שָׁנָ֑ה שָׁנֶה shâneh HNcfsa he fathered H3205 וַ/יּ֥וֹלֶד יָלַד yâlad HC/Vhw3ms sons H1121 בָּנִ֖ים בֵּן bên HNcmpa apple (of the eye) H1323 וּ/בָנֽוֹת בַּת bath HC/Ncfpa
26 When Terah was 70 years old, he became the father of Abram, Nahor, and Haran.
וַֽ/יְחִי תֶ֖רַח שִׁבְעִ֣ים שָׁנָ֑ה וַ/יּ֨וֹלֶד֙ אֶת אַבְרָ֔ם אֶת נָח֖וֹר וְ/אֶת הָרָֽן
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing he lived H2421 וַֽ/יְחִי חָיָה châyâh HC/Vqw3ms Terah H8646 תֶ֖רַח תֶּרַח Terach HNp seventy H7657 שִׁבְעִ֣ים שִׁבְעִים shibʻîym HAcbpa year[s H8141 שָׁנָ֑ה שָׁנֶה shâneh HNcfsa he fathered H3205 וַ/יּ֨וֹלֶד֙ יָלַד yâlad HC/Vhw3ms obj H853 אֶת אֵת ʼêth HTo Abram H87 אַבְרָ֔ם אַבְרָם ʼAbrâm HNp obj H853 אֶת אֵת ʼêth HTo Nahor H5152 נָח֖וֹר נָחוֹר Nâchôwr HNp obj H853 וְ/אֶת אֵת ʼêth HC/To Haran H2039 הָרָֽן הָרָן Hârân HNp
27 This is the account of Terah. Terah became the father of Abram, Nahor, and Haran. And Haran became the father of Lot.
וְ/אֵ֨לֶּה֙ תּוֹלְדֹ֣ת תֶּ֔רַח תֶּ֚רַח הוֹלִ֣יד אֶת אַבְרָ֔ם אֶת נָח֖וֹר וְ/אֶת הָרָ֑ן וְ/הָרָ֖ן הוֹלִ֥יד אֶת לֽוֹט
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing these H428 וְ/אֵ֨לֶּה֙ אֵלֶּה ʼêl-leh HC/Pdxcp are] [the] accounts of H8435 תּוֹלְדֹ֣ת תּוֹלְדָה tôwlᵉdâh HNcfpc Terah H8646 תֶּ֔רַח תֶּרַח Terach HNp Terah H8646 תֶּ֚רַח תֶּרַח Terach HNp he fathered H3205 הוֹלִ֣יד יָלַד yâlad HVhp3ms obj H853 אֶת אֵת ʼêth HTo Abram H87 אַבְרָ֔ם אַבְרָם ʼAbrâm HNp obj H853 אֶת אֵת ʼêth HTo Nahor H5152 נָח֖וֹר נָחוֹר Nâchôwr HNp obj H853 וְ/אֶת אֵת ʼêth HC/To Haran H2039 הָרָ֑ן הָרָן Hârân HNp Haran H2039 וְ/הָרָ֖ן הָרָן Hârân HC/Np he fathered H3205 הוֹלִ֥יד יָלַד yâlad HVhp3ms obj H853 אֶת אֵת ʼêth HTo Lot H3876 לֽוֹט לוֹט Lôwṭ HNp
28 During his father Terah’s lifetime, Haran died in his native land, in Ur of the Chaldeans.
וַ/יָּ֣מָת הָרָ֔ן עַל פְּנֵ֖י תֶּ֣רַח אָבִ֑י/ו בְּ/אֶ֥רֶץ מוֹלַדְתּ֖/וֹ בְּ/א֥וּר כַּשְׂדִּֽים
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing he died H4191 וַ/יָּ֣מָת מוּת mûwth HC/Vqw3ms Haran H2039 הָרָ֔ן הָרָן Hârân HNp on H5921 עַל ʻal HR the] face of H6440 פְּנֵ֖י פָּנִים pânîym HNcbpc Terah H8646 תֶּ֣רַח תֶּרַח Terach HNp his H1 אָבִ֑י/ו HNcmsc/Sp3ms the] land of H776 בְּ/אֶ֥רֶץ אֶרֶץ ʼerets HR/Ncbsc his H4138 מוֹלַדְתּ֖/וֹ מוֹלֶדֶת môwledeth HNcfsc/Sp3ms Ur H218 בְּ/א֥וּר אוּר ʼÛwr HR/Np of [the] Chaldeans H3778 כַּשְׂדִּֽים כַּשְׂדִּי Kasdîy HNp
29 And Abram and Nahor took wives for themselves. Abram’s wife was named Sarai, and Nahor’s wife was named Milcah; she was the daughter of Haran, who was the father of both Milcah and Iscah.
