Introduction to Genesis 11:1
Genesis 11:1 introduces the Tower of Babel narrative by describing the state of human language before divine intervention. The verse contains an interesting grammatical interplay between singular and plural forms, particularly in שָׂפָ֣ה אֶחָ֑ת (safah eḥat, “one language”) and דְּבָרִ֖ים אֲחָדִֽים (devarim aḥadim, “unified words” or “same speech”). These constructions demonstrate how Biblical Hebrew expresses collective unity while maintaining distinctions between singular and plural agreement.
וַֽיְהִ֥י כָל־הָאָ֖רֶץ שָׂפָ֣ה אֶחָ֑ת וּדְבָרִ֖ים אֲחָדִֽים׃
Analysis of Key Words/Phrases
1. וַֽיְהִ֥י כָל־הָאָ֖רֶץ (vayhi kol-ha’aretz) – “And all the earth was” (wayyiqtol construction)
2. שָׂפָ֣ה אֶחָ֑ת (safah eḥat) – “One language” (collective singular)
3. וּדְבָרִ֖ים אֲחָדִֽים (udevarim aḥadim) – “Unified words” or “same speech” (plural agreement)
Explanation of Grammatical Function
1. The Wayyiqtol Verb וַֽיְהִ֥י (Vayhi)
The verse begins with וַֽיְהִ֥י (vayhi, “and it was”), a wayyiqtol form of הָיָה (hayah, “to be”).
– Stem: Qal
– Person & Number: 3rd person masculine singular
– Meaning: “And it was” or “And it came to be”
This construction introduces a narrative state that sets the background for the coming events.
2. The Collective Singular שָׂפָ֣ה אֶחָ֑ת (Safah Eḥat)
The phrase שָׂפָ֣ה אֶחָ֑ת (safah eḥat, “one language”) consists of:
– שָׂפָ֣ה (safah, “lip, speech, language”) – A singular noun referring to a unified linguistic system.
– אֶחָ֑ת (eḥat, “one”) – A feminine singular adjective matching שָׂפָ֣ה in gender.
This collective singular construction emphasizes a single, shared means of communication among all people.
3. The Plural Construction וּדְבָרִ֖ים אֲחָדִֽים (Udevarim Aḥadim)
The phrase וּדְבָרִ֖ים אֲחָדִֽים (udevarim aḥadim, “same words” or “unified speech”) presents a plural agreement pattern:
– דְּבָרִ֖ים (devarim, “words, matters”) – Masculine plural noun.
– אֲחָדִֽים (aḥadim, “one/unified”) – Masculine plural adjective.
This plural construction differs from שָׂפָ֣ה אֶחָ֑ת, possibly suggesting:
1. A singular linguistic system (שָׂפָ֣ה אֶחָ֑ת).
2. A shared vocabulary or manner of speaking (דְּבָרִ֖ים אֲחָדִֽים).
4. The Significance of the Plural Agreement
The use of plural agreement with דְּבָרִ֖ים instead of a singular form (דָּבָר אֶחָד) suggests a uniformity in expressions rather than just a single language. This could imply:
– Linguistic uniformity in vocabulary or phrases.
– Unity of thought and purpose in communication.
The Significance of Collective Singular and Plural Forms in Describing Unity
Genesis 11:1 demonstrates how Biblical Hebrew expresses unity in both singular and plural forms. שָׂפָ֣ה אֶחָ֑ת conveys a single linguistic system, while דְּבָרִ֖ים אֲחָדִֽים emphasizes uniformity in speech patterns or expressions. The grammatical shift from singular to plural highlights the complexity of human language, setting the stage for the linguistic division at Babel. This verse exemplifies how Hebrew uses both singular and plural agreement to describe collective realities.
