בָּבֶ֫ל, בָּבֶל (ba.vel)
ba.vel
Babylon
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 18 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The noun ba.vel refers to Babylon, the ancient capital of Babylonia located near modern Hillah on the Euphrates River. In the Hebrew Bible, this name appears in eighteen verses, with a significant concentration in the books of Daniel and Ezra. It serves as both a specific geographic location and a symbol of imperial power during the exile period.
The sources note an etymological connection to the idea of confusion or mixing. This linguistic link echoes the story of the Tower of Babel, where human language was scattered. Consequently, the name carries a weight beyond mere geography, suggesting a place associated with the disruption of unity and the rise of human arrogance against divine order.
Translators consistently render this word as Babylon or Babel depending on the context. The text does not offer a detailed theological commentary on the city itself but uses it to mark the historical reality of Israel’s displacement. The name remains a fixed point in biblical history, anchoring the narrative of judgment and restoration.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Babylon appears in Scripture as both a real city and a symbol of human pride standing against God. In the ancient world, it represented imperial power and cultural dominance that sought to silence worship. For those living in exile, it was a place of displacement and loss. Yet even there, God remained sovereign, using foreign kings to fulfill His purposes for restoration.
Today, the word reminds us that no human system is beyond God’s reach. When we face pressures to compromise our faith or trust in worldly power, this history offers comfort. It shows that God can raise up faithful witnesses even in the heart of opposition. The story of Daniel and his friends illustrates how loyalty to God stands firm amidst cultural demands.
This perspective helps us navigate modern challenges with confidence. We do not need to fear the structures of this world because God holds ultimate authority. Our hope rests not in political stability but in His enduring promises. This truth encourages believers to remain faithful regardless of their circumstances.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 18 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Babylon18×
- to/ Babylon2×
- in/ Babylon1×
- [are] in/ Babylon1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בָּבֶ֔ל3×
- בָבֶֽל\׃3×
- בָבֶ֑ל3×
- בָּבֶֽל\׃2×
- בָּבֶ֑ל2×
- לְ/בָבֶֽל\׃\ \ס1×
- לְ/בָבֶ֑ל1×
- בָּבֶֽל\׃\ \פ1×
- בָּבֶ֖ל1×
- בְּ/בָבֶל֒1×
- בְּ/בָבֶֽל\׃1×
- בָבֶל֙1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 2:12
Because of this, the king was angry and very furious, and commanded that all the wise men of Babylon be destroyed.
This verse highlights the danger Daniel faced as a faithful Jew in the center of imperial power, showing how Babylon sought to eliminate those who trusted in God rather than its own wisdom.
-
Ezra 5:12
But after our fathers had provoked the God of heaven to wrath, he gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, the Chaldean, who destroyed this house and carried the people away into Babylon.
Here the name anchors the historical reality of judgment and displacement, reminding readers that even when God allows hardship, He remains the one who governs history and nations.
-
Daniel 7:1
In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel had a dream and visions of his head while on his bed. Then he wrote the dream and told the sum of the matters.
This opening verse places Daniel’s visionary experiences within the timeline of Babylonian rule, demonstrating that God reveals His plans for the future even during times of political uncertainty.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Babylon mean in Hebrew?
Why is Babylon mentioned so often in Daniel?
Is Babylon only a physical city in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (18 verses across 2 books)
Ezra 7 verses
But after our fathers had provoked the God of heaven to wrath, he gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of…
Ezra 5:13But in the first year of Cyrus king of Babylon, Cyrus the king made a decree to build this house of God.
Ezra 5:14The gold and silver vessels of God’s house, which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple that was in Jerusalem and…
Ezra 5:17Now therefore, if it seems good to the king, let a search be made in the king’s treasure house, which is there at…
Ezra 6:1Then Darius the king made a decree, and the house of the archives, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon, was…
Ezra 6:5Also let the gold and silver vessels of God’s house, which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple which is at Jerusalem…
Ezra 7:16and all the silver and gold that you will find in all the province of Babylon, with the free will offering of the…