And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there.

GENESIS 11:2KJV
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Genesis 11:2 (KJV)

What does Genesis 11:2 mean?

Genesis 11:2 describes how a group of people, after traveling from the east, discovered a broad, flat area in the land called Shinar and decided to settle there. This verse sets the scene for what will become the story of the Tower of Babel by explaining where and how these people came to live together in one place.

The verse is part of a narrative about humanity after the flood, focusing on the descendants of Noah. The people are not named individually here, but the story is about a united group moving together. The land of Shinar is in ancient Mesopotamia, a region known for its fertile plains. This gathering in one place is important because it leads to the events where the people attempt to build a tower, which becomes a turning point in the biblical account.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 11:2

  • "journeyed" (נָסַע, nasaʿ): This word often means to pull up stakes or set out on a journey, suggesting a group migration rather than just wandering. It gives the sense of a people moving with purpose.
  • "east" (קֶדֶם, qedem): This word can mean "east" or "ancient times." Here, it points to their direction of travel, showing they came from the east toward Shinar.
  • "plain" (בִּקְעָה, biq‘ah): This term refers to a wide, flat valley or plain, highlighting that the area was suitable for a large group to settle together.
  • "Shinar" (שִׁנְעָר, Shinar): This is the biblical name for a region in Mesopotamia, later associated with Babylon. Knowing this helps connect the story to later events in biblical history.

Why Genesis 11:2 matters

  • This verse explains how people came to be concentrated in one location, which is crucial for understanding the events that follow, especially the building of the Tower of Babel.
  • The mention of Shinar links this story to other important biblical events in Mesopotamia, including the rise of Babylon.
  • The detail that they journeyed from the east helps clarify the movement of people after the flood and sets up the theme of human unity and ambition that the next verses will address.

Where else these words appear

“Shinar” Hebrew H8152 · used in 8 verses

  • Genesis 10:10 And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel, and Erech, and Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar.
  • Genesis 14:9 With Chedorlaomer the king of Elam, and with Tidal king of nations, and Amraphel king of Shinar, and Arioch king of Ellasar; four kings with five.
  • Isaiah 11:11 And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea.

“plain” Hebrew H1237 · used in 20 verses

  • Deuteronomy 8:7 For the LORD thy God bringeth thee into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and depths that spring out of valleys and hills;
  • 2 Chronicles 35:22 Nevertheless Josiah would not turn his face from him, but disguised himself, that he might fight with him, and hearkened not unto the words of Necho from the mouth of God, and came to fight in the valley of Megiddo.
  • Ezekiel 3:22 And the hand of the LORD was there upon me; and he said unto me, Arise, go forth into the plain, and I will there talk with thee.

“east” Hebrew H6924 · used in 83 verses

  • Genesis 2:8 And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed.
  • Joshua 19:12 And turned from Sarid eastward toward the sunrising unto the border of Chislothtabor, and then goeth out to Daberath, and goeth up to Japhia,
  • Psalms 143:5 I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands.

“journeyed” Hebrew H5265 · used in 140 verses

  • Genesis 12:9 And Abram journeyed, going on still toward the south.
  • Numbers 10:25 And the standard of the camp of the children of Dan set forward, which was the rereward of all the camps throughout their hosts: and over his host was Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.
  • Numbers 33:32 And they removed from Benejaakan, and encamped at Horhagidgad.