The NIV translation simply puts the Hebrew word into English letters when it reads "Nephilim." This particular Hebrew word is used only two times in all of the Old Testament. The other occurrence is in Numbers 13:32-33 where we read, "All the people we saw there are of great size. We saw the Nephilim there (the descendants of Anak come from the Nephilim). We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them."

No doubt this reference has influenced the way people view the meaning of Nephilim. In fact, the Septuagint translation (which is an ancient translation of the Hebrew Old Testament into the Greek language that dates from 300 BC or so) used the Greek word for giants to translate the Hebrew word "Nephilim." Through that translation, other later translations tended to follow suit and simply translate Nephilim as giants.

The translation of "supernatural beings" reflects a rather strange and forced meaning of Genesis 6:1-2. Some ancient commentators thought that in those verses the reference to the "sons of God" was a reference to angels. Therefore, angels married daughters of men, namely human women, and the resulting offspring were the Nephilim of verse 4. Yet careful Bible readers know that Jesus declared that angels do not marry. (see Matthew 22:30) Angels are spirit beings who do not reproduce.

In the context of Genesis 6 and the broader context of Scripture, sons of God can refer to believers (see Ga. 3:26) and daughters of men would then refer to unbelieving women. Sadly, at the time before the flood it seemed that the chief priority in picking a spouse was not the spiritual character, but the outward beauty. Believers were being swayed by the priorities of a sinful society.

How, then, is one to understand the phrase "Nephilim"? I think that the translation "fallen ones" is probably closest. The Hebrew word at the root of Nephilim means to "fall." The "fallen ones" then could simply mean people who have fallen away from the Lord and his Word. Such fallen ones are eager to fall upon others in selfish pursuit of their own ends. Who cares if they have to step on others to get ahead? Who cares if they have to fall upon others weaker than they are?

In the context of Genesis 6, where God is carefully describing the sad condition of the world right before the flood, it is clear that the fallen ones were the ones an ungodly society held up in esteem. They were heroes of old, the well known icons of "might makes right."

Still today, a sinful society is eager to emulate those who can get ahead in life, no matter the cost to others. Society praises the rich and powerful even if such wealth and power came at the expense of the humble and poor.

In conclusion, I would also say that such an understanding of Nephilim would also fit the Numbers reference. The inhabitants of Canaan certainly included large people (see Dt. 3:11 and 1 Sam. 17:4). But those people were also characterized by unbelief and a sinful pursuit of pleasure and prosperity. They worshiped Baal, an idol of success and sensuality. These were fallen ones or "Nephilim." That some were giants would only make they ability to "fall upon" others all the easier.

Thank you for your question and your patience in waiting for a response. May the Christ Child fill your heart and home with the joy of his gifts - forgiveness of sins, life and salvation! In him we are raised from a fallen state to the joy of being a child of God. Blessings in the new year to you and yours.