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

GENESIS 10:9KJV
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Genesis 10:9 (KJV)

What does Genesis 10:9 mean?

Genesis 10:9 describes Nimrod as a powerful and famous hunter who stood out in the eyes of the LORD, so much so that people used him as a standard when talking about mighty hunters. The verse highlights Nimrod’s reputation and the way his skill and strength became almost legendary among people of his time.

The verse is part of a genealogy, where the writer is listing the descendants of Noah after the flood. In this context, Genesis 10:9 singles out Nimrod for special mention, emphasizing that his abilities as a "mighty hunter" were notable not just to people but also "before the LORD," meaning in God’s sight. The phrase became a saying, showing how Nimrod’s name was used as a benchmark for greatness in hunting and strength.

The Hebrew behind Genesis 10:9

  • "mighty" (גִּבּוֹר, gibbor): This word means strong, powerful, or valiant. In this verse, it points to Nimrod’s exceptional strength or heroic status, not just physical ability but possibly leadership or influence.
  • "hunter" (צַיִד, tsayid): This word means one who hunts animals. Here, it could suggest both literal hunting skill and possibly a broader sense of someone who conquers or subdues.
  • "before" (פָּנִים, panim): Often translated as "before" or "in the presence of," this word here means that Nimrod’s reputation was not only among people but was also recognized by God.
  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible. The verse is making clear that Nimrod’s might was notable even from God’s perspective, not just human fame.

Why Genesis 10:9 matters

  • Genesis 10:9 helps clarify that Nimrod was not just another name in a genealogy but someone whose life and actions became a point of reference for others.
  • The verse shows how reputations and sayings can grow around a person’s deeds, shaping how later generations remember them.
  • By mentioning Nimrod’s might "before the LORD," the verse hints at the idea that human achievements are seen and known by God, not just by other people.

Where else these words appear

“Nimrod” Hebrew H5248 · used in 4 verses

  • Genesis 10:8 And Cush begat Nimrod: he began to be a mighty one in the earth.
  • 1 Chronicles 1:10 And Cush begat Nimrod: he began to be mighty upon the earth.
  • Micah 5:6 And they shall waste the land of Assyria with the sword, and the land of Nimrod in the entrances thereof: thus shall he deliver us from the Assyrian, when he cometh into our land, and when he treadeth within our borders.

“hunter” Hebrew H6718 · used in 18 verses

  • 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 27:19 And Jacob said unto his father, I am Esau thy firstborn; I have done according as thou badest me: arise, I pray thee, sit and eat of my venison, that thy soul may bless me.
  • Joshua 9:5 And old shoes and clouted upon their feet, and old garments upon them; and all the bread of their provision was dry and mouldy.

“wherefore” Hebrew H3651 · used in 41 verses

  • Genesis 1:7 And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so.
  • Genesis 44:10 And he said, Now also let it be according unto your words: he with whom it is found shall be my servant; and ye shall be blameless.
  • 1 Samuel 9:13 As soon as ye be come into the city, ye shall straightway find him, before he go up to the high place to eat: for the people will not eat until he come, because he doth bless the sacrifice; and afterwards they eat that be bidden. Now therefore get you up; for about this time ye shall find him.