| Geneva Study Bible And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech. Wesley's Notes 11:1 And the whole earth was of one language - Now while they all understood one another, they would be the more capable of helping one another, and the less inclinable to separate. King James Translators' Notes language: Heb. lip. speech: Heb. words Scofield Reference Notes [1] one language The history of Babel ("confusion") strikingly parallels that of the professing Church. (1) Unity Gen 11:1 --the Apostolic Church Acts 4:32,33 (2) Ambition Gen 11:4 using worldly, not spiritual means Gen 11:3 ending in a man-made unity--the papacy; (3) the confusion of tongues Gen 11:7 --Protestantism, with its innumerable sects. See Scofield Note: "Isa 13:1". Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary CHAPTER 11 Ge 11:1-32. Confusion of Tongues. 1. the whole earth was of one language. The descendants of Noah, united by the strong bond of a common language, had not separated, and notwithstanding the divine command to replenish the earth, were unwilling to separate. The more pious and well-disposed would of course obey the divine will; but a numerous body, seemingly the aggressive horde mentioned (Ge 10:10), determined to please themselves by occupying the fairest region they came to. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary 11:1-4 How soon men forget the most tremendous judgments, and go back to their former crimes! Though the desolations of the deluge were before their eyes, though they sprang from the stock of righteous Noah, yet even during his life-time, wickedness increases exceedingly. Nothing but the sanctifying grace of the Holy Spirit can remove the sinful lusts of the human will, and the depravity of the human heart. God's purpose was, that mankind should form many nations, and people all lands. In contempt of the Divine will, and against the counsel of Noah, the bulk of mankind united to build a city and a tower to prevent their separating. Idolatry was begun, and Babel became one of its chief seats. They made one another more daring and resolute. Let us learn to provoke one another to love and to good works, as sinners stir up and encourage one another to wicked works. | 
