Genesis 11:8
Genesis 11:8 in Multiple Translations
So the LORD scattered them from there over the face of all the earth, and they stopped building the city.
So the LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city.
So Jehovah scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off building the city.
So the Lord God sent them away into every part of the earth: and they gave up building their town.
The Lord sent them away from there and scattered them all over the world, and they gave up building the city.
So ye Lord scattered them from thence vpon all the earth, and they left off to build the citie.
And Jehovah doth scatter them from thence over the face of all the earth, and they cease to build the city;
So the LORD scattered them abroad from there on the surface of all the earth. They stopped building the city.
So the LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city.
And so the Lord scattered them from that place into all lands, and they ceased to build the city.
So Yahweh did that. As a result, the people stopped building the city, and Yahweh caused them to disperse all over the earth.
So God made all the people talk in different languages. None of them could understand anything the other people were saying. So they stopped building their big city.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 11:8
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 11:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּ֨פֶץ
יְהוָ֥ה
אֹתָ֛/ם
מִ/שָּׁ֖ם
עַל
פְּנֵ֣י
כָל
הָ/אָ֑רֶץ
וַֽ/יַּחְדְּל֖וּ
לִ/בְנֹ֥ת
הָ/עִֽיר
וַ/יָּ֨פֶץ
pûwts
H6327
to scatter
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוָ֥ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֹתָ֛/ם
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
מִ/שָּׁ֖ם
shâm
H8033
there
Prep | Adv
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
פְּנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp
כָל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
הָ/אָ֑רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Art | N-cs
וַֽ/יַּחְדְּל֖וּ
châdal
H2308
to cease
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
לִ/בְנֹ֥ת
bânâh
H1129
to build
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
הָ/עִֽיר
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Art | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 11:8
וַ/יָּ֨פֶץ
pûwts
H6327
"to scatter"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
To shatter means to break something into pieces, either physically or figuratively. It can also mean to disperse or scatter people or things, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: 1) to scatter, be dispersed, be scattered 1a) (Qal) to be dispersed, be scattered 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be scattered 1b2) to be spread abroad 1c) (Hiphil) to scatter 1d) Hithpael) scatter
Usage: Occurs in 66 OT verses. KJV: break (dash, shake) in (to) pieces, cast (abroad), disperse (selves), drive, retire, scatter (abroad), spread abroad. See also: Genesis 10:18; Jeremiah 10:21; Psalms 18:15.
יְהוָ֥ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֹתָ֛/ם
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
מִ/שָּׁ֖ם
shâm
H8033
"there"
Prep | Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
פְּנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הָ/אָ֑רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
וַֽ/יַּחְדְּל֖וּ
châdal
H2308
"to cease"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To cease means to stop or end something, like when God told the Israelites to cease work on the Sabbath in Exodus 20:10. It can also mean to be idle or lacking. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a change in action or behavior.
Definition: 1) to stop, cease, desist, forego, cease to be, leave undone, forbear 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cease, come to an end 1a2) to cease, leave off
Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: cease, end, fall, forbear, forsake, leave (off), let alone, rest, be unoccupied, want. See also: Genesis 11:8; 2 Chronicles 18:14; Psalms 36:4.
לִ/בְנֹ֥ת
bânâh
H1129
"to build"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
The Hebrew word bânâh means to build something, like a house or a family. It can also mean to establish or repair something, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to build, rebuild, establish, cause to continue 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to build, rebuild 1a2) to build a house (ie, establish a family) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be built 1b2) to be rebuilt 1b3) established (of restored exiles) (fig.) 1b4) established (made permanent) 1b5) to be built up (of childless wife becoming the mother of a family through the children of a concubine) Aramaic equivalent: be.nah (בְּנָה "to build" H1124)
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: (begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make, repair, set (up), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:22; 1 Kings 8:48; 2 Chronicles 20:8.
הָ/עִֽיר
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Art | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
Study Notes — Genesis 11:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 11:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 11:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 11:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 11:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 11:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 11:8
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 11:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 11:8
- Sermons on Genesis 11:8
Context — The Tower of Babel
6And the LORD said, “If they have begun to do this as one people speaking the same language, then nothing they devise will be beyond them.
7Come, let Us go down and confuse their language, so that they will not understand one another’s speech.”
8So the LORD scattered them from there over the face of all the earth, and they stopped building the city.
9That is why it is called Babel, for there the LORD confused the language of the whole world, and from that place the LORD scattered them over the face of all the earth. 10This is the account of Shem. Two years after the flood, when Shem was 100 years old, he became the father of Arphaxad.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke 1:51 | He has performed mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who are proud in the thoughts of their hearts. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 32:8 | When the Most High gave the nations their inheritance, when He divided the sons of man, He set the boundaries of the peoples according to the number of the sons of God. |
| 3 | Genesis 10:25 | Two sons were born to Eber: One was named Peleg, because in his days the earth was divided, and his brother was named Joktan. |
| 4 | Genesis 10:32 | All these are the clans of Noah’s sons, according to their generations and nations. From these the nations of the earth spread out after the flood. |
| 5 | Genesis 11:4 | “Come,” they said, “let us build for ourselves a city with a tower that reaches to the heavens, that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of all the earth.” |
| 6 | Genesis 11:9 | That is why it is called Babel, for there the LORD confused the language of the whole world, and from that place the LORD scattered them over the face of all the earth. |
| 7 | Genesis 49:7 | Cursed be their anger, for it is strong, and their wrath, for it is cruel! I will disperse them in Jacob and scatter them in Israel. |
Genesis 11:8 Summary
Genesis 11:8 tells us that God scattered the people who were trying to build a tower to reach the heavens. This was because God knew that if they succeeded, they would become too proud and self-sufficient, as stated in Genesis 11:6. By scattering them, God was able to redirect the course of human history and create a more diverse world, as seen in Genesis 11:9. This verse reminds us that God is in control and that He desires for people to spread out and fill the earth, as stated in Genesis 1:28, and to trust in Him rather than their own abilities, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God scatter the people in Genesis 11:8?
