Genesis 6:4
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.
Genesis 6:4
This verse introduces the enigmatic “giants” (often called Nephilim in Hebrew) and the later phrase about “the sons of God” and “the daughters of men.” The land’s pre-Flood period is portrayed as a time when divine beings or powerful ancestral figures may have intermarried with human descendants, producing hybrid offspring who became mighty men of old, men of renown. The precise nature of the “sons of God” is debated: some view them as fallen angels, others as righteous lineages of Seth and the ungodly line of Cain. The “giants” label could refer to physically towering warriors or to famed heroes whose fame represented rampant violence and corruption. The cultural context recognizes a world in which divine beings, kings, and heroic figures often intermingled with human affairs, shaping kingship, theology, and ethics. The verse highlights the broader moral chaos and blurred boundaries between the sacred and the secular, contributing to the justification for the coming judgment and the call to righteousness embodied in Noah.
This verse sets up a central tension in Genesis 6: the mingling of the sacred with the human in a way that erodes moral order. It raises questions about the origins of violence, power, and idolatry. The “giants” symbolize human ambition and the corruption of power when boundaries of holiness are violated. The text suggests that corruption is not only personal but systemic, infiltrating families, communities, and societal structures. Theologically, it anticipates God’s judgment about human rebellion and the necessity of divine intervention to restore order. It also foreshadows the theme of “sons of God” and “daughters of men” as a precursor to the renewal narrative centered on Noah, who remains faithful in a world deeply compromised.
What boundaries are being crossed in our time—between sacred responsibility and secular power, between truth and manipulation? This verse invites vigilance about the sources of influence in our communities, including media, leadership, and relationships. Practical steps:
- Examine the values driving our ambitions: do they align with God’s justice and mercy?
- Cultivate discernment about who shapes your worldview and why.
- Be cautious of power that elevates self over others and corrupts boundaries.
- Foster a culture of humility where leaders admit mistakes and seek God’s guidance.
In personal life, the message is to pursue integrity in family and work: avoid alliances or practices that compromise righteousness. Trust that God sees the consequences of corruption and calls for faithful witness, even when it’s easier to follow the crowd.
Cross-References: Job 9:9; Psalm 82:6; Jude 1:6-7; 2 Peter 2:4; Genesis 3:15