Go! And Unmask the Mystery: Who Were the Nephilim?
Introduction: Setting the Stage
Have you ever read a passage of Scripture that left you puzzled? One of those verses that makes you pause and think, “What on earth does that mean?” Genesis 6:4 is one of those verses. It mentions mysterious beings called the Nephilim. Over the centuries, their identity has sparked fascination, confusion, and even wild speculation. Were they giants? Were they fallen angels? Were they heroes of old? Were they the inspiration for myths and legends?
But here’s the real question for us today: What does this have to do with Jesus, salvation, and how we live our lives in the 21st century?
Let’s dive into the Word of God and discover the truth—not for the sake of satisfying curiosity, but for the sake of strengthening our faith and magnifying Christ.
Genesis 6:1–4 (NLT): “Then the people began to multiply on the earth, and daughters were born to them. The sons of God saw the beautiful women and took any they wanted as their wives. Then the Lord said, ‘My Spirit will not put up with humans for such a long time, for they are only mortal flesh. In the future, their normal lifespan will be no more than 120 years.’ In those days, and for some time after, giant Nephilites lived on the earth, for whenever the sons of God had intercourse with women, they gave birth to children who became the heroes and famous warriors of ancient times.”
Point 1: Who Were the Nephilim? A Mystery Rooted in Rebellion
The Hebrew word Nephilim comes from the root naphal (?????), meaning “to fall.” Many scholars translate Nephilim as “fallen ones” or “those who cause others to fall.” The passage describes them as powerful, renowned, and somehow connected to the corruption that filled the earth before the flood.
There are three main interpretations:
Fallen angels intermarrying with human women (sons of God = angelic beings).
A godly lineage (descendants of Seth) marrying ungodly women (descendants of Cain).
Powerful tyrants or kings who oppressed others (mighty warriors of old).
While Scripture gives only limited information, what is clear is this: The world was becoming utterly corrupt, filled with rebellion against God.
R.T. Kendall once said, “The greatest danger to a believer is not unanswered questions but unrepented sin.” And that’s the point here—whether these Nephilim were giants or rulers, their presence symbolised a world gone astray, a world in need of cleansing.
We too live in a world fascinated by the powerful, the mighty, the influencers of our age. But power without godliness leads to destruction. The question isn’t whether we can solve every mystery of Scripture—it’s whether we will trust God enough to walk in His revealed truth.
Imagine a house with a mysterious locked room. Some people spend their whole lives trying to pick the lock, theorising what’s inside, while ignoring the fact that the whole house is on fire! The story of the Nephilim is that locked room—but the fire is sin, and God is calling us to escape the flames through His rescue plan in Christ.
Point 2: The Days of Noah—A Warning and a Picture of Grace
Genesis 6:5–8 (NLT): “The Lord observed the extent of human wickedness on the earth, and he saw that everything they thought or imagined was consistently and totally evil. So the Lord was sorry he had ever made them and put them on the earth. It broke his heart. And the Lord said, ‘I will wipe this human race I have created from the face of the earth… But Noah found favour with the Lord.’”
The Nephilim are mentioned just before the flood narrative. Their rise coincides with the spread of violence and wickedness. But notice the key phrase: “Noah found favour (grace) with the Lord.”
John Piper wrote, “Grace is not simply leniency when we have sinned. Grace is the enabling gift of God not to sin. Grace is power, not just pardon.”
Noah was not perfect, but he walked with God. In a corrupt generation, he trusted God’s word.
We live in days “as it was in the days of Noah” (Matthew 24:37). Our world celebrates sin, mocks righteousness, and glorifies self. Yet, just as God provided an ark then, He provides an ark now—the Lord Jesus Christ.
Think of the Titanic. Many thought it was unsinkable, yet it went down because of pride and presumption. People who ignored the lifeboats perished. In Noah’s day, the ark looked foolish—until the rain came. Today, Jesus is that ark. Will you get on board?
Point 3: Christ, the True Deliverer from Corruption
1 Peter 3:18–20 (NLT): “Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit. So he went and preached to the spirits in prison—those who disobeyed God long ago when God waited patiently while Noah was building his boat.”
Peter connects the flood, the rebellious spirits (possibly linked to the Nephilim), and the cross of Christ. The message? Jesus is greater than all the powers of darkness, all the fallen angels, all the giants of sin and death.
Max Lucado said, “The Devil is a lion, but he is on a leash.” The same is true for every dark force—sin, Satan, death—they are all defeated at the cross.
Don’t fear the mysteries of the past or the darkness of the present. Fear God, and trust the One who holds the keys of death and Hades (Revelation 1:18).
Gospel Presentation: The Ark of Salvation
The Nephilim remind us of a world judged. But Jesus came to bear that judgement on our behalf.
He lived the sinless life we could not live.
He died the death we deserved on the cross.
He rose again, conquering death, offering eternal life to all who repent and believe.
Romans 3:23–24 (NLT): “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.”
Call to Action: Will You Enter the Ark?
Just as Noah had to step into the ark, so you must step into Christ by faith. It’s not enough to know the story. It’s not enough to study the Nephilim. You must respond.
Charles Stanley said, “Obedience is the key that unlocks God’s best for our lives.” Will you obey the call of the Gospel today?
For the believer: Walk faithfully in a corrupt generation. Be like Noah—stand firm, build your life on God’s Word, and be a preacher of righteousness.
For the unbeliever: Today is the day of salvation. Don’t wait until the floodwaters of judgement rise.
Invitation to Salvation:
Friend, Jesus Christ is calling you now. Repent of your sin. Confess Him as Lord. Trust in His death, burial, and resurrection for the forgiveness of your sins. Pray:
“Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I believe You died for my sins and rose again. I turn from my sin and trust You as my Saviour and Lord. Take my life and make me Yours. Amen.”
Benediction:
“May the Lord, who is our Ark of Salvation, keep you safe in His grace, bold in your witness, and steadfast in your faith. As you go this week, may you stand against the corruption of this world and shine with the light of Christ, until the day He comes again. Amen.”
