Were biblical Nephilim actual giants or large imagination?

[Zzyzx]

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According to the bible the Nephilim were offspring of the "sons of God" and the "daughters of men" before the Deluge according to Genesis 6:4; the name is also used in reference to giants who inhabited Canaan at the time of the Israelite conquest of Canaan according to Numbers 13:33

The Nephilim were on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of men, and they bore children to them. Those were the mighty men who were of old, men of renown." (Gen. 6:1-4).

Did such beings exist?

Is there evidence that the Earth was once (antediluvian) populated by such beings?

[DanieltheDragon]

[Replying to post 9 by bjs]

Since we are talking in English about a document written in Hebrew translation is of considerable importance.

I would agree unfortunately there is still much debate on that here is a list of translations that all differ from one another. Yet have all been thoroughly researched upon. Are you seriously trying to say that your interpretation of the bible and your translation is more accurate than anyone of these and that ZZ's interpretation and translations are to be dismissed?

BTW this is a truncated list I just didn't want a realllly huge post.

Challoner's revision of the Douay-Rheims Bible 1752
John Wesley, Wesley's New Testament 1755
Quaker Bible 1764
Gilbert Wakefield, A Translation of the New Testament [6] 1791
Thomson's Translation 1808
Alexander Campbell's The Living Oracles 1826
Webster's Revision 1833
Young's Literal Translation 1862
Julia E. Smith Parker Translation 1876
Revised Version 1885
Darby Bible
CKJV Children's King James Version Jay P. Green 1960
KJ II King James II Version of the Bible Jay P. Green 1971
KJV20 King James Version—Twentieth Century Edition Jay P. Green
NKJV New King James Version 1982
KJ21 21st Century King James Version 1994
TMB Third Millennium Bible 1998
MKJV Modern King James Version 1999
AKJV American King James Version[7] 1999
KJV2000 King James 2000 Version[8] 2000
UKJV Updated King James Version[9] 2000
KJVER King James Version Easy Reading[10] 2001
HSE Holy Scriptures in English[11] 2001
CKJV Comfort-able King James Version[12][13] 2003
NCPB New Cambridge Paragraph Bible[14] 2005
AV7 AV7 (New Authorized Version) 2006
AVU Authorized Version Update[15] 2006
KJV-CE King James Version—Corrected Edition[16]
RV (British) Revised Version 1881–5
ASV American Standard Version 1901
RSV Revised Standard Version 1952, 1971
NASB New American Standard Bible 1971, 1995
NRSV New Revised Standard Version 1989
ESV English Standard Version 2001, 2007, 2011
WEB World English Bible In progress
REV Revised English Version[17] In progress

Abbreviation Name Date
NIV New International Version 1978, 1984, 2011[18]
NIrV New International Reader's Version 1996
NIVI New International Version Inclusive Language Edition (discontinued) 1996-unknown
TNIV Today's New International Version (discontinued) 2005-2011

TLB The Living Bible 1971
GNT/GNB/TEV Good News Translation/Good News Bible/Today's English Version 1976, 1992
The Clear Word (paraphrase, non-official Seventh-day Adventist) 1994
CEV Contemporary English Version 1995
GW God's Word 1995
NLT New Living Translation 1996, 2004, 2007
MSG The Message 2002
RNT Restored New Testament 2009

