New International VersionThe 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.
New Living TranslationIn those days, and for some time after, giant Nephilites lived on the earth, for whenever the sons of God had intercourse with women, they gave birth to children who became the heroes and famous warriors of ancient times.
English Standard VersionThe Nephilim were on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of man and they bore children to them. These were the mighty men who were of old, the men of renown.
Berean Standard BibleThe Nephilim were on the earth in those days—and afterward as well—when the sons of God had relations with the daughters of men. And they bore them children who became the mighty men of old, men of renown.
King James BibleThere 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.
New King James VersionThere were giants on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of men and they bore children to them. Those were the mighty men who were of old, men of renown.
New American Standard BibleThe Nephilim were on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of mankind, and they bore children to them. Those were the mighty men who were of old, men of renown.
NASB 1995The Nephilim were on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of men, and they bore children to them. Those were the mighty men who were of old, men of renown.
NASB 1977The Nephilim were on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of men, and they bore children to them. Those were the mighty men who were of old, men of renown.
Legacy Standard BibleThe Nephilim were on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of men, and they bore children to them. Those were the mighty men who were of old, men of renown.
Amplified BibleThere were Nephilim (men of stature, notorious men) on the earth in those days—and also afterward—when the sons of God lived with the daughters of men, and they gave birth to their children. These were the mighty men who were of old, men of renown (great reputation, fame).
Christian Standard BibleThe Nephilim were on the earth both in those days and afterward, when the sons of God came to the daughters of mankind, who bore children to them. They were the powerful men of old, the famous men.
Holman Christian Standard BibleThe Nephilim were on the earth both in those days and afterward, when the sons of God came to the daughters of mankind, who bore children to them. They were the powerful men of old, the famous men.
American Standard VersionThe 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.
Contemporary English VersionThe children of the supernatural beings who had married these women became famous heroes and warriors. They were called Nephilim and lived on the earth at that time and even later.
English Revised VersionThe 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 which were of old, the men of renown.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThe Nephilim were on the earth in those days, as well as later, when the sons of God slept with the daughters of other humans and had children by them. These children were famous long ago.
Good News TranslationIn those days, and even later, there were giants on the earth who were descendants of human women and the heavenly beings. They were the great heroes and famous men of long ago.
International Standard VersionThe Nephilim were on the earth at that time (and also immediately afterward), when those divine beings were having sexual relations with those human women, who gave birth to children for them. These children became the heroes and legendary figures of ancient times.
NET BibleThe Nephilim were on the earth in those days (and also after this) when the sons of God were having sexual relations with the daughters of humankind, who gave birth to their children. They were the mighty heroes of old, the famous men.
New Heart English BibleThe Nephilim were on the earth in those days (and also after that), when the sons of God had sexual relations with the daughters of humankind and had children by them. They were the mighty men who were from ancient times, famous men.
Webster's Bible TranslationThere 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, who were of old, men of renown. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThe Nephilim were on the earth in those days—and afterward as well—when the sons of God had relations with the daughters of men. And they bore them children who became the mighty men of old, men of renown.
World English BibleThe Nephilim were in the earth in those days, and also after that, when God’s sons came in to men’s daughters and had children with them. Those were the mighty men who were of old, men of renown. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionThe giants were in the earth in those days, and even afterward, when sons of God come in to the daughters of men, and they have borne to them those who [were] the mighty from of old, the men of renown.
Young's Literal Translation The fallen ones were in the earth in those days, and even afterwards when sons of God come in unto daughters of men, and they have borne to them -- they are the heroes, who, from of old, are the men of name.
Smith's Literal TranslationGiants were in the earth in these days, and also after that, when the sons of God shall come in to the daughters of man and they shall bring forth to them which are men of old, men of name. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleNow giants were upon the earth in those days. For after the sons of God went in to the daughters of men and they brought forth children, these are the mighty men of old, men of renown.
Catholic Public Domain VersionNow giants were upon the earth in those days. For after the sons of God went in to the daughters of men, and they conceived, these became the powerful ones of ancient times, men of renown.
New American BibleThe Nephilim appeared on earth in those days, as well as later, after the sons of God had intercourse with the daughters of human beings, who bore them sons. They were the heroes of old, the men of renown.
