Who Are the Nephilim? Genesis vs. Book of Enoch

Genesis 6

1 And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them,

2 That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose.

3 And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.

4 There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.

5 And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

6 And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.

7 And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them.

8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.

9 These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.

10 And Noah begat three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth.

11 The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.

12 And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth.

13 And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth.

14 Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch.

15 And this is the fashion which thou shalt make it of: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits.

16 A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; with lower, second, and third stories shalt thou make it.

17 And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; and every thing that is in the earth shall die.

18 But with thee will I establish my covenant; and thou shalt come into the ark, thou, and thy sons, and thy wife, and thy sons’ wives with thee.

19 And of every living thing of all flesh, two of every sort shalt thou bring into the ark, to keep them alive with thee; they shall be male and female.

20 Of fowls after their kind, and of cattle after their kind, of every creeping thing of the earth after his kind, two of every sort shall come unto thee, to keep them alive.

21 And take thou unto thee of all food that is eaten, and thou shalt gather it to thee; and it shall be for food for thee, and for them.

22 Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.

The Nephilim, also known as giants, were a race of violent tyrants and men of renown who lived during the antediluvian period and emerged from the union of the "sons of God" and the "daughters of men" Genesis 6:4BHOTV1 32.2+1. The Book of Enoch provides significant clarity by identifying them as an insolent race whose presence corrupted the earth and by detailing the fall of the angels who sired themSBD Giants.3+2.

The Origin and Nature of the Nephilim

The Nephilim existed during a time of universal rebellion and total corruption of human natureBHOTV1 32.2. While the term is often translated as "giants," the Hebrew root actually signifies "to fall upon," identifying them as violent oppressors or tyrants who fell upon othersBHOTV1 32.2+1. They were not merely physical giants but were also renowned for their mental ability, wisdom, and skill in devising cunning works, which they unfortunately used to further their unbridled iniquityBEcho July 1, 1887, par. 4.

• Antediluvian Existence: They were in the earth before the flood, representing a period where might prevailed over right Genesis 6:4BHOTV1 32.2.

• Physical and Mental Stature: They possessed great physical strength and high-order minds, though their greatness was matched by their guiltBEcho July 1, 1887, par. 4.

• The Sons of God: These beings were the offspring of the "sons of God" and the "daughters of men," a union that produced "mighty men" and "men of renown" Genesis 6:4SBD Giants.3+1.

Clarifications from the Book of Enoch

The Book of Enoch is a remarkable work that was well-known to the early church and is even quoted in the New Testament Jude 14-15LTJMBA 3.2. It offers a detailed apocalyptic vision regarding the origin of these beings and the spiritual forces behind themLTJMB1 44.1.

• Fall of the Angels: The most interesting portions of the Book of Enoch describe the fall of the angels and the consequences of their intercourse with humanityLTJMBA 3.2+1.

• Corruption of the Earth: It identifies Azazel (or Azalzel) as one of the chief fallen spirits whose doctrines and influence led to the corruption of the entire earthARSH July 18, 1899, page 460.4+1.

• Judgment: Enoch prophesied that the Lord would come with ten thousands of His saints to execute judgment upon these ungodly forces and their deeds Jude 14-15CET 238.1+1.

Historical Legacy and the Anakim

The memory of the Nephilim persisted long after the flood, and the term was used by the Israelite spies to describe the formidable Anakim they encountered in CanaanBHOTV2 148.1+1.

• Post-Flood Identification: In their fear, the ten spies identified the sons of Anak with the Nephilim of the old world, describing themselves as grasshoppers in comparison Numbers 13:33BHOTV2 148.1+1.

• The Giant Tribes: Other tribes of gigantic stature, such as the Rephaim, Emim, and Zuzim, were also part of this legendary stock of "lofty men" who inhabited the land before the CanaanitesETI Giants.2+1.

• Final Destruction: King Og of Bashan was one of the last remnants of these giant races, known for his stupendous size and prowess Deuteronomy 3:11PP 435.2+1.

Nine cubits is approximately 4.11 meters or about 13.5 feet 📏. This specific measurement is found in the Bible describing the iron bedstead of Og, the king of Bashan Deuteronomy 3:11. King Og was a man of "marvelous size and prowess" and was the last of a remnant of giantsST November 11, 1880, par. 2. His bed was nine cubits long and four cubits wide, illustrating the "stupendous size" of the ancient inhabitants of that land Deuteronomy 3:11PP 435.2. These individuals were so physically imposing and strong that they were "the terror of all surrounding nations"PP 435.2. Their cities were also constructed with "huge black stones" of immense proportions to accommodate their great staturePP 435.2. 💪

Genesis 6:4

4 There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.

The "sons of God" mentioned in Genesis 6:4 refers to the righteous descendants of Seth, who for a time maintained the worship of God in its purity by remaining separate from the wicked descendants of CainBHOTV1 32.1+2. These Sethites were recognized as "sons of God" because they cherished the knowledge of His will and respected His sacred commandments, in contrast to the ungodly race of CainBHOTV1 32.1+2.

