Catholic Dictionary

Term

TOWER OF BABEL

Definition

A biblical event symbolizing co-operative pride. Certain people living in the land of Shinar proposed building a town and a tower that would reach to heaven. "Let us make a name for ourselves," they boasted. But Yahweh distrusted their motives. He confused their language so that they could no longer understand each other. Then they scattered over the face of the earth (Genesis 11:1-9).