Now the whole world had one language and a common form of speech. NowThe word "Now" serves as a transitional term, linking the events of Genesis 11 with the preceding chapters. It indicates a continuation of the narrative, suggesting that the events of the Tower of Babel are part of the unfolding account of humanity post-Flood. This transition reminds us of the ongoing nature of God's interaction with His creation, emphasizing His sovereignty and the unfolding of His divine plan. the whole world
This phrase refers to the entirety of humanity at the time. In the Hebrew text, "the whole world" is often understood as "the whole earth" (Hebrew: "kol ha'aretz"), emphasizing the universality of the human condition and experience. It underscores the unity of mankind before the division at Babel, highlighting a time when humanity was not yet divided by language or geography, reflecting God's original design for human unity and community. had one language
The phrase "had one language" (Hebrew: "safah achat") indicates a singular, unified means of communication among all people. This unity in language symbolizes a deeper unity in purpose and culture. Theologically, it reflects the original harmony intended by God for humanity, a harmony that was disrupted by sin. The unity of language allowed for collective human achievement but also set the stage for collective rebellion against God, as seen in the subsequent verses. and a common form of speech
The phrase "and a common form of speech" (Hebrew: "devarim achadim") suggests not only a shared language but also a shared vocabulary and expressions. This commonality facilitated cooperation and understanding, enabling humanity to work together effectively. However, it also meant that when humanity chose to rebel, they could do so with a unified front. This highlights the dual nature of human unity: it can be used for great good or great evil, depending on the orientation of the human heart towards God. Persons / Places / Events 1. The Whole WorldRefers to the entirety of humanity at the time, indicating a unified human society. 2. One LanguageThe shared linguistic medium that facilitated communication and collaboration among all people. 3. Common Form of SpeechSuggests not only a shared language but also a uniformity in expression and understanding. Teaching Points Unity and CommunicationThe initial unity of language highlights the power of communication in achieving collective goals. Reflect on how language and communication can be used to foster unity in the church today. The Potential for Human AchievementThe shared language enabled humanity to undertake significant projects. Consider how God-given talents and resources can be used for His glory rather than self-glorification. The Role of Language in CultureLanguage shapes culture and identity. Explore how the diversity of languages today can be seen as both a challenge and a blessing in spreading the Gospel. God's Sovereignty Over Human PlansThe account of Babel (which follows this verse) demonstrates God's control over human endeavors. Trust in God's sovereignty when human plans are disrupted. The Importance of IntentionsThe unity of language was not inherently negative, but the intentions behind its use were. Evaluate the motives behind our actions and align them with God's purposes. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the unity of language in Genesis 11:1 compare to the diversity of languages we see today, and what are the implications for global communication? 2. In what ways can the church today work towards unity despite linguistic and cultural differences, as seen in the early church in Acts 2? 3. How can we ensure that our collective efforts and projects are aligned with God's will, rather than seeking to make a name for ourselves? 4. Reflect on a time when a disruption in your plans led to a greater understanding of God's sovereignty. How did this experience shape your faith? 5. How can we use the diversity of languages and cultures as an opportunity to share the Gospel, rather than seeing it as a barrier? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 10:32This verse provides context by explaining the division of nations after the flood, setting the stage for the events of Genesis 11. Acts 2:1-12The event of Pentecost, where language barriers are supernaturally overcome, contrasts with the division of languages at Babel. Zephaniah 3:9Prophecies about a future restoration of a pure language, reflecting a reversal of Babel's confusion. People Abram, Arphaxad, Eber, Haran, Iscah, Lot, Milcah, Nahor, Peleg, Reu, Salah, Sarai, Serug, Shelah, Shem, TerahPlaces Babel, Canaan, Haran, Mesha, Shinar, UrTopics Common, Language, Pronunciation, Speech, TongueDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 11:1-3 4366 stones Genesis 11:1-4 4306 minerals
4309 bitumen and tar
8801 presumption Genesis 11:1-9 5004 human race, and sin
5374 languages
5541 society, negative
5585 towers
5776 achievement
7530 foreigners Library The Church.
FROM THE PREFACE TO THE "HOLY CITY." UPON a certain First-day, I being together with my brethren in our prison-chamber, they expected that, according to our custom, something should be spoken out of the word for our mutual edification; but at that time I felt myself--it being my turn to speak--so empty, spiritless, and barren, that I thought I should not have been able to speak among them so much as five words of truth, with life and evidence: but at last it so fell out that providentially I cast …
John Bunyan—The Riches of BunyanMeditations to Stir us up to Morning Prayer.