וַ/יִּקַּ֨ח אַבְרָ֧ם וְ/נָח֛וֹר נָשִׁ֑ים שֵׁ֤ם אֵֽשֶׁת אַבְרָם֙ שָׂרָ֔י וְ/שֵׁ֤ם אֵֽשֶׁת נָחוֹר֙ מִלְכָּ֔ה בַּת הָרָ֥ן אֲבִֽי מִלְכָּ֖ה וַֽ/אֲבִ֥י יִסְכָּֽה
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing he took H3947 וַ/יִּקַּ֨ח לָקַח lâqach HC/Vqw3ms Abram H87 אַבְרָ֧ם אַבְרָם ʼAbrâm HNp Nahor H5152 וְ/נָח֛וֹר נָחוֹר Nâchôwr HC/Np wives H802 נָשִׁ֑ים אִשָּׁה ʼishshâh HNcfpa the] name of H8034 שֵׁ֤ם שֵׁם shêm HNcmsc the] wife of H802 אֵֽשֶׁת אִשָּׁה ʼishshâh HNcfsc Abram H87 אַבְרָם֙ אַבְרָם ʼAbrâm HNp was] Sarai H8297 שָׂרָ֔י שָׂרַי Sâray HNp the] name of H8034 וְ/שֵׁ֤ם שֵׁם shêm HC/Ncmsc the] wife of H802 אֵֽשֶׁת אִשָּׁה ʼishshâh HNcfsc Nahor H5152 נָחוֹר֙ נָחוֹר Nâchôwr HNp was] Milcah H4435 מִלְכָּ֔ה מִלְכָּה Milkâh HNp the] daughter of H1323 בַּת bath HNcfsc Haran H2039 הָרָ֥ן הָרָן Hârân HNp the] father of H1 אֲבִֽי HNcmsc Milcah H4435 מִלְכָּ֖ה מִלְכָּה Milkâh HNp the] father of H1 וַֽ/אֲבִ֥י HC/Ncmsc Iscah H3252 יִסְכָּֽה יִסְכָּה Yiçkâh HNp
30 But Sarai was barren; she had no children.
וַ/תְּהִ֥י שָׂרַ֖י עֲקָרָ֑ה אֵ֥ין וָלָֽד
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing she was H1961 וַ/תְּהִ֥י הָיָה hâyâh HC/Vqw3fs Sarai H8297 שָׂרַ֖י שָׂרַי Sâray HNp barren H6135 עֲקָרָ֑ה עָקָר ʻâqâr HAafsa not H369 אֵ֥ין אַיִן ʼayin HTn a child H2056 וָלָֽד וָלָד vâlâd HNcmsa
31 And Terah took his son Abram, his grandson Lot son of Haran, and his daughter-in-law Sarai the wife of Abram, and they set out from Ur of the Chaldeans for the land of Canaan. But when they arrived in Haran, they settled there.
וַ/יִּקַּ֨ח תֶּ֜רַח אֶת אַבְרָ֣ם בְּנ֗/וֹ וְ/אֶת ל֤וֹט בֶּן הָרָן֙ בֶּן בְּנ֔/וֹ וְ/אֵת֙ שָׂרַ֣י כַּלָּת֔/וֹ אֵ֖שֶׁת אַבְרָ֣ם בְּנ֑/וֹ וַ/יֵּצְא֨וּ אִתָּ֜/ם מֵ/א֣וּר כַּשְׂדִּ֗ים לָ/לֶ֨כֶת֙ אַ֣רְצָ/ה כְּנַ֔עַן וַ/יָּבֹ֥אוּ עַד חָרָ֖ן וַ/יֵּ֥שְׁבוּ שָֽׁם
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing he took H3947 וַ/יִּקַּ֨ח לָקַח lâqach HC/Vqw3ms Terah H8646 תֶּ֜רַח תֶּרַח Terach HNp obj H853 אֶת אֵת ʼêth HTo Abram H87 אַבְרָ֣ם אַבְרָם ʼAbrâm HNp his H1121 בְּנ֗/וֹ בֵּן bên HNcmsc/Sp3ms obj H853 וְ/אֶת אֵת ʼêth HC/To Lot H3876 ל֤וֹט לוֹט Lôwṭ HNp the] son of H1121 בֶּן בֵּן bên HNcmsc Haran H2039 הָרָן֙ הָרָן Hârân HNp the] son of H1121 בֶּן בֵּן bên HNcmsc his H1121 בְּנ֔/וֹ בֵּן bên HNcmsc/Sp3ms obj H853 וְ/אֵת֙ אֵת ʼêth HC/To Sarai H8297 שָׂרַ֣י שָׂרַי Sâray HNp daughter-in-law/ his H3618 כַּלָּת֔/וֹ כַּלָּה kallâh HNcfsc/Sp3ms the] wife of H802 אֵ֖שֶׁת אִשָּׁה ʼishshâh HNcfsc Abram H87 אַבְרָ֣ם אַבְרָם ʼAbrâm HNp his H1121 בְּנ֑/וֹ בֵּן bên HNcmsc/Sp3ms they went out H3318 וַ/יֵּצְא֨וּ יָצָא yâtsâʼ HC/Vqw3mp them H854 אִתָּ֜/ם אֵת ʼêth HR/Sp3mp Ur H218 מֵ/א֣וּר אוּר ʼÛwr HR/Np of [the] Chaldeans H3778 כַּשְׂדִּ֗ים כַּשְׂדִּי Kasdîy HNp go H3212 לָ/לֶ֨כֶת֙ יָלַךְ yâlak HR/Vqc the] land of/ towards H776 אַ֣רְצָ/ה אֶרֶץ ʼerets HNcbsc/Sd Canaan H3667 כְּנַ֔עַן כְּנַעַן Kᵉnaʻan HNp they came H935 וַ/יָּבֹ֥אוּ בּוֹא bôwʼ HC/Vqw3mp to H5704 עַד ʻad HR Haran H2771 חָרָ֖ן חָרָן Chârân HNp they dwelt H3427 וַ/יֵּ֥שְׁבוּ יָשַׁב yâshab HC/Vqw3mp there H8033 שָֽׁם שָׁם shâm HD