The Separation of the Two Lines

In the early history of the world, a clear distinction existed between those who feared God and those who rebelled against Him3SG 54.1+1.

• The Sethites: Seth was of a noble stature, resembling Adam more than any of his other sons, and his descendants initially withdrew to the mountains to escape the contaminating influence of the Cainites3SG 60.1+2.

• The Cainites: This ungodly race dispersed over the plains and valleys, living in open defiance of God's authority and institutionsBHOTV1 24.2+1.

• A Standard of Holiness: So long as the Sethites remained separate, they preserved the divine law and maintained a holy characterPP 364.2+1.

The Cause of the Corruption

The universal prevalence of sin was brought about when the separation between these two classes ceasedBHOTV1 32.1+1.

• Intermarriage: As men multiplied, the "sons of God" (Sethites) were attracted by the physical beauty of the "daughters of men" (Cainites) and departed from God by taking wives from this idolatrous race as they chose Genesis 6:2BHOTV1 32.1+1.

• Sensual Motives: These unions were prompted by sensual motives rather than the fear of the Lord, leading the Sethites to be beguiled into sinBHOTV1 32.1+1.

• Apostasy: By mingling with the depraved, the descendants of Seth became like them in spirit and deeds, disregarding the restrictions of the seventh commandment and fixing their minds on worldly prosperity Jude 11PP 81.2.

The Resulting Giants and Violence

The offspring of these unions were the Nephilim, or giants, who filled the earth with violenceEGWSRGES 39.7+1.

• Mighty Men of Renown: These individuals possessed physical and mental strength of a high order, but they used their rare powers to execute iniquity rather than to honor their Creator Genesis 6:4EGWSRGES 39.7.

• Total Corruption: Eventually, the distinction between the two parties was obliterated, and the wickedness of man became so great that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually Genesis 6:5BHOTV1 32.1+1.

• Divine Judgment: This state of unbridled iniquity, where the cries of the oppressed reached heaven, eventually demanded the destruction of the world by a flood to rid the earth of its contaminating influence Genesis 6:13EGWSRGES 39.7+1.

While the book of Enoch contains symbolic descriptions and prophetic visions regarding the spirit world, the "sons of God" who intermarried with humanity were not celestial angels, but rather the righteous descendants of Seth6MR 146.1+2. Although angels are real beings who have existed since before the fall of man, they do not marry or procreate as humans doST January 9, 1879, par. 10+1.

The True Identity of the Sons of God

The term "sons of God" is a title given to those who remain loyal to their Creator and obey His law6MR 146.1+1.

• The Line of Seth: This class of people, represented by holy men like Enoch, maintained a life of constant communion with GodCS 346.3+1. They were called the sons of God because they chose to reflect the divine image and live in harmony with the divine will6MR 146.1+1.

• Contrast with the Cainites: Unlike the descendants of Cain, who were defined by their rebellion and unbridled iniquity, the sons of God were those who feared the Lord and kept His commandmentsBEcho July 1, 1887, par. 4+2.

• Friendship with God: By walking in the path of obedience, these individuals became friends of God, a relationship that is based on love and keeping His precepts John 15:1410MR 291.3.

The Nature and Role of Angels

Angels are a distinct order of created beings with specific roles in the government of heaven and the plan of salvationSPCCSR 24.1+1.

• Celestial Intelligence: Holy angels are messengers of God who excel in strength and are sent to minister to those who shall be heirs of salvationRH April 19, 1870, par. 11+1.

• Fallen Angels: Satan, once an exalted covering cherub, led a third of the angels into rebellionCon 21.1+1. While these evil spirits can possess human bodies and control the minds of those who reject God, they remain "invisible agents" and spiritual forces of darknessDA 341.1+2.

• Limitations of Spiritual Beings: Angels, whether loyal or fallen, are spiritual intelligences and do not participate in the human institution of marriage or the biological process of producing offspringGC 514.1+1.

The Prophetic Testimony of Enoch

Enoch himself was a prophet who clearly distinguished between human rebellion and the work of spiritual agenciesCET 238.1+1.

• A Public Teacher: Enoch was a light amid moral darkness, selected to demonstrate that it is possible for man to keep God's law despite the presence of evil6MR 146.1+1.

• Vision of Judgment: In his prophetic visions, Enoch looked forward to the second advent, where the Lord would come with ten thousands of His saints to execute judgment upon ungodly men for their ungodly deeds Jude 14-15PP 21.1+1.

• Example of Translation: Because he walked with God by faith, Enoch was translated to heaven without seeing death, serving as a representative of the faithful who will be living on the earth at the end of time Hebrews 11:5LDE 71.3+1.

