Genesis 6:4

The Nephilim were on the earth in those days--and afterward as well--when the sons of God had relations with the daughters of men. And they bore them children who became the mighty men of old, men of renown.

Study Bible

The Nephilim
The term "Nephilim" is derived from the Hebrew root "npl," which means "to fall." This has led to interpretations of the Nephilim as "fallen ones" or "giants." In the context of Genesis, the Nephilim are often understood as beings of great size and strength, possibly the offspring of the "sons of God" and "daughters of men." Their presence on earth is a subject of much debate, with some viewing them as literal giants and others as symbolic of great wickedness or fallen angels. The Nephilim are mentioned again in Numbers 13:33, where they are described as formidable inhabitants of Canaan, further emphasizing their imposing nature.

were on the earth in those days
This phrase situates the Nephilim in a specific historical context, suggesting a time before the flood when these beings existed. The mention of "those days" implies a period of significant moral decline and corruption on earth, setting the stage for the divine judgment of the flood. It highlights the pervasive influence of the Nephilim and their impact on the world, contributing to the wickedness that grieved God.

and afterward as well
This indicates that the influence or presence of the Nephilim extended beyond the initial period mentioned. It suggests that their legacy or impact continued even after the flood, possibly through their descendants or through the continued influence of their actions. This phrase underscores the enduring nature of their presence and the ongoing challenge they posed to humanity's relationship with God.

when the sons of God
The "sons of God" is a phrase that has sparked much theological debate. In the Hebrew text, "sons of God" is "bene Elohim," which can refer to divine beings or angels. Some interpretations suggest these were fallen angels who took human wives, while others propose they were descendants of Seth, representing a godly lineage that intermarried with the ungodly line of Cain. This phrase highlights the intersection of the divine and human realms, leading to significant consequences for humanity.

had relations with the daughters of men
This phrase describes the union between the "sons of God" and human women, resulting in the birth of the Nephilim. The phrase "had relations" implies a physical and possibly illicit union, which was contrary to God's design for humanity. This union is often seen as a transgression that contributed to the moral decay of the pre-flood world, emphasizing the seriousness of departing from God's established order.

And they bore them children
The offspring of these unions were the Nephilim, described as "mighty men of old." This phrase highlights the tangible results of the union between the "sons of God" and "daughters of men," leading to a new generation that was both powerful and influential. The birth of these children signifies a pivotal moment in the narrative, marking a departure from God's intended plan for human relationships and society.

who became the mighty men of old
The term "mighty men" is translated from the Hebrew "gibborim," which denotes strength, power, and valor. These individuals were renowned for their physical prowess and possibly their leadership or influence. The phrase "of old" suggests that their deeds and reputations were well-known and remembered throughout history, contributing to the legendary status of the Nephilim.

men of renown
This phrase indicates that the Nephilim were not only powerful but also famous or infamous. The Hebrew word for "renown" is "shem," which can mean "name" or "reputation." These men were distinguished by their actions and impact on the world, leaving a lasting legacy that was remembered by subsequent generations. Their renown, however, is often viewed negatively, as it is associated with the corruption and violence that led to the flood. This serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of straying from God's will and the importance of maintaining righteousness in the face of temptation.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Nephilim
A mysterious group mentioned in Genesis 6:4, often interpreted as giants or fallen ones. The Hebrew root "npl" suggests a meaning related to falling or being cast down.

2. Sons of God
This term is debated among scholars, with interpretations ranging from fallen angels to the godly lineage of Seth. The Hebrew term "bene Elohim" is used here.

3. Daughters of Men
Refers to human women, possibly from the lineage of Cain, who intermarried with the "sons of God."

4. Mighty Men of Old
These are the offspring of the union between the "sons of God" and the "daughters of men," described as heroes or men of renown.

5. Earth
The setting for these events, indicating a time before the flood when humanity was increasingly corrupt.

Teaching Points

Understanding the Mystery
While the identity of the Nephilim and the "sons of God" is debated, the passage highlights the mystery and complexity of the spiritual realm. Believers are encouraged to approach such topics with humility and a focus on the clear teachings of Scripture.

The Consequences of Disobedience
The intermingling of the "sons of God" and "daughters of men" led to increased wickedness on earth, reminding us of the consequences of stepping outside God's design and commands.

God's Sovereignty and Judgment
This passage sets the stage for the flood account, emphasizing God's sovereignty and His response to human sinfulness. It serves as a reminder of the importance of living righteously in a corrupt world.

Spiritual Vigilance
The account encourages believers to be vigilant against spiritual deception and to seek discernment through prayer and study of the Word.

Bible Study Questions

1. What are the different interpretations of the "sons of God" and how do they impact our understanding of Genesis 6:4?

2. How does the mention of the Nephilim in Genesis 6:4 and Numbers 13:33 influence our understanding of biblical history and the spiritual realm?

3. In what ways does the account of the Nephilim and the "sons of God" serve as a warning against disobedience and compromise with worldly influences?

4. How can we apply the lessons of God's judgment and mercy from the pre-flood account to our lives today?

5. What steps can we take to ensure we are living in accordance with God's design and avoiding the pitfalls of spiritual deception?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Job 1:6 and Job 2:1
These verses use the term "sons of God" to refer to angelic beings, providing a potential parallel to Genesis 6:4.

Numbers 13:33
The Nephilim are mentioned again when the Israelite spies report seeing giants in the land of Canaan, suggesting a continued presence or memory of such beings.

Jude 1:6
Discusses angels who did not keep their proper domain, which some interpret as a reference to the "sons of God" in Genesis 6.