Genesis 11:6

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר
H559
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
יְהוָ֗ה
H3068
And the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#3
הֵ֣ן
H2005
lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if
#4
עַ֤ם
H5971
Behold the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#5
אַחַת֙
H259
and they have all one
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#6
וְשָׂפָ֤ה
H8193
language
the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
#7
אַחַת֙
H259
and they have all one
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#8
לְכֻלָּ֔ם
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#9
וְזֶ֖ה
H2088
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#10
הַֽחִלָּ֣ם
H2490
and this they begin
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
#11
לַֽעֲשֽׂוֹת׃
H6213
to do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#12
וְעַתָּה֙
H6258
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive
#13
לֹֽא
H3808
and now nothing
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#14
יִבָּצֵ֣ר
H1219
will be restrained
to gather grapes; also to be isolated (i.e., inaccessible by height or fortification)
#15
מֵהֶ֔ם
H1992
they (only used when emphatic)
#16
כֹּ֛ל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#17
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#18
יָֽזְמ֖וּ
H2161
from them which they have imagined
to plan, usually in a bad sense
#19
לַֽעֲשֽׂוֹת׃
H6213
to do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Genesis.

Historical Context

The historical context of the patriarchal period (c. 2000-1500 BCE) and primeval history provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The ancient Near Eastern world with its creation myths, flood narratives, and patriarchal social structures provided the cultural backdrop against which God's revelation stands in stark contrast. The ancient Near Eastern cosmology and patriarchal society would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Ancient Near Eastern creation texts like Enuma Elish provide comparative context for understanding Genesis's unique theological perspective.

Questions for Reflection

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