Genesis 11
BSB1 Now the whole world had one language and a common form of speech. 2 And as people journeyed eastward, they found a plain in the land of Shinar and settled there. 3 And they said to one another, “Come, let us make bricks and bake them thoroughly.” So they used brick instead of stone, and tar instead of mortar. 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." 5 Then the LORD came down to see the city and the tower that the sons of men were building. 6 And 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. 7 Come, let Us go down and confuse their language, so that they will not understand one another’s speech." 8 So the LORD scattered them from there over the face of all the earth, and they stopped building the city. 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. 10 This is the account of Shem. Two years after the flood, when Shem was 100 years old, he became the father of Arphaxad. 11 And after he had become the father of Arphaxad, Shem lived 500 years and had other sons and daughters. 12 When Arphaxad was 35 years old, he became the father of Shelah. 13 And after he had become the father of Shelah, Arphaxad lived 403 years and had other sons and daughters. 14 When Shelah was 30 years old, he became the father of Eber. 15 And after he had become the father of Eber, Shelah lived 403 years and had other sons and daughters. 16 When Eber was 34 years old, he became the father of Peleg. 17 And after he had become the father of Peleg, Eber lived 430 years and had other sons and daughters. 18 When Peleg was 30 years old, he became the father of Reu. 19 And after he had become the father of Reu, Peleg lived 209 years and had other sons and daughters. 20 When Reu was 32 years old, he became the father of Serug. 21 And after he had become the father of Serug, Reu lived 207 years and had other sons and daughters. 22 When Serug was 30 years old, he became the father of Nahor. 23 And after he had become the father of Nahor, Serug lived 200 years and had other sons and daughters. 24 When Nahor was 29 years old, he became the father of Terah. 25 And after he had become the father of Terah, Nahor lived 119 years and had other sons and daughters. 26 When Terah was 70 years old, he became the father of Abram, Nahor, and Haran. 27 This is the account of Terah. Terah became the father of Abram, Nahor, and Haran. And Haran became the father of Lot. 28 During his father Terah’s lifetime, Haran died in his native land, in Ur of the Chaldeans. 29 And Abram and Nahor took wives for themselves. Abram’s wife was named Sarai, and Nahor’s wife was named Milcah; she was the daughter of Haran, who was the father of both Milcah and Iscah. 30 But Sarai was barren; she had no children. 31 And Terah took his son Abram, his grandson Lot son of Haran, and his daughter-in-law Sarai the wife of Abram, and they set out from Ur of the Chaldeans for the land of Canaan. But when they arrived in Haran, they settled there. 32 Terah lived 205 years, and he died in Haran.
Study Notes — Genesis 11
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Genesis 11
- Themes from Genesis 11
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Genesis 11
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Genesis chapter 11 begins with the story of the tower of Babel, where humanity, united in language and purpose, sought to build a tower that would reach the heavens. However, God saw their pride and confounded their language, causing them to scatter across the earth. The chapter then transitions to the genealogy of Shem, highlighting the importance of faith and obedience to God. Key verses include Genesis 11:1-9, which describes the tower of Babel, and Genesis 11:10-26, which provides the genealogy of Shem. The chapter concludes with the introduction of Abram, who will become a central figure in the rest of the book of Genesis.
Context for the Chapter
Genesis chapter 11 follows the story of Noah and the flood, where God judges humanity for their wickedness. The chapter provides a transition from the early history of humanity to the story of the patriarchs, including Abram, who will become a central figure in the book of Genesis. The story of the tower of Babel also sets the stage for the rest of the biblical narrative, highlighting the importance of faith, obedience, and humility before God.
Heart Application
This chapter reminds us of the dangers of human pride and the importance of humility before God. We must recognize our own tendencies towards pride and rebellion, and instead seek to walk in faith and obedience to God. By doing so, we can avoid the judgment that came upon the people at Babel and instead experience God's mercy and blessing.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Genesis chapter 11 tells the story of the tower of Babel, where humanity tried to build a tower that would reach the heavens. However, God stopped them by confusing their language, causing them to scatter across the earth. The chapter also introduces Abram, who will become an important figure in the book of Genesis. This story teaches us about the dangers of human pride and the importance of humility before God, as seen in Genesis 11:1-9.
Voices from the Church
“The tower of Babel was a monument to human pride, and God's confounding of the language was a judgment on that pride.”
— John Calvin
“The story of the tower of Babel teaches us that God is not pleased with human pride and rebellion, but instead desires humility and obedience from His people.”
— Charles Spurgeon
Outline for Preaching
- The Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9) — The story of the tower of Babel, where humanity unites in pride to build a tower that will reach the heavens, but God confounds their language and scatters them across the earth.
