1 Chronicles 1:10

KJV

And Cush begat Nimrod: he began to be mighty upon the earth.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Cush {H3568} begat {H3205} Nimrod {H5248}: he began {H2490} to be mighty {H1368} upon the earth {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Kush fathered Nimrod, who was the first powerful ruler on earth.

Berean Standard Bible

Cush was the father of Nimrod, who began to be a mighty one on the earth.

American Standard Version

And Cush begat Nimrod; he began to be a mighty one in the earth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 1:10 introduces Nimrod within the extensive genealogies, uniquely breaking the typical "X begat Y" pattern to describe him as one who "began to be mighty upon the earth." This brief but significant statement marks a pivotal moment in early human history following the Flood, signaling the emergence of centralized power, dominion, and the establishment of early human kingdoms, setting him apart as a foundational figure in the development of societal and political structures.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The book of 1 Chronicles opens with an exhaustive and meticulously detailed genealogical record, spanning from Adam through the patriarchs and the tribes of Israel, culminating in the Davidic line. This serves a crucial purpose for the post-exilic audience, establishing their historical continuity, reaffirming their identity as God's covenant people, and linking them directly to creation and divine promises. Within this long list of names, 1 Chronicles 1:10 stands out because it provides a descriptive phrase for Nimrod, a rare deviation from the standard "X begat Y" formula. This unique characterization highlights Nimrod's distinct significance, even though he is not directly in the lineage of the covenant promise. His mention within the broader "Table of Nations" in [Genesis 10](/genesis/10 "Genesis 10 - The Table of Nations"), which 1 Chronicles largely mirrors, underscores his role in the early development of human civilization after the Flood.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Nimrod emerges in the immediate post-Flood era, a period characterized by the re-population of the earth and the nascent stages of human civilization. While specific extra-biblical historical details about Nimrod are scarce, the biblical account places him as a foundational figure in the development of early urban centers and organized political structures in Mesopotamia. His "might" suggests a shift from purely familial or tribal leadership to a more centralized form of dominion, possibly involving military prowess or the consolidation of power over multiple communities. This period saw the beginnings of city-states and kingdoms, a significant departure from the scattered, nomadic existence that might have characterized the earliest post-Flood generations. The mention of his might "upon the earth" emphasizes his earthly, rather than spiritual, authority and influence, setting a precedent for human ambition and the establishment of powerful empires.
* **Key Themes:** Nimrod's brief but impactful mention in 1 Chronicles 1:10 contributes to several key themes within the chapter and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **The Emergence of Human Power and Kingship**, depicting the rise of formidable individuals who asserted dominion and established early forms of governance. This foreshadows the ongoing biblical tension between human ambition and divine sovereignty, a theme explored extensively with later kings and empires. Secondly, it underscores the **Continuity of Human History** as part of God's overarching plan; even figures like Nimrod, who are not directly in the line of covenant promise, are acknowledged as significant players in the unfolding drama of humanity. Thirdly, it subtly introduces the theme of **Earthly Dominion vs. God's Ultimate Sovereignty**. While Nimrod "began to be mighty upon the earth," the chronicler's inclusion of him within God's meticulously preserved genealogies implicitly reminds the reader that all human power operates under the watchful eye and ultimate authority of the Creator. This theme is further developed in passages like [Genesis 11](/genesis/11 "Genesis 11 - The Tower of Babel and Human Ambition"), where human attempts at self-exaltation are met with divine intervention.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Nimrod (Hebrew, _nimrod'_):** The name itself is significant, possibly deriving from a root meaning "to rebel" or "we will rebel." While this etymology is debated, if accurate, it would aptly describe a figure who establishes a powerful earthly kingdom, potentially in defiance of divine order, as suggested by his association with Babel in [Genesis 10:10](/genesis/10-10 "Genesis 10:10 - Nimrod's Kingdom of Babel"). His name stands as a monument to human ambition and the assertion of independent power.
* **mighty (Hebrew, _gibbor'_):** This word is rich in meaning, often translated as "strong man," "warrior," "hero," or "champion." It denotes physical strength, military prowess, and the ability to dominate. In other contexts, it can refer to a powerful leader or even a tyrant. The use of _gibbor_ here immediately sets Nimrod apart from the other genealogical entries, emphasizing his exceptional, forceful character and his impact on the early world.
* **began (Hebrew, _chalal'_):** The phrase "began to be mighty" (Hebrew: הֵחֵל לִהְיוֹת גִּבּוֹר, _hechel lihyot gibbor_) uses the verb _chalal_ (in the Hiphil stem), meaning "to begin," "to profane," or "to make common." In this context, it signifies the initiation or commencement of a process. It emphasizes that Nimrod actively acquired or demonstrated this might, rather than being born with it or merely inheriting it. This highlights his initiative and the deliberate assertion of his power on the nascent world stage.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Cush begat Nimrod":** This clause places Nimrod squarely within the Hamitic line, specifically as the son of Cush, who was a son of Ham (Noah's son). This genealogical connection links him to the "Table of Nations" in Genesis 10, which describes the dispersion and formation of early peoples. In the chronicler's concise style, this establishes Nimrod's lineage and his place in the broader human family.
* **"he began to be mighty upon the earth":** This is the pivotal phrase that distinguishes Nimrod from all other individuals in these early genealogies. It is a unique descriptive statement that immediately elevates him beyond a mere name. The "beginning to be mighty" signifies an active, deliberate process of accumulating power and influence. The phrase "upon the earth" emphasizes the sphere of his dominion—it was an earthly, temporal power, contrasting with any divine or spiritual authority. This marks a significant development in human society, indicating the rise of powerful individuals who exerted control over territories and people, laying the groundwork for kingdoms and empires.

