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What in the Word?

Who Are the “Sons of God” and Nephilim? | James Hamilton on Genesis 6

Jan 30, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Dr. James M. Hamilton Jr., a biblical theology professor and pastor, delves into Genesis 6:1–4. He unpacks the identities of the 'sons of God' and the mysterious Nephilim, exploring interpretations ranging from angelic beings to the godly line of Seth. The conversation highlights the nuances of biblical language and its implications for understanding human sin. Hamilton also emphasizes the themes of judgment and mercy as vital elements of the narrative, offering rich insights for both teaching and personal reflection.
51:26

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Quick takeaways

  • The interpretation of the 'sons of God' varies, encompassing both the godly line of Seth and angelic beings, illustrating the moral stakes of intermarriage between faith and unfaithfulness.
  • The Nephilim's existence and their threatening nature underscore themes of sin and divine judgment, emphasizing humanity's need for redemption amid corruption and rebellion.

Deep dives

Understanding the Sons of God

The passage from Genesis 6 refers to the 'sons of God' and their union with the 'daughters of men', which has led to several interpretations. One common interpretation identifies the 'sons of God' as the godly line of Seth, while the 'daughters of men' are considered the ungodly line of Cain, suggesting that the passage addresses the moral implications of intermarriage between the faithful and the unfaithful. Advocates for this view note the genealogical context surrounding Genesis 6, which highlights a persistent theme in early Genesis: the struggle between good and evil lineages. However, other interpretations propose that the 'sons of God' are actually angelic beings who have taken human wives, indicating a more supernatural element to the narrative.

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