New Revised Standard VersionThe Nephilim were on the earth in those days—and also afterward—when the sons of God went in to the daughters of humans, who bore children to them. These were the heroes that were of old, warriors of renown. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThere were giants on the earth in those days; and also after that, for the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bore children to them, and they became giants who in the olden days were mighty men of renown.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd giants were in the earth in those days, also after this, because the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men and they gave birth to the giants that were from of old, the Heroes of fame. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917The 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 bore children to them; the same were the mighty men that were of old, the men of renown.
Brenton Septuagint TranslationNow the giants were upon the earth in those days; and after that when the sons of God were wont to go in to the daughters of men, they bore children to them, those were the giants of old, the men of renown.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Corruption on the Earth… 3So the LORD said, “My Spirit will not contend with man forever, for he is mortal; his days shall be 120 years.” 4The Nephilimwereon the earthin those days—andafterward as well—whenthe sonsof Godhad relations withthe daughtersof men.And they borethemchildren whobecame the mighty menof old,menof renown.5Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great upon the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was altogether evil all the time.…
Cross References Numbers 13:33We even saw the Nephilim there—the descendants of Anak that come from the Nephilim! We seemed like grasshoppers in our own sight, and we must have seemed the same to them!”
Jude 1:6And the angels who did not stay within their own domain but abandoned their proper dwelling—these He has kept in eternal chains under darkness, bound for judgment on that great day.
2 Peter 2:4For if God did not spare the angels when they sinned, but cast them deep into hell, placing them in chains of darkness to be held for judgment;
Job 1:6One day the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came with them.
Job 38:7while the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy?
Deuteronomy 2:10-11(The Emites used to live there, a people great and many, as tall as the Anakites. / Like the Anakites, they were also regarded as Rephaim, though the Moabites called them Emites.
Deuteronomy 2:20-21(That too was regarded as the land of the Rephaim, who used to live there, though the Ammonites called them Zamzummites. / They were a people great and many, as tall as the Anakites. But the LORD destroyed them from before the Ammonites, who drove them out and settled in their place,
1 Samuel 17:4-7Then a champion named Goliath, who was from Gath, came out from the Philistine camp. He was six cubits and a span in height, / and he had a bronze helmet on his head. He wore a bronze coat of mail weighing five thousand shekels, / and he had armor of bronze on his legs and a javelin of bronze slung between his shoulders. ...
2 Samuel 21:16-22Then Ishbi-benob, a descendant of Rapha, whose bronze spear weighed three hundred shekels and who was bearing a new sword, resolved to kill David. / But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to his aid, struck the Philistine, and killed him. Then David’s men swore to him, “You must never again go out with us to battle, so that the lamp of Israel may not be extinguished.” / Some time later at Gob, there was another battle with the Philistines. At that time Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Saph, a descendant of Rapha. ...
1 Chronicles 20:4-8Some time later, war broke out with the Philistines at Gezer. At that time Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Sippai, a descendant of the Rephaim, and the Philistines were subdued. / Once again there was a battle with the Philistines, and Elhanan son of Jair killed Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam. / And there was also a battle at Gath, where there was a man of great stature with six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot—twenty-four in all. He too was descended from Rapha, ...
Matthew 24:37-39As it was in the days of Noah, so will it be at the coming of the Son of Man. / For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark. / And they were oblivious until the flood came and swept them all away. So will it be at the coming of the Son of Man.
Luke 17:26-27Just as it was in the days of Noah, so also will it be in the days of the Son of Man: / People were eating and drinking, marrying and being given in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark. Then the flood came and destroyed them all.
Hebrews 11:7By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in godly fear built an ark to save his family. By faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.
1 Peter 3:19-20in whom He also went and preached to the spirits in prison / who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In the ark a few people, only eight souls, were saved through water.
2 Peter 3:5-6But they deliberately overlook the fact that long ago by God’s word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water, / through which the world of that time perished in the flood.
