Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryGenesis 11

Genesis 11:1-4: The Confusion of Tongues This passage introduces the story of how people tried to stay united and build a great city and tower after the flood. Even though God had told Noah’s family to spread out and fill the earth, people wanted to stay together for their own safety and pride. Their plan was not only about building but about going against God’s command. The story shows how ambition and the desire for fame can lead people away from trusting God’s wisdom and plan.v. 1: At first, everyone on earth spoke the same language (v. 1 ). This made it easy for people to work together and stay united. Their shared language helped them communicate and cooperate, making it less likely that they would separate or move away from each other.

v. 2: As people traveled eastward, they found a large, fertile plain in the land of Shinar and decided to settle there (v. 2 ). The land seemed perfect for everyone to live together, but they did not think about how their group would grow in the future. Sometimes, good opportunities now can tempt us to forget about God’s bigger plan.

v. 3: The people encouraged each other to make bricks and burn them thoroughly, since the land did not have stone. They used bricks for building and slime for mortar (v. 3 ). This shows that people who are determined will find ways to accomplish what they want, even if it is not what God has planned. When people build for themselves, their best materials are weak compared to what God can do (Isa. liv. 11, 12; Rev. xxi. 19 ).

v. 4: Their goal was to build a city and a tall tower “whose top may reach unto heaven.” They wanted to make a name for themselves and prevent being scattered across the earth (v. 4 ). This plan was an act of pride and rebellion. They tried to create unity and security for themselves, rather than trusting God’s command to fill the earth (ch. ix. 1 ). They also wanted to be remembered and honored by future generations, but God often brings down those who seek fame through pride.

Genesis 11:5-9: The Confusion of Tongues These verses describe how God stopped the people’s plan to build the city and tower of Babel. Even though the people worked together and were confident in their own strength, God saw what they were doing and decided to act. God’s response shows that He is always aware of human actions, and He can easily stop any plan that goes against His will. The confusion of languages was not only a punishment but also a way to protect people from greater evil and to accomplish God’s original plan for them to spread over the earth.v. 5: The Lord

v. 6: God saw that the people were united with one language, and nothing would stop their plans (v. 6 ). Their unity in defying God would lead to greater sin and pride. Sometimes, God allows people to go far in their plans so they can see their own weakness and failure. But if they keep rebelling, God must act to stop them (Job xl. 11-14 ).

v. 7: God decided to confuse their language so they could no longer understand each other (v. 7 ). God’s judgment was merciful—He did not destroy them, but made it impossible for them to continue their proud project. This shows that God has many ways to stop human pride, and sometimes He divides people to keep them from greater harm (Isa. lix. 17, 18; Judg. ix. 23 ; Ps. lv. 9 ).

v. 8: The Lord

v. 9: The city was called Babel, which means “confusion,” because there the Lord

Genesis 11:10-26: The Generations of Shem This passage gives the genealogy from Shem to Abram (later called Abraham). The list is important because it connects the story of Noah to the story of Abraham, who is a key figure in God’s plan. This genealogy also leads to Jesus Christ, as shown in the New Testament (Matt. i. 1-17 ). The Bible does not tell us much about these people except their names and ages, showing that God’s main focus is on His promises and the people who trust Him. Over time, people’s lifespans became shorter, which was part of God’s plan for the world.v. 10-11: Shem was 100 years old when he had Arphaxad, two years after the flood. Shem lived 500 more years and had other sons and daughters.

v. 12-13: Arphaxad was 35 years old when he had Salah. He lived 403 more years and had other sons and daughters.

v. 14-15: Salah was 30 years old when he had Eber. He lived 403 more years and had other sons and daughters.

v. 16-17: Eber was 34 years old when he had Peleg. He lived 430 more years and had other sons and daughters. Eber lived longer than any other person born after the flood, which may have been a reward for his faithfulness to God.

v. 18-19: Peleg was 30 years old when he had Reu. He lived 209 more years and had other sons and daughters.

v. 20-21: Reu was 32 years old when he had Serug. He lived 207 more years and had other sons and daughters.

v. 22-23: Serug was 30 years old when he had Nahor. He lived 200 more years and had other sons and daughters.

v. 24-25: Nahor was 29 years old when he had Terah. He lived 119 more years and had other sons and daughters.

v. 26: Terah was 70 years old when he had Abram, Nahor, and Haran. This genealogy ends with Abram, who would become the friend of God and the ancestor of Jesus Christ (ch. v.; ch. xi.; Matt. i ). This shows that God’s promises continued through these generations, even as people’s lives became shorter (Eccl. iii. 15; ch. xlvii. 9 ).

Genesis 11:27-32: The Generations of Terah This passage begins the story of Abram (later called Abraham), an important figure in both the Old and New Testaments. It describes Abram’s family background, their homeland in Ur of the Chaldees, and their journey toward the land of Canaan. Even in an idolatrous land, God chose Abram for a special purpose. The story shows that family history, losses, marriages, and moves are all part of God’s bigger plan. This chapter sets the stage for the story of God’s promises to Abram and his descendants.v. 27: Terah was the father of Abram, Nahor, and Haran. Haran was the father of Lot. These family members become important in the story that follows.

v. 28: Haran died before his father Terah, in the land where he was born—Ur of the Chaldees. This shows that death can come to anyone, at any time, and does not always follow the order of age (Job x. 22 ).

v. 29: Abram married Sarai, and Nahor married Milcah, the daughter of Haran. These marriages linked the families together. Some think Sarai and Iscah were the same person. Abram later says Sarai was his father’s daughter but not his mother’s (ch. xx. 12 ).

v. 30: Sarai was not able to have children. This detail is important for Abram’s story, as God’s promises will later focus on this.

v. 31: Terah took Abram, his grandson Lot, and Sarai and left Ur of the Chaldees to go to the land of Canaan. They stopped and lived in Haran instead. Sometimes, people start on the journey God wants them to make but do not reach the goal right away (ch. xii. 1 ).

v. 32: Terah lived 205 years and died in Haran. The family did not reach Canaan until later. This reminds us that some people begin to follow God’s call but do not finish the journey themselves.