Genesis 6:4

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

הַנְּפִלִ֞ים

H5303

There were giants

properly, a feller, i.e., a bully or tyrant

הָי֣וּ

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בָאָרֶץ֮

H776

in the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

בַּיָּמִ֣ים

H3117

in those days

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הֵ֧מָּה

H1992

children to them the same

they (only used when emphatic)

וְגַ֣ם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

אַֽחֲרֵי

H310

and also after

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

כֵ֗ן

H3651

that

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

when

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#10

יָבֹ֜אוּ

H935

came in

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#11

בְּנֵ֤י

H1121

the sons

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#12

הָֽאֱלֹהִים֙

H430

of God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#13

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#14

בְּנ֣וֹת

H1323

unto the daughters

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

#15

הָֽאָדָ֔ם

H120

of men

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

#16

וְיָלְד֖וּ

H3205

and they bare

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

#17

לָהֶ֑ם

#18

הֵ֧מָּה

H1992

children to them the same

they (only used when emphatic)

#19

הַגִּבֹּרִ֛ים

H1368

became mighty men

powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant

#20

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

when

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#21

מֵעוֹלָ֖ם

H5769

which were of old

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

#22

אַנְשֵׁ֥י

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#23

הַשֵּֽׁם׃

H8034

of renown

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Genesis.

Historical Context

The historical context of the patriarchal period (c. 2000-1500 BCE) and primeval history provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The ancient Near Eastern world with its creation myths, flood narratives, and patriarchal social structures provided the cultural backdrop against which God's revelation stands in stark contrast. The ancient Near Eastern cosmology and patriarchal society would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Ancient Near Eastern creation texts like Enuma Elish provide comparative context for understanding Genesis's unique theological perspective.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of creation and providence, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about creation and providence?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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