Genesis 10:9

KJV

He was a mighty hunter before the LORD: wherefore it is said, Even as Nimrod the mighty hunter before the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

He was a mighty {H1368} hunter {H6718} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}: wherefore {H3651} it is said {H559}, Even as Nimrod {H5248} the mighty {H1368} hunter {H6718} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}.

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.

Commentary

### 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
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the "Table of Nations" in [Genesis 10](/genesis/10 "Genesis 10 - The Table of Nations"), a genealogical and geographical record detailing the descendants of Noah's sons—Shem, Ham, and Japheth—and the subsequent dispersal of peoples across the earth after the Great Flood. Nimrod, a descendant of Ham through Cush, stands out in this otherwise purely genealogical list, receiving a distinct narrative description. This unique emphasis signals his exceptional importance and influence, setting the stage for his role in the establishment of early cities and kingdoms, as elaborated in [Genesis 10:10-12](/genesis/10-10-12 "Nimrod's Kingdom and Cities"). His prominence here also foreshadows the narrative shift in [Genesis 11](/genesis/11 "Genesis 11 - The Tower of Babel and Dispersion"), where the focus moves from the orderly dispersion of nations to the unified rebellion at Babel, a project often associated with Nimrod's leadership.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, particularly in the post-Flood era, hunting was far more than a means of sustenance; it was a profound demonstration of strength, courage, and leadership. Communities faced constant threats from wild animals, and a "mighty hunter" was a vital protector, commanding immense respect and authority. Such a figure often transitioned naturally into a political leader, establishing settlements and cities, and organizing people for defense and dominion. Nimrod's activities, including the founding of cities like Babel, Erech, Accad, and Calneh in the land of Shinar, as well as Nineveh and other cities in Assyria, reflect the historical reality of early urban development and the rise of powerful city-states in Mesopotamia. His role as a "mighty hunter" thus encompasses both the physical subjugation of nature and the political subjugation of people, laying the groundwork for the first empires.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 10:9 contributes to several key themes within the broader biblical narrative. It introduces the theme of **human power and ambition**, particularly as it relates to the establishment of earthly kingdoms and dominion. Nimrod's exceptional might raises questions about the exercise of power and whether it is wielded in alignment with or in opposition to divine will. The phrase "before the LORD" also introduces the theme of **divine observation and accountability**, reminding readers that all human actions, regardless of their scale or intent, are performed under the direct gaze of God. Furthermore, Nimrod's story subtly prefigures the ongoing biblical tension between **human attempts to build autonomous empires** (culminating in the [Tower of Babel](/genesis/11-4 "The Tower of Babel")) and **God's ultimate sovereignty** over all creation and human affairs, a tension that echoes throughout the Old Testament and finds its ultimate resolution in the person of Christ.

