TRV
Translation
King James Version
He was a mighty hunter before the LORD: wherefore it is said, Even as Nimrod the mighty hunter before the LORD.
Complete Jewish Bible
He was a mighty hunter before Adonai — this is why people say, “Like Nimrod, a mighty hunter before Adonai.”
Berean Standard Bible
He was a mighty hunter before the LORD; so it is said, “Like Nimrod, a mighty hunter before the LORD.”
American Standard Version
He was a mighty hunter before Jehovah: wherefore it is said, Like Nimrod a mighty hunter before Jehovah.
World English Bible Messianic
He was a mighty hunter before the LORD. Therefore it is said, “like Nimrod, a mighty hunter before the LORD”.
Geneva Bible (1599)
He was a mightie hunter before the Lord. wherefore it is saide, As Nimrod the mightie hunter before the Lord.
Young's Literal Translation
he hath begun to be a hero in the land; he hath been a hero in hunting before Jehovah; therefore it is said, `As Nimrod the hero in hunting before Jehovah.'
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Commentary on Genesis 10 verses 6–14
6 ¶ And the sons of Ham; Cush, and Mizraim, and Phut, and Canaan.
7 And the sons of Cush; Seba, and Havilah, and Sabtah, and Raamah, and Sabtecha: and the sons of Raamah; Sheba, and Dedan.
8 And Cush begat Nimrod: he began to be a mighty one in the earth.
9 He was a mighty hunter before the LORD: wherefore it is said, Even as Nimrod the mighty hunter before the LORD.
10 And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel, and Erech, and Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar.
11 Out of that land went forth Asshur, and builded Nineveh, and the city Rehoboth, and Calah,
12 And Resen between Nineveh and Calah: the same is a great city.
13 And Mizraim begat Ludim, and Anamim, and Lehabim, and Naphtuhim,
14 And Pathrusim, and Casluhim, (out of whom came Philistim,) and Caphtorim.
That which is observable and improvable in these verses is the account here given of Nimrod, Gen 10:8-10. He is here represented as a great man in his day: He began to be a mighty one in the earth, that is, whereas those that went before him were content to stand upon the same level with their neighbours, and though every man bore rule in his own house yet no man pretended any further, Nimrod's aspiring mind could not rest here; he was resolved to tower above his neighbours, not only to be eminent among them, but to lord it over them. The same spirit that actuated the giants before the flood (who became mighty men, and men of renown, Gen 6:4), now revived in him, so soon was that tremendous judgment which the pride and tyranny of those mighty men brought upon the world forgotten. Note, There are some in whom ambition and affectation of dominion seem to be bred in the bone; such there have been and will be, notwithstanding the wrath of God often revealed from heaven against them. Nothing on this side hell will humble and break the proud spirits of some men, in this like Lucifer, Isa 14:14, Isa 14:15. Now,
I. Nimrod was a great hunter; with this he began, and for this became famous to a proverb. Every great hunter is, in remembrance of him, called a Nimrod. 1. Some think he did good with his hunting, served his country by ridding it of the wild beasts which infested it, and so insinuated himself into the affections of his neighbours, and got to be their prince. Those that exercise authority either are, or at least would be called, benefactors, Luk 22:25. 2. Others think that under pretence of hunting he gathered men under his command, in pursuit of another game he had to play, which was to make himself master of the country and to bring them into subjection. He was a mighty hunter, that is, he was a violent invader of his neighbours' rights and properties, and a persecutor of innocent men, carrying all before him, and endeavouring to make all his own by force and violence. He thought himself a mighty prince, but before the Lord (that is, in God's account) he was but a mighty hunter. Note, Great conquerors are but great hunters. Alexander and Caesar would not make such a figure in scripture-history as they do in common history; the former is represented in prophecy but as a he-goat pushing, Dan 8:5. Nimrod was a mighty hunter against the Lord, so the Septuagint; that is, (1.) He set up idolatry, as Jeroboam did, for the confirming of his usurped dominion. That he might set up a new government, he set up a new religion upon the ruin of the primitive constitution of both. Babel was the mother of harlots. Or, (2.) He carried on his oppression and violence in defiance of God himself, daring Heaven with his impieties, as if he and his huntsmen could out-brave the Almighty, and were a match for the Lord of hosts and all his armies. As if it were a small thing to weary men, he thinks to weary my God also, Isa 7:13.
II. Nimrod was a great ruler: The beginning of his kingdom was Babel, Gen 10:10. Some way or other, by arts or arms, he got into power, either being chosen to it or forcing his way to it; and so laid the foundations of a monarchy, which was afterwards a head of gold, and the terror of the mighty, and bade fair to be universal. It does not appear that he had any right to rule by birth; but either his fitness for government recommended him, as some think, to an election, or by power and policy he advanced gradually, and perhaps insensibly, into the throne. See the antiquity of civil government, and particularly that form of it which lodges the sovereignty in a single person. If Nimrod and his neighbours began, other nations soon learned to incorporate under one head for their common safety and welfare, which, however it began, proved so great a blessing to the world that things were reckoned to go ill indeed when there was no king in Israel.
