### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Bâbel**, represented by `{{H894}}`, is derived from the root `{{H1101}}` and means **confusion**. It is the name for **Babel** (or Babylon), which encompasses the city, the region of Babylonia, and the entire Babylonian empire. It appears **262 times** across **233 unique verses**, signifying its major role in the biblical narrative as a symbol of human pride, a tool of divine judgment, and an object of eventual divine vengeance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H894}}` first appears as the site where the LORD `{{H3068}}` confounded the language of all the earth `{{H776}}` [[Genesis 11:9]]. Later, Babylon emerges as a dominant world power. The king of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar `{{H5019}}`, is depicted as God's own servant `{{H5650}}`, sent to execute judgment upon Judah `{{H3063}}` and the surrounding nations `{{H1471}}` [[Jeremiah 25:9]]. Babylon is the agent of Jerusalem's downfall, besieging the city `{{H5892}}`, burning it with fire `{{H784}}` [[Jeremiah 21:10]], and carrying its people and the treasures `{{H214}}` of the LORD's house `{{H1004}}` into captivity `{{H7628}}` ([[Jeremiah 20:5]], [[Ezra 2:1]]). The prophets foretold not only Judah's exile to Babylon but also Babylon's own eventual destruction, describing it as the "glory of kingdoms" `{{H4467}}` that would be overthrown like Sodom `{{H5467}}` and Gomorrah `{{H6017}}` [[Isaiah 13:19]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide deeper context for the role and nature of Babylon:
* `{{H1101}}` **bâlal** (to confound, mix): This is the primitive root of Bâbel's name, directly linked to the event where God did **confound** the language of the people building the tower [[Genesis 11:9]].
* `{{H3778}}` **Kasdîy** (a Chaldaean): This term is frequently used for the inhabitants of Babylon. The prophets often address the "daughter of the Chaldeans" [[Isaiah 47:1]] and foretell judgment on the "land of the Chaldeans" ([[Jeremiah 25:12]], [[Jeremiah 50:1]]).
* `{{H5019}}` **Nᵉbûwkadneʼtstsar** (Nebuchadnezzar): The king of Babylon who serves as God's instrument of judgment, carrying Judah into captivity [[Ezra 2:1]] and destroying Jerusalem [[Daniel 1:1]].
* `{{H1473}}` **gôwlâh** (exile): This term describes the state of the people of Judah who were carried away to Babylon [[Ezra 2:1]]. The return from this **captivity** is a central promise of redemption [[Jeremiah 28:6]].
* `{{H1078}}` **Bêl** (Bel): A primary idol of Babylon. Prophecies of Babylon's fall include the confounding of its false gods, declaring that **Bel** is confounded `{{H3001}}` and broken in pieces `{{H2865}}` ([[Jeremiah 50:2]], [[Jeremiah 51:44]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H894}}` is profound, representing a major theme of divine sovereignty over human empires.
* **Instrument of Divine Judgment:** God explicitly uses Babylon as his "servant" `{{H5650}}` to punish Judah for its transgressions `{{H4604}}` ([[1 Chronicles 9:1]], [[Jeremiah 27:6]]). The LORD `{{H3068}}` gives the lands and people into the hand `{{H3027}}` of the king of Babylon `{{H894}}` [[Jeremiah 21:7]].
* **Symbol of Human Pride:** Babylon is portrayed as the epitome of worldly pride `{{H2102}}` and arrogance `{{H1347}}` [[Jeremiah 50:29]]. It sought to "mount up to heaven" `{{H8064}}` and fortify `{{H1219}}` its own strength `{{H5797}}` [[Jeremiah 51:53]], leading to the LORD's proverb against its king [[Isaiah 14:4]].
* **Object of Divine Vengeance:** Despite being God's instrument, Babylon is held accountable for its cruelty and pride. The LORD promises to render `{{H7999}}` a recompence `{{H1576}}` upon her [[Jeremiah 51:6]]. This is the "vengeance of the LORD" `{{H5360}}`, specifically for His temple `{{H1964}}` [[Jeremiah 51:11]].
* **A Setting for Redemption:** Babylon, the land of exile, is also the stage for God's promised restoration. The LORD vows to visit `{{H6485}}` His people after seventy `{{H7657}}` years `{{H8141}}` in Babylon and redeem `{{H1350}}` them from the hand of their enemies `{{H341}}` ([[Jeremiah 29:10]], [[Micah 4:10]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H894}}` signifies far more than a geographical location. It originates in an act of divine judgment against human unity in pride [[Genesis 11:9]] and grows into an empire used by God for the same purpose against His own people. As a symbol of worldly power, arrogance, and idolatry, Babylon is destined for complete desolation `{{H8077}}` [[Jeremiah 51:29]]. Yet, it is also from the midst of this captivity that God promises to redeem `{{H1350}}` and restore `{{H7725}}` His people, showcasing His ultimate sovereignty over the nations of the earth.
TRV