In Genesis 6:1,2, who are the "sons of God"?


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Consider these verses:

And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, that the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose. (Genesis 6:1,2)
So who are the "sons of God"?


Ted’s Response:

I do not know if we can be absolutely certain of the identity of the "sons of God." However, I will give you my thoughts

In most Bible versions, Job 1:6 and 2:1 indicate that the "sons of God," along with Satan, presented themselves before God. The NIV uses the term "angels."

Enoch 69:1-3 names a number of angels, and it is followed by this:

The name of the first Jeqôn: that is, the one who led astray [all] the sons of God, and brought them down to the earth, and led them astray through the daughters of men. (Enoch 69:4,5a)
Therefore, it appears that some fallen angels came to earth and had intercourse with human women, and it seems that the Nephilim (Genesis 6:4) were their offspring.

In Numbers 13:32,33, it indicates that the Nephilim were of great size and stature compared to the Israelites. I have seen them described as "giants" by some. It seems plausible that the offspring and descendents of angels and humans could be huge in stature.

Some reject the idea that angels would be able to procreate with humans. In Matthew 22:30, Jesus indicated that at the resurrection, people will not marry; they will be like the angels in heaven. The assumption by some is that this indicates that angels are incapable of procreation.

However, Jesus simply said that the angels in heaven do not marry. Presumably, this means that they do not marry each other. Also, He said nothing about angels who are fallen and have come to earth. Therefore, it seems to leave open the possibility that, somehow, the latter might be able to procreate with human women.

Some who cannot believe that this could happen will point to verses such as Matthew 5:9, Romans 8:14,19, Galatians 3:26, and Revelation 21:7. They will say these verses show that the "sons of God" are people, not angels.

In my opinion, "sons of God" can be supernatural angels who, somehow, were or are capable of procreation with women. If so, their offspring were very large and powerful Nephilim. Perhaps King Og (Deuteronomy 3:11) and Goliath (1 Samuel 17:4,8,23, 21:9) were Nephilim.

But "sons of God" also can be humans who have been saved through the acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and who, upon their resurrection, will become supernatural beings. 1 Corinthians 6:3 indicates that believers ultimately will judge angels; so at that time, believers will be in a higher position than angels will be.


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