Treasury of Scripture 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. giants. 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. Deuteronomy 2:20,21 (That also was accounted a land of giants: giants dwelt therein in old time; and the Ammonites call them Zamzummims; … Deuteronomy 3:11 For only Og king of Bashan remained of the remnant of giants; behold, his bedsteadwas a bedstead of iron;is it not in Rabbath of the children of Ammon? nine cubitswas the length thereof, and four cubits the breadth of it, after the cubit of a man. after. Genesis 6:3 And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he alsois flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years. men of. Genesis 11:4 And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose topmay reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth. Numbers 16:2 And they rose up before Moses, with certain of the children of Israel, two hundred and fifty princes of the assembly, famous in the congregation, men of renown: Jump to Previous AfterwardBareBoreChildrenDaughtersEarthGiantsGod'sGreatHeroesMightyNephilimRenownSizeStrengthJump to Next AfterwardBareBoreChildrenDaughtersEarthGiantsGod'sGreatHeroesMightyNephilimRenownSizeStrengthGenesis 6 1.The wickedness of the world, which provoked God's wrath.8.Noah finds grace.9.His family line14.The order, form, dimensions, and building of the ark.The Nephilim were on the earth in those days—The term "Nephilim" is often translated as "giants" and is derived from a Hebrew root meaning "to fall" or "to cause to fall." This suggests beings of great stature or power. The presence of the Nephilim is mentioned in the context of increasing wickedness on earth, setting the stage for the flood narrative. Their existence is a point of intrigue and debate, with some interpretations suggesting they were fallen angels or their offspring. The Nephilim are also mentioned in Numbers 13:33, where the Israelite spies report seeing them in Canaan, indicating their continued presence or influence in biblical history. and afterward as well—
This phrase suggests that the Nephilim were not only present before the flood but also appeared again afterward. This has led to various interpretations, including the possibility of a second incursion of fallen angels or the survival of Nephilim genes through Noah's family. The persistence of the Nephilim theme underscores the ongoing struggle between good and evil in the biblical narrative. when the sons of God had relations with the daughters of men.
The "sons of God" is a phrase that has been interpreted in several ways. Traditionally, it is understood to refer to angelic beings, as seen inJob 1:6 andJob 2:1, where the term describes heavenly beings. This interpretation suggests a supernatural union that produced the Nephilim. Alternatively, some propose that the "sons of God" were the godly line of Seth intermarrying with the ungodly line of Cain, leading to moral corruption. This phrase highlights the blending of divine and human realms, which is a recurring theme in ancient Near Eastern literature. And they bore them children who became the mighty men of old, men of renown.
The offspring of these unions were "mighty men," suggesting individuals of extraordinary strength or ability. The term "men of renown" implies they were famous or infamous figures in ancient history. This could refer to legendary heroes or warriors whose exploits were well-known. The narrative sets the stage for the flood by illustrating the extent of human corruption and the blending of divine and human elements, which necessitated divine intervention. The concept of "mighty men" can be seen as a type of Christ, who is the ultimate "mighty man" in His victory over sin and death. Persons / Places / Events 1. NephilimA mysterious group mentioned in Genesis 6:4, often interpreted as giants or fallen ones. The Hebrew root "npl" suggests a meaning related to falling or being cast down. 2. Sons of GodThis term is debated among scholars, with interpretations ranging from fallen angels to the godly lineage of Seth. The Hebrew term "bene Elohim" is used here. 3. Daughters of MenRefers to human women, possibly from the lineage of Cain, who intermarried with the "sons of God." 4. Mighty Men of OldThese are the offspring of the union between the "sons of God" and the "daughters of men," described as heroes or men of renown. 5. EarthThe setting for these events, indicating a time before the flood when humanity was increasingly corrupt. Teaching Points Understanding the MysteryWhile the identity of the Nephilim and the "sons of God" is debated, the passage highlights the mystery and complexity of the spiritual realm. Believers are encouraged to approach such topics with humility and a focus on the clear teachings of Scripture. The Consequences of DisobedienceThe intermingling of the "sons of God" and "daughters of men" led to increased wickedness on earth, reminding us of the consequences of stepping outside God's design and commands. God's Sovereignty and JudgmentThis passage sets the stage for the flood account, emphasizing God's sovereignty and His response to human sinfulness. It serves as a reminder of the importance of living righteously in a corrupt world. Spiritual VigilanceThe account encourages believers to be vigilant against spiritual deception and to seek discernment through prayer and study of the Word. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Genesis 6:4?
