Who were the Nephilim?

The Nephilim have intrigued scholars, theologians, and laypeople alike for centuries. Understanding who the Nephilim were requires a careful examination of the biblical texts and historical context. This essay explores the identity of the Nephilim, focusing on the view that they were giants, as mentioned in Numbers 13:33 (KJV), rather than the result of angels marrying humans.

Biblical References to the Nephilim

The primary biblical references to the Nephilim are found in Genesis 6:1-4 and Numbers 13:33. These passages provide the foundation for understanding who the Nephilim were.

• Genesis 6:1-4: “And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose. And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years. There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.”

This passage introduces the Nephilim in the context of a time when “the sons of God” married “the daughters of men.” The term “giants” in verse 4 is translated from the Hebrew word “Nephilim.”

• Numbers 13:33: “And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.”

Here, the Nephilim are described as the offspring of Anak, a race of giants encountered by the Israelite spies in Canaan. This passage emphasizes their enormous size and formidable presence.

Interpretations of the Nephilim

The identity of the Nephilim has been the subject of various interpretations. Two primary views dominate the discussion: the traditional view of giants and the controversial view involving angels and human women.

The Giants Interpretation

The interpretation of the Nephilim as giants is supported by both the Genesis and Numbers passages. The term “Nephilim” is often associated with great size and strength.

• Genesis 6:4: The phrase “There were giants in the earth in those days” clearly describes the Nephilim as beings of extraordinary stature. The Hebrew word “Nephilim” is derived from the root “naphal,” which means “to fall,” potentially indicating “fallen ones” or those of great size and strength who fell upon others.
• Numbers 13:33: The spies’ description of the sons of Anak as giants reinforces the idea that the Nephilim were indeed giants. The comparison of themselves to grasshoppers highlights the extreme disparity in size.

This interpretation aligns with the understanding that the Nephilim were formidable, physically imposing individuals who were seen as men of renown.

The Angels and Human Women Interpretation

A more controversial interpretation suggests that the Nephilim were the offspring of angels (referred to as “sons of God”) and human women. This view is based on the Genesis 6:1-4 passage.

• Genesis 6:2: The term “sons of God” has been wrongly interpreted by some as referring to angelic beings. However, this view faces significant theological challenges. One major objection comes from Jesus’ teaching in the New Testament.
• Matthew 22:30 (KJV): “For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven.”

Jesus’ statement affirms that angels do not marry, challenging the idea that angels could have taken human wives and produced offspring.

Therefore, the “sons of God” were none other than the descendants of Seth. The term “sons of God” simply means the children of God. God spoke of Israel as His “firstborn son” (Exodus 4:22), and Moses called the people of Israel “children of the Lord your God” (Deuteronomy 14:1). And the “daughters of men,” were the godless Cainites. These unholy alliances between Sethites and Cainites were responsible for the rapid increase of wickedness among the former.

God has ever warned His followers not to marry unbelievers, because of the great danger to which the believer is thus exposed and to which he usually yields (Deuteronomy 7:3, 4; Joshua 23:12, 13; Ezra 9:2; Nehemiah 13:25; 2 Corinthians 6:14, 15). But the Sethites did not heed the warnings. Guided by physical attractions, they were not content with the beautiful daughters of the godly race, and often preferred Cainite corrupt women.

The Case for Nephilim as Giants

Given the textual and theological challenges of the angels and human women interpretation, the view that the Nephilim were giants is more consistent with the biblical narrative and traditional Jewish understanding.

Etymology and Ancient Context

The Hebrew word “Nephilim” is often translated as “giants,” reflecting their formidable size and strength. Ancient Jewish literature, such as the writings of Josephus, also depict the Nephilim as giants.

• Josephus: The Jewish historian Josephus refers to the Nephilim as giants in his work “Antiquities of the Jews,” aligning with the traditional understanding.

The Sons of Anak

The reference to the sons of Anak in Numbers 13:33 further supports the interpretation of the Nephilim as giants. The Anakim were a race of giants living in Canaan, descendants of Anak, and associated with the Nephilim.

• Deuteronomy 2:10-11 (KJV): “The Emims dwelt therein in times past, a people great, and many, and tall, as the Anakims; Which also were accounted giants, as the Anakims; but the Moabites call them Emims.”

This passage indicates that other giant races, such as the Emim, were also present in the region, reinforcing the existence of giant clans.

Theological Implications

Understanding the Nephilim as giants has important theological implications, particularly regarding God’s judgment and human rebellion.

The Flood as Judgment

The presence of the Nephilim is closely associated with the narrative of the Great Flood in Genesis. Their existence represents a period of great wickedness and corruption on the earth.

• Genesis 6:5-7 (KJV): “And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them.”

The Nephilim’s presence is indicative of a world deeply entrenched in sin, necessitating divine judgment through the Flood.

The Promised Land

The encounter with the descendants of the Nephilim in Numbers 13:33 also has significant implications for the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. The presence of giants poses a formidable challenge, testing their faith in God’s promises.

• Deuteronomy 9:1-2 (KJV): “Hear, O Israel: Thou art to pass over Jordan this day, to go in to possess nations greater and mightier than thyself, cities great and fenced up to heaven, A people great and tall, the children of the Anakims, whom thou knowest, and of whom thou hast heard say, Who can stand before the children of Anak!”

God reassures the Israelites that despite the presence of giants, He will go before them and give them victory, emphasizing His sovereignty and faithfulness.

Scholarly Perspectives

Scholars have debated the identity of the Nephilim for centuries, often divided between the giant interpretation and the angelic hybrid interpretation.

Traditional Jewish Perspective

The traditional Jewish perspective, as seen in ancient texts and rabbinic literature, generally supports the view of the Nephilim as giants. This view is grounded in the straightforward reading of the biblical texts and the historical context.

Modern Scholarship

Some scholars propose that “sons of God” refers to the descendants of Seth, the godly line, intermarrying with the descendants of Cain, the ungodly line, leading to moral corruption and the rise of the Nephilim as powerful and violent warriors.

• Sethite View: This view interprets the “sons of God” as the descendants of Seth who intermarried with the “daughters of men,” resulting in a morally corrupt society. The Nephilim, in this context, are seen as powerful tyrants or rulers.

Conclusion

The identity of the Nephilim is an intriguing topic in biblical studies. The view that they were giants, as supported by passages like Numbers 13:33, aligns with the traditional understanding and offers a coherent explanation within the biblical narrative. In contrast, the interpretation involving angels marrying human is not consistent with the scriptural accounts.

The presence of the Nephilim highlights themes of human rebellion, divine judgment, and the challenges of faith. As the Israelites prepared to enter the Promised Land, the sight of giants tested their trust in God’s promises and power. Similarly, the account of the Nephilim before the Flood underscores the pervasive sinfulness of humanity and the necessity of divine intervention. Ultimately, the story of the Nephilim invites readers to reflect on the nature of human sin, the importance of faith, and the sovereignty of God in history.