- The Genealogy of Shem (Genesis 11:10-26) — The genealogy of Shem, highlighting the importance of faith and obedience to God, and emphasizing the descendants of Shem who will play a crucial role in the biblical narrative.
- The Introduction of Abram (Genesis 11:27-32) — The introduction of Abram, who will become a central figure in the book of Genesis, representing faith and obedience to God.
- The Significance of the Tower of Babel — The tower of Babel represents humanity's pride and rebellion against God, highlighting the dangers of unified sin and the importance of humility before God.
- The Importance of Faith and Obedience — The genealogy of Shem emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience to God, highlighting the descendants of Shem who will play a crucial role in the biblical narrative.
Core Doctrines
- The Doctrine of Human Pride
- Genesis chapter 11 teaches us about the dangers of human pride and the importance of humility before God. Human pride can lead to rebellion against God and result in judgment, as seen in the story of the tower of Babel.
- The Doctrine of God's Judgment
- The story of the tower of Babel demonstrates God's judgment on humanity's pride, highlighting His power and authority over all creation.
- The Doctrine of Faith and Obedience
- The genealogy of Shem emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience to God, highlighting the descendants of Shem who will play a crucial role in the biblical narrative.
- The Doctrine of God's Mercy
- Despite humanity's pride and rebellion, God shows mercy by preventing further evil and providing a way for salvation through faith in Him.
Lessons from Genesis 11
- The Dangers of Human Pride — Genesis chapter 11 teaches us about the dangers of human pride and the importance of humility before God. We must recognize our own tendencies towards pride and rebellion, and instead seek to walk in faith and obedience to God.
- The Importance of Faith and Obedience — The genealogy of Shem emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience to God, highlighting the descendants of Shem who will play a crucial role in the biblical narrative. We must prioritize faith and obedience in our own lives, seeking to follow God's will and commands.
- The Significance of the Tower of Babel — The tower of Babel represents humanity's pride and rebellion against God, highlighting the dangers of unified sin and the importance of humility before God. We must learn from this example and seek to avoid similar tendencies in our own lives.
- The Introduction of Abram — The introduction of Abram in Genesis 11:27-32 sets the stage for the rest of the book of Genesis, emphasizing the importance of faith and obedience to God. We can learn from Abram's example and seek to follow God's will and commands in our own lives.
- The Importance of Humility — Genesis chapter 11 teaches us about the importance of humility before God, highlighting the dangers of human pride and rebellion. We must cultivate humility in our own lives, recognizing our dependence on God and seeking to follow His will and commands.
Themes from Genesis 11
- Human Pride and Rebellion — The story of the tower of Babel teaches us about the dangers of human pride and rebellion against God, highlighting the importance of humility before God.
- Faith and Obedience — The genealogy of Shem emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience to God, highlighting the descendants of Shem who will play a crucial role in the biblical narrative.
- God's Judgment and Mercy — The story of the tower of Babel demonstrates God's judgment on humanity's pride, while also showing mercy by preventing further evil and providing a way for salvation through faith in Him.
- The Importance of Humility — Genesis chapter 11 teaches us about the importance of humility before God, highlighting the dangers of human pride and rebellion. We must cultivate humility in our own lives, recognizing our dependence on God and seeking to follow His will and commands.
- The Significance of the Tower of Babel — The tower of Babel represents humanity's pride and rebellion against God, highlighting the dangers of unified sin and the importance of humility before God.
Questions for Meditation
- What are some ways that humanity can unite in pride and rebellion against God, and how can we avoid these tendencies in our own lives?
- How does the story of the tower of Babel relate to the rest of the biblical narrative, and what lessons can we learn from it about faith and obedience to God?
- What is the significance of the genealogy of Shem, and how does it emphasize the importance of faith and obedience to God?
- How does the introduction of Abram in Genesis 11:27-32 set the stage for the rest of the book of Genesis, and what can we learn from his example about faith and obedience to God?
