Re: The Giants of Genesis 6

In a letter to a friend about the Nephilim (giants) of Genesis 6:

There's not much to info that exists, just hoards of speculation. Without solid info, people let their imaginations run wild. But context and common sense help keep us from getting crazy (as least some of us).

The Nephilim are "great" or "giant." That's all we know for sure. The context in these early chapters of Genesis is the creation, fall, and the flood. Man is made good, chooses sin, and is destroyed. This isn't about angels or creatures of fantasy, it's about humans and sin. Giant is probably not meant in the mythical sense but as a positive description of character or devotion.

The "Sons of God" could be angels (see the similar reference in Job 1:6) but that's not a forgone conclusion. First, Jesus tells us that angels don't get married (Mt 22:30). Second, angels are not the same kind of critter that humans are, thus we shouldn't be able to pro-create together. Third, angels and Satan don't have the power to create human bodies. This probably isn't a demonic possession either (though that theory is popular in some quarters) because these "great" men seem to be described with words that are favorable. "Men of renown" means men "of the name," i.e. God's name or people of faith. They're "great" or "giant" because of their faith in God.

The Nephilim, heroes of old, men of renown, exist before and after the flood. That would make Noah one of them. The Sons of God that marry the daughters of men, could be righteous men choosing carnal pleasure, in either Cain's line or possibly Seth's line.

My personal theory is that the Nephilim (great men of faith) are the heroes mentioned in the genealogy (Adam, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, etc). During this time, this group, Seth's line, which should have been faithful, began to marry beautiful women from Cain's line (unequally yoked), i.e. believers marrying non-believers. Just like with Solomon, this drew their hearts away from God. This seems to fit the context best without any goofy, un-Biblical, fantasy tales muddying the waters.

Hope this helps.

Jared