Genesis 10:8

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And Cush {H3568} begat {H3205} Nimrod {H5248}: he began {H2490} to be {H1961} a mighty one {H1368} in 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
Genesis 10:8 introduces Nimrod, a direct descendant of Noah through Ham and Cush, as the first individual explicitly designated a "mighty one" in the post-Flood world. This verse marks a pivotal transition within the "Table of Nations" from a purely genealogical enumeration to the emergence of powerful human leadership and the establishment of early societal structures and kingdoms, thereby setting the stage for subsequent narratives of human ambition, dominion, and the formation of distinct nations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 10, often referred to as the "Table of Nations," meticulously chronicles the descendants of Noah's three sons—Shem, Ham, and Japheth—detailing the repopulation of the earth after the great Flood. This chapter serves as a genealogical bridge between the universal judgment of the Flood and the particularistic narratives of Abraham and Israel. Within this comprehensive list, Genesis 10:8 stands out because it breaks from the typical "X begat Y" formula to provide an extended, descriptive account of Nimrod's character and actions in the subsequent verses [Genesis 10:9-12](/genesis/10-9-12 "Nimrod's Reign and Cities"). This deviation signals Nimrod's unique and significant role, marking him as more than just another name in a lineage, but as a foundational figure in the development of early human power structures and organized societies. His introduction here prepares the reader for the narrative of the [Tower of Babel in Genesis 11](/genesis/11 "The Tower of Babel"), which further explores themes of human unity, ambition, and divine intervention.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The post-Flood world, as depicted in Genesis, was a nascent society beginning to re-establish itself. Humanity, having been drastically reduced, was tasked with multiplying and filling the earth [Genesis 9:1](/genesis/9-1 "God's command to multiply"). In this context, the emergence of powerful individuals capable of organizing communities, providing protection, and leading large-scale endeavors would have been a natural, albeit potentially problematic, development. The term "mighty one" (Hebrew: *gibbor*) would have resonated with ancient Near Eastern concepts of heroic leaders, warriors, and kings who established dominion over territories and peoples. This era saw the rise of the earliest city-states in Mesopotamia, such as those mentioned in connection with Nimrod in [Genesis 10:10](/genesis/10-10 "Nimrod's Kingdom and Cities"), including Babel (Babylon), Erech (Uruk), Accad (Akkad), and Calneh. Nimrod's description thus reflects the historical reality of powerful figures consolidating authority and founding the first urban centers and proto-empires.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 10:8 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **emergence of human power and leadership** beyond familial structures, marking a shift towards centralized authority and political organization. Secondly, it introduces the theme of **human ambition and dominion**, raising questions about how humanity exercises the mandate to "subdue the earth" [Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "The Cultural Mandate"). Nimrod's might, particularly when viewed in light of his potential connection to the [Tower of Babel](/genesis/11 "The Tower of Babel"), foreshadows the recurring biblical theme of human pride and rebellion against divine sovereignty. Lastly, this verse subtly introduces the **tension between divine order and human self-assertion**, a tension that will be fully explored in subsequent narratives, as human kingdoms rise and often challenge God's ultimate authority.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **begat (Hebrew, _yâlad'_):** H3205, a primitive root meaning "to bear young; causatively, to beget." In this context, it signifies the act of fathering, establishing the direct lineage of Nimrod from Cush. This term is fundamental to the genealogical structure of Genesis, emphasizing the continuity of generations and the fulfillment of God's command to multiply.
* **began (Hebrew, _châlal'_):** H2490, a primitive root meaning "to bore, i.e. (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane... to begin (as if by an 'opening wedge')." Here, it carries the sense of initiation or commencement. Nimrod's might was not inherent from birth but was something he actively initiated or cultivated, implying a deliberate and perhaps forceful assertion of power. This "beginning" suggests a new era of human enterprise and ambition.
* **mighty one (Hebrew, _gibbôwr'_):** H1368, an intensive form meaning "powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant." This term denotes a person of exceptional strength, valor, or influence. It can refer to a champion, a chief, or a valiant man. In Nimrod's case, it signifies not merely physical prowess but a commanding presence, leadership, and military capability that enabled him to establish dominion and found kingdoms, setting him apart as a dominant figure in the early post-Flood world.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Cush begat Nimrod":** This clause establishes Nimrod's lineage within the Table of Nations, identifying him as the son of Cush, who was a son of Ham. This genealogical placement is crucial, as it situates Nimrod within the Hamitic line, a lineage often associated with the peoples who settled in Africa and parts of the Middle East, and later with nations that would come into conflict with Israel. The simple "begat" formula, typical of the chapter, sets the stage for the unique description that follows.
* **"he began to be":** This phrase, employing the Hebrew verb *châlal*, indicates a process of initiation or development rather than an inherent state. Nimrod's might was not a birthright but something he actively pursued and cultivated. It implies a dynamic assertion of power, a proactive move to establish dominance and influence in the emerging post-Flood world. This "beginning" suggests a foundational moment for his subsequent actions.
* **"a mighty one":** The Hebrew term *gibbor* describes Nimrod as a powerful individual, a warrior, or a hero. This designation distinguishes him from his contemporaries, highlighting his exceptional strength, leadership qualities, and perhaps military prowess. He is the first person in the post-Flood narrative to be explicitly labeled with this significant title, underscoring his unique status and impact.
* **"in the earth":** This concluding phrase specifies the scope of Nimrod's might and influence. His power was not confined to a small tribe or family unit but extended broadly across the land, indicating a significant sphere of dominion and the establishment of a wider authority. This sets the stage for his role as a kingdom-builder, as detailed in the subsequent verses.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 10:8 masterfully employs **Character Introduction** and **Foreshadowing**. The verse serves as a direct and impactful introduction to Nimrod, breaking the otherwise uniform genealogical rhythm of the "Table of Nations" to highlight his unique significance. This immediate focus on his character, rather than just his lineage, signals to the reader that he is a figure of particular importance. Furthermore, the description of him as beginning "to be a mighty one in the earth" functions as potent **Foreshadowing**. It hints at his future actions and influence, preparing the reader for the subsequent verses that detail his prowess as a hunter and kingdom-builder [Genesis 10:9-12](/genesis/10-9-12 "Nimrod's Reign and Cities"), and potentially his involvement in the audacious project of the [Tower of Babel](/genesis/11 "The Tower of Babel"). The unusual emphasis on an individual within a genealogical list creates a sense of anticipation and underscores the profound impact Nimrod would have on the early post-Flood world.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 10:8, by introducing Nimrod as the first "mighty one" in the post-Flood world, marks a significant theological shift from the family-centric structures of early humanity to the emergence of centralized human power and organized kingdoms. This verse subtly introduces the complex theme of human dominion, initially given by God in [Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "The Cultural Mandate") to subdue the earth, but now seen through the lens of individual ambition and the potential for self-exaltation. Nimrod's rise prompts reflection on the nature of power—whether it is wielded in submission to divine will or in defiance of it. His story, especially when read in conjunction with the subsequent narrative of the [Tower of Babel](/genesis/11 "The Tower of Babel"), often serves as a cautionary tale about human pride and the dangers of seeking greatness apart from God, foreshadowing the recurring biblical pattern of powerful human empires challenging divine authority.