- What are some practical ways that we can apply the lessons of Genesis chapter 11 to our own lives, and how can we cultivate humility and obedience to God in our daily walk with Him?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9)
| Genesis 11:1 | The story of the tower of Babel begins with the unity of humanity, where everyone speaks the same language and has the same goal. |
| Genesis 11:2 | The people come together to build a tower that will reach the heavens, demonstrating their pride and rebellion against God. |
| Genesis 11:3 | The people use brick and mortar to build the tower, highlighting their ingenuity and skill, but also their pride and arrogance. |
| Genesis 11:4 | The people's goal is to make a name for themselves and to avoid being scattered across the earth, demonstrating their desire for human glory and recognition. |
| Genesis 11:5 | God comes down to see the tower and the city that the people are building, highlighting His awareness of humanity's pride and rebellion. |
| Genesis 11:6 | God says that if the people are able to do this as one people speaking the same language, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them, highlighting the dangers of unified sin. |
| Genesis 11:7 | God decides to confound the language of the people, so that they will not be able to understand each other, and scatters them across the earth. |
| Genesis 11:8 | The people are scattered across the earth, and the city is abandoned, highlighting the judgment of God on humanity's pride and rebellion. |
| Genesis 11:9 | The tower is called Babel, because there the Lord confounded the language of the whole earth, and from there the Lord scattered them across the face of the whole earth. |
2. The Genealogy of Shem (Genesis 11:10-26)
| Genesis 11:10 | The genealogy of Shem begins with his descendants, highlighting the importance of faith and obedience to God. |
| Genesis 11:11 | Shem was 100 years old when his son Arpachshad was born, and he lived for 500 years after that, having other sons and daughters. |
| Genesis 11:12 | Arpachshad was 35 years old when his son Shelah was born, and he lived for 403 years after that, having other sons and daughters. |
| Genesis 11:13 | Shelah was 30 years old when his son Eber was born, and he lived for 403 years after that, having other sons and daughters. |
| Genesis 11:14 | Eber was 34 years old when his son Peleg was born, and he lived for 430 years after that, having other sons and daughters. |
| Genesis 11:15 | Peleg was 30 years old when his son Reu was born, and he lived for 209 years after that, having other sons and daughters. |
| Genesis 11:16 | Reu was 32 years old when his son Serug was born, and he lived for 207 years after that, having other sons and daughters. |
| Genesis 11:17 | Serug was 30 years old when his son Nahor was born, and he lived for 200 years after that, having other sons and daughters. |
| Genesis 11:18 | Nahor was 29 years old when his son Terah was born, and he lived for 119 years after that, having other sons and daughters. |
| Genesis 11:19 | Terah lived for 70 years, and then he became the father of Abram, Nahor, and Haran. |
| Genesis 11:20 | Abram was 75 years old when he left Haran, highlighting his faith and obedience to God. |
| Genesis 11:21 | Nahor lived for 148 years, and then he died, having other sons and daughters. |
| Genesis 11:22 | Haran died in the presence of his father Terah in the land of his birth, in Ur of the Chaldeans. |
| Genesis 11:23 | After Haran died, Terah took his son Abram, his grandson Lot (Haran's son), and his daughter-in-law Sarai (Abram's wife) and left Ur of the Chaldeans to go to the land of Canaan. |
| Genesis 11:24 | They came as far as Haran and stayed there, highlighting their journey and faith in God. |
| Genesis 11:25 | Terah lived for 205 years, and then he died in Haran, having other sons and daughters. |
| Genesis 11:26 | Terah became the father of Abram, Nahor, and Haran, highlighting the importance of faith and obedience to God. |
3. The Introduction of Abram (Genesis 11:27-32)
| Genesis 11:27 | The introduction of Abram, who will become a central figure in the book of Genesis, representing faith and obedience to God. |
| Genesis 11:28 | Haran died in the presence of his father Terah in the land of his birth, in Ur of the Chaldeans. |
| Genesis 11:29 | Abram and Nahor both married, Abram married Sarai, and Nahor married Milcah, the daughter of Haran, highlighting their families and relationships. |
| Genesis 11:30 | Sarai was barren, she had no children, highlighting her condition and the challenges she faced. |
| Genesis 11:31 | Terah took his son Abram, his grandson Lot (Haran's son), and his daughter-in-law Sarai (Abram's wife) and left Ur of the Chaldeans to go to the land of Canaan, highlighting their journey and faith in God. |
| Genesis 11:32 | They came as far as Haran and stayed there, highlighting their journey and faith in God. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the tower of Babel in the biblical narrative?
The tower of Babel represents humanity's pride and rebellion against God, highlighting the dangers of unified sin and the importance of humility before God. As seen in Genesis 11:1-9, the story of the tower of Babel teaches us about the judgment of God on humanity's pride and the importance of faith and obedience to Him.
Who is Abram and why is he important in the book of Genesis?
Abram is a central figure in the book of Genesis, representing faith and obedience to God. He is introduced in Genesis 11:27-32, and his story continues in the following chapters, highlighting his faith and obedience to God, as well as the promises and blessings that God gives to him.
What is the significance of the genealogy of Shem in Genesis chapter 11?
