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Genesis 11:1 Now the whole earth used the same language and the same words.

< Genesis 10:32
Genesis 11:2 >

      Ge 11:1-32. CONFUSION OF TONGUES.

      1. the whole earth was of one language. The descendants of Noah, united by the strong bond of a common language, had not separated, and notwithstanding the divine command to replenish the earth, were unwilling to separate. The more pious and well-disposed would of course obey the divine will; but a numerous body, seemingly the aggressive horde mentioned (Ge 10:10), determined to please themselves by occupying the fairest region they came to.

JFB.


Questions Related to this Verse

Where In Scripture Does It Talk About A City In The Plain Of Shinar Tower Built, And Tongues Confused At Babel?

Where in Scripture does it mention The unity of Language?

Where in Scripture does it mention The confusion of Language?

Where in Scripture does it mention The confusion of Tongues?

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Genesis 11 Images and Notes

Brief Summary: Every man in the world spoke the same language, under the leadership of Nimrod they build the tower of Babel, the LORD confounds the languages and scatters them throughout the entire earth, the generations of Shem include Abram whose wife was Sarai, Abram leaves Ur and settles in Haran.

Genesis chapter 11

Genesis 11:9 - Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth.

Outline
The Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9)
The Descendents of Shem (Genesis 11:10-26)
The Family of Abram (Genesis 11:27-32)

Summary
1 One Language In The World.
3 The Building Of Babel.
5 The Confusion Of Tongues.
10 The Generations Of Shem.
27 The Generations Of Terah The Father Of Abram.
31 Terah Goes from Ur To Haran.

Topics for Bible Study
Ancient Ziggurats - Background Bible Study
The Ziggurats - Ancient Babylonia
Archaeology - Ancient Babylonia
Nebuchadnezzar's Babylon
Map of Ancient Mesopotamia

Maps
Map of the Table of Nations
Map of the Descendants of Shem, Ham, and Japheth

ILLUSTRATION

Ziggurat with Seven Stages

Ancient Ziggurat at Ur Reconstructed

Drawing of a Ziggurat with seven stages. The original purpose of the 7 stages and the "mountain top" at its peak must have been influenced by the altar of Noah, the rainbow, and the voice of God speaking. This miraculous event would have no doubt created a striking impression on the sons of Noah.

Quick Reference Map
Quick Reference Map of the Kingdom of Nimrod
This map of ancient Mesopotamia shows some of the important cities and regions that existed around 2000 - 3000 BC. The exact area of the Land of Shinar still remain a mystery as well as the exact size of the kingdom of Nimrod. (Click to Enlarge)
 

The Tower of Babel by Pieter Brueghel
Painting of The Tower of Babel by Pieter Brueghel the Elder (1563)

ARCHAEOLOGY

The Standard of Ur

Royal Standard of Ur

This royal standard of ancient Ur of the Chaldees was carried on a pole around 2600 BC. There are scenes of war and scenes of peace.

Genesis 11:31 And Terah took Abram his son, and Lot the son of Haran his son's son, and Sarai his daughter in law, his son Abram's wife; and they went forth with them from Ur of the Chaldees, to go into the land of Canaan; and they came unto Haran, and dwelt there.


The Old Testament

The Old Testament

Genesis Resources

Creation
Adam and Eve
The Flood
The Tower of Babel
Abraham the First Hebrew
Isaac, Son of Promise
Jacob and the 12 Tribes
Joseph and Egypt