Genesis 11:4
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →They proposed building a city and tower reaching to heaven to make a name for themselves.
Context
The people's ambition becomes explicit. They resolved to construct a city as a population center and a tower of extraordinary height—'whose top may reach unto heaven.' This tower would function as both a practical structure and a monument. Their stated motivation reveals deeper intent: 'to make us a name' and 'lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.'
What Does Genesis 11:4 Mean?
The people's ambition becomes explicit. They resolved to construct a city as a population center and a tower of extraordinary height—'whose top may reach unto heaven.' This tower would function as both a practical structure and a monument. Their stated motivation reveals deeper intent: 'to make us a name' and 'lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.'
The underlying desire shows fear of dispersal and determination to maintain unity through an impressive achievement. 'Making a name' implies establishing a lasting legacy and identity. However, the fear of being scattered suggests anxiety about their future cohesion—what might naturally occur without such a binding project.
In the Original Language
shem (שֵׁם), 'name'—reputation, legacy, renown, or distinctive identity.