Heroes of Old
Nephilim and Fallen Angels
The Nephilim were on the earth in those days and afterward, when the sons of God went to the daughters of men and had children by them. They were heroes of old, men of renown.
Genesis 6:4
In the book of Genesis, during the time of Noah, there is an unexplained narrative about the Nephilim. The text does not provide readers with any defining details or appropriate context as to what the Nephilim were, except that they were produced when the sons of God coupled with daughters of men. Strangely, this anecdote is included in the preamble to one of the epic tales of scripture, the flood narrative. The question is, why were the Nephilim given such prominent placement in the text? Why were they described as both heroes of old and men of renown? Is it possible that the text is historically precise and accurate in its application of language? To understand the ancient application of the term "hero," it is necessary to recognize that it was not understood in the same context as it is today. In ancient times, the term "hero" was more akin to our contemporary concept of superheroes, such as Superman and Spiderman. These characters reflect allegories of forgotten secrets from epochs past, memories of an age of superhuman heroes. If we apply this original definition of "hero" to Genesis 6, we have a cryptic enigma: a race of superhuman demigods that is part of the flood narrative. Moreover, all renowned men of antiquity were depicted as heroes, persistently and continuously bubbling to the surface from the murky depths of primeval history as part man and part god, reigning for long durations. The inclusion of the Nephilim in the text may seem strange to contemporary readers, but it is a reminder of the ancient understanding of heroism and the enduring fascination with superhuman beings. The text invites us to consider the possibility that there is more to the Nephilim narrative than meets the eye.
The story of a catastrophic deluge that nearly wiped out all of humanity is one of the most enduring myths across cultures and throughout history. According to historian Frank Joseph, this myth is a common heritage of humanity, one that binds us all to a shared birthright. Interestingly, the Old Testament's version of the deluge is just one of over 500 different and distinct recollections of the same set of events. Joseph argues that the deluge and Nephilim memories were safeguarded among the diverse peoples of the world dispersed from Babel, or the far-flung peoples documented to have survived the flood in other traditions. He contends that the deluge is the most prominent historical fact binding all nations, all cultures, and all peoples of this world together to one common heritage. The uncanny and unaccountable consistency of memories echoing the deluge conflagration of cataclysmic events, the Nephilim, the rebellion of the Nephilim, and the early postdiluvian resettlement of the globe held within the diverse mythologies around the world is not a mere coincidence. Historian Wise Bauer has observed that even though science has documented many global catastrophes, only the deluge resonates down the ages in all cultures, pointing to the idea that at some point, water threatened humanity's fragile existence. Bauer further noted that historians cannot ignore the flood, as it is the closest universal story the human race has. These consistent global themes must have derived from the epicenter of Babel, and with the disbursement of the people from Babel, along with the surviving and divergent Cainite-led peoples of day six and the surviving Nephilim. Josephus, an ancient historian, documented the flood and the existence of giants as history kept alive as common knowledge in all cultures. In his writings, he cites Berosus the Chaldean, Mochus, Hestiaeus, Hieronymus the Egyptian writer of Phoenician Antiquities, Mnaseas, Manetho Hesiod, Hecataeus, Hellamicus, and Acusilaus as historical authors who also recorded the flood as fact. With such a wealth of evidence, it seems that the deluge is a story that has captivated the imaginations of people across the globe for thousands of years.
From ancient Greek epics to Norse legends, heroes have been revered and celebrated for their exceptional abilities and accomplishments. But what exactly defines a hero, and why do they hold such a prominent place in our cultural consciousness?
One popular theory about the origins of the word "hero" suggests that it derives from a root word meaning "strong," "guardian," or "protector." This association with military prowess and protection is evident in many of the earliest accounts of heroes, such as those in Homer's Iliad, where they were described as fierce warriors and kings. Similarly, the Roman poet Ovid wrote of heroes in his Heroides as figures from the Heroic Age who were venerated for their wisdom and courage.
Beyond their martial prowess, heroes have also been associated with divine or semi-divine qualities. In ancient Greek mythology, heroes were positioned between mortals and gods, with some, like Hercules/Heracles, even attaining godhood after their deaths. This semidivine status gave them a unique place in the hierarchy of beings, one that was both revered and feared.
The Greek philosopher Euhemerus posited that myths were dim memories of historical events from this earlier age, a theory known as Euhemerism. Whether or not these pre-flood heroes actually existed, the idea of exceptional beings with superhuman abilities has persisted throughout human history.
How Do King Og of Bashan and Goliath Measure Up?
The sheer size of the Nephilim is a subject that has long fascinated scholars and readers alike. According to ancient texts, these giants were truly staggering in stature, with some towering over nine feet tall - an incredible four feet taller than the average height of a person of that time. Iris Freelander, an ordained minister with degrees in psychology and theology, notes that depending on which Bible scholar tells the Goliath narrative, he was anywhere from eight and a half feet to thirteen and a half feet tall.
