Genesis 11:4 | DiscipleDeck

Bible Commentary

Genesis 11:4

Two motivations are stated: self-glorification ('make a name for ourselves') and fear ('lest we be scattered'). Both are the opposite of trusting God. God had told them to fill the earth (scatter) — they refused. God is the one who makes names great (as He will tell Abraham in Genesis 12:2).

Memory phrase: God is the only one who can make your name truly great.

Talk about it: Why do you think the people wanted to make a name for themselves? What were they afraid of?

Prayer: God, I don't want to build for my own name. I want to live for Your name. Help me trust You instead of my own plans.

More for Genesis 11:4

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

Other commentaries

Genesis 11 — OverviewGenesis 11 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleThe old distinction between the sons of God and the sons of men (professors and profane) survived the flood, and now appeared again, when men began to multiply: according to this distinction we have, in this…Genesis 11 — OverviewGenesis 11 · Treasury of Scripture KnowledgeGenesis 11:1, One language in the world; Genesis 11:2, The building of Babel; Genesis 11:5, It is interrupted by the confusion of tongues, and the builders dispersed; Genesis 11:10, The generations of Shem; Genesis…Genesis 11 — OverviewGenesis 11 · John Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleThis chapter gives an account of the inhabitants of the earth before the confusion of tongues at Babel, of their speech and language, which was one and the same, and of the place where they dwelt, Ge 11:1 and of their…Genesis 11 — OverviewGenesis 11 · Little Bible — for children and parentsGenesis 11 has two parts. First, the Tower of Babel: all the earth speaks one language, and the people of Shinar decide to build a city with a tower reaching to heaven — not to honour God, but to make a great name for…Genesis 11:1-4Genesis 11:1-4 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleThe close of the foregoing chapter tells us that by the sons of Noah, or among the sons of Noah, the nations were divided in the earth after the flood, that is, were distinguished into several tribes or colonies;…Genesis 11:1-9Genesis 11:1-9 · The Pulpit CommentaryOrder brought forth. We are now to trace the rise of the kingdom of God among the nations. Already in the case of Nimrod, the mighty hunter before the Lord, that is, by permission of Divine providence, the antagonism…