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Genesis 6:4 - Giants before the Flood?

Genesis 6:4 - בראשית 6:4

Hebrew Text

הַנְּפִלִים הָיוּ בָאָרֶץ בַּיָּמִים הָהֵם וְגַם אַחֲרֵי־כֵן אֲשֶׁר יָבֹאוּ בְּנֵי הָאֱלֹהִים אֶל־בְּנוֹת הָאָדָם וְיָלְדוּ לָהֶם הֵמָּה הַגִּבֹּרִים אֲשֶׁר מֵעוֹלָם אַנְשֵׁי הַשֵּׁם׃

English Translation

There were Nefilim in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the distinguished men came in to the daughters of men, and they bore children to them; the same were mighty men of old, men of renown.

Transliteration

Hanefilim hayu ba'aretz bayamim hahem vegam acharei-chen asher yavo'u bnei ha'elohim el-bnot ha'adam veyaldu lahem hema hagiborim asher me'olam anshei hashem.

Hebrew Leining Text

הַנְּפִלִ֞ים הָי֣וּ בָאָ֘רֶץ֮ בַּיָּמִ֣ים הָהֵם֒ וְגַ֣ם אַֽחֲרֵי־כֵ֗ן אֲשֶׁ֨ר יָבֹ֜אוּ בְּנֵ֤י הָֽאֱלֹהִים֙ אֶל־בְּנ֣וֹת הָֽאָדָ֔ם וְיָלְד֖וּ לָהֶ֑ם הֵ֧מָּה הַגִּבֹּרִ֛ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר מֵעוֹלָ֖ם אַנְשֵׁ֥י הַשֵּֽׁם׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
הַנְּפִלִ֞ים הָי֣וּ בָאָ֘רֶץ֮ בַּיָּמִ֣ים הָהֵם֒ וְגַ֣ם אַֽחֲרֵי־כֵ֗ן אֲשֶׁ֨ר יָבֹ֜אוּ בְּנֵ֤י הָֽאֱלֹהִים֙ אֶל־בְּנ֣וֹת הָֽאָדָ֔ם וְיָלְד֖וּ לָהֶ֑ם הֵ֧מָּה הַגִּבֹּרִ֛ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר מֵעוֹלָ֖ם אַנְשֵׁ֥י הַשֵּֽׁם׃ {פ}

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Parasha Commentary

The Identity of the Nefilim

According to Rashi (Bereshit 6:4), the term Nefilim (נְפִלִים) derives from the root נָפַל ("to fall"), indicating that these beings "fell" from their elevated status. Rashi explains that they were the sons of the princes and judges who ruled unjustly, leading to their downfall. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 26:7) further elaborates that they were called Nefilim because they caused others to "fall" (i.e., led them astray) through their corrupt behavior.

Bnei HaElohim and Bnot HaAdam

The phrase Bnei HaElohim (בְּנֵי הָאֱלֹהִים, "sons of the distinguished men") is interpreted by Rashi and Ramban (Nachmanides) as referring to powerful human leaders—either judges or nobles—who abused their authority. The Talmud (Yoma 67b) suggests that these were men of high stature who acted arrogantly, taking women by force. The Bnot HaAdam (בְּנוֹת הָאָדָם, "daughters of men") refers to ordinary women, emphasizing the exploitation of the weak by the powerful.

The Offspring: Gibborim and Anshei HaShem

The offspring of these unions are described as Gibborim (גִּבֹּרִים, "mighty men") and Anshei HaShem (אַנְשֵׁי הַשֵּׁם, "men of renown"). Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 1:7) explains that their "might" was not necessarily physical but could refer to their political or social influence. However, the Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 26:5) suggests that their strength was indeed physical but misused for tyranny, contributing to the moral decay that led to the Flood.

Moral and Theological Implications

  • Corruption of Leadership: The verse highlights the abuse of power by elites, a theme echoed in the Torah's later warnings against oppression (e.g., Shemot 22:20-23).
  • Moral Decline Before the Flood: The Nefilim symbolize the breakdown of societal boundaries and justice, which Chazal identify as a primary cause of the Flood (Sanhedrin 108a).
  • Divine Justice: Their eventual destruction in the Flood serves as a lesson in divine accountability for moral corruption (Ramban, Bereshit 6:13).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 67b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the Nefilim and their nature, connecting them to the fallen angels and their offspring.
📖 Niddah 61a
The verse is mentioned in a discussion about the origins of the Nefilim and their role in the pre-Flood world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who were the Nefilim mentioned in Genesis 6:4?
A: The Nefilim were a group of powerful beings or giants who lived before the Flood. According to Rashi and other traditional Jewish sources, they were called 'Nefilim' (from the root 'nafal,' meaning 'to fall') because they caused others to fall through their violence and corruption. Some interpretations suggest they were descendants of fallen angels or powerful rulers who oppressed people.
Q: What does 'benei Elohim' (sons of God) mean in this verse?
A: The term 'benei Elohim' is interpreted in Jewish tradition in different ways. Rashi explains that they were powerful judges or rulers who acted arrogantly. The Ramban suggests they may have been descendants of Seth who intermarried with the corrupt descendants of Cain. The Talmud (Yoma 67b) warns against interpreting this phrase literally as angels, emphasizing that such unions are impossible according to Torah principles.
Q: Why is the story of the Nefilim important in the Torah?
A: This passage is important because it describes the moral decay before the Flood. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 26:7) explains that the Nefilim's corruption contributed to the wickedness that led Hashem to bring the Flood. It teaches about the dangers of abuse of power and improper relationships, showing how societal breakdown begins with moral failures.
Q: Were the Nefilim completely wiped out by the Flood?
A: While the main generation of Nefilim perished in the Flood, the Torah states 'and also after that' (Genesis 6:4), implying similar beings appeared later. The Talmud (Niddah 61a) mentions Og, king of Bashan, as a surviving giant. However, Jewish tradition emphasizes that their spiritual legacy of corruption was what truly needed eradication.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the Nefilim today?
A: The story warns against the misuse of strength and privilege. The Nefilim used their power destructively, as the Midrash describes them as tyrants. Today, we learn to use our talents properly - physical strength, intelligence, or social status should be used to help others and serve Hashem, not for oppression or selfish gain (Pirkei Avot 4:1).