Genesis 11:3 - They said to one another, “Come, let’s make bricks, and burn them thoroughly.” They had brick for stone, and they used tar for mortar.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Genesis 11:3" mean?
This verse, Genesis 11:3, is a pivotal point in the story of the Tower of Babel and highlights the ambition and hubris of humanity in its attempt to build a tower that reaches the heavens. Let's break down what it means:
"They said to one another, “Come, let’s make bricks, and burn them thoroughly.”" This demonstrates a conscious, collective decision and a unified purpose among the people. It also highlights their ingenuity and technological advancement. They are innovating and improving building materials ("burn them thoroughly") beyond what was naturally available. It shows planning and a desire to create something lasting and strong.
"They had brick for stone..." Stone was the natural building material. By using brick, they are departing from nature and relying on their own manufactured resource. This underscores their self-reliance and ambition.
"...and they used tar for mortar." Mortar is used to bind the bricks together. Tar is a waterproof sealant, further emphasizing their intent to build a permanent, durable structure. It shows they are going above and beyond basic necessity to make something extraordinarily robust.
In essence, the verse signifies the following:
Unified Purpose: The people are working together towards a common goal, demonstrating significant organizational skill and a shared ambition.
Technological Advancement: They are not simply using natural resources, but are manufacturing and improving them to suit their purpose, showing ingenuity and skill.
Self-Reliance and Departure from God's Design: They are using their own creations (bricks and tar) rather than relying on what God has provided (stone and perhaps other natural binders). This represents a subtle rebellion against divine order.
Hubris and Pride: The desire to create a lasting and impressive monument using their own skills suggests a growing pride and a desire to make a name for themselves, potentially surpassing God's. The tower is seen as a symbol of human power and independence.
The verse is important because it sets the stage for God's intervention in the story of the Tower of Babel. Their unified effort and dependence on their own abilities, rather than on God, is seen as a challenge to divine authority, which leads to God scattering them and confusing their languages.
Genesis 11:3 - They said to one another, “Come, let’s make bricks, and burn them thoroughly.” They had brick for stone, and they used tar for mortar.
What does "Genesis 11:3" mean?
This verse, Genesis 11:3, is a pivotal point in the story of the Tower of Babel and highlights the ambition and hubris of humanity in its attempt to build a tower that reaches the heavens. Let's break down what it means:
"They said to one another, “Come, let’s make bricks, and burn them thoroughly.”" This demonstrates a conscious, collective decision and a unified purpose among the people. It also highlights their ingenuity and technological advancement. They are innovating and improving building materials ("burn them thoroughly") beyond what was naturally available. It shows planning and a desire to create something lasting and strong.
"They had brick for stone..." Stone was the natural building material. By using brick, they are departing from nature and relying on their own manufactured resource. This underscores their self-reliance and ambition.
"...and they used tar for mortar." Mortar is used to bind the bricks together. Tar is a waterproof sealant, further emphasizing their intent to build a permanent, durable structure. It shows they are going above and beyond basic necessity to make something extraordinarily robust.
In essence, the verse signifies the following:
Unified Purpose: The people are working together towards a common goal, demonstrating significant organizational skill and a shared ambition.
Technological Advancement: They are not simply using natural resources, but are manufacturing and improving them to suit their purpose, showing ingenuity and skill.
Self-Reliance and Departure from God's Design: They are using their own creations (bricks and tar) rather than relying on what God has provided (stone and perhaps other natural binders). This represents a subtle rebellion against divine order.
Hubris and Pride: The desire to create a lasting and impressive monument using their own skills suggests a growing pride and a desire to make a name for themselves, potentially surpassing God's. The tower is seen as a symbol of human power and independence.
The verse is important because it sets the stage for God's intervention in the story of the Tower of Babel. Their unified effort and dependence on their own abilities, rather than on God, is seen as a challenge to divine authority, which leads to God scattering them and confusing their languages.