III. Nimrod was a great builder. Probably he was architect in the building of Babel, and there he began his kingdom; but, when his project to rule all the sons of Noah was baffled by the confusion of tongues, out of that land he went forth into Assyria (so the margin reads it, Gen 10:11) and built Nineveh, etc., that, having built these cities, he might command them and rule over them. Observe, in Nimrod, the nature of ambition. 1. It is boundless. Much would have more, and still cries, Give, give. 2. It is restless. Nimrod, when he had four cities under his command, could not be content till he had four more. 3. It is expensive. Nimrod will rather be at the charge of rearing cities than not have the honour of ruling them. The spirit of building is the common effect of a spirit of pride. 4. It is daring, and will stick at nothing. Nimrod's name signifies rebellion, which (if indeed he did abuse his power to the oppression of his neighbours) teaches us that tyrants to men are rebels to God, and their rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 6–14. Public domain.
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Ephrem the SyrianAD 373
COMMENTARY ON GENESIS 8.1.2
Concerning Nimrod, Moses said, “He was a mighty hunter before the Lord,” because, according to the will of the Lord, it was he who fought with each of these nations and chased them out from there, so that they would go out and settle in the regions that had been set apart for them by God. “Therefore it is said, like Nimrod a mighty hunter before the Lord.” One used to bless a chief or a ruler by saying, “May you be like Nimrod, a mighty hunter who was victorious in the battles of the Lord.”
John ChrysostomAD 407
HOMILIES ON GENESIS 29.29
Then sacred Scripture goes on from this point to tell of the children born to the sons in these words: “Now, Ham became the father of Cush”; and further, “Now, Cush became the father of Nebrod (Nimrod), who began to be a giant on earth. He was a giant hunter before the Lord.” While some people say the phrase “before the Lord” means being in opposition to God, I on the contrary do not think sacred Scripture is implying this. Rather, it implies that [Nimrod] was strong and brave. But the phrase “before the Lord” means created by him, receiving from him God’s blessing. Or it may mean that God was on the point of arousing our wonder through him by creating such a remarkable creature and displaying him before us on the earth. Nimrod too, however, in his turn in imitation of his forebear did not take due advantage of his natural preeminence but hit upon another form of servitude in endeavoring to become ruler and king. You see, there would not ever be a king unless there were people being ruled. But in that case freedom is seen for what it really is, whereas slavery is the most galling obstacle to conditions of freedom, when all the more power is exercised over free people. See what ambition is guilty of. Observe bodily strength not keeping to its limits but constantly lusting after more and clutching for glory. You see, the orders [Nimrod] gave were not those of a leader. Rather, he even builds cities with a view to ruling over the enemy.
PrudentiusAD 410
ORIGIN OF SIN 143-48
A Nimrod, who goes round the world, made rough
With deep ravines and wooden crags, and strives
To waylay some by fraud and secret wiles,
To vanquish others by his giant arms
And spread his deadly triumphs far and wide.
JeromeAD 420
HEBREW QUESTIONS ON GENESIS 10.8-10
“And Chus [Cush] begat Nimrod. This man began to be powerful in the earth.” And after a little while, it says, “And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel and Arach and Achad and Chalanne in the land of Senaar [Shinar].” Nimrod, son of Chus, was the first to seize despotic rule over the people, which men were not yet accustomed to; and he reigned in Babylon, which was called Babel, because the languages of those building the tower were thrown into confusion there. For Babel signifies confusion. Then he also reigned in Arach, that is, in Edissa; and in Achad, which is now called Nisibis; and in Chalanne, which was later called Seleucia after king Seleucus when its name had been changed and which is now in actual fact called Ctesiphon.
BedeAD 735
Commentary on Genesis (Hexaemeron)
From whom even today remains the proverb, so that it is said: Like Nimrod, a mighty hunter before the Lord. With those imitating the devil who are on his side, it can very truly be said, because such people, when they hunt the souls of men either by their word or example to destruction, follow the deeds of the ancient transgressor and deceiver.
BedeAD 735
Commentary on Genesis (Hexaemeron)
From him came the proverb: Like Nimrod, a mighty hunter before the Lord. It turned into a proverb because his deeds were unprecedented in his time; and the phrase before the Lord was added to magnify the crime, since it was evidently quite reckless and arrogant for a man on earth to dare live in such a way before the Lord, who looks down from heaven upon the children of men; whence it is clear that many at that time avoided doing such things due to fear of divine oversight, although another version has it that Nimrod was a giant hunter against the Lord. From the ambiguous Greek term, enantion, both can be interpreted. In fact, in the psalm where we sing let us weep before the Lord who made us (Psalm 95:6), the word is enantion Kyrion. This also appears in the book of Job, where it is written, You burst forth into rage against the Lord. The understanding about the giant is thus evident, that he was a mighty hunter of brute animals, as a powerful man; but because he was an impious man, he led a proud life against the will of the Creator.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Genesis 10:9 introduces Nimrod as a figure of immense strength and influence in the early post-Flood world, describing him as "a mighty hunter before the LORD." This verse highlights his exceptional prowess and reputation, which became a widely recognized proverb, marking him as a powerful individual pivotal in the nascent formation of human societies and kingdoms, particularly in Mesopotamia.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 10:9 provides a unique and emphatic description of Nimrod, a grandson of Ham, highlighting his exceptional power and renown. The verse's structure, particularly its repetition, underscores his legendary status and the lasting impact of his reputation in the ancient world.
