Giants are a fascinating and often mysterious part of biblical history, woven into the fabric of ancient texts and folklore around the world. In the Bible, the term Nephilim refers to the offspring of a union between divine beings and human women, described in Genesis 6. These giants and their descendants played significant roles in various biblical narratives and seem to be linked with specific people groups known for their formidable stature and strength. In this study, we will explore their origins, the famous giants of the Bible, their connection to certain tribes, and how their existence might have been one of the main catalysts for the Great Flood.
The Origins of the Nephilim
The earliest reference to giants in the Bible appears in Genesis 6:1-4:
“Now it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born to them, that the sons of God saw the daughters of men, that they were beautiful; and they took wives for themselves of all whom they chose. And the Lord said, ‘My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, for he is indeed flesh; yet his days shall be one hundred and twenty years.’ There 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.” (Genesis 6:1-4, NKJV)
The phrase “sons of God” has been interpreted in various ways, but many scholars agree that it refers to angelic beings or “fallen angels.” This interpretation is further supported by examining the other Old Testament uses of the term “sons of God,” which always refer to angelic beings. For instance, in the Book of Job, we read:
“Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them” (Job 1:6, NKJV).
Again, in Job 2:1, “the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord.”
In these contexts, “sons of God” unmistakably refers to angelic beings, standing before the throne of God. This consistent usage reinforces the interpretation that the “sons of God” in Genesis 6 are also angelic beings, not human descendants of Seth.
Moreover, the Book of Jude provides additional clarity: “And the angels who did not keep their proper domain, but left their own abode, He has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness for the judgment of the great day” (Jude 1:6, NKJV). These angelic beings, through forbidden unions with human women, produced offspring called the Nephilim, who were described as “mighty men of old, men of renown.”
Nephilim as Giants
While the term Nephilim is often debated, there is a direct biblical connection between the Nephilim and their portrayal as giants. In Numbers 13:33, the Israelite spies report:
“There we saw the giants (Nephilim)—the descendants of Anak came from the giants; and we were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight” (Numbers 13:33, NKJV).
This verse clearly equates the Nephilim with beings of immense size, causing the Israelites to feel insignificant, like grasshoppers by comparison. The description aligns with the idea that these were not merely tall individuals, but truly colossal figures, reinforcing the interpretation of Nephilim as giants.
The Famous Giants in the Bible
- Goliath of Gath: Perhaps the most famous giant in the Bible, Goliath is introduced in 1 Samuel 17. He was a champion of the Philistines, described as being “six cubits and a span” tall, which translates to approximately nine feet and nine inches. David’s victory over Goliath is a classic tale of divine intervention and faith overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds.Goliath’s armor is described in detail in 1 Samuel 17:4-7. He wore a bronze helmet and a coat of mail that weighed about 5,000 shekels of bronze, which is approximately 125 pounds (57 kilograms). His legs were protected by bronze greaves, and he carried a bronze javelin slung across his back. The shaft of his spear was as thick as a weaver’s beam, and the iron spearhead itself weighed 600 shekels, or about 15 pounds (7 kilograms). Goliath’s impressive and heavy armor highlighted his formidable stature and strength, intimidating the Israelites and emphasizing the seemingly insurmountable challenge faced by young David.
- Og, King of Bashan: Another notable giant is Og, king of Bashan. Deuteronomy 3:11 provides a remarkable detail about him: “For only Og king of Bashan remained of the remnant of the giants. Indeed his bedstead was an iron bedstead. (Is it not in Rabbah of the people of Ammon?) Nine cubits is its length and four cubits its width, according to the standard cubit.” This would make Og’s bed approximately thirteen feet long and six feet wide, indicating his massive size.
Tribes and People Groups of Giants
Several tribes and people groups in the Bible are associated with giants, highlighting their widespread presence:
- The Anakim: The Anakim were a race of giants known for their intimidating stature. Numbers 13:33 records the report of the Israelite spies: “There we saw the giants (the descendants of Anak came from the giants); and we were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight.” The Anakim were significant adversaries in the conquest of Canaan.
- The Rephaim: Mentioned frequently in the Old Testament, the Rephaim were considered giants. Deuteronomy 2:10-11 states: “The Emim had dwelt there in times past, a people as great and numerous and tall as the Anakim. They were also regarded as giants, like the Anakim, but the Moabites call them Emim.” The Rephaim appear to have been spread across different regions and were known by various names.
- The Zamzummim: Another group linked with the Rephaim are the Zamzummim. Deuteronomy 2:20-21 says: “That was also regarded as a land of giants; giants formerly dwelt there. But the Ammonites call them Zamzummim, a people as great, numerous, and tall as the Anakim.”