1. If, when thou art about to pray, Satan shall suggest that thy prayers are too long, and that therefore it were better either to omit prayers, or else to cut them shorter, meditate that prayer is thy spiritual sacrifice, wherewith God is well pleased (Heb. xiii. 15, 16;) and therefore it is so displeasing to the devil, and so irksome to the flesh. Bend therefore thy affections (will they, nill they) to so holy an exercise; assuring thyself, that it doth by so much the more please God, by how much …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety He Does Battle for the Faith; He Restores Peace among those who were at Variance; He Takes in Hand to Build a Stone Church.
57. (32). There was a certain clerk in Lismore whose life, as it is said, was good, but his faith not so. He was a man of some knowledge in his own eyes, and dared to say that in the Eucharist there is only a sacrament and not the fact[718] of the sacrament, that is, mere sanctification and not the truth of the Body. On this subject he was often addressed by Malachy in secret, but in vain; and finally he was called before a public assembly, the laity however being excluded, in order that if it were …
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
Syria: the part played by it in the ancient world--Babylon and the first Chaldaean empire--The dominion of the Hyksos: Ahmosis. Some countries seem destined from their origin to become the battle-fields of the contending nations which environ them. Into such regions, and to their cost, neighbouring peoples come from century to century to settle their quarrels and bring to an issue the questions of supremacy which disturb their little corner of the world. The nations around are eager for the possession …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 4 The Promise to the Patriarchs.
A great epoch is, in Genesis, ushered in with the history of the time of the Patriarchs. Luther says: "This is the third period in which Holy Scripture begins the history of the Church with a new family." In a befitting manner, the representation is opened in Gen. xii. 1-3 by an account of the first revelation of God, given to Abraham at Haran, in which the way is opened up for all that follows, and in which the dispensations of God are brought before us in a rapid survey. Abraham is to forsake …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament The Book of the First Generations of Man, and the Glory of the Cainites.
I. THE BOOK OF THE FIRST GENERATIONS OF MAN, AND THE GLORY OF THE CAINITES. A. THE BOOK OF THE FIRST GENERATIONS OF MAN. 1. The reasons why Moses records the generations of Adam 1. 2. Why he so particularly gives the years, and in the case of each patriarch adds "and he died" 1-2. 3. Why Enoch is placed in the records of the dead 3-4. * Was Enoch a sinner, and do sinners have hope of eternal life 4. * Of death. a. How we are to comfort ourselves against death 5. b. How reason views death, and how …
Martin Luther—Commentary on Genesis, Vol. II Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes
ONLY those who have made study of it can have any idea how large, and sometimes bewildering, is the literature on the subject of Jewish Proselytes and their Baptism. Our present remarks will be confined to the Baptism of Proselytes. 1. Generally, as regards proselytes (Gerim) we have to distinguish between the Ger ha-Shaar (proselyte of the gate) and Ger Toshabh (sojourner,' settled among Israel), and again the Ger hatstsedeq (proselyte of righteousness) and Ger habberith (proselyte of the covenant). …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Cain Murders his Brother; Called to Account.
IV. CAIN MURDERS HIS BROTHER; CALLED TO ACCOUNT. A. HOW CAIN MURDERED HIS BROTHER. 1. What moved Cain to commit murder 107. 2. Cain's hypocritical actions in concealing his anger that he might the more easily commit the murder 108-109. * Cain the picture of all hypocrites 110-129. * The attitude of hypocrites to their neighbors. Also, how we are to view the efforts of the pope and bishops in behalf of peace and unity 111-112. * Against what people we should most guard 112. 3. How Cain listened to …
Martin Luther—Commentary on Genesis, Vol. II An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of the Eleventh
An unfinished commentary on the Bible, found among the author's papers after his death, in his own handwriting; and published in 1691, by Charles Doe, in a folio volume of the works of John Bunyan. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR Being in company with an enlightened society of Protestant dissenters of the Baptist denomination, I observed to a doctor of divinity, who was advancing towards his seventieth year, that my time had been delightfully engaged with John Bunyan's commentary on Genesis. "What," …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Genesis 11:1 NIVGenesis 11:1 NLTGenesis 11:1 ESVGenesis 11:1 NASBGenesis 11:1 KJV
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