Genesis 11:7

Authorized King James Version

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

Word-by-Word Analysis

הָ֚בָה

H3051

Go to

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

נֵֽרְדָ֔ה

H3381

let us go down

to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau

וְנָֽבְלָ֥ה

H1101

and there confound

to overflow (specifically with oil.); by implication, to mix; to fodder

שָׁ֖ם

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

שְׂפַ֥ת

H8193

speech

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

אֲשֶׁר֙

H834

that

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

לֹ֣א

H3808

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

יִשְׁמְע֔וּ

H8085

they may not understand

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אִ֖ישׁ

H582

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

#10

שְׂפַ֥ת

H8193

speech

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

#11

רֵעֵֽהוּ׃

H7453

another's

an associate (more or less close)

Analysis

This verse develops the creation and providence theme central to Genesis. The concept of divine revelation reflects God's absolute sovereignty over all existence. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to foundational narrative establishing God's relationship with creation and humanity, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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

How does the creation and providence theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Study Resources

Biblical Timeline