Nephilim (or Giants) In the Holy Bible: Who Were They?

March 2, 2025— The Holy Bible mentions a group of people known as the Nephilim. Some bible versions refer to them as “giants.”  Specifically, Genesis 6:4 states:

“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.”

This verse talks about two different groups of people:

1. Giants that existed before and after the time when fallen angels had intercourse with earthly women;

2. The offspring of fallen angels and earthly women.

   
   

Giants vs Nephilim

Genesis 6:4 states that giants existed before and after a specific period: when fallen angels and earthly women had children. According to verse 4, the giants were “mighty men who were of old, men of renown.”  However, what does this phrase mean? Is it referring to brute strength, reputation, or both? From reading across different bible versions, the giants were known for their strength and reputation.

Most bible versions in English use giants or a variation of Nephilim. It is important to note that Nephilim is a Hebrew word that translates to giants. Aside from Genesis 6:4, there are other instances of giants in the Holy Bible, which are described below.

Giants After the Fall

Before his death, Moses sent Caleb to spy on the land which was called Kadesh Barnea. When Caleb completed his duties, he brought back his observations to Moses. His words would scare the Israelites as he witnessed giants in the land. Nevertheless, Caleb was able to defeat the giants, and Moses promised him the land for his inheritance. As a result of this promise, Caleb would get the land while under the leadership of Joshua. See Joshua 14:6-14.   

Dead Sea located within Jordan and Israel.

There is a specific giant mentioned in the Holy Bible and he is well known—Goliath. The champion of the Philistine army appeared to be no match for a young shepherd man, David. Goliath’s massive size is recorded in 1 Samuel 4 as “six cubits and a span” (1 Samuel 17:4). So how tall is six cubits? A cubit is an ancient length of measure that is equal to the length of a forearm. Generally, this length was 18 inches.

If we assume 18 inches and multiply it by six, Goliath was 108 inches (or 9 feet) before “the span.”  How much the span is remains unclear. However, we can assume Goliath was a bit over 9 feet tall. By comparison, today’s basketball players, among the tallest professional athletes, average a height of 6 feet, 6 inches. Goliath was nearly 2.5 feet taller than today’s average basketball player.

Children of Fallen Angels and Earthly Women

According to the Holy Bible, sons of God took human women as wives. Aside from the mere mention of this occurrence, we do not know much about their offspring. By verse 5 (in Genesis 6), we read that God sees the wickedness of man on the earth, and feels sorry for having made them. The Lord is then set to destroy mankind through the flood where only Noah and his family would survive.

Back then, only eight people were saved by winning the grace of God (1 Peter 3:20). This was the first worldwide judgment cast by God. However, a second judgment is coming. The only way to be free of the second and final judgment is through the redemption of Jesus Christ.

Accepting Jesus

If you have not accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, I invite you to do so now. Jesus Christ is the Son of God who came in the flesh. Being innocent, Jesus died on the cross to pay the price of your sin. Three days later, Jesus Christ was resurrected in the flesh. Walking in the resurrected body for 40 days, Jesus ascended to the right hand of God. If you have not accepted Jesus Christ, I invite you to do so now. All it takes is saying this prayer aloud:

God, I confess that Jesus came in the flesh and blood, paid the price for my sins, died on the cross, rose on the third day, ascended to the heavens, and sent the Holy Spirit to help me understand Your ways. For that, I accept Jesus Christ as my savior and Lord, and I welcome the Holy Spirit in my life. In Jesus’s name, I pray, amen!