Genesis 6:4: Sons of God and Giants

Genesis 6:4

4 There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of men, and they bore children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.

The appearance of giants as a result of the "sons of God" interacting with the "daughters of men" in Genesis 6:4 is a fascinating aspect of biblical history. These individuals, known as Nephilim, were not only of great stature but also became renowned "mighty men" or "heroes" of old, known for their violence and defiance against God.

Here's a deeper look into why this phenomenon occurred:

The Nature of the "Sons of God" and "Daughters of Men"

In Genesis 6:4 it is explicitly stated: "There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of men, and they bore children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown." Genesis 6:4KJV — Genesis 6:4. This passage indicates a union between two distinct groups. The "sons of God" are understood to be the godly line, likely the Sethites, who were distinct from the more worldly and rebellious Cainites, referred to as the "daughters of men."BHOTV1 32.2 The intermingling of these lines led to a widespread corruption of humanity, characterized by violence and rebellion against God.EGWSRGES 40.3+2

The Identity of the Giants (Nephilim)

The term "giants" in Genesis 6:4 is translated from the Hebrew word Nephilim. This word means "violent" or "causing to fall," and it can also signify "monsters" or "prodigies."ETI Giants.2+1 These were not merely large individuals but were "men of violence" or tyrants.BHOTV1 32.2 The Nephilim were renowned for their wisdom and skill in creating cunning and wonderful works, yet their unbridled iniquity matched their abilities.EGWSRGES 40.3

It's important to note that the term "giants" or Nephilim also appears later in the Bible, specifically when the spies reported on the inhabitants of Canaan. They saw "the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants" Numbers 13:33KJV — Numbers 13:33. The Anakim were a race of large stature, and in their fear, the Israelite spies identified them with the antediluvian Nephilim.15MR 289.2+14 The Anakim were descendants of Arba, known as a great man among them.ST June 15, 1888, par. 2+2

The Cause of the Degeneration

The mixing of these two groups led to widespread wickedness and a departure from God's ways. "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." Genesis 6:5-6ST March 4, 1886, par. 2+1. This period was marked by an increase in knowledge and skill, but without a corresponding increase in godliness, leading to profound moral degradation.EGWSRGES 40.3+1

Divine Purpose and Consequences

God's Spirit would not always strive with man because humanity had become flesh, indicating a deep corruption that necessitated a drastic intervention—the Flood.ARSH May 28, 1861, page 9.13+1 The existence of these giants and the pervasive violence was a clear sign of the extreme moral decline of that generation.ARSH May 28, 1861, page 9.13+1

In essence, the emergence of giants in Genesis 6:4 is depicted as a consequence of the unholy alliances between the "sons of God" and the "daughters of men," leading to a generation marked by power, renown, and pervasive wickedness that ultimately grieved God and necessitated the cleansing of the earth through the Flood.