King James Version

What Does Genesis 11:6 Mean?

Genesis 11:6 in the King James Version says “And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing... — study this verse from Genesis chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Genesis 11:6 · KJV


Context

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.

7

Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another's speech.

8

So the LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to... 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. 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. How does understanding Christ as the ultimate fulfillment illuminate this passage's meaning?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר1 of 19

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֗ה2 of 19

And the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

הֵ֣ן3 of 19
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

עַ֤ם4 of 19

Behold the people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

אַחַת֙5 of 19

and they have all one

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

וְשָׂפָ֤ה6 of 19

language

H8193

the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)

אַחַת֙7 of 19

and they have all one

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

לְכֻלָּ֔ם8 of 19
H3605

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

וְזֶ֖ה9 of 19
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

הַֽחִלָּ֣ם10 of 19

and this they begin

H2490

properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin

לַֽעֲשֽׂוֹת׃11 of 19

to do

H6213

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

וְעַתָּה֙12 of 19
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

לֹֽא13 of 19

and now nothing

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִבָּצֵ֣ר14 of 19

will be restrained

H1219

to gather grapes; also to be isolated (i.e., inaccessible by height or fortification)

מֵהֶ֔ם15 of 19
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

כֹּ֛ל16 of 19
H3605

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

אֲשֶׁ֥ר17 of 19
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יָֽזְמ֖וּ18 of 19

from them which they have imagined

H2161

to plan, usually in a bad sense

לַֽעֲשֽׂוֹת׃19 of 19

to do

H6213

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


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 11:6 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 11:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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