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its message about Nimrod. The most prominent is Repetition, with the phrase "a mighty hunter before the LORD" appearing twice. This repetition serves to emphasize Nimrod's extraordinary nature and the lasting impact of his reputation, ensuring his legendary status is firmly established in the reader's mind. The phrase "wherefore it is said" indicates the use of Proverbial Language, suggesting that Nimrod's prowess and perhaps his controversial nature had become a common saying or byword in the ancient world, elevating his story beyond a mere historical account to a cultural archetype. Finally, the phrase "before the LORD" introduces a significant Ambiguity or double entendre. While literally meaning "in the presence of God," its context and traditional interpretations allow for readings of both "in the sight of God" (as observed or permitted) and "in defiance of God" (as an act of rebellion). This literary choice invites deeper theological reflection on the nature of human power and its relationship to divine authority.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nimrod's narrative in Genesis 10:9 serves as a foundational theological statement on the nature of human power, ambition, and its relationship to divine sovereignty. He represents the archetype of a powerful human leader who establishes dominion and builds kingdoms, potentially apart from or even in defiance of God's will. This story sets the stage for the recurring biblical theme of human attempts to create self-sufficient empires, culminating in the Tower of Babel, and contrasting sharply with God's ultimate plan for humanity to fill the earth and live in humble dependence upon Him. The ambiguity of "before the LORD" highlights the tension between God's omnipresent gaze and humanity's freedom to choose obedience or rebellion, underscoring that all actions are ultimately performed in the divine presence.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nimrod's narrative serves as a timeless reminder about the nature of power and ambition. While strength, skill, and leadership are gifts that can be used for good, the crucial question for every individual is how these capabilities are utilized. Are one's might and influence employed to serve God's purposes, to protect and build up in accordance with His will, or do they lead to self-exaltation, the building of personal kingdoms, and rebellion against divine authority? The phrase "before the LORD" challenges us to consider that all our actions, whether great or small, public or private, are performed under the direct, discerning gaze of God. Our ultimate posture should be one of humility and obedience, seeking to honor Him in all we do, rather than merely building our own names or empires, a theme powerfully explored in the narrative of the scattering from Babel.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "mighty hunter" signify beyond literal hunting?
Answer: The term "mighty hunter" (Hebrew: gibbôwr tsayid) implies much more than just skill in pursuing animals. It suggests a powerful, heroic, or even tyrannical figure who establishes dominion. In ancient Near Eastern contexts, a successful hunter often became a leader, protecting communities from wild beasts but also potentially dominating and organizing them. For Nimrod, this prowess extended to building cities and kingdoms, as seen in Genesis 10:10-12, indicating his ability to subdue both nature and people, laying the groundwork for early empires.
What are the two main interpretations of "before the LORD" in this verse?
Answer: The Hebrew phrase lipney YHWH can be interpreted in two primary ways: first, "In the sight of the LORD," meaning God observed and acknowledged Nimrod's exceptional greatness and power, perhaps even with a degree of divine permission or recognition. Second, and often favored by commentators, is "In defiance of the LORD" or "against the LORD." This latter interpretation is supported by the potential etymology of Nimrod's name (from marad, "to rebel") and his traditional association with the Tower of Babel, suggesting his might was wielded in opposition to God's will or in a manner that challenged divine authority and sought human self-exaltation.
Is Nimrod presented as a positive or negative figure in the Bible?
Answer: The biblical text itself offers a somewhat ambiguous portrayal. While it acknowledges his might and kingdom-building, the strong association with the Tower of Babel (often seen as a project of human rebellion against God's command to fill the earth) and the potential etymology of his name suggesting rebellion often lead traditional interpretations to view him as a negative figure. He embodies the human desire for self-exaltation and the building of earthly kingdoms apart from divine guidance, standing as a contrast to God's intended order and sovereignty.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nimrod, as the archetypal "mighty hunter" who builds earthly kingdoms through human might and potential defiance of God, stands in profound contrast to the true King and Shepherd, Jesus Christ. Nimrod sought to establish an earthly empire through self-exaltation and centralized power, culminating in the rebellion at Babel where humanity sought to make a name for itself. Christ, however, came not to build an earthly kingdom by force or self-aggrandizement, but to establish a spiritual kingdom through humility, self-sacrifice, and perfect obedience to the Father's will, as described in Philippians 2:5-8. He is the ultimate "hunter" not of animals or people for dominion, but of lost souls, seeking and saving the lost (Luke 19:10), gathering them into God's fold as the Good Shepherd (John 10:11-16). Where Nimrod's power led to division and scattering at Babel, Christ's power, demonstrated on the cross and through the resurrection, brings reconciliation and unity, fulfilling God's true design for humanity in a kingdom that is "not of this world" (John 18:36) yet transforms it from within, ultimately bringing all things under His gracious and righteous reign (Ephesians 1:9-10).