The Nephilim (Hebrew: נְפִילִים, modern Nephilim, Tiberian Nəp̄îlîm) are mysterious beings mentioned in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in Genesis 6:4 and Numbers 13:33. The term is often translated as "giants" in English Bibles, but its exact meaning and the nature of the Nephilim remain subjects of debate among scholars. In the Genesis passage, the Nephilim are described as the offspring of the "sons of God" and the "daughters of men," which has led to various interpretations, including the idea that they were the children of angels and human women. In Numbers, they are described as formidable inhabitants of Canaan, encountered by the Israelite spies sent by Moses. The etymology of the word is uncertain, with suggestions including "the fallen ones" or "those who cause others to fall." In Arabic, the term is sometimes transliterated as النيفليم (al-Nayfīlīm), and in Greek, it appears as Νεφελίμ (Nephelím) in the Septuagint, the ancient Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible.
Beings from the Hebrew Bible
The Nephilim are mysterious beings or humans in the Hebrew Bible traditionally understood as being of great size and strength, or alternatively beings of great power and authority. The origins of the Nephilim are disputed. Some, including the author of the Book of Enoch, view them as the offspring of rebellious angels and humans. Others view them as descendants of Seth and Cain.