King James Version

What Does Genesis 11:4 Mean?

Genesis 11:4 in the King James Version says “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, le...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Genesis 11:4 · KJV

Context

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.

6

And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do.

Read Genesis 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let u... 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.

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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. How does this verse contribute to the biblical doctrine of creation, fall, or redemption?
  2. How can we apply the principles from this passage to contemporary challenges in family, work, or church?
  3. How does understanding Christ as the ultimate fulfillment illuminate this passage's meaning?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וַיֹּֽאמְר֞וּ1 of 17

“And they said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הָ֣בָה׀2 of 17

“Go to”

H3051

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

נִבְנֶה3 of 17

“let us build”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

לָּ֣נוּ4 of 17
H0
עִ֗יר5 of 17

“us a city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

וּמִגְדָּל֙6 of 17

“and a tower”

H4026

a tower (from its size or height); by analogy, a rostrum; figuratively, a (pyramidal) bed of flowers

וְרֹאשׁ֣וֹ7 of 17

“whose top”

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

בַשָּׁמַ֔יִם8 of 17

“may reach unto heaven”

H8064

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

וְנַֽעֲשֶׂה9 of 17

“and let us make”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לָּ֖נוּ10 of 17
H0
שֵׁ֑ם11 of 17

“us a name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

פֶּן12 of 17
H6435

properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest

נָפ֖וּץ13 of 17

“lest we be scattered abroad”

H6327

to dash in pieces, literally or figuratively (especially to disperse)

עַל14 of 17
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

פְּנֵ֥י15 of 17

“upon the face”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

כָל16 of 17
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָאָֽרֶץ׃17 of 17

“of the whole earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

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 11:4 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 11:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 5:44Deuteronomy 1:28Luke 1:51Daniel 4:30Proverbs 10:7Deuteronomy 9:1

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