Genesis 11:7 - Divine intervention disrupts human arrogance.

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Hebrew Text

הָבָה נֵרְדָה וְנָבְלָה שָׁם שְׂפָתָם אֲשֶׁר לֹא יִשְׁמְעוּ אִישׁ שְׂפַת רֵעֵהוּ׃

English Translation

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

Transliteration

Hava nerdah venavlah sham s'fatam asher lo yishm'u ish s'fat re'ehu.

Hebrew Leining Text

הָ֚בָה נֵֽרְדָ֔ה וְנָבְלָ֥ה שָׁ֖ם שְׂפָתָ֑ם אֲשֶׁר֙ לֹ֣א יִשְׁמְע֔וּ אִ֖ישׁ שְׂפַ֥ת רֵעֵֽהוּ׃

Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Verse in Context

The verse (Bereshit 11:7) describes Hashem's response to the generation of the Tower of Bavel (Babel), who sought to build a tower reaching the heavens in defiance of divine authority. The phrase "הָבָה נֵרְדָה וְנָבְלָה שָׁם שְׂפָתָם" ("Come, let us go down and confound their language") reflects Hashem's intervention to disperse them by creating linguistic confusion.

Grammatical and Linguistic Insights

Rashi explains that the term "נֵרְדָה" ("let us go down") uses the plural form, indicating that Hashem consulted with His heavenly court (the angels) before acting. This teaches the principle of divine deliberation, even when executing judgment (Rashi on Bereshit 11:7). The word "נָבְלָה" ("confound") is derived from the root בלל, meaning to mix or confuse, emphasizing the disruption of their unified speech.

Theological and Moral Lessons

Divine Justice: The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 38:9) highlights that the generation of Bavel was punished measure-for-measure—they sought to "make a name for themselves" (Bereshit 11:4), so Hashem scattered them and confused their language, undermining their unity.
Human Arrogance: Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 1:27) interprets their sin as rebellion against Hashem's sovereignty, using human ingenuity to challenge divine order. Their punishment—linguistic fragmentation—served as a corrective to their hubris.
Unity vs. Misused Power: The Talmud (Sanhedrin 109a) notes that their unity was initially positive, but they misused it for defiance. Thus, Hashem introduced diversity of language to prevent collective sin.

Symbolism of Language Confusion

The Sforno teaches that language represents shared understanding and purpose. By confounding their speech, Hashem dissolved their ability to collaborate in rebellion, forcing them to disperse and fulfill the commandment to "fill the earth" (Bereshit 1:28). This act also laid the groundwork for the eventual emergence of distinct nations, each with its own role in divine providence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 11:7 mean?
A: Genesis 11:7 describes Hashem's decision to confuse the language of the people building the Tower of Babel. According to Rashi, this was a response to their arrogance and unity in doing wrong. By making them speak different languages, they could no longer collaborate on their rebellious project.

Q: Why did Hashem confuse the languages at the Tower of Babel?
A: The Midrash explains that the people of Babel sought to challenge Hashem's authority by building a tower to 'reach the heavens.' Their unity was misused for defiance rather than good. Hashem confounded their language to disperse them and prevent further rebellion, as explained in Rambam's teachings about divine justice.

Q: What lesson can we learn from the Tower of Babel story?
A: The story teaches the dangers of arrogance and misusing unity for negative purposes. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 109a) discusses how their punishment came because they ignored Hashem's will. It reminds us to use cooperation for mitzvot and kindness, not selfish or rebellious goals.

Q: How does the Tower of Babel story apply today?
A: Today, the story reminds us that true unity must align with Torah values. The Sforno notes that their punishment shows unity without righteousness leads to chaos. In our lives, we should strive for harmony in serving Hashem and helping others, not selfish ambitions.