Genesis 6:4

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

There were giants {H5303} in the earth {H776} in those days {H3117}; and also after {H310} that {H3651}, when {H834} the sons {H1121} of God {H430} came in {H935} unto the daughters {H1323} of men {H120}, and they bare {H3205} children to them, the same {H1992} became mighty men {H1368} which were of old {H5769}, men {H582} of renown {H8034}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The N’filim were on the earth in those days, and also afterwards, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of men, and they bore children to them; these were the ancient heroes, men of renown.

Berean Standard Bible

The 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.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 6:4 introduces the enigmatic "giants" (Nephilim) and details their origin from the union of the "sons of God" and "daughters of men." This pivotal verse starkly portrays the profound corruption and perversion of the pre-Flood world, signifying a critical escalation of human depravity that ultimately provoked God's righteous judgment. It depicts a time when powerful, possibly unnatural, beings roamed the earth, contributing to an era of widespread wickedness and violence that necessitated divine intervention and set the stage for the Great Flood.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 6:4 is strategically positioned within the escalating narrative of human sin and God's response to it. It immediately follows God's observation of the rapid multiplication of humanity and His declaration to limit human lifespan due to pervasive wickedness, as detailed in [Genesis 6:1-3](/genesis/6-1-3 "God's observation of increasing human wickedness and the limitation of human lifespan"). This verse then describes a particularly egregious manifestation of this moral decay, characterizing a period when powerful, perhaps hybrid, beings dominated the Earth. It directly precedes God's profound grief and decision to destroy humanity due to their great evil, setting the stage for the detailed narrative of the Great Flood in [Genesis 6:5-7](/genesis/6-5-7 "God's sorrow and decision to flood the the earth"). The verse thus serves as a critical bridge, illustrating the depth of the corruption that necessitated such a drastic divine judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East, the broader cultural backdrop for Genesis, often featured narratives of divine-human intermingling, heroic figures, and primeval chaos. While the biblical account is distinct in its monotheistic framework and moral emphasis, the concept of powerful, semi-divine beings was not entirely alien to the cultural imagination of the time. The mention of "giants" and "mighty men of renown" would have resonated with audiences familiar with epic tales of legendary heroes or tyrannical rulers. Geographically, the events are set in the early, pre-Flood world, implying a widespread, perhaps global, phenomenon of corruption, rather than a localized one. The cultural norms of the time, as depicted in Genesis, were rapidly devolving into violence and moral depravity, a stark contrast to the harmonious creation described in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "The Creation Account in Genesis 1").
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 6:4 contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **pervasiveness and corrupting power of sin**, demonstrating how quickly humanity can descend into profound wickedness after the Fall, as outlined in [Genesis 3](/genesis/3 "The Fall of Humanity in Genesis 3"). Secondly, it highlights **God's holiness and His righteous judgment** against sin, providing a crucial theological justification for the impending Flood. The extreme nature of the corruption, symbolized by the Nephilim and the "mighty men," necessitates a divine cleansing. Thirdly, it touches upon the theme of **the corruption of creation**, showing how even the created order can be distorted by sin, leading to unnatural unions and the rise of oppressive figures. This verse also implicitly raises questions about **spiritual warfare** and the boundaries between divine and human realms, themes that resonate throughout the biblical narrative, from the serpent in [Genesis 3](/genesis/3 "The Temptation and Fall in Genesis 3") to the spiritual battles described in [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Spiritual Warfare in Ephesians 6:12").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 6:4 stands as one of the most enigmatic and debated verses in the Old Testament, yet its central message regarding the depth of pre-Flood depravity remains clear. The verse describes "giants" (Nephilim) present on the earth, resulting from the intermingling of the "sons of God" and "daughters of men."