- The Philistine Giants: Beyond Goliath, 2 Samuel 21:15-22 mentions battles between David’s warriors and other giants from Gath, showing that the Philistines harbored more than one giant in their midst.
The Global Presence of Giants in Ancient Cultures
The concept of giants is not unique to the Bible; nearly every ancient culture has stories or legends involving beings of immense size and strength. From the Greek Titans to the Norse Jotnar (frost giants) and the giants of Native American lore, these beings often held positions of power and were regarded as formidable opponents to gods or men. The ubiquity of these stories suggests that the idea of giants many of them are rooted in historical events.
Nimrod: A Mighty Man or a Giant?
Nimrod, described in Genesis 10:8-9 as “a mighty hunter before the Lord,” has intrigued scholars for generations. Some have speculated that the term “mighty man” aligns with the language used for the Nephilim and their descendants, suggesting that Nimrod could have been part of this legacy. His establishment of major cities like Babel, and his reputation for power, add to this theory. However, while there is no direct biblical evidence stating that Nimrod was a giant, the association with the term “mighty man” warrants consideration.
Giants and the Reason for the Flood
The introduction of the Nephilim in Genesis 6 is immediately followed by God’s decision to bring the Great Flood. Scripture states, “Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Genesis 6:5). This wickedness was not limited to moral corruption but extended to the physical corruption of creation itself. Genesis 6:12 states, “So God looked upon the earth, and indeed it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth.”
The presence of the Nephilim, described as “mighty men who were of old, men of renown” (Genesis 6:4), is often linked to this corruption. The account of angelic beings taking human wives and producing offspring suggests a profound defilement of God’s created order. These unions likely resulted in the corruption of the human gene pool, further intensifying the wickedness and moral decline of humanity. The phrase “all flesh had corrupted their way” may indicate that the Nephilim not only defiled humanity but also tainted the broader creation.
In contrast, Noah stands as a beacon of purity in this corrupted world. “Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God” (Genesis 6:9). The description of Noah being “perfect in his generations” has been interpreted as a reference to both his moral integrity and the untainted nature of his lineage. Unlike the corrupted flesh of the rest of humanity, Noah’s family was not defiled, preserving the purity of the human race. This distinction underscores why Noah found favor in God’s eyes and why he and his family were chosen to survive the Flood.
Thus, while human wickedness alone was sufficient to provoke God’s judgment, the widespread corruption of flesh—likely influenced by the presence of the Nephilim—played a significant role in necessitating the divine reset of the Flood. It was both an act of judgment and an act of preservation, ensuring that humanity could continue through Noah’s righteous and uncorrupted line.
Giants in the Conquest of Canaan
The conquest of Canaan involved battles with various tribes of giants. Joshua 11:21-22 notes: “And at that time Joshua came and cut off the Anakim from the mountains: from Hebron, from Debir, from Anab, from all the mountains of Judah, and from all the mountains of Israel; Joshua utterly destroyed them with their cities. None of the Anakim were left in the land of the children of Israel; they remained only in Gaza, in Gath, and in Ashdod.” This passage underscores that remnants of these giants continued to exist in regions like Gath, where Goliath later emerged.
Characteristics and Traits of Giants
The biblical accounts of giants describe them as exceptionally large and powerful beings. Their physical descriptions imply a scale that dwarfed ordinary humans, as in the case of Goliath and Og. The narratives suggest that giants were often warriors or leaders among their people, posing significant threats to the Israelites.
The Angelic Influence and Free Will
The origin of the Nephilim through the union of the “sons of God” and human women implies that angels have free will and the ability to act outside of God’s intended order. Jude 1:6 and 2 Peter 2:4 mention that certain angels “did not keep their proper domain” and are now “reserved in everlasting chains under darkness.” This rebellion underscores the severe consequences of angelic disobedience and how it impacted humanity.
The Continuing Legacy of Giants
While biblical mentions of giants largely fade after the time of David, the idea of their existence persists in folklore and archaeological curiosities. Skeptics and enthusiasts alike have pointed to alleged findings of giant skeletons and ancient texts that parallel the biblical accounts. While these claims remain controversial, they contribute to the intrigue surrounding the Nephilim and their descendants.
My Final Thoughts
The giants of the Bible, from the Nephilim to Goliath and beyond, represent more than just tales of larger-than-life beings. They are part of a complex narrative involving divine beings, human disobedience, and God’s judgment. The Bible provides us with glimpses into the mysterious history of these giants, their origins, and their roles in pivotal moments of Scripture. By studying these accounts, we gain a deeper appreciation for the gravity of the spiritual conflict described in the Bible and the lengths to which God goes to protect His creation and maintain the purity of His people.