### 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
* **mighty (Hebrew, _gibbôwr'_):** This term signifies more than mere physical strength; it denotes someone powerful, a warrior, a champion, or even a tyrant. In this context, it implies a figure of exceptional prowess, capable of dominating both nature and, by extension, people. The word suggests leadership and the ability to establish authority and control.
* **hunter (Hebrew, _tsayid'_):** While literally referring to the chase or game, in the context of a "mighty hunter," it extends beyond simply tracking and killing animals. It speaks to the skill, cunning, and aggressive nature required to subdue wild beasts, which in ancient societies was a highly respected and often politically significant activity. For Nimrod, it foreshadows his role in establishing dominion over human populations.
* **before (Hebrew, _pânîym'_):** Literally "face," this word is used prepositionally to mean "in the presence of," "in the sight of," or "in front of." However, in certain contexts, particularly when combined with an individual's actions, it can also carry the connotation of "in defiance of" or "against." This ambiguity is crucial for interpreting Nimrod's relationship with the LORD, suggesting either divine acknowledgment of his power or a challenge to divine authority.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He was a mighty hunter before the LORD":** This initial declaration introduces Nimrod's defining characteristic. The phrase "mighty hunter" (Hebrew: *gibbôwr tsayid*) immediately establishes him as a figure of extraordinary strength, skill, and perhaps even ruthlessness. It speaks to his ability to subdue, whether animals or people. The phrase "before the LORD" (Hebrew: *lipney YHWH*) is central to the verse's meaning and has been subject to dual interpretations. It can mean "in the sight of the LORD," implying that God observed and perhaps even acknowledged Nimrod's exceptional power. Alternatively, and often favored by commentators given Nimrod's traditional association with the [Tower of Babel](/genesis/11-4 "The Tower of Babel in Genesis 11:4") and the potential etymology of his name (from *marad*, "to rebel"), it can signify "in defiance of the LORD" or "against the LORD," suggesting that his might was wielded in opposition to God's will or in a manner that challenged divine authority.
* **"wherefore it is said":** This parenthetical clause indicates that Nimrod's reputation was so profound and widely recognized that it became a common proverb or saying among the people of that era. It highlights his legendary status and the enduring impact of his actions, solidifying his place in popular memory as an archetype of power.
* **"Even as Nimrod the mighty hunter before the LORD":** The repetition of the initial descriptive phrase serves to emphatically reinforce Nimrod's iconic status. This reiteration underscores that his name became synonymous with exceptional might and, depending on the chosen interpretation of "before the LORD," either divinely observed power or defiant human ambition. This literary device ensures that his character is firmly etched into the historical and cultural consciousness of the post-Flood world, serving as a benchmark for extraordinary power.

#### 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](/genesis/11-1-9 "The Tower of Babel and the Dispersion of Nations"), 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.

* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10-11 "The Lord Frustrates the Plans of Nations")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Luke 1:51-52](/luke/1-51-52 "Mary's Song - The Mighty Scattered")

### 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](/genesis/11-8 "The Dispersion at Babel in Genesis 11:8").

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I use my strengths and abilities? Am I building my own kingdom or contributing to God's kingdom?**
* **In what ways might my ambitions, even seemingly good ones, subtly lead me to act "against the LORD" rather than "before the LORD" in a way that honors Him?**
* **How does the awareness that all my actions are "before the LORD" impact my daily choices and long-term goals?**

### FAQ
**What does "mighty hunter" signify beyond literal hunting?**

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](/genesis/10-10-12 "Nimrod's Kingdom and Cities"), 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?**

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](/genesis/11-4 "The Tower of Babel in Genesis 11:4"), 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?**

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](/philippians/2-5-8 "Christ's Humility and Exaltation"). He is the ultimate "hunter" not of animals or people for dominion, but of lost souls, seeking and saving the lost (cf. [Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "The Son of Man Came to Seek and to Save the Lost")), gathering them into God's fold as the Good Shepherd (cf. [John 10:11-16](/john/10-11-16 "Jesus, the Good Shepherd")). 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" (cf. [John 18:36](/john/18-36 "My Kingdom Is Not of This World")) yet transforms it from within, ultimately bringing all things under His gracious and righteous reign (cf. [Ephesians 1:9-10](/ephesians/1-9-10 "The Mystery of God's Will in 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

2 Chronicles 28:22

And in the time of his distress did he trespass yet more against the LORD: this [is that] king Ahaz.

Psalms 52:7

Lo, [this is] the man [that] made not God his strength; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, [and] strengthened himself in his wickedness.

Genesis 25:27

And the boys grew: and Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob [was] a plain man, dwelling in tents.

Genesis 6:11

¶ The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.

Genesis 27:30

¶ And it came to pass, as soon as Isaac had made an end of blessing Jacob, and Jacob was yet scarce gone out from the presence of Isaac his father, that Esau his brother came in from his hunting.

Genesis 13:13

But the men of Sodom [were] wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly.

Genesis 6:4

¶ There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare [children] to them, the same [became] mighty men which [were] of old, men of renown.