32 Terah lived 205 years, and he died in Haran.
וַ/יִּהְי֣וּ יְמֵי תֶ֔רַח חָמֵ֥שׁ שָׁנִ֖ים וּ/מָאתַ֣יִם שָׁנָ֑ה וַ/יָּ֥מָת תֶּ֖רַח בְּ/חָרָֽן
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing they were H1961 וַ/יִּהְי֣וּ הָיָה hâyâh HC/Vqw3mp the] days of H3117 יְמֵי יוֹם yôwm HNcmpc Terah H8646 תֶ֔רַח תֶּרַח Terach HNp five H2568 חָמֵ֥שׁ חָמֵשׁ châmêsh HAcfsa years H8141 שָׁנִ֖ים שָׁנֶה shâneh HNcfpa two hundred H3967 וּ/מָאתַ֣יִם מֵאָה mêʼâh HC/Acbda year[s H8141 שָׁנָ֑ה שָׁנֶה shâneh HNcfsa he died H4191 וַ/יָּ֥מָת מוּת mûwth HC/Vqw3ms Terah H8646 תֶּ֖רַח תֶּרַח Terach HNp Haran. H2771 בְּ/חָרָֽן חָרָן Chârân HR/Np
Genesis 10
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Genesis 12
Study Notes — Genesis 11
5 sectionsGenesis 11 records two pivotal moments in human history that reveal God's sovereignty over human ambition and His faithfulness in covenant. The chapter opens with humanity's united rebellion at Babel, where pride and self-exaltation prompt God to confuse human languages and scatter people across the earth. This divine judgment demonstrates that human schemes, however coordinated or ambitious, cannot succeed when they oppose God's will. The remainder of the chapter traces the genealogical line from Shem through Abram (later Abraham), showing that even amid judgment and scattering, God preserves a chosen line through whom His redemptive purposes will unfold.
All humanity shares one language and common speech, making unified communication and coordination possible. As people migrate eastward and settle in the plain of Shinar (ancient Mesopotamia), they devise a bold construction project: a great city and tower whose top may reach unto heaven (v. 4). Their stated motive is twofold—to make a name for themselves and to prevent being scattered abroad. On the surface, this may seem like natural human enterprise, but the underlying spirit reveals self-centeredness and resistance to God's command to fill and subdue the earth (Genesis 9:1). The people's confidence in their collective power and unified purpose makes them believe they can achieve anything they imagine (v. 6). Their project is not merely architectural; it represents humanity's attempt to establish security and significance independent of God.
The LORD came down to see the city and tower, a phrase emphasizing God's omniscience while accommodating human language. God recognizes that with unified language and unified purpose, there is no limit to what sinful humanity will accomplish in rebellion. His response is swift and decisive: He will confound their language so they cannot understand one another's speech (v. 7). This is not arbitrary punishment but a merciful restraint—preventing humanity from advancing further into corporate wickedness. The confusion of language results in the scattering of people across the earth (v. 8), a judgment that paradoxically fulfills God's earlier command to replenish the earth. The name "Babel" ironically derives from a word meaning "gate of God" but is explained here as coming from the Hebrew word for confusion, showing how God's judgment is both just and humbling.
Following the Babel account, the text provides the genealogical descent from Shem through ten generations to Terah, the father of Abram. This genealogy demonstrates that despite humanity's scattered condition, God's redemptive plan continues through a distinct lineage. Each generation is marked by longevity, though lifespans gradually decrease—a silent testimony to the effects of sin and time's passage since the Flood. Notably, this line preserves the knowledge of the true God and moves toward a specific purpose: the calling of Abram.
Terah takes his son Abram, his grandson Lot, and his daughter-in-law Sarai and departs from Ur of the Chaldees, heading toward Canaan (v. 31). Significantly, Sarai is noted as barren (v. 30)—an important detail, as her future miraculous conception will demonstrate God's power. The family settles in Haran instead of completing their journey, remaining there until Terah's death at 205 years old. God's call to Abram will come in the next chapter, launching the redemptive history that fulfills the promise to Abraham's descendants.
Babel reminds us that human pride and self-sufficiency incur God's judgment, while His scattered judgment still serves His ultimate purposes. Like Abram, we are called to trust God's vision for our lives rather than build personal kingdoms. When we surrender our ambitions to God's plan, we become part of His eternal story of redemption.