Who Was Nimrod in the Bible — In Biblical Context
Nimrod was a great-grandson of Noah described as a 'mighty hunter before the LORD' and the founder of several ancient cities including Babel and Nineveh.
Nimrod was a great-grandson of Noah described as a 'mighty hunter before the LORD' and the founder of several ancient cities including Babel and Nineveh.
"And Cush begat Nimrod: he began to be a mighty one in the earth. He was a mighty hunter before the LORD: wherefore it is said, Even as Nimrod the mighty hunter before the LORD." — Genesis 10:8-9 (KJV)
The Biblical Context
Genesis 10:8-12 introduces Nimrod as the son of Cush, a descendant of Ham. He is called 'a mighty one in the earth' and 'a mighty hunter before the LORD.' He established a kingdom beginning with Babel, Erech, Accad, and Calneh in the land of Shinar. He also built Nineveh and other cities. Jewish and Christian tradition often associates Nimrod with the Tower of Babel rebellion, viewing him as a figure of proud defiance against God, though the biblical text does not explicitly make this connection.
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: wherefore it is said, Even as Nimrod the 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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