The Nephilim, briefly mentioned in Genesis 6:1–4, remain one of Scripture’s most debated mysteries. Who were these “mighty men of old,” and how do they connect to the giants mentioned elsewhere in the Bible? This discussion unpacks their origins, explores theological perspectives, and considers their place in God’s redemptive plan.
Words: 944 / Time to read: 5 minutes
1. The Nephilim in Genesis 6:1–4
The primary reference to the Nephilim is found in Genesis 6:1–4, where they are described as “the mighty men who were of old, the men of renown.” Their appearance is tied to the mysterious union between the “sons of God” and the “daughters of men.” The Hebrew word “Nephilim” is often translated as “giants” (e.g., in the Septuagint), although the root of the term likely means “fallen ones.” This ambiguity has fueled much debate among scholars.
2. Other References to Nephilim or Their Descendants
- Numbers 13:33: When the Israelite spies scouted the land of Canaan, they reported seeing the Nephilim: “There we saw the Nephilim (the sons of Anak, who come from the Nephilim), and we seemed to ourselves like grasshoppers, and so we seemed to them.” The reference suggests that the Nephilim, or beings associated with them, persisted after the flood.
- Deuteronomy 2:10–11, 2:20–21, 3:11: The Anakim and Rephaim are mentioned as giant peoples inhabiting Canaan. For example, King Og of Bashan is described as the last of the Rephaim, with a massive iron bed measuring nine cubits (about 13.5 feet) in length. These passages describe a post-Flood “giant” presence that echoes the Genesis 6 Nephilim.
- 1 Samuel 17: Goliath, the Philistine champion defeated by David, is described as a giant, standing “six cubits and a span” (over 9 feet tall). Some scholars suggest a connection between Goliath and the Anakim or Rephaim, though the text does not explicitly link him to the Nephilim.
How Do These References Relate to the Nephilim of Genesis 6?
The connection between the Nephilim of Genesis 6 and the giants mentioned in later Scriptures is debated. Here are three possibilities:
- Genetic Lineage through Noah’s Family: Some propose that the “giant” traits of the Nephilim were preserved through the descendants of Noah. This view assumes that some element of the Nephilim’s genetic legacy survived the flood, possibly through Noah’s daughters-in-law. However, this interpretation lacks direct biblical support.
- Repeat Occurrence of Angelic-Human Union: A more speculative theory suggests that fallen angels repeated their transgression after the flood, leading to the rise of giant clans like the Anakim and Rephaim. This view struggles with theological objections, as 2 Peter 2:4 and Jude 6–7 imply that God judged the angels involved in the Genesis 6 incident, preventing further interference.
- Exaggerated or Symbolic Descriptions: The reports of giants in Canaan may reflect hyperbolic language or symbolic representation of powerful and intimidating foes. The spies’ claim of Nephilim in Canaan (Numbers 13:33) could have been an exaggeration to instill fear, as their description of the land was skewed by doubt and disbelief.
Theological Implications and God’s Sovereignty
While the existence of the Nephilim and their descendants fascinates readers, certain theological principles guide our interpretation:
- God as the Author of Life: All life originates from God, and He alone superintends birth and reproduction (Psalm 139:13–16). The suggestion that fallen angels could create hybrid offspring undermines God’s exclusive authority over life. Any such event, if it occurred, would require divine allowance, which contradicts His holiness and justice.
- Angels and Procreation: Scripture emphasizes the spiritual nature of angels (Hebrews 1:14) and their inability to procreate. Jesus taught that angels “neither marry nor are given in marriage” (Matthew 22:30), further challenging the idea that they could father offspring.
- Judgment on Corruption: The flood narrative underscores God’s intolerance of corruption and rebellion. If the Nephilim were indeed the result of fallen angels’ interference, their existence would represent a profound corruption of God’s created order. The flood serves as God’s decisive response to such widespread wickedness.
Scholarly Perspectives
Here is how our earlier scholars interpret these connections:
- Scofield’s View: Scofield aligns the post-Flood giants with the Nephilim, suggesting a possible continued influence of fallen angels or the survival of corrupted genetic traits through Noah’s family. He links this to Satan’s attempts to disrupt the Messianic line. However, Scofield does not provide a detailed explanation for how such corruption survived the flood.
- Walvoord’s View: Walvoord interprets the later references to giants as human phenomena, disconnected from the Nephilim. He sees the giants as exaggerated descriptions of intimidating foes, emphasizing God’s power to deliver His people from such enemies.
- Augustine’s View: Augustine strongly rejects any continuity between the Nephilim and the post-Flood giants. He argues that the Nephilim were fully human and that later accounts of giants reflect hyperbolic language or unique physical traits within certain human populations.
Summary Teaching
The biblical references to the Nephilim and their possible descendants, such as the Anakim and Rephaim, highlight the enduring mystery of Genesis 6. While Scofield’s view opens the door to supernatural possibilities, it faces theological and biblical challenges, particularly regarding God’s sovereignty over life. Walvoord and Augustine emphasize naturalistic interpretations, aligning more closely with the consistent biblical portrayal of God’s created order.
The Nephilim, whether literal giants or symbolic of human rebellion, remind us of God’s holiness and justice. Their narrative points us to the flood as a powerful demonstration of God’s judgment against sin and His commitment to preserving His redemptive plan for humanity. This underscores the central message of Scripture: God’s sovereignty, holiness, and faithfulness prevail, even in the face of humanity’s greatest corruption.
Job 38:4–7:
“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements—surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone, when the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy?”
All Scripture quoted from:
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
