Devine Scripture

Genesis 10:9

What does Genesis 10:9 mean?

A plain-English look at Genesis 10:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Genesis 10:9 means

This verse elaborates on Nimrod's character, describing him as a "mighty hunter before the LORD." This phrase implies not only exceptional skill in hunting wild animals but also a figure of great renown and perhaps even a formidable warrior or potentate in the sight of God. The proverb-like statement, "Like Nimrod a mighty hunter before the LORD," indicates that his reputation was widely known and legendary. This depiction establishes him as a powerful and influential leader early in post-Flood history.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

He was a mighty hunter before Jehovah: wherefore it is said, Like Nimrod a mighty hunter before Jehovah.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

He was a mighty hunter before Jehovah: wherefore it is said, Like Nimrod a mighty hunter before Jehovah.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

He was a very great bowman, so that there is a saying, Like Nimrod, a very great bowman.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

he hath begun to be a hero in the land; he hath been a hero in hunting before Jehovah; therefore it is said, `As Nimrod the hero <FI>in<Fi> hunting before Jehovah.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he was a stout hunter before the Lord. Hence came a proverb: Even as Nemrod the stout hunter before the Lord.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

He was a mighty hunter before Jehovah; therefore it is said, As Nimrod, the mighty hunter before Jehovah!

Context

This verse continues the description of Nimrod, building upon the previous verse's introduction of him as a "mighty one." It specifically defines his 'might' in terms of hunting, which would have been a crucial skill in a post-Flood world. This description provides a foundation for the subsequent verses that detail his kingdom and city-building endeavors, showing his leadership in action.

v.8And Cush begat Nimrod: he began to be a mighty one in the earth.

v.9This passage

v.10And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel, and Erech, and Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Genesis 25:27

    And the boys grew: and Esau was a skilful hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob was a quiet man, dwelling in tents.

  • Genesis 6:11

    And the earth was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.

  • Psalms 52:7

    Lo, this is the man that made not God his strength, But trusted in the abundance of his riches, And strengthened himself in his wickedness.

  • Genesis 13:13

    Now the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners against Jehovah exceedingly.

  • Ezekiel 13:18

    and say, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Woe to the women that sew pillows upon all elbows, and make kerchiefs for the head of persons of every stature to hunt souls! Will ye hunt the souls of my people, and save souls alive for yourselves?

  • 2 Chronicles 28:22

    And in the time of his distress did he trespass yet more against Jehovah, this same king Ahaz.

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