or נִמְרֹד; probably of foreign origin; Nimrod, a son of Cush; Nimrod.
Transliteration:Nimrôwd
Pronunciation:nim-rode'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The lemma נִמְרוֹד (Nimrôwd), Strong's H5248, is exclusively a proper noun, referring to a specific individual in biblical history. Its etymology is noted as "probably of foreign origin," indicating that its meaning is not readily derivable from common Hebrew roots. While some popular interpretations link it to the Hebrew root מָרַד (marad), meaning "to rebel" or "to be rebellious," this linguistic connection is speculative and not definitively supported by scholarly etymology. Therefore, the semantic range of נִמְרוֹד is restricted to its denotation of this particular historical figure, with any "meaning" ascribed to the name arising from the character's actions and subsequent interpretations rather than an inherent linguistic definition.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Nimrod is mentioned in two primary biblical passages:
* **[[Genesis 10:8-12]]**: This is the most extensive description. Nimrod is identified as the son of Cush (`{{H3568}}`), a descendant of Ham. He is famously described as "a mighty one on the earth" (`{{H1368}}` גִּבֹּר, gibbor) and "a mighty hunter before the LORD." The phrase "before the LORD" (לִפְנֵי יְהוָה) is ambiguous; it could signify exceptional skill acknowledged by God, or a challenging, defiant stance against God. The text credits him with establishing the beginning of his kingdom in the land of Shinar, founding cities such as Babel (`{{H894}}`), Erech (`{{H751}}`), Accad (`{{H394}}`), and Calneh (`{{H3625}}`). From this region, he expanded into Assyria, building Nineveh (`{{H5210}}`), Rehoboth-Ir (`{{H7340}}`), Calah (`{{H3625}}`), and Resen (`{{H7421}}`). Contextually, Nimrod emerges as a pioneering figure in the establishment of early urban centers and centralized political power, marking a significant development in human social organization after the Flood.
* **[[1 Chronicles 1:10]]**: This verse briefly reiterates Nimrod's status, stating, "Nimrod, he began to be a mighty one on the earth," confirming his historical significance within the genealogical record.
The narrative portrays Nimrod as a powerful and influential leader, a founder of cities and kingdoms, and a figure of great prowess, whether in hunting animals or, metaphorically, in subduing peoples.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{H3568}}` Cush**: Nimrod's father, linking him to the Hamitic lineage, which in biblical prophecy is often associated with powerful nations, sometimes in opposition to God's people.
* **`{{H1368}}` Gibbor (mighty one)**: This term denotes a strong, powerful individual, often a warrior or hero. Its application to Nimrod underscores his exceptional strength and influence in the early post-Flood world.
* **`{{H6718}}` Tsayid (hunter)**: Being a "mighty hunter" suggests not only skill in tracking and killing wild animals but can also metaphorically imply the subjugation and control of people, akin to a conqueror.
* **`{{H894}}` Babel (Babylon)**: This city is listed as the first in Nimrod's kingdom. Although Nimrod is not explicitly named in the Tower of Babel narrative ([[Genesis 11]]), later Jewish and Christian traditions strongly associate him with its construction as the instigator or leader of this defiant project. This connection profoundly shapes his theological interpretation.
* **Kingdom/Kingship (`{{H4467}}` Mamlakah)**: Nimrod is the first individual in the biblical narrative explicitly credited with establishing a "kingdom," marking the advent of centralized political rule and empire-building in human history.
### Theological Significance
Nimrod holds a complex and often ambiguous theological significance.
* **Pioneer of Human Dominion and Empire**: Nimrod represents the dawn of organized human power and the formation of empires. His establishment of cities and kingdoms signifies a crucial shift from tribal or nomadic existence to centralized, urbanized societies under a single ruler. This development foreshadows the rise of powerful, often oppressive, human empires that would play significant roles throughout biblical history.
* **Ambiguous Figure of Power**: The description "mighty hunter before the LORD" is subject to varied interpretations. While it could imply divine recognition of his extraordinary capabilities, the prevailing theological view, especially in later traditions, interprets "before the LORD" as "in defiance of the LORD." This perspective casts Nimrod as a figure whose immense power was exercised in opposition to God's will, particularly in his traditional association with the Tower of Babel.
* **Symbol of Rebellious Humanism**: Though not explicitly stated in the biblical text, a strong post-biblical tradition views Nimrod as the archetypal rebel against God, a figure who sought to establish human glory and power independent of, or in direct opposition to, divine sovereignty. This interpretation positions him as a precursor to later anti-God figures and systems that prioritize human autonomy over divine authority.
* **Foundation of Idolatry/Paganism**: As the founder of Babel and other Mesopotamian cities, Nimrod is often implicitly linked to the origins of pagan worship and idolatry, which characterized these regions and frequently stood in opposition to the worship of Yahweh throughout Israel's history. His reign marks a significant departure from the patriarchal faith of Noah's descendants.
### Summary
נִמְרוֹד (Nimrôwd), Strong's H5248, is a proper noun identifying a powerful and pioneering figure in early post-Flood history, a son of Cush. Described as "a mighty hunter before the LORD," he is credited in [[Genesis 10:8-12]] and [[1 Chronicles 1:10]] with establishing the first known kingdom, centered in Mesopotamia, including cities like Babel, Erech, Accad, and Calneh, and later expanding into Assyria. While the biblical text presents him primarily as a historical innovator in urban and political organization, theological tradition, particularly through his strong association with the building of the Tower of Babel, has widely interpreted him as an archetypal figure of human ambition and rebellion against divine authority. Nimrod thus stands as a foundational figure in the development of human empires and serves as a complex symbol of human power, its capacity for both remarkable achievement and profound defiance of God.
TRV