Who are the 'sons of God' mentioned in the Bible?

The phrase "sons of God" found in the Bible has puzzled and intrigued scholars, theologians, and lay readers for centuries. This term appears in various contexts throughout Scripture, but perhaps one of the most enigmatic instances is in Genesis 6:1-4:

"When human beings began to increase in number on the earth and daughters were born to them, the sons of God saw that the daughters of humans were beautiful, and they married any of them they chose. Then the LORD said, 'My Spirit will not contend with humans forever, for they are mortal; their days will be a hundred and twenty years.' The Nephilim were on the earth in those days—and also afterward—when the sons of God went to the daughters of humans and had children by them. They were the heroes of old, men of renown." (Genesis 6:1-4, NIV)

Understanding who these "sons of God" are involves delving into the Hebrew text, examining the broader biblical narrative, and considering various interpretations that have been proposed over the centuries.

The Angelic Interpretation

One of the oldest and most widely accepted interpretations is that the "sons of God" are fallen angels. This view is supported by the Book of Job, where the term "sons of God" clearly refers to angelic beings:

"One day the angels came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came with them." (Job 1:6, NIV)

In the Hebrew text, "sons of God" (בְּנֵי הָאֱלֹהִים, benei ha'elohim) is understood to mean divine beings or angels. This interpretation is further supported by ancient Jewish literature, such as the Book of Enoch, which elaborates on the story of fallen angels (the Watchers) who took human wives and fathered the Nephilim, a race of giants.

The New Testament also alludes to this interpretation. In 2 Peter 2:4-5 and Jude 1:6-7, we find references to angels who sinned and were cast into darkness, awaiting judgment. These passages seem to echo the Genesis 6 account and suggest that early Christians understood the "sons of God" to be fallen angels.

The Sethite Interpretation

Another prominent interpretation is that the "sons of God" were the descendants of Seth, Adam's righteous son, while the "daughters of humans" were the descendants of Cain, who was marked by sin. This view posits that the intermarriage between the godly line of Seth and the ungodly line of Cain led to moral corruption and widespread wickedness, prompting God's judgment through the flood.

Supporters of this interpretation point to the genealogies in Genesis 4 and 5, which trace the lines of Cain and Seth, respectively. They argue that the distinction between the "sons of God" and the "daughters of humans" is a way of highlighting the mixing of the faithful with the unfaithful. This view emphasizes the importance of maintaining spiritual purity and avoiding alliances with those who do not share one's faith.

The Royalty Interpretation

A third interpretation suggests that the "sons of God" were ancient kings or rulers who claimed divine status or were considered semi-divine by their subjects. In many ancient Near Eastern cultures, kings were often regarded as divine or semi-divine figures. This view posits that these rulers took multiple wives, leading to the birth of the Nephilim, who were renowned for their strength and heroism.

This interpretation draws on the cultural and historical context of the ancient Near East, where divine kingship was a common concept. It also aligns with the broader biblical theme of human pride and the abuse of power, which often leads to divine judgment.

Evaluating the Interpretations

Each of these interpretations has its strengths and weaknesses, and none can be definitively proven or disproven. The angelic interpretation has strong support from ancient Jewish literature and certain New Testament passages, but it raises theological questions about the nature of angels and their ability to procreate with humans. The Sethite interpretation aligns well with the broader biblical narrative of maintaining spiritual purity, but it requires a symbolic reading of the text. The royalty interpretation fits the cultural context of the ancient Near East, but it lacks explicit biblical support.

Theological Implications

Regardless of which interpretation one finds most convincing, the story of the "sons of God" in Genesis 6 serves as a prelude to the great flood, highlighting the increasing wickedness and corruption of humanity. It underscores the seriousness of sin and the consequences of straying from God's intended order. This passage also reminds us of the mysterious and often perplexing nature of the biblical text, inviting us to wrestle with its meaning and seek deeper understanding.

Contemporary Relevance

For modern readers, the account of the "sons of God" and the Nephilim can be a reminder of the importance of spiritual discernment and the need to guard against influences that lead us away from God. Whether we interpret the "sons of God" as fallen angels, the descendants of Seth, or ancient rulers, the underlying message is clear: humanity's propensity for sin and rebellion has far-reaching consequences, but God's grace and judgment are ever-present.

Conclusion

The "sons of God" mentioned in Genesis 6 remain one of the Bible's great mysteries, with various interpretations offering different insights into this enigmatic passage. Whether viewed as fallen angels, the godly line of Seth, or ancient rulers, the story serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of sin and the need for faithfulness to God's commands. As we study and reflect on these ancient texts, we are invited to deepen our understanding of God's Word and its relevance for our lives today.