What does genesis chapter 6 verse 4 mean?

Answer 1

Genesis means just what it says, although some people try to turn the "giants" into "angels" whom they believe "married mortal women."

The word "giants" in the KJV is from "Nephilim." Strong's Definitions says: "nphiyl" (pronounced nef-eel'); properly, a feller, i.e. a BULLY or TYRANT".

Bullies and tyrants are still in the world, just as in "those days." They are "take-charge" people who gravitate to leadership positions. They rule over and oppress people.

All this passage is saying is that as men and women married and bare children... these bullies and tyrants did the same. Only their children became "mighty men" - "men of renown"... over and above the average folks... ruling over them.

Strong's Definitions says about "mighty men": "gibbowr" (pronounced ghib-bore); powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant".

The children of warrior tyrants became the future warrior tyrants.

Of the KJV's "men of renown," Strong says: shem (pronounced shame); an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character".

The "Nephilim" were charismatic, warrior-like, tyrannical leaders of the people who bore and reared tyrannical, warrior-like children to follow in their footsteps.

Society today still "honors" warriors, bullies and charismatic leaders with banquets and memorial dinners and monuments. These "Nephilim" are often worshiped by people. These leaders become gods to people... thus obfuscating the importance of God (thou shalt have no other gods before Me).

Verse 5 follows, revealing what God thinks of man's worship of the "Nephilim" of the world:

"And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually."

God then raised up Noah. This was the "Nephilim-ruled" society extant in Noah's day.

And this is the same society prophesied to exist at Christ's return:

"For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, MARRYING AND GIVING IN MARRIAGE, until the day that Noe entered into the ark... so shall also the coming of the Son of man be." (Matt.24:38-39)

Genesis 6:4 is an apt lesson for the world today with its own "Nephilim-worshiping" society.