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Nephilim (Hebrew, _nᵉphîyl'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to fall," this term properly denotes "a feller," implying a bully or tyrant. In common usage, it refers to "giants." Their presence signifies formidable, powerful, and potentially oppressive individuals who dominated the earth, contributing to the widespread violence and corruption that characterized the pre-Flood world.
* **Sons (Hebrew, _bên'_):** This word, often translated "son," carries a wide semantic range, referring to literal offspring, but also to those belonging to a group, quality, or condition. In the phrase "sons of God" (Hebrew: _b'nei ha'Elohim_), "sons" indicates a close relationship or identity with "God" (Hebrew: _ʼĕlôhîym_). The identity of these "sons of God" is highly debated, with interpretations including fallen angels, the godly lineage of Seth, or powerful human rulers. Regardless, the term suggests a distinct group whose actions had profound consequences.
* **Mighty Men (Hebrew, _gibbôwr'_):** This term describes someone powerful, a warrior, or a tyrant. The "mighty men" (Hebrew: _gibborim_) emerging from these unions were not merely strong; they were "men of renown," indicating great fame, power, and influence. In the context of escalating wickedness, their renown was likely associated with violence, oppression, and tyranny, embodying the profound distortion of God's original design for humanity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"There were giants in the earth in those days;"**: This opening clause immediately introduces the presence of the "Nephilim" (giants) on the earth during the specified period. The Hebrew term `nᵉphîyl` suggests formidable, perhaps monstrous, individuals, implying a deviation from the norm of humanity. Their existence is presented as a significant, albeit mysterious, feature of the pre-Flood world, setting a tone of unusual and perhaps unnatural occurrences.
* **"and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men,"**: This clause provides the origin of a specific group of these "mighty men." It describes a union between two distinct groups: the "sons of God" (`b'nei ha'Elohim`) and the "daughters of men" (`b'not ha'adam`). The phrase "came in unto" is a common biblical euphemism for sexual intercourse. The timing, "after that," suggests that the Nephilim were present both before and as a result of these unions, or that this particular generation of "mighty men" arose from these specific unions. The ambiguity of "sons of God" (whether divine beings, Sethites, or tyrannical rulers) contributes to the verse's interpretive complexity but consistently points to a morally transgressive act.
* **"and they bare [children] to them, the same [became] mighty men which [were] of old, men of renown."**: This final clause describes the offspring of these unions. The children born from the "sons of God" and "daughters of men" are explicitly identified as "mighty men" (`gibborim`), who were "of old" (implying ancient, legendary status) and "men of renown" (`anshei ha-shem`). This "renown" in a context of pervasive wickedness likely implies fame associated with power, violence, and perhaps tyranny, rather than virtue. Their existence underscores the profound moral deterioration and the emergence of a powerful, oppressive class that further contributed to the world's corruption, setting the stage for divine judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 6:4 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Symbolism**, where the "Nephilim" and "mighty men of renown" symbolize the extreme corruption and perversion that had permeated the pre-Flood world. They represent a distortion of God's created order and the unchecked proliferation of power divorced from righteousness. The verse also uses **Juxtaposition** by contrasting the "sons of God" with the "daughters of men," highlighting a fundamental division or transgression that leads to catastrophic outcomes. Furthermore, the phrase "men of renown" can be seen as a form of **Irony**, as their fame is not celebrated but rather presented as a contributing factor to the wickedness that necessitates divine judgment, implying a renown rooted in ungodliness and oppression rather than virtuous achievement. The verse also serves as a potent **Foreshadowing** of the impending judgment of the Flood, illustrating the depth of depravity that provoked God's righteous wrath.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 6:4 is a pivotal text for understanding the depth of human depravity and the necessity of divine judgment. It reveals a world so utterly corrupted that it produced not only widespread violence and wickedness but also, through ambiguous means, a class of formidable beings who epitomized the era's ungodliness. This verse underscores the pervasive and corrupting nature of sin, demonstrating how it can distort God's created order, whether through human spiritual compromise or through a more direct supernatural transgression. The emergence of "mighty men of renown" highlights how human power, when unchecked by divine law, inevitably leads to tyranny and further moral decay, necessitating God's intervention to preserve a righteous remnant and pave the way for a new beginning.

* [Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "The Protoevangelium") – This verse, with its promise of conflict between the seed of the woman and the seed of the serpent, offers a broader theological backdrop for understanding the spiritual forces at play in Genesis 6:4, suggesting a cosmic dimension to the struggle against evil.
* [Jude 1:6](/jude/1-6 "Jude 1:6 describes angels who did not keep their proper domain") – This New Testament passage speaks of "angels who did not keep their proper domain, but left their own abode," which some scholars connect to the "sons of God" in Genesis 6:4, interpreting the verse as an account of angelic rebellion and their subsequent judgment.
* [2 Peter 2:4-5](/2_peter/2-4-5 "2 Peter 2:4-5 speaks of angels who sinned and the coming of the Flood") – Similar to Jude, this passage references "angels who sinned" being cast into hell and the world of the ungodly being deluged, providing further New Testament interpretive context for the events leading up to the Flood, including the actions described in Genesis 6:4.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specifics of Genesis 6:4 remain a subject of scholarly debate, its core message serves as a timeless warning and a powerful call to spiritual discernment. It reminds us that unchecked sin, spiritual compromise, and the perversion of God's design lead to profound consequences, not just for individuals but for entire societies. The "mighty men of renown" serve as a stark reminder that power, influence, and fame, when pursued apart from godliness, can become instruments of oppression and contribute to widespread moral decay. This ancient account challenges us to consider the depth of our own moral convictions, the integrity of our relationships, and the importance of upholding righteousness in a world that often celebrates temporal power and worldly renown. We are called to be people of God, reflecting His character, rather than succumbing to the allure of worldly might or compromising our faith through unholy alliances.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might we, in our own lives or societies, see reflections of "sons of God" (those who claim faith or privilege) compromising with "daughters of men" (worldly values or practices), leading to spiritual dilution or moral decay?**
* **How does the concept of "men of renown" in Genesis 6:4 challenge our modern understanding of fame, power, and influence? What kind of "renown" should believers seek?**
* **What lessons can we draw from this verse about the destructive power of sin and its capacity to corrupt not just individuals but entire societal structures and even the created order?**
* **How does the ambiguity of Genesis 6:4 encourage us to approach challenging biblical texts with humility, seeking to understand the core theological message even when specific details remain mysterious?**

