Why does the Torah refer to Nimrod as "Gibor Tzayid - mighty hunter"?
Rashi: Because the word "Tzayid" literally means "trap (hunt)" - and (like Eisav 1 ), Nimrod would trap people (verbally) to do his bidding.
Ramban #1: Nimrod was the first self- declared monarch to rule over others by force. 2 Until his time, there had been no wars and no kings. First he overpowered the men of Bavel; then he did the same to Ashur, where he built the cities mentioned in the current Pesukim.
Ramban #2 and Ibn Ezra: He was an outstanding hunter. 3
In connection with whom the Torah uses the same word (See Bereishis 25:27, and Rashi there). See Da'as Zekenim to Bereishis 25:30; and Rashi to Pesachim 54b, DH 'Bigdo Shel Adam ha'Rishon'
What is the significance of the words "Lifnei Hashem"?
Rashi: This means that Nimrod acted deliberately to anger Hashem (not for his own benefit), "He knew his Master and had in mind to rebel against Him."
Seforno: It is another way of saying, "extremely mighty." 1
Rashbam: It means the greatest in the world.
Ramban: It means that there was nobody in the entire world who could match his strength.
Ibn Ezra: 2 After hunting the wild animals, he would build altars and sacrifice them to Hashem. 3
Gur Aryeh: Refer to 10:8:1.4:1.
What is the significance of the phrase "Therefore people would say, 'Like Nimrod, a Gibor Tzayid before Hashem!' "?
Rashi: Nimrod became synonymous with rebellion, and people would say about anyone who was brazenly evil, who knew of Hashem and rebelled against Him intentionally, "he is like Nimrod the mighty hunter!"
