The Hebrew verb balal (H1101) carries two distinct but related meanings: to mix or mingle (as in mixing grain with oil for offerings) and to confuse or confound (as in the confusion of languages at Babel). In its cultic usage, balal refers to the mixing of flour with oil in grain offerings (Leviticus 2:4; Numbers 28:5). In its social/judgment usage, it describes the scattering and confusing of human language (Genesis 11:7,9).
The dual meaning of balal is theologically rich. At Babel, God used balal — confusion — as an act of grace-in-judgment to scatter humanity and prevent unified rebellion (Genesis 11:7). The word gives Babel its name. Yet this same root, in its cultic sense, describes the sacred mixing of oil and grain — a picture of the Holy Spirit anointing and consecrating what is offered to God. Pentecost reverses Babel: where balal scattered languages in confusion, the Spirit united people from every tongue in the one language of worship (Acts 2:4-11).