King James Version

What Does Genesis 11:3 Mean?

Genesis 11:3 in the King James Version says “And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them throughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them throughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for morter. they said: Heb. a man said to his neighbour burn: Heb. burn them to a burning”

Genesis 11:3 · King James Version

Context

1

And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech. language: Heb. lip. speech: Heb. words

2

And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there. from: or, eastward

3

And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them throughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for morter. they said: Heb. a man said to his neighbour burn: Heb. burn them to a burning

4

And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.

5

And the LORD came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded.

Read Genesis 11 full chapter

Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them throughly. And they had brick ... This passage belongs to the primeval history section (Genesis 1-11) which establishes universal truths about God, humanity, sin, and divine purposes before focusing on Abraham and Israel. These chapters answer fundamental questions about human origins, the spread of wickedness, God's judgment, and the preservation of a righteous remnant.

Recurring patterns emerge: human sin escalating from individual disobedience to societal corruption, divine patience followed by judgment, gracious preservation of a remnant, and covenant promises ensuring redemptive purposes continue. The genealogies connect historical persons, demonstrate the fulfillment of divine promises (blessing and multiplication), and trace the line leading to Abraham and ultimately Christ.

Key theological themes in this section include: (1) sin's destructive progression affecting all humanity; (2) God's righteous judgment while preserving mercy; (3) human pride and autonomy opposing divine sovereignty; (4) cultural development as both blessing and potential idolatry; (5) God's sovereign plan advancing despite human rebellion. These narratives provide the necessary context for understanding God's calling of Abraham and the covenant promises through which all nations will be blessed.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The primeval history (Genesis 1-11) parallels ancient Near Eastern traditions including Sumerian King Lists (pre-flood longevity), Akkadian flood traditions (Atrahasis, Gilgamesh), and Mesopotamian city foundation myths. However, Genesis demythologizes these traditions, presenting monotheistic history rather than polytheistic mythology. The genealogies connecting Adam to Noah to Abraham provide historical framework absent in pagan myths.

Archaeological evidence confirms ancient urbanization (chapter 4's cities), agricultural development, metallurgy, and musical instruments emerging in Mesopotamia's early history. The Babel account reflects Mesopotamian ziggurat construction (stepped pyramid temples), particularly in Babylon. Linguistic diversity requiring explanation was obvious to ancient peoples, making the Babel narrative culturally relevant.

For Israel in covenant with Yahweh, these chapters explained their relationship to surrounding nations. All peoples descended from Noah, but Israel descended from Shem through Abraham—chosen for blessing all nations. The flood demonstrated God's justice and mercy: judging wickedness while preserving the righteous. This pattern would recur throughout Israel's history, assuring them that God's covenant faithfulness endures despite judgment on the wicked.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this passage reveal about God's sovereignty and human responsibility?
  2. What obstacles prevent us from living out the truths presented in this verse?
  3. In what ways does this narrative foreshadow or typify aspects of Christ's redemptive work?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וַיֹּֽאמְר֞וּ1 of 17

“And they said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אִ֣ישׁ2 of 17

“one”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

אֶל3 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

רֵעֵ֗הוּ4 of 17

“to another”

H7453

an associate (more or less close)

הָ֚בָה5 of 17

“Go to”

H3051

to give (whether literal or figurative); generally, to put; imperatively (reflexive) come

נִלְבְּנָ֣ה6 of 17

“let us make”

H3835

to make bricks

הַלְּבֵנָה֙7 of 17

“And they had brick”

H3843

a brick (from the whiteness of the clay)

וְנִשְׂרְפָ֖ה8 of 17

“and burn”

H8313

to be (causatively, set) on fire

לִשְׂרֵפָ֑ה9 of 17

“them throughly”

H8316

cremation

הָיָ֥ה10 of 17

“had”

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לָהֶ֤ם11 of 17
H0
הַלְּבֵנָה֙12 of 17

“And they had brick”

H3843

a brick (from the whiteness of the clay)

לְאָ֔בֶן13 of 17

“for stone”

H68

a stone

וְהַ֣חֵמָ֔ר14 of 17

“and slime”

H2564

bitumen (as rising to the surface)

הָיָ֥ה15 of 17

“had”

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

לָהֶ֖ם16 of 17
H0
לַחֹֽמֶר׃17 of 17

“they for morter”

H2563

properly, a bubbling up, i.e., of water, a wave; hence, a chomer or dry measure

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 11:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 11:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 14:10Exodus 1:14Exodus 2:3James 5:1Hebrews 10:24Isaiah 41:6-7

Test Your Knowledge

Genesis 11 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterGenesis Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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