NET New English Translation 2005
TFB The Free Bible In planning stage[19]
WGCIB The Work of God's Children Illustrated Bible 2010
OEB Open English Bible In progress.[20]
CBP Conservative Bible Project In progress[21][non-primary source needed]
WEB World English Bible In progress[22]
MLV Modern Literal Version (NT) In progress[23]
THF the heavenly fire (OT) In progress
AENT Roth, Andrew, Aramaic English New Testament 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012
TS The Scriptures 1993, 1998, 2009
HRV Hebraic Roots Version 2004
CJB Stern, David H, Complete Jewish Bible 1998
CNT Cassirer, Heinz, God's New Covenant: A New Testament Translation AKA Cassirer New Testament 1989
OJB Goble, Phillip E, Orthodox Jewish Bible 2002
TLV Tree of Life Bible [5] 2014
HNV World English Bible Messianic Edition aka the Hebrew Names Version In progress
MATS Messianic Aleph Tav Scriptures| [6] In progress
NEB New English Bible 1970
REB Revised English Bible 1989
WEB World English Bible In Progress
MASV Modern American Standard Version In Progress
CPDV Catholic Public Domain Version[24] 2009
DRP David Robert Palmer Translation[25] In Progress
UKJV Updated King James Version[26] 2000
TFB The Free Bible In Progress
WGCIB The Work of God's Children Illustrated Bible 2010
OEB Open English Bible In progress
RHB Restored Holy Bible
DRB Douay-Rheims Bible 1582–1610
DRC Douay-Rheims Bible Challoner Revision 1752
WVSS Westminster Version of the Sacred Scriptures 1913–19351
SPC Spencer New Testament 1941
CCD Confraternity Bible 19412
Knox Knox's Translation of the Vulgate 1955
KLNT Kleist-Lilly New Testament 19563
JB Jerusalem Bible 1966
RSV-CE Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition 1965–664
NAB New American Bible 1970
TLB-CE The Living Bible - Catholic Edition 1971
NJB New Jerusalem Bible 1985
CCB Christian Community Bible 1986
NRSV-CE New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition 1989
CPDV Catholic Public Domain Version 2009
WGCIB The Work of God's Children Illustrated Bible 2010
NABRE New American Bible Revised Edition 2011
SNB Restoration of Original Sacred Name Bible 1976
HNB Holy Name Bible 1963
SSBE Sacred Scriptures Bethel Edition 1981
SN-KJ Sacred Name King James Bible 2005
SSFOY Sacred Scriptures, Family of Yah Edition 2000
TWOY The Word of Yahweh 2003
TS The Scriptures 1993, 1998, 2009
HRV Hebraic-Roots Version 2004
TBE Transparent English Bible In progress

[AdHoc]

[Replying to post 7 by AdHoc]

Hmm... That's a loaded question. I don't even know what a satyr is. Unicorns, on the other hand, still exist today if you believe the incredible reports that they swim around the North pole. My opinion, in regards to Nephilim is only based on the bible.

I can't tell if you are being serious or joking but a narwhal does exist and I am not so sure that those reports are incredible as there is ample evidence they do exist and no they are not unicorns.....

It's going to take more than an obviously photo-shopped picture to prove to me that the imaginary creatures in your picture exist... Are you going to show me a picture of faeries next?

Also considering that their environment is strictly limited to the artic HOW WOULD ANYONE WRITING THE BIBLE EVEN KNOW THEY EXIST.

I am not sure what creature the bible is referring to but I'm pretty sure its not this.

[AdHoc]

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I don't even know what a satyr is.

In Greek and Roman mythology, the satyr was a half-man/half-beast god and the word is used repeatedly in the Old Testament.

I think you might have me in check here... From what I know about you if I say "goat" was mis-translated "satyr" in the KJV you will say "Then how do we trust anything from any of the various translations?" So I clearly cannot say the KJV mis-translated the word. If I say that the Satyr as described by Greek mythology is actually found in the bible then you will say "So the bible is just another collection of myths and legends?". So I clearly cannot say its an actual satyr.

Wait... What is that thing over there?!

Er, you didn't fall for that?

Ok I concede the point to you.

Unicorns, on the other hand, still exist today if you believe the incredible reports that they swim around the North pole.

Should one accept as truthful and accurate the incredible reports of such things if there is no other evidence to support the stories?

Sure. We do it all the time. For me I have faith in God and His Word. Most of us believe that men have landed on the moon. That Narwhals are swimming around the north pole and that 3D objects like guns and food can be printed. That every dog on earth is descended from 6 female grey wolves. Alot of people believe that all of existence and matter is based on vibrating 2D strings. A few people believe in the many worlds theory.

It really boils down to whether or not the incredible report fits with your world view or not.

My opinion, in regards to Nephilim is only based on the bible.

It might be informative to learn what other sources, if any, discuss or document a race of giant people. If no other information is available to substantiate ancient stories they are often regarded as myth, legend, fantasy, etc.

Let me ask you a question... If the Narwhal had died off into extinction and all we had were ancient drawings from some ancient mariner do you think you would accept their existence at all? Remember the way people tend to exaggerate their fishing stories its account would probably be 100ft long and breathe fire out its blowhole.

There is evidence of life forms that existed and became extinct long before biblical times (or proposed "worldwide flood") -- unless one chooses to dismiss scientific knowledge in favor or religious dogma.

With evidence of other animals before the flood, what would indicate that it selectively wiped out evidence of Nephilim?

How would they be preserved? If they only came into existence just before the flood and then were drowned their flesh and bones would be eaten by benthic flora and fauna.

