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religion · Shared topic · Revision 0

Who are the sons of God in Genesis 6?

Who are the sons of God in Genesis 6?

Starting explanation, not independently reviewed

The current answer

Divine-council members, the Nephilim, and the two readings that split the church

What remains uncertain

This starting summary presents the original essay’s position. It has not received independent topic review. Its citations have been imported, not checked. Competing explanations and important objections may still be missing.

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Claims & evidence

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The "sons of God" (Hebrew bene ha-elohim) are members of God's heavenly court, the divine-council beings of Job 1:6 and Psalm 82.

Imported citation, not independently checked: Genesis 6:1-4; Job 1:6; Psalm 82

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The word nephilim is usually connected to the root n-p-l, "to fall": hence "fallen ones," though the etymology is debated.

Imported citation, not independently checked: Genesis 6:4; Numbers 13:33

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The competing "Sethite" interpretation makes the sons of God merely human: the godly line of Seth (Adam's third son) intermarrying with the wicked line of Cain.

Imported citation, not independently checked: Genesis 6:1-4; J. J. Collins, The Apocalyptic Imagination

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The bene elohim of Genesis 6 are members of that council who breach the boundary between heaven and earth, and the flood is the response.

Imported citation, not independently checked: Genesis 6; M. S. Heiser, The Unseen Realm

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