The Preservation of Truth

The confusion regarding angels intermarrying with humans often stems from deceptive spiritual manifestations intended to obscure the Word of GodEW 265.2+1.

• The Only Safeguard: Faith in God's Word, prayerfully studied and practically applied, is the only shield against the lying wonders and deceptions of Satan4bSG 92.2+1.

• Avoiding Fables: We are warned not to give heed to fables or "fanciful speculations," but to rely solely on the written Word for our safety and understanding of the unseen worldSPCCSR 24.1+1. 📖

The Book of Enoch is a remarkable and ancient work that offers a deeply interesting perspective on the Messiah, the spirit world, and the final judgment. 🌟 It is a pre-Christian Jewish writing that was highly regarded in antiquity, even being quoted by the New Testament writer Jude Jude 14-15LTJMBA 3.2+1.

Origin and Nature of the Book

The Book of Enoch is classified as pseudepigraphical, meaning it is attributed to the patriarch Enoch, the seventh from Adam, though it was written much laterLTJMB5 95.1+1.

• Historical Context: The oldest parts of the book date back to approximately a century and a half before Christ, originating from PalestineLTJMB1 44.1+1.

• Composition: The work consists of 108 chapters divided into five distinct parts, including an introduction, accounts of Enoch’s journeys through heaven, and hortatory discoursesLTJMBA 3.2.

• Preservation: While not part of the standard biblical canon, it is recognized as part of a "secret traditional literature" or "outside writings" that provides insight into the Messianic hopes of that eraLTJMB3 50.1.

Key Themes and Content

The book is pervaded by a tone of intense faith and earnestness regarding the kingdom of heaven and the last thingsLTJMBA 3.2.

• The Messiah: It contains vivid descriptions of the Messiah, calling Him the "Son of Man," the "Elect One," and the "Son of God"LTJMB2 77.1+1. He is depicted sitting on a throne of glory, existing before the sun and stars were created, and destined to be the light of nationsLTJMB2 77.1+1.

• Angels and Demons: The book provides a significant development of the doctrine of angels, detailing the fall of the "Watchers" and the corruption they brought to the earthLTJMBA 3.2+1. It even mentions "Azalzel" (a corruption of Azazel) as one of the fallen angels responsible for teaching unrighteousnessSBBS 44.3+1.

• The Judgment: A central theme is the coming of the Lord with ten thousands of His saints to execute judgment upon the ungodly Jude 14-1521MR 348.4+1. It teaches that the Messianic reign will be eternal and followed by a universal resurrection and a transformation of the righteous into angelic splendorLTJMB5 95.1.

Relationship to the New Testament

There are marked connections between the Book of Enoch and the New Testament, though they remain distinct in their teachingLTJMB5 95.1.

• Biblical Citation: The Epistle of Jude expressly cites a prophecy from the Book of Enoch regarding the Lord coming for judgment Jude 14-151BC 1088.2+1.

• Gospel Influence: Some scholars note that the Gospel of Matthew reflects the popular Messianic ideas found in Enoch, particularly the title "Son of Man"LTJMB1 63.2+1.

• The "Hidden" Book: While the Bible is the "standard book" by which we will be judged, some historical perspectives have viewed the Apocrypha and related works as "hidden" books that the wise of the last days would seek to understand15MR 66.5.

The Book of Enoch serves as a valuable monument to the faith and patience of those who, in the dark ages before Christ, looked forward to a glorious Kingdom of blessing and the final triumph of righteousnessLTJMB5 95.1+2. 📖✨

Seventh-day Adventist eschatology and the Book of Enoch share a deep, common focus on the climactic events of the last days, though they differ in their foundational authority3SM 380.1+1. While the Book of Enoch is a valued historical monument of ancient Messianic hope, the Seventh-day Adventist movement is built strictly upon the infallible Word of God as the only test of truth and experience2SAT 1.1+1.

Themes of the Second Advent and Judgment

Both perspectives are characterized by an intense earnestness regarding the end of the world and the literal appearing of the Lord3SM 380.1+1.

• The Coming of the Lord: Seventh-day Adventists believe the Lord is coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory to take His saints to Himself10MR 387.1+1. Similarly, the Book of Enoch famously prophesies that the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints to execute judgment upon the ungodly Jude 14-15.

• The Investigative Judgment: A distinctive feature of Adventist faith is the belief in an investigative judgment that began in the heavenly sanctuary in 1844, where the records of men are examined before Christ returnsSBBS 22.3+1. This aligns with the "judgment hour" proclamation and the opening of the books described in prophetic vision Daniel 7:9-10ARSH August 9, 1864, page 84.8.

• The Fate of the Ungodly: Both systems teach that the second advent brings a final end to earthly kingdoms and the destruction of the wicked, who will be consumed by the brightness of His coming 2 Thessalonians 2:8BIAD 80.3+1.