* [Genesis 6:4](/genesis/6-4 "The Nephilim, mighty men of old")
* [1 Samuel 16:18](/1_samuel/16-18 "David as a mighty man")
* [Psalm 33:16](/psalms/33-16 "No king is saved by the size of his army")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 10:8, in its concise introduction of Nimrod, offers a profound lens through which to examine the enduring human pursuit of power and influence. It challenges us to consider the source and purpose of our own "might," whether it be intellectual, social, financial, or spiritual. Are we, like Nimrod, seeking to establish our own kingdoms and assert our will "in the earth" for personal glory, or are we leveraging our strengths and positions to serve God's purposes and build His kingdom? The passage calls us to a critical self-assessment: do our ambitions align with divine principles of humility, service, and justice, or do they lean towards self-aggrandizement and a potential defiance of God's ultimate sovereignty? Nimrod's story serves as a timeless reminder that true might is not merely about capacity or achievement, but about character and the ultimate direction of one's power—whether it leads to blessing or to the very kind of human hubris that often precedes divine judgment.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Nimrod's ambition to be a "mighty one" challenge or affirm God's original mandate for humanity to have dominion over the earth?**
* **In what ways might we, in our modern context, be tempted to pursue "might" or influence for self-glorification rather than for God's glory and the good of others?**
* **What qualities define a "mighty one" in God's eyes, and how do they differ from the world's definition of power and success?**

### FAQ
**Who was Nimrod and why is he significant?**

Answer: Nimrod was a descendant of Noah through Ham and Cush, and he is the first individual explicitly described in the Bible as a "mighty one" (*gibbor*) on earth after the Flood. His significance lies in his role as a powerful leader and the founder of early kingdoms, including Babel, Erech, Accad, and Calneh, as detailed in [Genesis 10:10](/genesis/10-10 "Nimrod's Kingdom and Cities"). His emergence marks a crucial shift from purely genealogical listings to the development of organized human power structures and ambitious, centralized governance in the nascent post-diluvian world.

**What does "he began to be a mighty one in the earth" imply about Nimrod's character or rise to power?**

Answer: This phrase, utilizing the Hebrew verb *châlal* ("to begin"), suggests that Nimrod's might was not an inherent quality from birth but something he actively developed, asserted, or initiated. It implies a proactive and deliberate pursuit of power, influence, and potentially military strength, signifying his role in establishing himself as a dominant figure. The term "mighty one" (*gibbor*) indicates a powerful warrior, hero, or leader, suggesting that Nimrod distinguished himself through strength, valor, and the ability to command and organize, laying the groundwork for his kingdom-building endeavors mentioned in [Genesis 10:9-12](/genesis/10-9-12 "Nimrod's Reign and Cities").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Genesis 10:8](/genesis/10-8 "Nimrod's beginnings") introduces Nimrod as an earthly "mighty one" whose power was self-asserted and potentially rebellious, his story ultimately points to the true and ultimate "Mighty One," Jesus Christ. Nimrod's ambition to build earthly kingdoms and establish dominion through human strength stands in stark contrast to Christ's humble incarnation and redemptive mission. Unlike Nimrod, who sought to consolidate power "in the earth" for what appears to be self-glorification and possibly defiance against God's plan for human dispersion (as suggested by his association with the [Tower of Babel](/genesis/11 "The Tower of Babel")), Jesus, though truly *gibbor* as the Son of God and the "Mighty God" [Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Jesus, Mighty God"), exercised His power not for earthly conquest but for spiritual salvation. He came not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many [Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "The Son of Man came to serve"). Through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, Christ established a spiritual kingdom that is "not of this world" [John 18:36](/john/18-36 "My kingdom is not of this world"), offering eternal dominion and true life to all who believe in Him. He is the ultimate King who subdues sin and death, fulfilling God's original purpose for humanity's dominion in a way that Nimrod's earthly might could never achieve, ultimately reigning with all authority in heaven and on earth [Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me").

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

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.