Who Was Nimrod in the Bible — In Biblical Context
Nimrod was a great-grandson of Noah described as a mighty hunter and the founder of several ancient kingdoms including Babel.
Nimrod was a great-grandson of Noah described as a mighty hunter and the founder of several ancient kingdoms including Babel.
"And Cush begat Nimrod: he began to be a mighty one in the earth. He was a mighty hunter before the LORD." — Genesis 10:8-9 (KJV)
The Biblical Context
Nimrod appears in Genesis 10:8-12 as the son of Cush and great-grandson of Noah. He is described as 'a mighty hunter before the LORD,' a phrase suggesting both his prowess and possibly his defiance. He founded the kingdom of Babel (Babylon) along with other cities in Shinar and Assyria, including Nineveh. Jewish and Christian tradition often associates Nimrod with the Tower of Babel, portraying him as a powerful ruler who led humanity in rebellion against God. His legacy represents the dangers of concentrated human power used in opposition to God's purposes.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Genesis 10:8-9, sits inside Genesis 10. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"And Cush begat Nimrod: he began to be a mighty one in the earth. He was a mighty hunter before the LORD."
Supporting Passages
"And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel, and Erech, and Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar."
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