In antiquarian measurements, Goliath's height was six cubits and one span. A cubit was either a common eighteen inches or twenty-one royal inches, while a span was nine inches. This tallied Goliath's height at nine feet, nine inches on the common measure, but because Goliath was of royal Nephilim bloodlines, one could argue Goliath's true height at eleven feet, three inches.
Other ancient texts describe even larger giants, such as King Og of the Amorites, who was said to be at least nine feet tall, and possibly as tall as twelve or thirteen feet. Og was described in legend as being of such immense size that waters only lapped at his ankles. All of Og's beds and furniture were made from iron, for his weight would crush any furniture made of wood.
We can only speculate as to what size some giants may have grown to or even how large the pure original offspring might have been, before they intermingled with humankind, diluting their size and strength throughout the generations. The Genesis giants must have been monsters. These Nephilim were not just extraordinarily tall like modern basketball players - they were also said to be incredibly well built and wider in proportion than an average person as well.
Nephilim were fearsome warriors, heroes of old, who dressed with armor and weaponry that would force the average man to collapse from the weight. They were known to have a company of menservants just to carry their armor behind them; the average man could only bear to carry one piece of their armor at a time, thus requiring a harem of servants. Some were even described as having six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot, a mutation that must have been truly intimidating. This also has an interesting link with Native American stories of peoples with six fingers, many tribes have oral histories of gruesome and long lasting wars with such tribes.
Despite their incredible size, the Nephilim were also known for their quickness, dexterity, and adeptness with their hands. It's no wonder that they have captured the imagination of scholars and readers for centuries.
But what about the connection between heroes and the Nephilim, recorded in Genesis beyond 900 B.C.? Hesiod's precise language seems to confirm their existence and that of the Titans, who were also considered semidivine. Homer's Iliad also referred to these Titanic heroes as demigods. These ancient texts lend credence to the idea that there may be some truth to the legends of heroes and other exceptional beings from the distant past.
We also have the clay tablets from ancient Mesopotamia, which provide yet another window into the heroic myths of our ancestors. There are twenty-one poetic love letters exchanged between heroic lovers and spouses from the Heroic Age that offer a tantalizing glimpse into the lives and relationships of these legendary figures. While we may never know for certain how much of these stories are rooted in historical fact, the enduring fascination with heroes and their extraordinary abilities is a testament to their enduring power and appeal.
It is widely acknowledged that the Bible and many other ancient texts, legends, and mythologies all attest to the existence of a race of superhumans reigning as kings and demigods over mortal humans prior to the Great Flood. According to historian Susan Wise Bauer, the first personalities in written history are universally described as obscure kings who were part man and part god, descended from heaven on eagle's wings.
Despite this, the fate of these ancient Nephilim remains unclear. They have been relegated to the realm of fanciful mythology and dismissed as a longing for a revisionist golden age of pastoral peace and prosperity. Bauer argues that Western historians, steeped in a university system that places unwavering faith in science, are quick to dismiss any historical material that does not conform to a strictly materialist world. As a result, they deny the reality and power of the Titan/Nephilim race, a shadowy group of demigods who left an indelible mark on ancient history.
Does Sons of God refer to Angels?
Yes. However if you insist on a longer answer let’s get into that.
The identification of the sons of God as the descendants of Seth, the righteous son of Adam and Eve, is a plausible but incorrect conclusion that lacks support from the Bible. Investigative work is required to identify who these mysterious figures were. Job 1:6–2:1 reveals that angels are referred to as "the sons of God," as annotated in the New International Version. The term "sons of God" is also used in Deuteronomy 32:8 and can be translated as "angels," according to the Masoretic Text, the Septuagint, and Dead Sea Scrolls. However, The Access Bible prefers "other gods." Nelson's Dictionary cites three variations of the term sons of God in the Bible, with the first option being that they are angels, as Matthew 22:30 indicates that angels do not marry. The second option offered by Unger's Bible Dictionary is that the sons of God could refer to human beings (Sethians). However, the author concurs with the first option that the sons of God are undoubtedly angels. According to Nelson's, the sons of God in the Job passages are angels who presented themselves before God with Satan. The third variation of the New Testament sons of God will be clarified later.
The alternative translation of the Deuteronomy 32:8 passage as "the sons of God" instead of "the sons of Israel" brings logic and definition to the passage, as it implies that the nations were assigned to angels in generations long past. This alternative translation is also supported in the Gnostic gospel Basilides Teachings, which states that the earth was divided, along with its various nations, among the angels who helped create the earth, and chief among these angels was the God of the Jews, who wished to subject all nations unto Himself but was repelled by other rulers/angels that resisted him. This redefined Deuteromic passage is indispensable when considering the disparate antediluvian myths from the pantheistic cultures defining the antediluvian order.