#### Literary Devices
The chronicler's brief description of Nimrod employs several significant literary devices. **Emphasis** is achieved by breaking the monotonous "X begat Y" pattern to provide a unique descriptor for Nimrod, immediately drawing the reader's attention to his distinct significance. This deviation highlights him as a pivotal figure in early human history. There is also an element of **Foreshadowing**, as Nimrod's "might upon the earth" prefigures the rise of powerful, often oppressive, earthly kingdoms and the ongoing tension between human ambition and divine sovereignty throughout biblical history. His story, though brief, sets the stage for later narratives of kings and empires. Furthermore, an implicit **Contrast** is present between Nimrod's earthly might and the spiritual lineage of Abraham and David, which the genealogies are ultimately designed to highlight. While Nimrod represents the pinnacle of human-achieved power, the chronicler's ultimate focus remains on God's covenant faithfulness through a chosen line.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nimrod's emergence as a "mighty" figure in the post-Flood world introduces a crucial theological theme: the nature of human power and its relationship to God's ultimate sovereignty. His story, though brief in 1 Chronicles, serves as an archetype for the rise of human kingdoms and empires, often built on ambition and strength rather than divine appointment. The Bible consistently portrays a tension between the transient, often self-serving power of earthly rulers and the eternal, righteous dominion of God. Nimrod's might "upon the earth" underscores the human tendency to seek control and establish dominion apart from or even in opposition to God's will. Yet, his inclusion in God's inspired genealogies implicitly reminds us that even the most powerful human figures operate within the boundaries of God's overarching plan, ultimately subject to His authority.

