Nephilim

Nephilim - (Easton's Bible Dictionary)

(Gen. 6:4; Num. 13:33, R.V.), giants, the Hebrew word left untranslated by the Revisers, the name of one of the Canaanitish tribes. The Revisers have, however, translated the Hebrew gibborim, in Gen. 6:4, "mighty men."

nef'-i-lim (nephilim): This word, translated "giants" in the King James Version, but retained in the Revised Version (British and American), is found in two passages of the Old Testament--one in Ge 6:4, relating to the antediluvians; the other in Nu 13:33, relating to the sons of Anak in Canaan. In the former place the Nephilim are not necessarily to be identified with the children said to be borne "the daughters of men" to "the sons of God" (Ge 6:2,4); indeed, they seem to be distinguished from the latter as upon the earth before this unholy commingling took place (see SONS OF GOD). But it is not easy to be certain as to the interpretation of this strange passage. In the second case they clearly represent men of gigantic stature, in comparison with whom the Israelites felt as if they were "grasshopers." This agrees with Ge 6:4, "the mighty men that were of old, the men of renow." Septuagint, therefore, was warranted in translating by gigantes.

James Orr

Definition

The term “Nephils” is the name for a group of people who is mentioned in two passages in the Bible. Once in Genesis 6:4, before the flood, and twice in Numbers 13:33, after the flood. The “Nephils” are called “Nephilim” or “Nephilites.” The Nephils were a physically large people that had a reputation for being mighty warriors.

English translations have chosen to either transliterate the original language (Hebrew) word as “Nephilim” or transliterate the first part of the word "Nephil" and then add the English plural ending “ites” resulting in “Nephilites.” You may desire to do translisterate this term in your translation as well.

(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names, Copy or Borrow Words)

Bible References

Word Data

• Strong’s: H6062, H7497