Bible Dictionaries
Nephilim

Holman Bible Dictionary

(nehf' ih lihm) Transliteration of Hebrew word related to verb, “to fall,” and often interpreted as “aborted ones.” KJV translates as “giants,” following the earliest Greek and standard Latin translation. Nephilim were on the earth both before and after the sons of God married the daughters of men (Genesis 6:4 ). The existence of Nephilim joined with marriages not sanctioned by God set the tone for God's condemnation of human wickedness, preparing for the flood. In Numbers 13:33 the spies Moses sent to investigate Cannan, feared the Nephilim, who appear to have been of large stature; hence interpreters have labeled them as giants. Another Hebrew term ( raphah ) is translated giants more often. See Anakim; Rephaim; Sons of God .