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Who Are the “Sons of God” and Nephilim? | James Hamilton on Genesis 6

The title of What in the Word episode 1, called Who Are the Nephilim in Genesis 6

In this inaugural episode of What in the Word?, James M. Hamilton Jr., a professor of biblical theology and a pastor, joins Kirk E. Miller to talk about one of Scripture’s most notorious passages: Genesis 6:1–4.

Together, they explore the identities of the “sons of God” and the Nephilim. They discuss different interpretations, including the possibilities of angelic beings or the godly line of Seth, and outline their key arguments. Tune in to uncover how this passage highlights humanity’s fallen state and the need for redemption through Christ.

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Who Are the “Sons of God” and Nephilim? | James Hamilton on Genesis 6

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Episode guest: James M. Hamilton Jr.

James M. Hamilton Jr. (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is professor of biblical theology at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and senior pastor at Kenwood Baptist Church. He is the author of a two-volume commentary on Psalms (EBTC), God’s Glory in Salvation Through Judgment, With the Clouds of Heaven (New Studies in Biblical Theology), and What Is Biblical Theology?.

Episode synopsis

Introduction

Kirk E. Miller sets the stage by introducing the passage, which speaks of the “sons of God” taking human wives and the presence of the “Nephilim.” This passage has perplexed theologians and scholars for centuries.

Interpretations of the “Sons of God”

With the stage set, James Hamilton Jr. begins by outlining one common interpretation: that the “sons of God” refer to the godly line of Seth, and the “daughters of men” refer to the ungodly line of Cain, thereby representing intermarriage between godly and ungodly lines. He notes the contextual support for this view within the genealogies in Genesis, highlighting how the names and characteristics of these lines are traced through the biblical narrative.

Biblical language insights

However, James mentions he finds this interpretation less compelling. Instead, he is more persuaded by the interpretation that the “sons of God” are heavenly beings or angelic figures. To support this view, he delves into the use of the term “sons of God” in other Old Testament texts, such as the book of Job, where it clearly refers to angelic beings. He also references Psalm 8, which speaks of “heavenly beings.” Kirk and James illustrate the importance of original language study for accurate interpretation here.

Cross-referencing Jude

Their conversation then shifts to the New Testament, specifically the writings of Jude and Peter. Both apostles seem to interpret Genesis 6 in terms of angelic beings. James breaks down Jude’s epistle, noting how Jude 6–7 carefully parallels the sin of these angels with the sexual immorality of Sodom and Gomorrah. This, he argues, shows that Jude understood the Genesis text as involving the angelic beings (“sons of God”) from Genesis 6.

Picked-up in 2 Peter 2

Similarly, in 2 Peter 2:4–10, where the context of sexual immorality reoccurs, Peter directly references angels sinning and being cast into hell. Kirk offers additional support to this exegetical argument by showing how the underlying Greek, reflected in translations like the CSB, link the very structure of Peter’s argument to angels’ sin in the time of Noah.

An allusion in 1 Peter 3

The episode also touches upon another difficult New Testament passage in 1 Peter 3:18–22, where Christ is said to proclaim victory to spirits imprisoned since the time of Noah. Kirk suggests that this further refers to the Genesis 6 angels, again linking their sin to the flood narrative.

Who are the Nephilim?

In the latter part of the conversation, Kirk and James explore who the Nephilim might be. James posits that the Nephilim are indeed related to the union between the “sons of God” and human women, linking them to the giants and men of renown mentioned later in the Bible. He speculates that their presence could explain the construction of ancient feats like Stonehenge, though he acknowledges this is not directly addressed in Scripture. Kirk raises alternative scholarly views, like that of Peter Gentry, who argues the specific Hebrew construction used her indicates that the Nephilim’s mentioned are in fact unrelated to the “sons of God.”

Practical implications

Kirk and James then touch back on the theological significance of this passage, stressing that these narratives reveal human depravity. The continuous thread of sexual immorality throughout Genesis highlights humanity’s need for divine redemption. Kirk supplements this by touching on the broader narrative: Genesis 6:1–4 advances the storyline towards the flood, a significant act of divine judgment and renewal, yet still insufficient to cleanse humanity’s internal sin (cf. Gen 6:5 and 8:21).

Preaching tips

Finally, Kirk and James offer advice for preaching and teaching this passage. They caution against getting bogged down in minutiae or turning the sermon into a lecture on differing views. Instead, they advocate for preaching the main point: humanity’s wickedness and the overarching need for redemption through Jesus Christ.

Genesis, 2 vols. (Word Biblical Commentary | WBC)

Genesis, 2 vols. (Word Biblical Commentary | WBC)

Regular price: $69.99

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The Book of Genesis, 2 vols. (New International Commentary on the Old Testament | NICOT)

The Book of Genesis, 2 vols. (New International Commentary on the Old Testament | NICOT)

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Genesis, 2 vols. (The New American Commentary | NAC)

Genesis, 2 vols. (The New American Commentary | NAC)

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Genesis: A Commentary

Genesis: A Commentary

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Genesis (Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries | TOTC)

Genesis (Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries | TOTC)

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Creation and Blessing

Creation and Blessing

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From Paradise to the Promised Land: An Introduction to the Pentateuch, 4th ed.

From Paradise to the Promised Land: An Introduction to the Pentateuch, 4th ed.

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Select books by James Hamilton Jr.

God’s Glory in Salvation through Judgment: A Biblical Theology

God’s Glory in Salvation through Judgment: A Biblical Theology

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Psalms: Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary (2 vols.) (EBTC)

Psalms: Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary (2 vols.) (EBTC)

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Typology: Understanding the Bible’s Promise-Shaped Patterns; How Old Testament Expectations are Fulfilled in Christ

Typology: Understanding the Bible’s Promise-Shaped Patterns; How Old Testament Expectations are Fulfilled in Christ

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With the Clouds of Heaven: The Book of Daniel in Biblical Theology (New Studies in Biblical Theology, vol. 32 | NSBT)

With the Clouds of Heaven: The Book of Daniel in Biblical Theology (New Studies in Biblical Theology, vol. 32 | NSBT)

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Kirk E. Miller

Kirk E. Miller (MDiv, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is editor of digital content at Logos where he edits and writes for Word by Word and hosts What in the Word?. He is a former pastor and church planter with a combined fifteen years of pastoral experience. Kirk lives with his wife and three kids in Milwaukee, WI, where they are members of a local church.

You can follow him on social media (Facebook, X, and Bluesky) and his personal website.

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