Who were the Nephilim in the Bible?

The Nephilim are mentioned in Genesis 6:4, described as 'mighty men which were of old, men of renown,' living before the flood. The word is sometimes translated 'giants.' Scripture says very little else about them, so much about them remains a mystery.

Who were the 'sons of God' in Genesis 6?

Faithful Christians have understood this differently. Some believe the 'sons of God' were a godly family line (the descendants of Seth) who married into an ungodly line; others have read it as referring to heavenly beings. Because the Bible gives few details, it is wise not to be dogmatic.

Why does the Bible mention the Nephilim?

The passage appears just before the story of Noah, and its purpose is to show how corrupt the world had become before the flood — which is why God, in mercy, began again through Noah. The very next verse is full of hope: 'But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.'

Bible Mysteries & Wonder · Golden Faith Publishing

Who Were the Nephilim?

A gentle, large-print Bible mystery to read aloud and wonder over together — held with humility, and always pointing us back to God.

Tucked into the story of Noah are four of the most mysterious verses in the whole Bible. They mention the Nephilim — sometimes translated “giants” — and “the sons of God.” The passage is brief, and it has made readers wonder for thousands of years. Let's look at it gently and honestly.

The Story

A few mysterious verses before the flood

Just before the story of Noah's ark, Genesis pauses to tell us something strange. It says that “the sons of God” took wives among “the daughters of men,” and that there were Nephilim in the earth in those days — “mighty men which were of old, men of renown.” (Genesis 6:4)

And that is nearly all Scripture says. The passage is short, and then the story moves on to Noah and the great flood.

The Mystery

Who were they — and who were the "sons of God"?

Here is the wonder, and it's a good place to be honest that faithful Christians have understood this passage in different ways:

Some believe the “sons of God” were a godly family line (the descendants of Seth) who married into an ungodly line, and the Nephilim were simply powerful, famous people of that age.
Others have understood the passage to speak of heavenly beings in some way, though Scripture gives very few details.
The word translated “Nephilim” or “giants” appears again later, describing people who seemed unusually large and strong.

The Bible does not spell out the full answer, and it does not need to. The passage's real purpose is clear: it shows how far the world had wandered before the flood, and why God, in mercy, began again through Noah. When Scripture leaves a detail a mystery, the most peaceful path is not to build too much upon it.

A Verse to Remember

“But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.” — Genesis 6:8

Right after these mysterious verses comes one of the most hopeful lines in the Bible. However dark the days had grown, God's grace was still at work — and it still is.

Let's Wonder Together

There are no wrong answers here — just gentle questions to share aloud:

Is there a part of the Bible you've always wondered about?
Noah “found grace.” When have you felt God's grace in your own life?
Who has been a “Noah” for you — someone faithful in hard times?

Lord, thank You that even in confusing times, Your grace is always near. Help us rest in what we know of You, hold the mysteries gently, and, like Noah, find grace in Your eyes. Amen.

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From Our Bookshelf

This is one of 50 mysteries in our large-print book

If this kind of gentle, wonder-filled reading blessed you, you’ll love 50 Fascinating Questions & Mysteries of the Bible — fifty of Scripture’s most fascinating questions, each told as a short, standalone story in true large print, with gentle conversation questions and a short prayer. Made to be read aloud together at home or in memory care.

Frequently asked questions

Who were the Nephilim in the Bible?: The Nephilim are mentioned in Genesis 6:4, described as 'mighty men which were of old, men of renown,' living before the flood. The word is sometimes translated 'giants.' Scripture says very little else about them, so much about them remains a mystery.
Who were the 'sons of God' in Genesis 6?: Faithful Christians have understood this differently. Some believe the 'sons of God' were a godly family line (the descendants of Seth) who married into an ungodly line; others have read it as referring to heavenly beings. Because the Bible gives few details, it is wise not to be dogmatic.
Why does the Bible mention the Nephilim?: The passage appears just before the story of Noah, and its purpose is to show how corrupt the world had become before the flood — which is why God, in mercy, began again through Noah. The very next verse is full of hope: 'But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.'

More Bible mysteries & free resources

Part of Golden Faith's complete guide to faith-based activities for dementia. These are resources for comfort and connection, not medical advice.