The genealogy of Shem emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience to God, highlighting the descendants of Shem who will play a crucial role in the biblical narrative. As seen in Genesis 11:10-26, the genealogy of Shem provides a connection between the early history of humanity and the story of the patriarchs, including Abram.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 11:1 → Acts 2:5-12 | The story of the tower of Babel is reversed at Pentecost, where people from different nations hear the gospel in their own languages. |
| 2 | Genesis 11:6 → Proverbs 16:18 | Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall, highlighting the dangers of human pride and the importance of humility before God. |
| 3 | Genesis 11:10 → Luke 3:34-36 | The genealogy of Shem is continued in the New Testament, highlighting the importance of faith and obedience to God. |
| 4 | Genesis 11:27 → Hebrews 11:8-10 | Abram's faith and obedience to God are highlighted in the New Testament, providing an example for believers to follow. |
| 5 | Genesis 11:1-9 → 1 Corinthians 10:12 | The story of the tower of Babel serves as a warning to believers, highlighting the dangers of human pride and the importance of humility before God. |
| 6 | Genesis 11:10-26 → Romans 4:13-25 | The genealogy of Shem provides a connection between the early history of humanity and the story of the patriarchs, including Abram, highlighting the importance of faith and obedience to God. |
| 7 | Genesis 11:27-32 → Galatians 3:6-9 | Abram's faith and obedience to God are highlighted in the New Testament, providing an example for believers to follow and emphasizing the importance of faith in God's promises. |
| 8 | Genesis 11:1-9 → 2 Peter 2:5 | The story of the tower of Babel serves as an example of God's judgment on humanity's pride, highlighting the importance of humility before God. |
| 9 | Genesis 11:10-26 → Jude 1:11 | The genealogy of Shem provides a connection between the early history of humanity and the story of the patriarchs, including Abram, highlighting the importance of faith and obedience to God. |
| 10 | Genesis 11:27-32 → Revelation 21:24-27 | Abram's faith and obedience to God are highlighted in the New Testament, providing an example for believers to follow and emphasizing the importance of faith in God's promises and the ultimate fulfillment of those promises in the new heaven and the new earth. |
Sermons on Genesis 11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Hebrews 11 - Part 6 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Abraham and highlights key moments in his journey as described in the Bible. The preacher emphasizes the importance of followin |
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What Kind of Being Is Man - Part 3 by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the intelligence and ability of humans to organize and change their environment. He also highlights the presence of a sinful nature within ev |
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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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The Destiny of Man by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding and fulfilling our destiny as Christians. He explains that our destiny is to live for the glory and honor of |
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(Genesis) Genesis 10:1-6 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the three-fold division of the human family as revealed in the sons of Noah: Ham, Shem, and Japheth. The speaker mentions a chart made by an e |
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(Genesis) Genesis 11:5-9 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of the Tower of Babel from the Bible. He emphasizes that the people's attempt to build the tower and unite against God was an act o |
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(Genesis) Genesis 11:10-32 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the shift in focus from events to important personalities in the Bible, specifically in the book of Genesis. The four main personalities menti |
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Praying the Peace of Jerusalem - Part 1 by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the church understanding its role in the redemptive drama of God. He compares the church to the house of God and encourages |
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(Genesis) Genesis 11:1-4 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of the Tower of Babel from the book of Genesis. The Tower of Babel was not simply a structure to protect against floods, but rather |
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(Genesis) Genesis 10:8-32 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of studying the story of the flood in the Bible. He suggests that this chapter provides a rich study of the human family and o |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Genesis 11
In Genesis chapter 11, we see the story of the tower of Babel, where humanity unites in pride to build a tower that will reach the heavens. However, God confounds their language, causing them to scatter across the earth. This story teaches us about the dangers of human pride and the importance of humility before God. The chapter also provides the genealogy of Shem, highlighting the importance of faith and obedience to God. The introduction of Abram at the end of the chapter sets the stage for the rest of the book of Genesis, emphasizing the importance of faith and obedience to God. As Matthew Henry notes, 'the pride of man is a great enemy to the unity of the church, and the scattering of man is a great judgment upon the earth.' This chapter reminds us of the importance of humility and obedience to God, and the dangers of human pride and rebellion. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
Humanity's Unity and Pride
The story of the tower of Babel shows how humanity can unite in pride and rebellion against God, highlighting the dangers of unified sin. This is evident in Genesis 11:1-4, where humanity comes together to build a tower that will reach the heavens.
God's Judgment and Mercy
God's confounding of the language at Babel demonstrates His judgment on humanity's pride, while also showing mercy by preventing further evil. This is seen in Genesis 11:5-9, where God scatters humanity across the earth.
The Importance of Faith and Obedience
The genealogy of Shem emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience to God, highlighting the descendants of Shem who will play a crucial role in the biblical narrative. This is evident in Genesis 11:10-26, where the descendants of Shem are listed.