### FAQ
**Who were the "sons of God" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: This is one of the most debated questions regarding [Genesis 6:4](/genesis/6-4 "The Nephilim and mighty men of renown"). The three primary interpretations are: 1) Fallen angels who intermarried with human women, a view supported by passages like [Jude 1:6](/jude/1-6 "Jude 1:6 describes angels who did not keep their proper domain") and [2 Peter 2:4](/2_peter/2-4 "2 Peter 2:4 speaks of angels who sinned"). 2) The godly lineage of Seth ("sons of God") intermarrying with the ungodly lineage of Cain ("daughters of men"), leading to a widespread apostasy. 3) Powerful human rulers or nobles who took many wives, establishing oppressive dynasties. Regardless of the precise identity, the context points to a significant moral transgression that contributed to the world's profound corruption, leading to God's judgment.

**What does "giants" (Nephilim) mean here?**

Answer: The Hebrew word is *Nephilim* (נְפִילִים), which literally means "fallen ones" or "those who cause to fall." Its exact etymology is uncertain, but it generally refers to formidable, powerful, or perhaps even monstrous individuals. They are described as "mighty men which were of old, men of renown," suggesting individuals of great physical prowess, influence, and possibly tyrannical power. The term implies a deviation from normal human stature or character. They are also mentioned later in [Numbers 13:33](/numbers/13-33 "The Nephilim mentioned again in Numbers 13:33") in the context of the Anakim, indicating their legendary status.

**Why is this verse so often debated and difficult to interpret?**

Answer: The difficulty arises primarily from the ambiguity of the Hebrew terms "sons of God" and "Nephilim," as well as the brevity of the biblical description. The Bible does not offer a detailed explanation of these entities or their interactions, leading scholars to draw conclusions based on linguistic clues, intertestamental literature (like the Book of Enoch), and cross-references to other biblical texts. The theological implications of each interpretation are also significant, affecting one's understanding of divine-human interaction, the nature of evil, and the scope of God's judgment.

**How does this verse relate to the Great Flood?**

Answer: [Genesis 6:4](/genesis/6-4 "The Nephilim and mighty men of renown") describes a key aspect of the profound wickedness and corruption that pervaded the earth just before the Flood. The presence of the Nephilim and the "men of renown" underscores the extent of human depravity, violence, and the perversion of creation, whether through human spiritual compromise or supernatural transgression. This verse provides a crucial theological justification for God's decision to bring the Flood as a divine judgment and cleansing act, illustrating that the earth had become so morally bankrupt that a radical intervention was necessary to preserve humanity and pave the way for a new beginning.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Genesis 6:4](/genesis/6-4 "The Nephilim and mighty men of renown") does not directly mention Christ, it powerfully sets the stage for the necessity of His redemptive work. The pervasive corruption and the emergence of "mighty men of renown" who symbolize humanity's descent into lawlessness and oppression highlight the profound brokenness of the pre-Flood world, a condition that ultimately required divine intervention far beyond a mere reset. Jesus Himself references the "days of Noah" as a parallel to the conditions preceding His second coming, emphasizing widespread moral decay and unpreparedness for judgment (e.g., [Matthew 24:37-39](/matthew/24-37-39 "Jesus' words about the days of Noah in Matthew 24:37-39") and [Luke 17:26-27](/luke/17-26-27 "Luke 17:26-27 on the days of Noah")). Christ's coming fulfills the need for a righteous King who establishes true order, overcomes spiritual rebellion, and brings about a new creation where sin and its destructive consequences are ultimately defeated. He is the true "man of renown" whose fame is rooted in perfect righteousness, humble service, and redemptive power, not human might or tyranny. Unlike the earthly "mighty men" who brought chaos, Jesus, the Son of God, came to bring peace and reconcile humanity to God, offering salvation from the very sin and corruption that necessitated the Flood (cf. [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 on God's love and salvation") and [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 on Christ's love for us")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.

2 Samuel 21:15

¶ Moreover the Philistines had yet war again with Israel; and David went down, and his servants with him, and fought against the Philistines: and David waxed faint.

2 Samuel 21:22

These four were born to the giant in Gath, and fell by the hand of David, and by the hand of his servants.

1 Samuel 17:4

And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height [was] six cubits and a span.

Deuteronomy 3:11

For only Og king of Bashan remained of the remnant of giants; behold, his bedstead [was] a bedstead of iron; [is] it not in Rabbath of the children of Ammon? nine cubits [was] the length thereof, and four cubits the breadth of it, after the cubit of a man.

Deuteronomy 2:20

(That also was accounted a land of giants: giants dwelt therein in old time; and the Ammonites call them Zamzummims;

Deuteronomy 2:21

A people great, and many, and tall, as the Anakims; but the LORD destroyed them before them; and they succeeded them, and dwelt in their stead: