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Book of Genesis - Chapter 6 - Verse 4

6:4
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.

Meaning

Many scholars interpret this verse from the Book of Genesis as referring to a time when the offspring of angels (referred to as the "sons of God") intermingled with human women, resulting in the birth of mighty and renowned individuals. The mention of giants in the earth could be a reference to the Nephilim, who are believed to be the offspring of this union between divine beings and humans. These Nephilim were considered to be powerful and influential figures in ancient times. The verse raises questions about the nature of these encounters and the significance of the resulting offspring. Some see it as a symbolic tale illustrating the consequences of moral corruption and the mixing of divine and human realms. Others view it as a historical account of actual events that took place in the early days of humanity. Regardless of the interpretation, this verse sparks discussions about the intersection of the supernatural and the human world in the ancient past.

Theological Overview

One theological interpretation of this verse suggests that the "giants" mentioned could be a reference to the Nephilim, a race of beings who were the offspring of the union between the "sons of God" and the "daughters of men." These Nephilim are often seen as both physical and spiritual beings, possibly fallen angels or supernatural beings who have rebelled against God. The word studies of "giants" in this context can be traced back to the Hebrew word "nephilim," which can be translated to mean "fallen ones" or "bullies." The mention of the Nephilim in this verse has led to various debates among scholars, with some viewing them as literal giants while others interpret them as symbolic of powerful and wicked individuals. The union between the "sons of God" and the "daughters of men" is seen by some as a violation of God's order and a leading cause of the great wickedness that eventually led to the flood during the time of Noah.

American Standard Version

The Nephilim were 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 were the mighty men that were of old, the men of renown.
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