King James Version

What Does Genesis 6:4 Mean?

Genesis 6:4 in the King James Version says “There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of me... — study this verse from Genesis chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Genesis 6:4 · KJV


Context

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. every: or, the whole imagination: the Hebrew word signifieth not only the imagination, but also the purposes and desires continually: Heb. every day

6

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto... This passage belongs to the primeval history section (Genesis 1-11) which establishes universal truths about God, humanity, sin, and divine purposes before focusing on Abraham and Israel. These chapters answer fundamental questions about human origins, the spread of wickedness, God's judgment, and the preservation of a righteous remnant.

Recurring patterns emerge: human sin escalating from individual disobedience to societal corruption, divine patience followed by judgment, gracious preservation of a remnant, and covenant promises ensuring redemptive purposes continue. The genealogies connect historical persons, demonstrate the fulfillment of divine promises (blessing and multiplication), and trace the line leading to Abraham and ultimately Christ.

Key theological themes in this section include: (1) sin's destructive progression affecting all humanity; (2) God's righteous judgment while preserving mercy; (3) human pride and autonomy opposing divine sovereignty; (4) cultural development as both blessing and potential idolatry; (5) God's sovereign plan advancing despite human rebellion. These narratives provide the necessary context for understanding God's calling of Abraham and the covenant promises through which all nations will be blessed.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The primeval history (Genesis 1-11) parallels ancient Near Eastern traditions including Sumerian King Lists (pre-flood longevity), Akkadian flood traditions (Atrahasis, Gilgamesh), and Mesopotamian city foundation myths. However, Genesis demythologizes these traditions, presenting monotheistic history rather than polytheistic mythology. The genealogies connecting Adam to Noah to Abraham provide historical framework absent in pagan myths.

Archaeological evidence confirms ancient urbanization (chapter 4's cities), agricultural development, metallurgy, and musical instruments emerging in Mesopotamia's early history. The Babel account reflects Mesopotamian ziggurat construction (stepped pyramid temples), particularly in Babylon. Linguistic diversity requiring explanation was obvious to ancient peoples, making the Babel narrative culturally relevant.

For Israel in covenant with Yahweh, these chapters explained their relationship to surrounding nations. All peoples descended from Noah, but Israel descended from Shem through Abraham—chosen for blessing all nations. The flood demonstrated God's justice and mercy: judging wickedness while preserving the righteous. This pattern would recur throughout Israel's history, assuring them that God's covenant faithfulness endures despite judgment on the wicked.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse deepen our understanding of God's character and His relationship with creation?
  2. What specific changes in thinking or behavior does this verse call us to make?
  3. In what ways does this narrative foreshadow or typify aspects of Christ's redemptive work?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
הַנְּפִלִ֞ים1 of 23

There were giants

H5303

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

הָי֣וּ2 of 23
H1961

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

בָאָרֶץ֮3 of 23

in the earth

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

בַּיָּמִ֣ים4 of 23

in those days

H3117

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

הֵ֧מָּה5 of 23

children to them the same

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

וְגַ֣ם6 of 23
H1571

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

אַֽחֲרֵי7 of 23

and also after

H310

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

כֵ֗ן8 of 23

that

H3651

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

אֲשֶׁ֥ר9 of 23

when

H834

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

יָבֹ֜אוּ10 of 23

came in

H935

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

בְּנֵ֤י11 of 23

the sons

H1121

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

הָֽאֱלֹהִים֙12 of 23

of God

H430

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

אֶל13 of 23
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בְּנ֣וֹת14 of 23

unto the daughters

H1323

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

הָֽאָדָ֔ם15 of 23

of men

H120

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

וְיָלְד֖וּ16 of 23

and they bare

H3205

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

לָהֶ֑ם17 of 23
H0
הֵ֧מָּה18 of 23

children to them the same

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

הַגִּבֹּרִ֛ים19 of 23

became mighty men

H1368

powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant

אֲשֶׁ֥ר20 of 23

when

H834

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

מֵעוֹלָ֖ם21 of 23

which were of old

H5769

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

אַנְשֵׁ֥י22 of 23
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)

הַשֵּֽׁם׃23 of 23

of renown

H8034

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


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 6:4 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 6:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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