Genesis 11:3

KJV

And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them throughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for morter.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they said {H559} one {H376} to another {H7453}, Go to {H3051}, let us make {H3835} brick {H3843}, and burn {H8313} them throughly {H8316}. And they had brick {H3843} for stone {H68}, and slime {H2564} had {H1961} they for morter {H2563}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They said to one another, “Come, let’s make bricks and bake them in the fire.” So they had bricks for building-stone and clay for mortar.

Berean Standard Bible

And they said to one another, “Come, let us make bricks and bake them thoroughly.” So they used brick instead of stone, and tar instead of mortar.

American Standard Version

And they said one to another, Come, let us make brick, and burn them thoroughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for mortar.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Details the innovative and advanced building techniques employed by the inhabitants of Shinar as they initiated the construction of their ambitious city and tower. Faced with a scarcity of natural stone, they ingeniously adapted by manufacturing durable, fired bricks as their primary structural material and utilized bitumen, a naturally occurring tar-like substance, as a superior, waterproof mortar, thereby laying the technological foundation for a project driven by collective human ambition and a desire for self-exaltation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment within the narrative of the Tower of Babel, which immediately follows the genealogical and geographical dispersion accounts of Noah's descendants in [Genesis 10](/genesis/10 "The Table of Nations"). The preceding verses, [Genesis 11:1](/genesis/11-1 "Humanity's unified language") and [Genesis 11:2](/genesis/11-2 "Migration to the plain of Shinar"), establish the unified language of all humanity and their eastward migration to the plain of Shinar. Verse 3 then sets the stage for their collective decision to build a city and a tower, a project explicitly articulated in [Genesis 11:4](/genesis/11-4 "The motivation for building Babel") as an attempt to "make us a name" and prevent their scattering, directly contrasting God's earlier command to "be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth" found in [Genesis 9:1](/genesis/9-1 "God's command to multiply and fill the earth"). This verse, therefore, highlights the practical means by which their rebellious ambition began to take physical form.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for this narrative, the plain of Shinar, corresponds to ancient Mesopotamia, a region renowned for its alluvial plains formed by the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. This geographical reality meant a scarcity of natural stone, which was abundant in other regions like Canaan. Consequently, the inhabitants of Mesopotamia became masters of brick-making and the use of natural bitumen (asphalt or tar), which was readily available from seeps in the region. The description of "make brick, and burn them throughly" points to the advanced technology of firing bricks in kilns, a process that produced far more durable, water-resistant, and structurally sound building materials than sun-dried bricks. This technique, along with the use of bitumen as a strong, waterproof mortar, was characteristic of monumental architecture in ancient Mesopotamia, particularly in the construction of ziggurats—massive stepped towers that served as religious and administrative centers. The verse thus reflects a historically accurate portrayal of sophisticated building practices of the era.

