The Nephilim are mysterious and controversial figures in biblical mythology, mentioned briefly but significantly in the Hebrew Bible. The term “Nephilim” appears in the Book of Genesis and the Book of Numbers, and these beings are often described as giants or fallen ones, though their exact nature has been debated for centuries. The ambiguity surrounding their origins and purpose has made the Nephilim a topic of fascination in religious, theological, and mythological discussions.

Biblical References to the Nephilim

1. Genesis 6:1-4: The most famous reference to the Nephilim comes from Genesis 6, just before the account of Noah’s flood:”When human beings began to increase in number on the earth and daughters were born to them, the sons of God saw that the daughters of humans were beautiful, and they married any of them they chose. Then the Lord said, ‘My Spirit will not contend with humans forever, for they are mortal; their days will be a hundred and twenty years.’ 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.”In this passage, the Nephilim are described as a hybrid race resulting from the union of the “sons of God” and the “daughters of men.” The exact identity of the “sons of God” is debated, with some interpretations suggesting they were fallen angels, while others believe they were divine beings or descendants of Seth, the son of Adam.
2. Numbers 13:33: The Nephilim are also mentioned in the Book of Numbers when the Israelite spies report back after exploring the land of Canaan:”We saw the Nephilim there (the descendants of Anak come from the Nephilim). We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them.”This reference suggests that the Nephilim were giants or extraordinarily large and powerful beings, as the spies express fear and a sense of insignificance in comparison to them.

Interpretations of the Nephilim

1. Fallen Angels Theory: One of the most common interpretations is that the Nephilim were the offspring of fallen angels and human women. The phrase “sons of God” is often understood as referring to angelic beings in several other biblical texts, such as in the Book of Job. According to this view, the Nephilim were giants or demigods who inherited both divine and human traits, making them powerful and perhaps even dangerous. This interpretation ties the Nephilim to early Christian and Jewish traditions that explore the theme of rebellion, divine punishment, and corruption on Earth.
2. Descendants of Seth Theory: Another theory suggests that the “sons of God” were not angels but rather the descendants of Seth, the righteous son of Adam and Eve. In this interpretation, the “daughters of men” were descendants of Cain, and the Nephilim were a corrupted human race resulting from the intermarriage between the lines of Seth (righteous) and Cain (wicked). This interpretation avoids the supernatural element of angels mating with humans and instead sees the Nephilim as a symbol of moral decline.
3. Giants or Mighty Warriors: The Nephilim are often described as giants or people of extraordinary size and strength. The Hebrew word “Nephilim” is sometimes translated as “giants,” and their connection to the Anakim in the Book of Numbers reinforces this idea. The Anakim were described as a race of giants in Canaan, and their connection to the Nephilim suggests that the term could refer to people who were literal giants or individuals of enormous power and influence.
4. Mythical or Symbolic Figures: Some scholars argue that the Nephilim may not refer to literal beings but instead symbolize the corruption and wickedness that had spread across the earth before the flood. In this interpretation, the Nephilim represent the widespread violence and immorality that prompted God to cleanse the earth with the flood.

The Role of the Nephilim in the Flood Narrative

The reference to the Nephilim in Genesis 6 is closely linked to the story of Noah’s flood. According to many interpretations, the Nephilim’s existence and the wickedness they symbolized contributed to God’s decision to destroy humanity through the flood, sparing only Noah and his family. Some believe that the Nephilim’s corrupted nature threatened the moral and spiritual fabric of the world, making their destruction necessary.

However, the fact that the Nephilim are mentioned as being present both “in those days—and also afterward” has led to speculation that some of them, or their descendants, may have survived the flood. This has fueled additional theories about their continued presence on Earth, particularly in later biblical stories such as the battles between the Israelites and the Anakim.

The Nephilim in Apocryphal Texts

The Nephilim are further elaborated upon in apocryphal and pseudepigraphal texts, which are not considered canonical in most branches of Judaism and Christianity but provide additional insight into ancient beliefs:

1. The Book of Enoch: The Book of Enoch, a Jewish apocryphal text, offers one of the most detailed accounts of the Nephilim. It expands on the idea that the “sons of God” were fallen angels, known as the Watchers, who descended to Earth and took human wives. The Nephilim, born from these unions, were giants who wreaked havoc on the earth, leading to great violence and sin. The Watchers were eventually punished by God, and their offspring, the Nephilim, were destroyed by the flood.
2. The Book of Jubilees: Another apocryphal text, the Book of Jubilees, also touches on the story of the Nephilim, closely aligning with the narrative found in the Book of Enoch. It portrays the Nephilim as part of the reason for God’s wrath and the need for a divine reset through the flood.

