Nimrod
Patriarchs (Abraham–Joseph)
Early Patriarch
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H5248
Nimrod was a mighty hunter and ruler who built several notable cities, including Babel and Nineveh.
Nimrod son of Cush was the first recorded empire-builder in human history, described as a 'mighty hunter before the LORD' and the founder of the first great cities—Babel, Erech, Accad, and Calneh in Shinar, and Nineveh, Rehoboth-Ir, Calah, and Resen in Assyria (Genesis 10:8–12; 1 Chronicles 1:10). The repeated phrase 'before the LORD' in his description has been interpreted both favorably (exceptional prowess) and unfavorably (defiant pride). Micah 5:6 refers to Assyria as 'the land of Nimrod,' reflecting his foundational role in Mesopotamian civilization in the biblical worldview.