2.How do "Nephilim" in Genesis 6:4 relate to spiritual warfare today?
3.What lessons can we learn from "mighty men of renown" in Genesis 6:4?
4.How does Genesis 6:4 connect with God's judgment in the Flood narrative?
5.How can understanding Genesis 6:4 strengthen our faith in God's sovereignty?
6.What modern-day applications arise from the events described in Genesis 6:4?
7.Who were the Nephilim mentioned in Genesis 6:4, and what is their significance?
8.How do the "sons of God" in Genesis 6:4 relate to angels or humans?
9.What does Genesis 6:4 imply about the nature of divine beings interacting with humans?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 6?
11.Are Nephilim fallen angels, demons, or giants?
12.What does the Bible say about Anunnaki and Nephilim?
13.Do Nephilim exist in the world today?
14.What is Goliath's ancestry related to the Nephilim?What Does Genesis 6:4 Mean The Nephilim were on the earth in those days• Scripture presents the Nephilim as real, physical beings who inhabited the pre-Flood world. •Numbers 13:33 echoes their existence generations later: “We seemed like grasshoppers… and so we were in their sight.” The wording confirms they were unusually large and powerful, not mythical. • Their presence sets the backdrop forGenesis 6, showing a world already corrupted in extraordinary ways (Genesis 6:11–12).
—and afterward as well• The phrase extends their timeline beyond the Flood era’s opening days, hinting that some appearance of these formidable people also surfaced later in biblical history. • Post-Flood references—againNumbers 13:33 andDeuteronomy 3:11 (regarding Og)—illustrate that similar giants re-emerged, either through genetic survival on the ark (via Noah’s daughters-in-law) or through a renewed incursion of fallen angels. • This continuity underscores the persistence of rebellion against God even after His judgment.
—when the sons of God had relations with the daughters of men• “Sons of God” appears elsewhere for angelic beings (Job 1:6; 2:1); the straightforward reading here is of fallen angels intruding into human affairs. • Jude 6 parallels the idea: angels “did not stay within their own domain” and are now “kept in eternal chains.”2 Peter 2:4–5 links that sin to the days of Noah. • The phrase describes a literal, illicit crossing of boundaries God set between heavenly and earthly realms, deepening humanity’s corruption (Genesis 6:5).
And they bore them children who became the mighty men of old• The offspring were a hybrid race of unusual strength and prowess—“mighty men.” • Scripture elsewhere calls warriors like Nimrod “mighty on the earth” (Genesis 10:8–9), showing how this trait shaped early civilizations and their long-lasting legacies. • Their dominance contributed to escalating violence, whichGenesis 6:13 identifies as a key reason for the Flood.
men of renown• These figures achieved legendary status, celebrated in ancient lore and remembered for their deeds. • Such earthly fame contrasts with God’s verdict of wickedness (Genesis 6:5). What culture glorified, God condemned. •Psalm 49:11–13 reminds us that human renown fades, while divine judgment stands.
