Genesis 11:4

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּֽאמְר֞וּ

H559

And they said

to say (used with great latitude)

הָ֣בָה׀

H3051

Go to

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

נִבְנֶה

H1129

let us build

to build (literally and figuratively)

לָּ֣נוּ

עִ֗יר

H5892

us a city

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

וּמִגְדָּל֙

H4026

and a tower

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

וְרֹאשׁ֣וֹ

H7218

whose top

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

בַשָּׁמַ֔יִם

H8064

may reach unto heaven

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

וְנַֽעֲשֶׂה

H6213

and let us make

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

#10

לָּ֖נוּ

#11

שֵׁ֑ם

H8034

us a name

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

#12

פֶּן

H6435

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

#13

נָפ֖וּץ

H6327

lest we be scattered abroad

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

#14

עַל

H5921

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

#15

פְּנֵ֥י

H6440

upon the face

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

#16

כָל

H3605

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

#17

הָאָֽרֶץ׃

H776

of the whole earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

Analysis

The creation and providence theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern narrative literature addressing origins and identity shapes this text's meaning. The development from creation to divine election established God's sovereign care over history Understanding a worldview where divine beings actively governed natural and historical processes helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?
What practical applications emerge from understanding creation and providence as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
How does this verse's literary context within Genesis chapter 11 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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