Unless there was only one generation of Nephilim before the supposed flood, earlier generations would have died by means other than drowning and their remains would / could be found in the form of fossils – just like other human or humanoid forms.

Sure, but maybe there was only generation... I'll never know.

However, if your question is "is there any evidence that giants have ever existed" then the answer is yes because there are giants (8 to 9 ft tall humans) living among us today and there is even some evidence of human beings possibly reaching the height of 11ft.

Are present large humans Nephilim?

Naw and neither were the Canaanites

Where, then, were the Nephilim found? How do we know they existed (other than myth / legend / bible story – all unverifiable)?

There is no other way to know, my worldview is that the history of the bible is being witnessed by scientific discovery. Some examples; today scientists say the maximum age a human can live to is 122 years and Moses reported that fact 3400 years ago. The bible first reported the existence of the Hittites and the city of Jericho. DNA confirms the existence of Aaron and that we have two common ancestors. This is just what I can think of off the top of my head.

There are two theological hypotheses for the Nephilim one is mundane and one is fantastical. Whichever is true my worldview is that science will either confirm the truth or can never confirm the truth.

There it is just trying to be really open and honest about what I believe and why... nothing more.

[Tired of the Nonsense]

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According to the bible the Nephilim were offspring of the "sons of God" and the "daughters of men" before the Deluge according to Genesis 6:4; the name is also used in reference to giants who inhabited Canaan at the time of the Israelite conquest of Canaan according to Numbers 13:33

The Nephilim were on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of men, and they bore children to them. Those were the mighty men who were of old, men of renown." (Gen. 6:1-4).

Did such beings exist?

Is there evidence that the Earth was once (antediluvian) populated by such beings?

The Hebrew word "Nephilim" actually directly translates as "abortions." It's a derogatory term implying a semi-human abomination which is being applied to all the non Hebrew peoples who were enemies. The Hebrews were surrounded by mighty enemies who were abortions. In other words, less than true humans. Tribal groups around the world typically considered themselves to be the one and only "true human beings" while all outsiders were considered less then truly human. This is a common anthropological occurrence typical of tribal groups.

[AdHoc]

.
According to the bible the Nephilim were offspring of the "sons of God" and the "daughters of men" before the Deluge according to Genesis 6:4; the name is also used in reference to giants who inhabited Canaan at the time of the Israelite conquest of Canaan according to Numbers 13:33

The Nephilim were on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of men, and they bore children to them. Those were the mighty men who were of old, men of renown." (Gen. 6:1-4).

Did such beings exist?

Is there evidence that the Earth was once (antediluvian) populated by such beings?

The Hebrew word "Nephilim" actually directly translates as "abortions." It's a derogatory term implying a semi-human abomination which is being applied to all the non Hebrew peoples who were enemies. The Hebrews were surrounded by mighty enemies who were abortions. In other words, less than true humans. Tribal groups around the world typically considered themselves to be the one and only "true human beings" while all outsiders were considered less then truly human. This is a common anthropological occurrence typical of tribal groups.

Anything I've ever seen on the meaning of the word has to do with the verb "to fall". And its usually translated "Fallen".

Where did you find your translation?

[Tired of the Nonsense]

.
According to the bible the Nephilim were offspring of the "sons of God" and the "daughters of men" before the Deluge according to Genesis 6:4; the name is also used in reference to giants who inhabited Canaan at the time of the Israelite conquest of Canaan according to Numbers 13:33

The Nephilim were on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of men, and they bore children to them. Those were the mighty men who were of old, men of renown." (Gen. 6:1-4).

Did such beings exist?

Is there evidence that the Earth was once (antediluvian) populated by such beings?

The Hebrew word "Nephilim" actually directly translates as "abortions." It's a derogatory term implying a semi-human abomination which is being applied to all the non Hebrew peoples who were enemies. The Hebrews were surrounded by mighty enemies who were abortions. In other words, less than true humans. Tribal groups around the world typically considered themselves to be the one and only "true human beings" while all outsiders were considered less then truly human. This is a common anthropological occurrence typical of tribal groups.

Anything I've ever seen on the meaning of the word has to do with the verb "to fall". And its usually translated "Fallen".

Where did you find your translation?

Nephilim (Hb) n'pilim, lit "abortions."

"Dictionary Of The Bible," pub 1965 By John L. McKenzie.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_L._McKenzie

[AdHoc]

.
According to the bible the Nephilim were offspring of the "sons of God" and the "daughters of men" before the Deluge according to Genesis 6:4; the name is also used in reference to giants who inhabited Canaan at the time of the Israelite conquest of Canaan according to Numbers 13:33

The Nephilim were on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of men, and they bore children to them. Those were the mighty men who were of old, men of renown." (Gen. 6:1-4).