* [Genesis 10:8-12](/genesis/10-8 "Genesis 10:8-12 - Nimrod's Kingdoms and Dominion")
* [Daniel 2:36-45](/daniel/2-36 "Daniel 2:36-45 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream and God's Everlasting Kingdom")
* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10 "Psalm 33:10-11 - God's Counsel Stands Forever")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nimrod's brief but potent description invites us to reflect on the nature of power in our own lives and in the world around us. His "beginning to be mighty upon the earth" speaks to the inherent human drive for influence, control, and the building of legacies. We see this drive manifested in various forms today—in political leadership, corporate ambition, social movements, and even personal relationships. The question for us is not whether power exists, but how it is acquired, wielded, and for what purpose. Are we, like Nimrod, seeking to build our own kingdoms "upon the earth," driven by self-exaltation and control? Or are we seeking to steward whatever influence we have for the glory of God and the good of others, recognizing that true authority comes from above? Nimrod's story serves as a subtle warning against unchecked ambition and a reminder that all earthly power is temporary and ultimately accountable to the Most High God. It encourages us to examine our own desires for prominence and to align them with God's eternal kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do we discern between legitimate, God-honoring leadership and self-serving ambition in our world today?**
* **What does Nimrod's brief but impactful mention teach us about the enduring nature of human desire for power and control?**
* **In what ways might we, consciously or unconsciously, seek to build our own "kingdoms" rather than contributing to God's?**

### FAQ
**Why is Nimrod mentioned in 1 Chronicles when the book focuses on Israel's lineage?**

Answer: The inclusion of Nimrod in 1 Chronicles, despite the book's primary focus on the genealogies of Israel and the Davidic line, serves several important purposes. Firstly, 1 Chronicles aims to provide a comprehensive historical sweep, grounding Israel's history in universal history. By starting with Adam and including figures like Nimrod from the "Table of Nations" (as found in [Genesis 10](/genesis/10 "Genesis 10 - The Table of Nations")), the chronicler establishes the broader context of humanity's development after the Flood. Nimrod's unique description highlights a significant early development in human civilization—the emergence of organized kingdoms and powerful leaders—which forms part of the backdrop against which God's covenant people would later emerge and interact with other nations. His mention also shows the origins of peoples and power structures that would later play a role in Israel's history, even if indirectly.

**What is the significance of "mighty upon the earth" in Nimrod's description?**

Answer: The phrase "he began to be mighty upon the earth" is profoundly significant because it uniquely distinguishes Nimrod from almost every other individual in the extensive genealogies of 1 Chronicles 1. While most entries are simply names in a lineage, this description elevates Nimrod to a figure of historical and theological importance. It signifies the emergence of a new kind of human leader—one who asserts dominion, builds cities, and establishes kingdoms, marking a decisive shift from simple familial or tribal structures to centralized political power. "Mighty" (Hebrew: _gibbor_) implies a strong, heroic, and potentially tyrannical warrior-king. "Upon the earth" emphasizes his earthly, temporal authority, contrasting it with divine power. This description sets the stage for the recurring biblical theme of earthly power versus divine authority, foreshadowing the rise and fall of human empires and the ultimate sovereignty of God over all earthly dominion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nimrod's "might upon the earth" stands as a powerful symbol of human ambition and the establishment of earthly dominion, often achieved through force and self-exaltation. In stark contrast, the ultimate "Mighty One" is Jesus Christ. While Nimrod sought to build an earthly kingdom by his own strength, Christ's true might is revealed not in conquest but in humble service, sacrificial love, and resurrection power. His kingdom is "not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")), yet it is eternal and universal, encompassing all authority in heaven and on earth ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - The Great Commission and All Authority")). The prophet Isaiah foretold the coming of the "Mighty God" ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God")), a title that finds its perfect fulfillment in Christ, who disarmed principalities and powers through the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Unlike Nimrod, whose power was temporal and limited, Christ's dominion is everlasting, and every knee will one day bow to Him ([Philippians 2:9-11](/phil/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation and Universal Lordship")). Thus, Nimrod's brief mention serves as a historical backdrop, highlighting the human pursuit of power that ultimately finds its righteous and redemptive fulfillment in the supreme and benevolent reign of Jesus Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 10:8

And Cush begat Nimrod: he began to be a mighty one in the earth.

Genesis 10:12

And Resen between Nineveh and Calah: the same [is] a great city.

Micah 5:6

And they shall waste the land of Assyria with the sword, and the land of Nimrod in the entrances thereof: thus shall he deliver [us] from the Assyrian, when he cometh into our land, and when he treadeth within our borders.