Who were the giants?
The Bible mentions giants, especially the Nephilim, in Genesis 6:1-4, just before the Flood:
“There were giants on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God went in to the daughters of men...”
In the original Hebrew, Nephilim means “giants” or “fallen ones” and was not necessarily a proper name, but a poetic expression. Some scholars believe they were humans of great size and strength, while others argue they were a special lineage with exceptional power and influence. There are even interpretations linking them to fallen angelic beings, but this is debated.
Besides Genesis, giants appear in other parts of the Bible:
Goliath, defeated by David (1 Samuel 17)
Rephaim, a tribe of tall warriors (Numbers and Deuteronomy)
Anakim, in the land of Canaan (Joshua 11:21)
The Nephilim continue to generate debate among theologians, historians, and archaeologists, and some traditions interpret giants as metaphors for human power or wickedness.
Apocryphal and ancient Jewish texts, such as the Book of Enoch, expand their stories, showing that the mystery of the Bible’s giants fascinates to this day.
Did you know?