Did such beings exist?

Is there evidence that the Earth was once (antediluvian) populated by such beings?

The Hebrew word "Nephilim" actually directly translates as "abortions." It's a derogatory term implying a semi-human abomination which is being applied to all the non Hebrew peoples who were enemies. The Hebrews were surrounded by mighty enemies who were abortions. In other words, less than true humans. Tribal groups around the world typically considered themselves to be the one and only "true human beings" while all outsiders were considered less then truly human. This is a common anthropological occurrence typical of tribal groups.

Anything I've ever seen on the meaning of the word has to do with the verb "to fall". And its usually translated "Fallen".

Where did you find your translation?

Nephilim (Hb) n'pilim, lit "abortions."

"Dictionary Of The Bible," pub 1965 By John L. McKenzie.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_L._McKenzie

I followed that link and it led me to a picture of a dude and his life story. Would you supply the link to the definition you pasted?

I'm not saying you're wrong I've just never in my life seen the definition you are asserting and I'm really interested. When I was a kid the story of the Nephilim kind of captured my imagination so I have looked at a few definitions and never recall seeing the word defined as "abortions".

But you know, I used to believe in Santa and the Queen of England at one time too...

[DanieltheDragon]

[Replying to post 12 by AdHoc]

alright Adhoc I am not photoshopping perhaps a video will suffice



National Geographic

or also google Narwhals

You are the one who brought up " Unicorns, on the other hand, still exist today if you believe the incredible reports that they swim around the North pole" not me. Narwhals are not fairies the horn is just an incredibly long tooth.

[Tired of the Nonsense]

.
According to the bible the Nephilim were offspring of the "sons of God" and the "daughters of men" before the Deluge according to Genesis 6:4; the name is also used in reference to giants who inhabited Canaan at the time of the Israelite conquest of Canaan according to Numbers 13:33

The Nephilim were on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of men, and they bore children to them. Those were the mighty men who were of old, men of renown." (Gen. 6:1-4).

Did such beings exist?

Is there evidence that the Earth was once (antediluvian) populated by such beings?

The Hebrew word "Nephilim" actually directly translates as "abortions." It's a derogatory term implying a semi-human abomination which is being applied to all the non Hebrew peoples who were enemies. The Hebrews were surrounded by mighty enemies who were abortions. In other words, less than true humans. Tribal groups around the world typically considered themselves to be the one and only "true human beings" while all outsiders were considered less then truly human. This is a common anthropological occurrence typical of tribal groups.

Anything I've ever seen on the meaning of the word has to do with the verb "to fall". And its usually translated "Fallen".

Where did you find your translation?

Nephilim (Hb) n'pilim, lit "abortions."

"Dictionary Of The Bible," pub 1965 By John L. McKenzie.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_L._McKenzie

I followed that link and it led me to a picture of a dude and his life story. Would you supply the link to the definition you pasted?

I'm not saying you're wrong I've just never in my life seen the definition you are asserting and I'm really interested. When I was a kid the story of the Nephilim kind of captured my imagination so I have looked at a few definitions and never recall seeing the word defined as "abortions".

But you know, I used to believe in Santa and the Queen of England at one time too...

To the best of my knowledge the entire "Dictionary Of The Bible" is not available online. I do happen to own a copy however. If you can find a copy I strongly suggest that you buy it. It is extraordinarily comprehensive.

As for Santa, all I know is that I get presents every Christmas just as advertised. And as for the Queen of England, I actually saw him once live, in concert.

[bjs]

[Replying to DanieltheDragon]

Well, I’m not saying that I disagree with all of these translations. I agree with quite of a few of them. Some translations – mainly the KJV and other Roman Catholic translations – use the traditional translation of “giants.� However, this translation has been rejected by the majority of Hebrew scholars for some time now.

Other translations on this list transliterate the Hebrew word Nephilim, or at least put in a footnote that this is the word used. Some of the translations on this list give us a more literal translation of the word Nephilim, which would be “the fallen ones,� or perhaps “the ones who cause others to fall.�

I am not claiming to be an expert in ancient Hebrew. I am claiming to side with the majority of Hebrew scholars who say that the word Nephilim probably did not mean “giants.� Even those who maintain the traditional translation of “giants� still agree that the word Nephilim comes from the root word Nephil, which means “to fall.