Nimrod

Technical Profile

• Name Meaning: Possibly from Hebrew mrd (“to rebel”); the significance is uncertain.
• Period/Era: Primeval History
• Main References: Genesis 10:8–12; 1 Chronicles 1:10
• Key Connections: Descendant of Cush in the line of Ham; associated with Babel and cities in Shinar and Assyria.

Who was Nimrod?

Nimrod is introduced in Genesis as a powerful figure from the post-flood nations. He is described as a “mighty man” and a “mighty hunter before the LORD.” Genesis links him with the earliest formation of a kingdom centered in Shinar. His name appears again in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles.

Key Events & Achievements

• Event 1: Became prominent among the nations as a “mighty man” and “mighty hunter before the LORD.”
• Event 2: Began a kingdom whose core cities included Babel, Erech, Akkad, and Calneh in Shinar.
• Event 3: Extended building activity to Assyria, including Nineveh, Rehoboth-Ir, Calah, and Resen.

Life Lesson & Legacy

Nimrod is remembered for early state-building power that Scripture locates within the spread of post-flood nations rather than within Israel’s covenant line.

Key Verse

“The beginning of his kingdom was Babel, Erech, Akkad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar.” — Genesis 10:10, ESV