* **Key Themes:** [Genesis 11:3](/genesis/11-3 "The building materials of Babel") contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Babel narrative and the broader book of Genesis. First, it underscores the theme of **human ingenuity and technological advancement**, demonstrating humanity's capacity for innovation, even when misdirected. Second, it highlights the theme of **human autonomy and self-sufficiency**, as the people choose to create their own building materials and solutions rather than relying on natural provisions or divine guidance. This leads directly to the theme of **collective pride and ambition**, where human effort is channeled towards "making a name for themselves" ([Genesis 11:4](/genesis/11-4 "The motivation for building Babel")) rather than honoring God. Implicitly, it also foreshadows the **futility of human efforts when they stand in opposition to divine will**, as the meticulous and advanced building methods described ultimately fail to achieve their intended goal of unified self-exaltation, leading instead to God's intervention and the scattering of humanity, as detailed in [Genesis 11:8-9](/genesis/11-8-9 "The scattering of humanity at Babel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Go to (Hebrew, _yâhab'_):** This primitive root (H3051) means "to give" or "to put," but imperatively, as used here, it functions as an exhortation or invitation, akin to "come on" or "let us." In this context, "Go to" signifies a collective, decisive, and urgent call to action, reflecting the unified resolve and shared purpose of the people to embark on their ambitious building project. It underscores the communal decision-making and the immediate initiation of their plan.
* **brick (Hebrew, _lᵉbênâh'_):** Derived from the root H3835 (lâban, "to be white," or "to make bricks"), this noun (H3843) specifically refers to a molded clay unit. The phrase "burn them throughly" (H8313, sâraph, "to set on fire"; H8316, sᵉrêphâh, "cremation") indicates a process of firing the bricks in kilns. Unlike sun-dried bricks, fired bricks are vitrified, becoming significantly harder, more durable, and water-resistant. This choice of material highlights the people's advanced understanding of construction and their intent to build a structure of immense permanence and strength, capable of withstanding the elements and achieving great height.
* **slime (Hebrew, _chêmâr'_):** This term (H2564), derived from a root meaning "to bubble up," refers to bitumen, asphalt, or pitch. Mesopotamia was rich in natural bitumen seeps, and this substance was widely used in ancient construction as a powerful, waterproof adhesive. Its properties made it an ideal mortar for large-scale brick constructions, providing superior binding and resistance to moisture compared to traditional mud or clay-based mortars. The use of bitumen, alongside fired bricks, further emphasizes the sophisticated and ambitious nature of the project, designed for maximum durability and structural integrity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them throughly."**: This opening clause reveals the collective decision and unified intent of the people. The phrase "one to another" (Hebrew: *’îysh ’el rê‘ēhû*, literally "a man to his neighbor") emphasizes their communal agreement and shared purpose, highlighting a unity of will that is later contrasted with God's intervention. The imperative "Go to" (yâhab) serves as a call to action, signaling their readiness to commence the work. Their decision to "make brick, and burn them throughly" demonstrates their resourcefulness and advanced technological understanding. Lacking natural stone, they chose to manufacture a superior building material through a process of high-temperature firing, indicating a deliberate and sophisticated approach to construction. This was not a primitive endeavor but a calculated, technologically informed project aimed at creating exceptionally durable components.
* **"And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for morter."**: This clause specifies the materials chosen for their construction, revealing both their adaptability and their ambition. The phrase "brick for stone" signifies a conscious substitution—they did not have natural stone, so they innovated by creating a highly effective alternative. This substitution is not presented as a compromise but as an intentional choice of a material that, when fired, could rival or even surpass the durability of some natural stones for their specific purposes. Similarly, "slime had they for morter" refers to their use of bitumen (asphalt) as a binding agent. Bitumen was a superior adhesive and waterproofing agent compared to traditional mud or clay mortars, particularly crucial for massive structures in a region prone to flooding. The use of these advanced materials underscores the people's determination to build something permanent, imposing, and self-sufficient, reflecting their desire for a lasting legacy and a unified society independent of divine direction.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Substitution** is evident in the direct exchange of "brick for stone" and "slime for morter," highlighting humanity's ingenuity in adapting to their environment while also subtly hinting at their self-reliance and desire to create their own solutions apart from what God might naturally provide. This also sets up an implicit **contrast** between God's natural provisions (stone, traditionally used in divine construction, e.g., altars) and humanity's manufactured alternatives, which, while technologically advanced, are employed in a project of self-exaltation. The very act of building with such durable materials, intended for permanence and unity, also contains a profound **irony**, as these efforts ultimately lead to God's intervention and the scattering of humanity, demonstrating the ultimate futility of human endeavors when they oppose divine will. Furthermore, the meticulous description of these materials serves as a form of **foreshadowing**, hinting at the grand scale and ambitious nature of the tower that is to be built, a structure meant to reach the heavens and make a name for its builders.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Genesis 11:3](/genesis/11-3 "The building materials of Babel") offers a profound theological insight into the nature of human ambition and the misdirection of God-given ingenuity. While the ability to innovate and create is a reflection of humanity being made in God's image, the people of Babel chose to employ these gifts not for God's glory or in obedience to His command to fill the earth, but for their own collective pride and self-preservation. Their substitution of "brick for stone" and "slime for morter" can be seen as symbolic of humanity's attempt to establish its own foundations and create its own security, independent of divine provision and direction. This act of self-sufficiency, building a monument to human achievement, stands in stark contrast to a life lived in humble dependence on God. The verse thus sets the stage for a narrative that exposes the inherent futility and spiritual danger of human endeavors when they are rooted in a desire for self-exaltation rather than God's glory.