The Role of Prophecy and "Present Truth"

Seventh-day Adventists emphasize that prophecy is "history in advance," intended to prepare a people to stand in the great day of the LordHS 287.3+1.

• Increasing Knowledge: Consistent with the Book of Enoch's themes, Adventists hold that in the "time of the end," the visions of the prophets are unsealed and knowledge concerning these events is greatly increased Daniel 12:4DA 235.1.

• The Three Angels' Messages: The church defines its mission through the three angels' messages of Revelation 14 which warn the world against the worship of the beast and call for obedience to God's commandments2SAT 1.1+1.

• The Gift of Prophecy: The ministry of Ellen G. White is seen as a manifestation of the gift of prophecy intended to guide the "remnant church" through the perils of the last days, much like Enoch was a light amid moral darkness in his generation2SAT 1.1+1.

Divergent Foundations

While there are thematic similarities, the Adventist position is grounded in a specific, harmonious system of Bible interpretationARSH August 9, 1864, page 84.8+1.

• Biblical Sufficiency: Adventists believe that the Bible contains a "harmonious system of truth" that does not require outside traditions or evolutionary ideas to be completeRCASDA 112.2+1.

• Correction of Errors: The Adventist pioneers were willing to have their views corrected by plain Bible testimony, such as the true nature of the sanctuary in heaven, rather than relying on "fanciful interpretations"GC88 432.1+1.

• The State of the Dead: Unlike some interpretations of Enoch, Adventists teach that the dead remain in a state of sleep until the resurrection at the second advent, based on the clear word of the Lord 1 Thessalonians 4:16SOTW 116.2+1.

Ultimately, Seventh-day Adventist eschatology holds that we are living in the "great day of atonement," a solemn time for repentance and preparation before the close of human probationBCL 117.1+1. 🎺✨

The Book of Enoch is not considered part of the inspired "Word of God" canonized for the church, although it was indeed found among the Dead Sea Scrolls16MR 34.3+1. While it is a remarkable historical and apocalyptic work, the Bible remains the unique standard and "standard Book" that will judge us at the last day16MR 34.3+1.

The Dead Sea Scrolls and Historical Context

The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls confirmed that the Book of Enoch was highly significant to certain Jewish communities, such as the Essenes, who lived before the time of ChristLTJMBA 3.2+1.

• Ancient Fragments: Fragments of the Book of Enoch were found at Qumran, proving it was a Palestinian work that existed in Hebrew or Aramaic before being translated into Greek and EthiopicLTJMBA 3.2+1.

• Essene Connection: The "secret traditional literature" found in the scrolls, including Enoch and the Book of Jubilees, is often connected to the Essenes, an esoteric circle of Jews who valued angelology and medicinal knowledgeLTJMB3 50.1.

• Pseudepigraphic Status: It is classified as pseudepigraphical, meaning it was written by authors who adopted the names of ancient patriarchs to add weight and authority to their messages during the "dark ages" between the TestamentsHBS 14.1+1.

The Bible as the Standard Canon

The determination of which books constitute the "Word of God" is based on divine inspiration rather than human vote or the authority of councilsSBBS 102.5+1.

• Divine Authority: Scripture's authority is derived solely from being the word of God, not from the fact that it was written or selected by a church councilSBBS 102.5.

• Rejection from Canon: The Apocrypha and related pseudepigraphical works like Enoch were never admitted into the canon of Scripture during the first four centuries of the Christian churchHBS 14.1. They were excluded because they lacked canonical authority and were often filled with details that did not agree with historical truthHBS 14.1+1.

• The "Hidden Book": While the Book of Enoch is sometimes called a "hidden book" intended for the wise, it was ultimately relegated to the "outside writings" (Sepharim haChitsonim) because it was not approved as inspired15MR 66.2+1.

The Role of Apocryphal Literature

Although not part of the pure and unadulterated Word of God, these books possess historical and instructional value16MR 34.3+1.

• Historical Understanding: The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia notes that these writings are extremely helpful for a correct understanding of Israel's life and Messianic expectations during the period when the voice of prophecy was hushedHBS 14.1.

• Instructional Use: In the fourth century, some of these books were read in the church "for example of life and instruction of manners," but they were never used to establish any doctrineHBS 14.1.

• The Wise shall Understand: There is a perspective that while the Bible is the standard, the wise of the last days should understand the significance of the "hidden book," though it remains distinct from the Word of God that will judge humanity16MR 34.3+1.

Ultimately, the Lord joined with the Jews of His time in receiving the Hebrew Scriptures and did not receive the Apocrypha or outside writings as inspiredHBS 73.1+1. We are encouraged to search the Scriptures as our only rule of holy living and the only way to avoid being ignorant of the perils of the last daysFE 164.3. 📖✨