Symbolism and Legacy of the Nephilim

1. Symbol of Human Hubris: The Nephilim, as hybrids of divine beings and humans, can be seen as a symbol of human ambition and hubris. Their very existence, resulting from an attempt to transcend the boundaries between the divine and the mortal, might represent humanity’s attempts to grasp powers beyond their rightful domain, a theme echoed in other myths like the Tower of Babel.
2. Wickedness and Divine Judgment: The Nephilim’s role in the flood narrative ties them to the theme of divine judgment. They are often seen as the embodiment of moral corruption and wickedness on Earth, representing a state of humanity that had fallen so far from divine grace that it required total destruction and renewal.
3. Giant Beings in Later Traditions: The idea of giant beings, particularly with divine or supernatural origins, is not unique to the Bible and appears in many other mythologies around the world. The Nephilim can be seen as part of a broader tradition of myths about gods, angels, or spirits intermingling with humans to create powerful, sometimes dangerous hybrid beings.

Modern Interpretations and Popular Culture

The mystery surrounding the Nephilim has continued to captivate imaginations, leading to their depiction in various modern contexts:

• Literature and Film: The Nephilim frequently appear in modern novels, films, and TV shows, often portrayed as fallen angels, giants, or ancient beings with supernatural powers.
• Conspiracy Theories: Some conspiracy theories suggest that the Nephilim were an ancient race of aliens or demigods, and their descendants may still walk the Earth. These ideas often blend biblical interpretation with speculative theories about ancient civilizations and extraterrestrial life.
• Religious Debate: Within theological circles, the identity and role of the Nephilim continue to be a topic of discussion. Whether they are seen as literal beings, symbolic representations of moral decline, or something else entirely, the Nephilim remain a source of fascination and speculation.

Conclusion

The Nephilim are one of the most enigmatic figures in biblical mythology. As giants, fallen beings, or descendants of divine-human unions, they represent the intersection of the natural and the supernatural, the divine and the human. Their role in the pre-flood world, as well as their presence in post-biblical texts, has ensured that they remain an intriguing subject of both religious and cultural study.

Nephilim is a biblical creature. The name is often loosely translated as “giants” but also as “fallen” and “fallen angels”. It is also left untranslated in some versions [1-3]. 

The identity of the Nephilim as a creature is disputed by many as the passage that is the main reference to them in the book of Genesis is ambiguous [1,2].  

Sometimes the great size of the Nephilim is interpreted as metaphorical as people who are considered great warriors [4-6]. They are also referred to as old warriors who descended into Sheol with their weapons [5].

Sources:

[1]: “Nephilim”. Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved 6 November 2020.

[2]: Doedens, J. J. T. (2019). The Sons of God in Genesis 6:1–4: Analysis and History of Exegesis. Brill. pp. 75–76. ISBN978-9004395909. Retrieved 10 October 2020.

[3]: For the view that “Nephilim” appear explicitly in Ezekiel 32, see Hendel, Ronald S. “Of Demigods and the Deluge: Toward an Interpretation of Genesis 6:1–4.” Journal of Biblical Literature, vol. 106, no. 1, 1987, p. 22. JSTOR3260551.

[4]: Zimmerli, W. (1983). Ezekiel: A Commentary on the Book of the Prophet Ezekiel, Chapters 25–48. Hermeneia. Translated by Martin, J. D. Philadelphia: Fortress. pp. 168, 176.

[5]: Hendel, Robert S. (1987). “Of demigods and the deluge: Towards an interpretation of Genesis 6:1–4”. Journal of Biblical Literature. 106 (1): 22. doi:10.2307/3260551. JSTOR3260551.

[6]: van der Toorn, Karel; Becking, Bob; van der Horst, Pieter Willem, eds. (1999). Dictionary of Deities and Demons in the Bible. ISBN978-0802824912. Retrieved 5 June 2015 – via Google Books.