Nephilim
TextsWhat is the meaning of Nephilim in the Bible?
The Nephilim are mentioned in Genesis 6:4 as the offspring of the 'sons of God' and the 'daughters of men' during the antediluvian period, and later in Numbers 13:33 as descendants of Anak who inhabited Canaan, where they are described as having gigantic stature.
TEXTUAL SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the Nephilim helps readers grasp the ancient Israelite worldview regarding the boundaries between the divine and human realms, as well as the literary function of these figures in establishing the moral justification for the Flood and the conquest of Canaan.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Manuscript & Literary Context: Notice how Nephilim functions as an authoritative historical witness connecting earlier prophetic promises with scripture's broader fulfillment.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Nephilim in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Nephilim clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Genesis 6:4Numbers 13:33
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Nephilim." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/nephilim/