God scattered the people because they were attempting to build a tower that would reach the heavens, and He knew that if they succeeded, nothing would be impossible for them, as stated in Genesis 11:6. This scattering was an act of mercy, as God desired to prevent humanity from becoming too proud and self-sufficient.
What was the result of God confusing the language of the people in Genesis 11:8?
The result was that the people stopped building the city, as stated in Genesis 11:8, and were scattered over the face of the earth, as mentioned in Genesis 11:9. This event marked a significant turning point in human history, as it led to the diversification of languages and cultures.
How does Genesis 11:8 relate to the concept of God's sovereignty?
Genesis 11:8 demonstrates God's sovereignty over human affairs, as He intervenes to redirect the course of human history. This verse shows that God is actively involved in the lives of people and nations, and that He will not allow human pride and ambition to go unchecked, as seen in Proverbs 16:9.
What can we learn from the scattering of the people in Genesis 11:8?
We can learn that God is a God of diversity and unity, and that He desires for people to spread out and fill the earth, as stated in Genesis 1:28. This scattering also serves as a reminder of the importance of humility and the dangers of human pride, as warned against in Proverbs 16:18.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I can recognize and respond to God's sovereign hand in my life, just as the people in Genesis 11:8 were forced to acknowledge God's intervention?
- How can I balance my desire for unity and cooperation with others with the reality of diversity and difference, as seen in the scattering of the people in Genesis 11:8?
- In what ways can I be mindful of the dangers of pride and self-sufficiency in my own life, and how can I cultivate a spirit of humility and dependence on God?
- What are some ways in which the scattering of the people in Genesis 11:8 has impacted the world and human history, and how can I learn from this event?
- How can I use my own language and cultural background to glorify God and spread the message of the Gospel, despite the diversity and differences that exist in the world?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 11:8
So the Lord scattered them abroad from thence, upon the face of all the earth,.... Hence that which they feared came upon them, and what they were so careful to guard against befell them, occasioned
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 11:8
So the LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city. So the Lord scattered them abroad from thence, ... Thus easily was their purpose defeated by God.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 11:8
Thus they brought upon themselves the very thing they feared, and that more speedily and more mischievously to themselves; for now they were not only divided in place, but in language too, and so were unfitted for those confederacies and correspondences which they mainly designed, and for the mutual comfort and help of one another, which otherwise they might in good measure have enjoyed.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 11:8
Genesis 11:8 So the LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city.Ver. 8. So the Lord scattered them abroad.] Which was the evil they feared, and by this enterprise, sought to prevent. But there is neither counsel, power, nor policy against the Lord. "The fear of the wicked shall come upon him". As it befell those wretched Jews, "The Romans shall come," &c., and come they did accordingly. Pilate, for fear of losing his office, delivered up Christ, and was by Caius kicked off the bench.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 11:8
(8) The Lord (Jehovah) scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city.—The tendency of men, as the result of a growing diversity of language, was to separate, each tribe holding intercourse only with those who spake their own dialect; and so the Divine purpose of occupying the world was carried into effect, while the project of this ambitious knot of men to hold mankind together was frustrated, and the building of their tower ceased.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 11:8
8. scattered them abroad] The general result is stated; the means by which the sentence was carried out are not related. Josephus records a tradition that the Tower was overthrown by a mighty wind.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 11:8
8. Scattered them — Thus, in the days of Peleg, (Genesis 10:25,) was effected the division of the nations.
Sermons on Genesis 11:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Ger-13 Apostolic Foundations by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the destiny of Israel and the church. He warns that a global persecution is expected, and if the church is no |
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Two Roads Two Destinies 08 Ireland st.chapel by Worth Ellis | In this sermon, the speaker begins by sharing a personal experience of meeting an old teacher and having a reunion in a crowded restaurant. He then transitions to discussing the we |
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(Becoming a Prophetic Church) 3. Israel the Suffering Servant - Part 1 by Art Katz | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the crucifixion of Jesus as the most profound episode in history that reveals the heart of all reality. He suggests that the crucifixion is |
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The Tent of Shem by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a radical message he gave as a young believer at a Full Gospel Businessmen's Conference. Despite facing backlash and criticism, the message |
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Dvd 34 God's Purpose for the Nations by Art Katz | This sermon emphasizes the importance of nations recognizing God's sovereignty over the earth and their need to repent and seek after Him. It delves into the significance of nation |
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(Genesis) 20 - the Table of Nations; or the History of the Sons of Noah by S. Lewis Johnson | S. Lewis Johnson explores Genesis chapter 10, known as the Table of Nations, emphasizing its significance in understanding God's providence in history and the unity of mankind. He |
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K-493 the Holocaust in Jewish Consciousness by Art Katz | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of God's goodness and justice, even in the face of events that seem contradictory. The sermon also explores the idea of a "genera |