summaryGenesis 6:4 records a literal event: fallen angels (“sons of God”) took human wives, producing a race of giants (“Nephilim”) whose power and notoriety intensified the world’s corruption. Their presence before and after the Flood illustrates ongoing spiritual rebellion. God’s response—the Flood—shows His resolve to restrain evil and preserve a righteous lineage through Noah, pointing forward to the ultimate deliverance found in Christ. (4) Giants.--Heb., Nephilim,mentioned again in Numbers 13:33, and apparently a race of great physical strength and stature. Nothing is more probable than that, at a time when men lived for centuries, human vigour should also show itself in producing not merely individuals, but a race of more than ordinary height. They were apparently of the Cainite stock, and the text carefully distinguishes them from the offspring of the mixed marriages. The usual derivation of the name is from a root signifying to fall;but Lenormant ( Origines de l'Histoire,p. 344) prefers pala,which means "to be wonderful," and compares the Assyrian napt-,"unique in size," often found in the cuneiform inscriptions as the denomination of an ogre. The same became mighty men.--Heb.,They were the mighty men that were of old, men of name."Gibborim,"mighty men(seeGenesis 10:8), has nothing to do with stature, but means heroes, warriors. It is also generally used in a good sense. The children of these mixed marriages were a race of brave fighting men, who by their martial deeds won for themselves reputation. Verse 4. - There were. Not became, or arose, as if the giants were the fruit of the previously-mentioned misalliances; but already existed contemporaneously with the sons of God (cf. Keil, Havernick, and Lange). Giants. Nephilim, from naphal, to fall; hence supposed to describe the offspring of the daughters of men and the fallen angels (Hoffman, Delitzsch). The LXX, translate by γίγαντες; whence the "giants" of the A.V. and Vulgate, which Luther rejects as fabulous; but Kalisch, on the strength of Numbers 13:33, accepts as the certain import of the term. More probable is the interpretation which understands them as men of violence, roving, lawless gallants, "who fall on others;" robbers, or tyrants (Aquila, Rosenmüller, Gesenius, Luther, Calvin, Kurtz, Keil,. Murphy, 'Speaker's Commentary'). That they were "monsters, prodigies" (Tueh, Knobel), may be rejected, though it is not unlikely they were men of large physical stature, like the Anakim, Rephaim, and others (cf. Numbers 13:33). In the earth. Not merely on it, but largely occupying the populated region. In those days. Previously referred to, i.e. of the mixed marriages. And also - i.e. in addition to these nephilim -after that, - i.e. after their up-rising - when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men. Ha'gibborim, literally, the strong, impetuous, heroes (cf. Genesis 10:8). "They were probably more refined in manners and exalted in thought than their predecessors of pure Cainite descent" (Murphy). Which were of old. Not "of the world," as a note of character, taking olam as equivalent αἰὼν to but a note of time, the narrator reporting from his own standpoint. Men of renown. Literally, men of the name; "the first nobility of the world, honorable robbers, who boasted of their wickedness" (Calvin) or gallants, whose names were often in men's mouths (Murphy). For contrary phrase, "men of no name," see Job 30:8.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew The Nephilimהַנְּפִלִ֞ים(han·nə·p̄i·lîm)Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5303:Nephilim -- 'giants', name of two peoples, one before the flood and one after the floodwereהָי֣וּ(hā·yū)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, beon the earthבָאָרֶץ֮(ḇā·’ā·reṣ)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776:Earth, landin those days,בַּיָּמִ֣ים(bay·yā·mîm)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3117:A dayandוְגַ֣ם(wə·ḡam)Conjunctive waw | Conjunction
Strong's 1571:Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, andafterward as well,אַֽחֲרֵי־(’a·ḥă·rê-)Preposition
Strong's 310:The hind or following partwhenאֲשֶׁ֨ר(’ă·šer)Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834:Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order thatthe sonsבְּנֵ֤י(bə·nê)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121:A sonof Godהָֽאֱלֹהִים֙(hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm)Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430:gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlativehad relations withיָבֹ֜אוּ(yā·ḇō·’ū)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 935:To come in, come, go in, gothe daughtersבְּנ֣וֹת(bə·nō·wṯ)Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 1323:A daughterof men.הָֽאָדָ֔ם(hā·’ā·ḏām)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 120:Ruddy, a human beingAnd they boreוְיָלְד֖וּ(wə·yā·lə·ḏū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 3205:To bear young, to beget, medically, to act as midwife, to show lineagethemלָהֶ֑ם(lā·hem)Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's Hebrew[children] whoהֵ֧מָּה(hêm·māh)Pronoun - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1992:They[became] the mighty menהַגִּבֹּרִ֛ים(hag·gib·bō·rîm)Article | Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 1368:Powerful, warrior, tyrantof old,מֵעוֹלָ֖ם(mê·‘ō·w·lām)Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5769:Concealed, eternity, frequentatively, alwaysmen of renown.הַשֵּֽׁם׃(haš·šêm)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8034:A name
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OT Law: Genesis 6:4 The Nephilim were in the earth (Gen. Ge Gn) |
