Literature
Unraveling the Misconception: Why People Believe Angels Slept with Human Women in Genesis 6
Unraveling the Misconception: Why People Believe Angels Slept with Human Women in Genesis 6
Introduction
The common belief that angels 'slept with' human women in Genesis 6 is a misconception fueled by a misinterpretation of biblical text and folklore. This article aims to clarify why people hold this belief and to provide a nuanced understanding of the passage, Genesis 6, and its context within the Bible.
Why People Believe Angels Slept with Human Women
Many people, especially when first encountering Genesis 6, interpret the term “sons of God” as angels. This belief is further influenced by folklore and mythology where angels are often depicted as powerful beings with human-like characteristics, including the ability to mate. However, this interpretation runs counter to the explicit teachings of the Bible.
Reading into the Text of Genesis 6
Genesis 6:2 states, ldquo; the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful and they took for themselves wives, whichever they chose.rdquo; This passage is often misunderstood due to the assumption that “sons of God” refers to fallen angels. Yet, the text clearly differentiates between the “sons of God” (translated as “the sons of Seth”) and the “daughters of men” (referring to the lineage of Cain).
"Sons of God" vs. Fallen Angels
The term “sons of God” in this context is more likely referring to the descendants of Seth, a son of Adam, rather than fallen angels. This interpretation aligns more closely with the rest of the Bible and historical context. The inclusion of “fallen angels,” also known as “Watchers” or “Nephilim,” is a myth that arises from later translations and interpretations.
Wickedness and Corruption
Genesis 6:5-7 emphasizes the wickedness of both men (Cain’s lineage) and the rejected “sons of Seth.” The text highlights how “giants” (Nephilim) were the result of this mixing, not due to angel-human unions, but rather the offspring of corrupted individuals.
Understanding Nephilim
The word “Nephilim” translates to “fallen ones” or, as per Strong’s Lexicon, “robbers, tyrants, or tyrants” in Hebrew. These weren’t mythical beings but rather a description of violent and rebellious individuals. The text does not imply physical superiority or angel-human hybrids but rejects the idea that spirits could mix with physical humans.
Divine Response and Judgment
God’s response in Genesis 6:5-7 is a harsh judgment on the corruption brought about by the mixing of the descendants of Seth and Cain. This corruption led to the Flood as mentioned in the following chapter.
Conclusion
The belief that angels 'slept with' human women in Genesis 6 stems from misinterpretation and folklore. The text clearly differentiates between the “sons of God” and the “daughters of men,” and the Nephilim were a result of the corruption among the human population, not a divine union.