* [Psalm 127:1](/psalm/127-1 "Unless the Lord builds the house")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Pride goes before destruction")
* [Jeremiah 2:13](/jeremiah/2-13 "Broken cisterns that can hold no water")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Genesis 11:3](/genesis/11-3 "The building of Babel") serves as a timeless reminder that while human ingenuity and resourcefulness are valuable traits, their true worth is determined by the motivations and ultimate goals behind their application. When our talents, advancements, and even our collective efforts are divorced from divine purpose, they can easily become tools for pride and self-exaltation, leading to endeavors that seek to build our own empires and legacies rather than honoring God. This verse challenges us to critically examine the foundations of our own ambitions, projects, and even our communities, ensuring that our efforts align with God's will and contribute to His glory, rather than merely establishing our own name or lasting legacy apart from Him. The eventual scattering of the people ([Genesis 11:9](/genesis/11-9 "The scattering at Babel")) underscores that human attempts to circumvent God's plan are ultimately vain, reminding us that true and lasting success is found only in alignment with His divine blueprint.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to rely solely on my own ingenuity and resources, rather than seeking God's guidance and provision?**
* **How might my ambitions, even those seemingly positive, subtly reflect a desire to "make a name for myself" rather than glorify God?**
* **What "bricks and slime" am I using to build my own kingdom, rather than contributing to God's eternal purposes?**

### FAQ
**What does "slime" refer to in this context?**

Answer: In [Genesis 11:3](/genesis/11-3 "Slime as mortar"), the King James Version's "slime" translates the Hebrew word *chêmâr* (חֵמָר). This refers to bitumen or asphalt, a natural tar-like substance, a form of petroleum, that was abundant in ancient Mesopotamia. It was extensively used as a strong, waterproof adhesive in ancient construction, proving far superior to traditional mud or clay-based mortars, especially for large and durable projects like the Tower of Babel.

**Why did the builders use brick and bitumen instead of stone and traditional mortar?**

Answer: The plain of Shinar, where Babel was located, was an alluvial plain, meaning it was formed by river deposits and lacked natural stone quarries. Consequently, the builders adapted to their environment by utilizing readily available clay to make bricks and natural bitumen as mortar. This choice was not a sign of inferiority or lack of resources, but rather an innovative and practical solution. Fired bricks, produced by "burning them throughly," combined with bitumen, created a highly durable, water-resistant, and structurally sound edifice, well-suited for the region's conditions and their ambitious project to build a monumental tower. This demonstrates their advanced understanding of materials and construction techniques for their time.

**Does this verse suggest the people of Babel possessed advanced building technology?**

Answer: Yes, [Genesis 11:3](/genesis/11-3 "Advanced building techniques at Babel") strongly suggests that the people of Babel possessed advanced building technology for their era. The instruction to "burn them throughly" indicates the use of kilns to fire bricks, a process that transforms raw clay into vitrified, much stronger, and more durable building units than simple sun-dried bricks. Furthermore, the use of bitumen (slime) as mortar points to a sophisticated understanding of materials. Bitumen was a superior, waterproof adhesive, essential for constructing massive and long-lasting structures. These techniques were hallmarks of advanced Mesopotamian civilization, capable of erecting monumental buildings like ziggurats, which the Tower of Babel likely resembled.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Babel, initiated by the ambitious building efforts described in [Genesis 11:3](/genesis/11-3 "Babel's construction"), represents humanity's collective attempt to achieve unity and self-glory apart from God, resulting in confusion and scattering. This stands in stark contrast to the redemptive work of Christ, who came not to build a monument to human pride, but to reconcile humanity to God and to each other. While Babel sought to establish a "name" for humanity through human ingenuity and a physical tower, Christ came to build God's spiritual temple, the Church, through His ultimate sacrifice and resurrection ([Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20-22 "Christ as the cornerstone of the Church")). At Pentecost ([Acts 2:1-11](/acts/2-1-11 "The outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost")), the curse of Babel's linguistic confusion and division was miraculously reversed, not by human effort, but by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, enabling diverse peoples to understand the gospel in their own languages, thereby uniting them in Christ. The "one name" that humanity sought to make for itself at Babel is ultimately found in the "one name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" ([Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Salvation through Christ alone")), the name of Jesus Christ, who is the true cornerstone of God's eternal building ([1 Peter 2:4-5](/1_peter/2-4-5 "Living stones built into a spiritual house")), gathering all nations into one new humanity under His headship.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 14:10

And the vale of Siddim [was full of] slimepits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and fell there; and they that remained fled to the mountain.

Exodus 1:14

And they made their lives bitter with hard bondage, in morter, and in brick, and in all manner of service in the field: all their service, wherein they made them serve, [was] with rigour.

Exodus 2:3

And when she could not longer hide him, she took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and with pitch, and put the child therein; and she laid [it] in the flags by the river's brink.

Hebrews 3:13

But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

2 Samuel 12:31

And he brought forth the people that [were] therein, and put [them] under saws, and under harrows of iron, and under axes of iron, and made them pass through the brickkiln: and thus did he unto all the cities of the children of Ammon. So David and all the people returned unto Jerusalem.

Hebrews 10:24

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

James 5:1

¶ Go to now, [ye] rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon [you].