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נִמְרוֹד

𐤍𐤌𐤓𐤅𐤃

Nimerod

H5248 noun

SILEX Entry

Root מרד to rebel, to revolt

Definition

Nimrod (נִמְרוֹד) is a proper name referring to an individual introduced in the Table of Nations (Genesis 10) as a son of Cush and renowned as a mighty hunter and prominent kingdom-builder. The term designates a specific person whose reputation is associated with early Mesopotamian urban centers and feats of strength or aggression. Later biblical and extra-biblical references use Nimrod symbolically for prototypical power, rebellion, or tyranny, but the primary lexical sense is the name of this ancient figure.

Semantic Range

proper name (personal name), possibly meaning 'rebel', representative of a mighty hunter, kingdom founder, symbol of prowess or imperial power

Root / Etymology

The name נִמְרוֹד is likely of non-Hebrew (foreign) or uncertain origin. While the orthography suggests derivation from the root מ-ר-ד (מרד), meaning 'to rebel', this connection is widely debated, and no conclusive Semitic derivation is established. It is also plausible that the name is an adaptation from an Akkadian or Sumerian personal name, given the character's strong association with Mesopotamia.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In biblical usage, Nimrod appears chiefly in Genesis 10:8–12 and 1 Chronicles 1:10 as a founder and ruler of cities in Shinar (Sumer), such as Babel, Erech, Akkad, and Calneh. The text emphasizes his prowess as a 'mighty hunter before YHWH,' which has been interpreted as either literal hunting or, more broadly, as a descriptor for a powerful leader. Nimrod's connection to kingdom-building and large cities suggests a symbolic link with the emergence of empire in early Mesopotamia. Later traditions (outside the Hebrew Bible) often depict Nimrod as a figure of tyranny or rebellion, and certain English translations have framed this legacy under the term 'giant' or 'king.' However, the Hebrew text limits the scope to a named individual and does not provide evidence that Israelites or Judahites considered the character a contemporary ethnic, religious, or political exemplar. The etymological suggestion that relates Nimrod to 'rebellion' is traditional, but not linguistically secure. No biblical verses refer to ethnic or religious group identities associated with Nimrod; thus, the term 'Jew' for this character is anachronistic. In the Hebrew Bible, Nimrod's name becomes metonymic only later for imperial ambition, but not in the primary narrative.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

or נִמְרֹד; probably of foreign origin; Nimrod, a son of Cush; Nimrod.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

מרד (m-r-d) — to rebel, to revolt

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H4775 מָרַד in rebelling ones of
H4776 מְרַד and rebellion
H4777 מֶרֶד in rebellion
H4778 מֶרֶד Rebel
H4779 מָרָד rebellious

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H5248-02 נִמְרֹ֑ד nimerod HNp Nimrod Nimrod 3
H5248-01 כְּ/נִמְרֹ֛ד kenimerod HR/Np Like Nimrod like Nimrod 1

Occurrences in Scripture

4 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H5248-02 Genesis 10:8 נִמְרֹ֑ד nimerod HNp Nimrod Nimrod
H5248-01 Genesis 10:9 כְּ/נִמְרֹ֛ד kenimerod HR/Np Like Nimrod like Nimrod
H5248-02 Micah 5:5 נִמְרֹ֖ד nimerod HNp Nimrod Nimrod
H5248-02 1 Chronicles 1:10 נִמְר֑וֹד nimerod HNp Nimrod Nimrod
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