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Genesis 11:6 - Unity threatens Divine boundaries?

Genesis 11:6 - בראשית 11:6

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר יְהוָה הֵן עַם אֶחָד וְשָׂפָה אַחַת לְכֻלָּם וְזֶה הַחִלָּם לַעֲשׂוֹת וְעַתָּה לֹא־יִבָּצֵר מֵהֶם כֹּל אֲשֶׁר יָזְמוּ לַעֲשׂוֹת׃

English Translation

And the Lord said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be withheld from them, which they have schemed to do.

Transliteration

Vayomer Adonai hen am echad v'safa achat l'kulam v'zeh hachilam la'asot v'atah lo yibatzar meihem kol asher yazmu la'asot.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר יְהֹוָ֗ה הֵ֣ן עַ֤ם אֶחָד֙ וְשָׂפָ֤ה אַחַת֙ לְכֻלָּ֔ם וְזֶ֖ה הַחִלָּ֣ם לַעֲשׂ֑וֹת וְעַתָּה֙ לֹֽא־יִבָּצֵ֣ר מֵהֶ֔ם כֹּ֛ל אֲשֶׁ֥ר יָזְמ֖וּ לַֽעֲשֽׂוֹת׃
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר יְהֹוָ֗ה הֵ֣ן עַ֤ם אֶחָד֙ וְשָׂפָ֤ה אַחַת֙ לְכֻלָּ֔ם וְזֶ֖ה הַחִלָּ֣ם לַעֲשׂ֑וֹת וְעַתָּה֙ לֹֽא־יִבָּצֵ֣ר מֵהֶ֔ם כֹּ֛ל אֲשֶׁ֥ר יָזְמ֖וּ לַֽעֲשֽׂוֹת׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereshit 11:6) appears in the narrative of the Tower of Bavel, where humanity united to build a tower reaching the heavens. Hashem observes their unity and language, recognizing their potential for both good and misuse of free will.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that Hashem saw the people's unity as a double-edged sword. Their shared language and purpose made them capable of great achievements, but their intentions were flawed. Rashi emphasizes that the phrase "וְזֶה הַחִלָּם לַעֲשׂוֹת" ("this they begin to do") implies they were just starting, yet their ambition was already dangerous. Hashem intervened to prevent further misuse of their collective power.

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (1:14), Rambam interprets this episode as a warning against human arrogance. The people sought to challenge divine authority, and their unity in rebellion made their sin more severe. Hashem's response—confusing their language—was a measured act of justice to curb their hubris while preserving free will.

Midrashic Insights

  • Midrash Tanchuma (Noach 18) highlights that their unity was initially praiseworthy, but their goal—to "make a name for ourselves" (Bereshit 11:4)—revealed selfish ambition rather than devotion to Hashem.
  • Pirkei D'Rabbi Eliezer (24) adds that they used their shared language to plot against divine authority, comparing their tower to an idolatrous rebellion.

Theological Implications

The verse teaches that unity and collective action are powerful tools, but their moral value depends on intent. The people of Bavel could have used their cohesion for righteousness, but instead, they chose defiance. Hashem's intervention demonstrates that human potential must be directed toward divine service, not self-glorification.

Halachic Reflection

The Maharal (Gur Aryeh on Bereshit 11:6) notes that the sin of Bavel was a rejection of diversity, which is essential to Hashem's plan. By imposing a single language and purpose, they opposed the divine will for varied human expression. Thus, their punishment—linguistic and cultural dispersion—restored balance to creation.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 109a
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the generation of the Tower of Babel, illustrating their unity and the divine response to their actions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 11:6 mean when it says 'the people is one'?
A: According to Rashi, this means the people of the generation of the Tower of Babel were united in their wicked purpose. They were 'one' in their rebellion against Hashem, working together to build a tower to challenge His authority (Rashi on Genesis 11:1).
Q: Why was Hashem concerned about the people having 'one language' in Genesis 11:6?
A: The Midrash explains that their shared language allowed them to unite in their sinful plan. The Rambam teaches that unity can be powerful - for good or bad. Here, their unity was misused to rebel against Hashem, which is why He intervened (Midrash Rabbah, Genesis 38:6; Rambam, Mishneh Torah).
Q: What lesson can we learn from Genesis 11:6 about unity?
A: The verse teaches that unity is powerful. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 56a) notes that when people unite for a negative purpose, they can accomplish great harm. But our tradition teaches that when Jews unite for Torah and mitzvot, like at Mount Sinai, we can reach incredible spiritual heights.
Q: How does Genesis 11:6 apply to us today?
A: The Sforno explains that this verse warns us about misusing our talents and unity. Today, we should use our shared language and unity for positive purposes - learning Torah, doing chesed (kindness), and bringing holiness into the world, rather than selfish goals (Sforno on Genesis 11:6).
Q: What does 'nothing will be withheld from them' mean in Genesis 11:6?
A: Rashi explains that Hashem was saying that when people are completely united, even in wrongdoing, no plan is beyond their capability. This shows the tremendous power of human cooperation - which is why Hashem needed to intervene by confusing their languages (Rashi on Genesis 11:6).