Who Were the Nephilim?

The Nephilim are first mentioned in Genesis 6:4, where we read:

Genesis 6:4 (NIV)

“The Nephilim were on the earth in those days—and also afterward—when the sons of God went to the daughters of humans and had children by them. They were the heroes of old, men of renown.”

Genesis 6:5 (NIV)

“The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time.”

The term Nephilim is often translated as “giants,” referring to people who were physically large, but the Bible also refers to them as “mighty men” and “men of renown,” indicating that they were not just physically imposing, but also intellectually capable and famous. These individuals were giants not only in size but also in influence, with remarkable abilities that made them renowned figures in their time.

The Origin of the Nephilim

The origin of the Nephilim traces back to Cain, whose story we find in Genesis 4:8-16. After Cain killed his brother Abel, he was cursed by God. To protect him from being killed by others, God placed a mark on Cain. This mark was not just a physical symbol but also a form of divine protection. As we see in Genesis 4:13-16:

Genesis 4:13-16 (NIV)

“Cain said to the Lord, ‘My punishment is more than I can bear. Today you are driving me from the land, and I will be hidden from your presence; I will be a restless wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me.’ The Lord said to him, ‘Not so; anyone who kills Cain will suffer vengeance seven times over.’ Then the Lord put a mark on Cain so that no one who found him would kill him. Cain went out from the Lord’s presence and lived in the land of Nod, east of Eden.”

This mark was likely not a visible tattoo but a divine provision for protection. It could have been a form of physical or intellectual prominence, ensuring Cain and his descendants stood out from others, discouraging any attempts to harm them. This unique characteristic may explain the physical stature and intellectual capacity of Cain’s descendants, the Nephilim, who were not only large in size but also advanced in technological and artistic capabilities.

The Legacy of Cain’s Descendants

After the curse on the land, Cain and his descendants turned away from farming and became skilled in other trades such as metalworking and craftsmanship (Genesis 4:22). They invented tools, made musical instruments, and developed various products, making them influential in their society. This technological and cultural advancement positioned them as a powerful group in the world.

Genesis 4:22 (NIV)

“Zillah also had a son, Tubal-Cain, who forged all kinds of tools out of bronze and iron. Tubal-Cain’s sister was Naamah.”

Their power and influence led to the creation of cities, and they became dominant in the earth, building civilizations that other groups feared. The Bible indicates that this strength was so notable that God declared anyone who harmed a descendant of Cain would face vengeance sevenfold. This may have been understood in their society as an unspoken rule, where the descendants of Cain were seen as above others in strength and influence, much like powerful leaders in history who were above the law.

The Sons of God and Daughters of Men

In contrast to Cain’s descendants, the descendants of Seth, who replaced Abel after his death, were righteous people. These individuals were not cursed and are referred to as “the sons of God” in Genesis 6:2. They lived as ordinary people, primarily engaged in farming and shepherding, with average physical stature and without the same level of influence as Cain’s descendants. They were a godly lineage, continuing the worship of God.

Genesis 6:2 (NIV)

“The sons of God saw that the daughters of humans were beautiful, and they married any of them they chose.”

When the sons of God (the righteous descendants of Seth) intermarried with the daughters of men (the descendants of Cain), it angered God. This act caused spiritual decline, as it led to the compromise of faith, turning hearts away from God. Their hearts became divided, and they ceased to trust in God alone, leading to the corruption and violence that eventually filled the earth.

Theological Considerations: Were the Nephilim Humans or Angels?

A common misconception is that the Nephilim were a hybrid of humans and angels. Some interpretations suggest that fallen angels mated with human women, producing the Nephilim. However, Jesus Christ clarified in Mark 12:25 that angels do not marry:

Mark 12:25 (NIV)

“When the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven.”

This verse makes it clear that the Nephilim were not the offspring of angels but were human beings, specifically the descendants of Cain, who were marked by physical and intellectual greatness. Their legacy was one of pride, violence, and rebellion against God.

The Modern-Day Nephilim

Even today, we see the influence of the Nephilim in the world. While people may not be physically large, many individuals have a significant impact on global culture, whether through music, film, or fashion. These individuals, like the Nephilim, possess the ability to shape society and influence millions of people. Unfortunately, many of their ideas and works are in direct opposition to the will of God, promoting values that undermine faith and righteousness.

These modern Nephilim—famous figures in the world—often lead others astray by promoting worldly desires, which are contrary to biblical teachings. As Jesus said in Luke 17:26, “As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be in the days of the Son of Man.” This parallel reminds us that in our day, just as in Noah’s time, there is a spiritual decline when the sons of God (Christians) are drawn to the daughters of men (the world), and faith is compromised.

Luke 17:26 (NIV)

“Just as it was in the days of Noah, so also will it be in the days of the Son of Man.”

Warnings for Believers Today

To the daughters of God, avoid the worldly desires that lead to spiritual compromise. Your joy and fulfillment come from following Jesus, not from pursuing relationships with those who do not share your faith. Solomon, with all his wisdom, was led astray by his foreign wives (1 Kings 11:2-4), and if it happened to him, it can happen to anyone.

1 Kings 11:2-4 (NIV)

“They were from nations about which the Lord had told the Israelites, ‘You must not intermarry with them, because they will surely turn your hearts after their gods.’ Nevertheless, Solomon held fast to them in love. He had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines, and his wives led him astray.”

To young believers, avoid the allure of worldly influences. Don’t be deceived by outward appearances or worldly styles—they can turn your heart away from God, just as they did with Solomon. Before marrying, ensure that your partner shares your faith and commitment to Christ. It is essential that both partners are in agreement on core spiritual matters, including baptism and the Holy Spirit, as we are instructed in Ephesians 4:5:

Ephesians 4:5 (NIV)

“There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”

Conclusion: The Nephilim in Context

The Nephilim were not angels, but human descendants of Cain, who were marked by their size, intellect, and influence. They lived in a time of moral decay, and their spiritual downfall serves as a warning for us today. As we face similar temptations in the modern world, we must be vigilant, guarding our hearts against the worldly desires that lead us away from God.

May the Lord bless and protect us.

Please share this message with others.

Print this post