At one time all the people of the world spoke the same language and used the same words.
Parallel translations
- WEB The whole earth was of one language and of one speech.
- KJV And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech.
- BSB Now the whole world had one language and a common form of speech.
- NKJV Now the whole earth had one language and one speech.
- NASB Now all the earth used the same language and the same words.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
The whole earth had one language and shared speech. Humanity was united in tongue before the events at Babel.
Overview
Before the dispersion, all people spoke a single language, reflecting the unity of the human family after the flood. This unity, however, would soon be used for prideful rebellion rather than godly purposes. The original unity of language anticipates the reversal at Pentecost, where the Spirit unites people of many tongues in praise of Christ.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 3
- Acts 2:6When this sound was heard, the multitude came together, and were bewildered, because everyone heard them speaking in his own language.
- Zeph 3:9For then I will purify the lips of the peoples, that they may all call on Yahweh’s name, to serve him shoulder to shoulder.
- Isa 19:18In that day, there will be five cities in the land of Egypt that speak the language of Canaan, and swear to Yahweh of Armies. One will be called “The city of destruction.”
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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Christ at the center
From the first promise that the seed of the woman would crush the serpent (3:15), through Abraham's blessing to all nations and Judah's coming ruler, Genesis sows every seed that flowers in Christ — the true offspring, the better Adam, the ram caught for Isaac.
How Genesis 11:1 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
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