so it is said,
This part of the verse indicates that Nimrod's reputation was widespread and became proverbial. The phrase suggests that his exploits were well-known and talked about among the people of that time. It implies that Nimrod's legacy was significant enough to be remembered and referenced by subsequent generations. This oral tradition highlights the importance of storytelling in ancient cultures for preserving history and values.

“Like Nimrod, a mighty hunter before the LORD.”
The repetition of the phrase emphasizes Nimrod's legendary status. It suggests that his abilities and achievements set a standard for others. The comparison "Like Nimrod" indicates that his prowess was unmatched, making him a benchmark for strength and leadership. This phrase also underscores the idea that Nimrod's influence extended beyond his lifetime, becoming a symbol of might and power. In biblical context, Nimrod is associated with the founding of several ancient cities, including Babel, which later becomes significant in the narrative of the Tower of Babel. This connection to Babel hints at themes of human ambition and defiance against God, which are explored further in Genesis. Nimrod's legacy can be seen as a precursor to later figures who challenge divine authority, drawing a parallel to the ultimate fulfillment of God's plan through Jesus Christ, who embodies true leadership and authority.

• Genesis 10:8 tells us, “Cush was the father of Nimrod, who began to be a mighty one on earth,” rooting the statement in real history and genealogy.

• 1 Chronicles 1:10 repeats the same lineage, confirming God’s high-level interest in recording this man’s life for every generation.

• The phrase “He was” anchors the reader to an individual whose life will illustrate either blessing or warning for all who follow.

• The description highlights extraordinary prowess—far above the ordinary.

• Hunting, especially after the Flood, supplied food (Genesis 9:3) and provided protection from predators threatening new settlements.

• His skills also hint at leadership and dominion; compare later hunters like Esau in Genesis 25:27, whose skill shaped family dynamics.

• “Before” signals life conducted in the visible presence of God, as in Genesis 6:11 where the earth was corrupt “before God.”

• The phrase can imply either humble accountability (Genesis 17:1) or brazen defiance (Genesis 11:4 at Babel). The surrounding context of Nimrod’s kingdom-building (Genesis 10:10) leans toward defiance, showing that skill alone does not equal godliness.

• Scripture notes a proverb forming around Nimrod’s reputation—his deeds became legendary.

• Similar formulas appear in Judges 14:14 and 1 Samuel 10:12, where memorable events birthed sayings that shaped cultural memory.

• God’s Word preserves such sayings to teach later generations discernment regarding whom we admire.

• By the time Moses wrote Genesis, Nimrod’s name already symbolized might. Micah 5:6 still uses “the land of Nimrod” centuries later.

• The comparison works both ways: it recognizes genuine ability yet subtly warns that fame does not equal favor with God.

• Repeating the full description underlines its importance. God measures every human achievement—whether hunting, leading, or building—by its orientation to Him.

• Compare Psalm 33:16-18: “No king is saved by the size of his army… the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear Him.” Ability matters, but reverence matters more.

• Nimrod’s story prepares the reader for the Tower of Babel narrative (Genesis 11:1-9), where human prowess seeks glory apart from God and receives divine restraint.

Genesis 10:9 presents Nimrod as a historically real, impressively skilled hunter-leader whose exploits became proverbial. His strength gained public notice “before the LORD,” yet the context implies a fame tinged with self-exaltation rather than humble submission. The verse therefore serves as both acknowledgment of God-given ability and caution that every achievement stands open to divine evaluation.

Before the Lord.--A strong superlative. (Comp. Genesis 13:13.)

1. Ἐναντίον κυρίου (LXX.), in a spirit of defiance (Augustine, Keil, Murphy, Bush).

2. Coram Des, in God's sight, as an aggravation of his sin - el, Genesis 13:3 (Cajetan).

3. As a superlative, declaring his excellence - cf. Genesis 13:10; Genesis 30:8; Genesis 35:5; 1 Samuel 11:7; John 3:3; Acts 7:20 (Aben Ezra, Kimchi, Kalisch, ' Speaker's Commentary'). 4. With the Divine approbation, as one who broke the way through rude, uncultivated nature for the institutions of Jehovah (Lange). Cf. Genesis 17:18; Genesis 24:40; 1 Samuel 11:15; Psalm 41:12. Probably the first or the third conveys the sense of the expression. Wherefore it is said, Even as Nimrod the (a) mighty hunter before the Lord. The precise import of this is usually determined by the view taken of the previous phrase.

Parallel Commentaries ...