The Confusion of Languages at Babel
God confounds the language of mankind at Babel, scattering them across the face of the earth.
The whole earth was of one language. The people gathered on the plain of Shinar and built a tower to make themselves a name. The LORD came down to see, and said, 'Let us go down, and there confound their language.' He scattered them abroad upon the face of all the earth, and they left off building the city.
God
The plain of Shinar, Babel
What Happened
- 1Mankind shared one language and one speech
- 2They settled in Shinar and began to build a great city and tower
- 3Their purpose was to make a name and avoid being scattered
- 4The LORD came down and confounded their language
- 5They could no longer understand one another and were scattered
Key KJV Scriptures
"Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another's speech."
"Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth."
Spiritual Significance
Babel marks the divine origin of nations and languages and stands as the judgment that Pentecost would one day begin to reverse as the gospel went to every tongue.
Lesson for Today
Human pride that builds 'a name' apart from God always falls. Unity without godliness becomes a tower God Himself will scatter.
Key People
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Babel the same as Babylon?
Babel is the Hebrew name for Babylon. Throughout Scripture it is a symbol of human pride opposed to God.
How does Pentecost relate to Babel?
At Babel languages divided sinners; at Pentecost the Spirit enabled the gospel to be heard in every language — the beginning of God's reversal.
Where in the Bible is the miracle of The Confusion of Languages at Babel?
The miracle of The Confusion of Languages at Babel is recorded in Genesis 11:7 (KJV), with additional references in Genesis 11:9.
Who performed the miracle of The Confusion of Languages at Babel?
Scripture records that God carried out this miracle at The plain of Shinar, Babel. Ultimately the power belonged to God, who alone does wondrous things (Psalm 72:18).
Related Bible Miracles
Pentecost — Tongues of Fire
The Holy Spirit fell on the disciples with a rushing wind and cloven tongues of fire on the day of Pentecost.
The Great Flood of Noah
God sends a worldwide flood to judge the wicked, sparing Noah and his family in the ark.
The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah
The LORD rains fire and brimstone from heaven upon the cities of the plain, sparing only Lot.
Angels, Demons & Spiritual Warfare
Continue your study into the unseen battle Scripture describes:
Satan in Job — The Accuser Before God
In Job 1-2, Satan stands before God as accuser — but he cannot touch a believer without divine permission.
Read moreBeelzebub — Prince of Devils
Beelzebub is a name for Satan as 'prince of devils,' which Jesus addressed when the Pharisees accused Him of casting out demons by demonic power.
Read moreSubmit to God, Resist the Devil — James 4:7 (KJV)
Resistance to the devil begins with submission to God — surrender first, then standing firm.
Read moreFallen Angels
Fallen angels are heavenly beings who rebelled against God under Satan and now oppose His kingdom.
Read moreQuiz yourself on Bible miracles
Free KJV quizzes on Jesus' miracles and the supernatural acts of God in Scripture.
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Miracles Quiz
Signs and wonders across the Bible.
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Ten Plagues of Egypt Quiz
God's judgments on Pharaoh and the gods of Egypt (Exodus 7-12).
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Red Sea Crossing Quiz
Walls of water, a path on dry ground, and Pharaoh's army drowned (Exodus 14).
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Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
The Confusion of Languages at Babel
God confounds the language of mankind at Babel, scattering them across the face
Fire on Mount Carmel
Elijah's prayer brought fire from heaven that consumed the sacrifice and the wat
The Tower of Babel
Genesis 11:1–9 • pride
The Tower of Babel
Genesis 11:1-9 • Patriarchs
Bible Verses About Confusion
10 curated KJV verses
Prayer for Confusion
Clarity from the God who is not the author of confusion.