According to Scripture, the sons of God were, in fact, angels. Other sources, such as Unger's Bible Dictionary, support this conclusion that God created both astral and terrestrial beings, with the astral beings renowned as "sons of God" and "hosts of heaven." The term "sons of God" also referred to heavenly angels in many early cultures, such as the Canaanites, the Phoenicians, and the Ammonite traditions. The term "sons of gods" is a more accurate translation of the Hebrew original, bene ha-elohim, according to the Gnostic perspective. George Syncellus, a learned Christian monk, equated watchers and Grigori, a specific rank of angel, with sons of God in his opus Chronographia from 808 A.D. These watchers took wives from mortal men, producing giants. Enoch was tutored by watchers/angels, and the sons of God were confirmed as angels in Unger's Dictionary in defining Nephilim. "The Other Bible" also named the giant angels as the sons of God who sinned with the daughters of men. This biblical revelation suggests that angels copulated with humans, producing a new race of humanoids. This forgotten race became celebrated in myths and legends as the heroes of the ancient world, men of renown. Josephus confirmed this heinous act, stating that iniquitous angels did indeed couple with daughters of men. Many other sources confirm the same conclusion, but they have gone relatively unnoticed. The Encyclopedia Americana also notes this fact in stating that history, both sacred and secular, refers to a race of giants born of the union between the sons of God and the daughters of men.
In the Book of Enoch, the ancient text describes an antediluvian time that fallen angels had mated with the daughters of men, leading to the birth of giants. However, modern Christianity has chosen to overlook this doctrine due to its incongruity with the secular mindset of our times. While humans will eventually be elevated to angelic-like status, this will not happen until the end of the millennial reign. Josephus, an ancient Jewish historian, also believed that the sons of God were angelic beings who had mated with women. Despite debates surrounding whether angels can engage in sex with humans, Genesis 6 suggests that this was possible, leading to the birth of the giants.
The book of Jude in the Bible offers further insight: “… the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their own home—these he kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great day. In a similar way, Sodom, Gomorrah, and the surrounding towns, gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion” (Jude 1:6–7 niv). Jude draws a parallel between the unsavory sexual practices of the heavenly beings during the epoch of Noah and another time of sexual misconduct witnessed in the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, as well as potentially alluding to a second instance of postdiluvian debauchery. Rooted in the scriptural teachings of the Book of Enoch, which Jude cites directly, the text leaves little room for alternative interpretation: the celestial beings were unequivocally endowed with the power of procreation.
Poseidon, or an analogous Poseidon figure, was a central figure in many cultures. According to legend, he fathered ten twins through sexual relationships with human women. Poseidon's twins grew up to be giants and demigods who ruled over the mythical continent of Atlantis. This civilization was considered the origin of many cultures of the time. Interestingly, the Freemasons seek to recreate the Age of Enlightenment from Atlantis, which had ten kingdoms with ten governments and kings. This time was famous for being the center of antediluvian world government, where fallen angels supposedly had regular sexual relationships with humans. Freemasons seek to rebuild world government based on the Atlantean model of ten kingdoms.
These legends are rich with stories of giants and sexual relations between humans and angels. The giants, who appear in the earliest records of prehistory, were all said to be offspring of gods who were fallen angels - a common theme in ancient pantheistic mythology. These Titans inherited a ferocious and aggressive nature, much like the Nephilim. It's possible that the giants in Greek and other cultural mythologies are related to the Nephilim in the biblical record. Some suggest that these mythologies may have originally been rooted in the biblical Nephilim narratives.
"Fallen angels" is the term used to describe angels who engaged in sexual perversions and rebelled against God, alongside Satan. While their apostate offspring may have thrived for a time, God did not look favorably upon the fallen angels who violated the laws of creation. As retribution, God locked them away in the Abyss until the end times. These mysterious spirits are said to have been preached to by Jesus during the three days he was still in the grave.
According to the biblical account in Genesis, after Adam and Eve ate from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, they and their descendants were banned from eating from the tree of life. As a result, humans were granted a mortal spirit, although they lived long lives. However, fallen angels intervened and produced a new race of humans with the immortal spirit of God. This was a perversion of the natural order of creation, and God intervened by restricting the lifespan of all humans, including the future descendants of the fallen angels and Nephilim, to 120 years.
The original Nephilim were allowed to have children, but their offspring were purely physical beings and not spiritual like their parents. Before this intervention, it was not uncommon for the descendants of Adam through the Seth branch to live for several hundred years. However, the rebellious angels created a race of giants who were immortal like gods. It is difficult to imagine that angels could procreate with human females, let alone pass on their immortal spirit through their offspring, but this is what the Bible testifies.
God was clearly angered by the fallen angels' attempt to circumvent the natural order of creation, and he punished and imprisoned them. Their giant bodies emitted evil spirits because they were born from human women and holy Watchers (common term for angel in the Book of Enoch and other sources). These evil spirits, also known as demons, remained on earth in spirit form after their giant bodies died. They are derisive spirits that cause mayhem on earth and are documented in the New Testament.
They are regarded as messengers and servants of the devil, and Satan is their ruler. They are his ministers. Demons are similar to the vagabond ghost gods of Daoism, which were worshipped by families in homes where pictures of celestial masters or talismans were placed on doors to guard against these vitriolic ghost deities. Dao traditions believed that powerful heroes, who were regarded as gods, were their ancestors, and subsequent generations worshipped the spirits of these heroes. Of course, this form of ancestor worship is common the world over, this is simply one example.