Giants in the Bible

Old Testament References

Nephilim (Genesis 6:1-4)
- “The Nephilim were on the earth in those days—and also afterward—when the sons of God went to the daughters of humans and had children by them. They were the heroes of old, men of renown.”
- Nephilim are described as the offspring of the “sons of God” and human women, often interpreted as giants or mighty beings.
Anakim (Numbers 13:33)
- “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.”
- The spies sent by Moses describe the inhabitants of Canaan, linking them to the Nephilim and describing them as giants.
Rephaim (Deuteronomy 2:10-11)
- “The Emites used to live there—a people strong and numerous, and as tall as the Anakites. Like the Anakites, they too were considered Rephaim, but the Moabites called them Emites.”
- The Rephaim are another group of giants, associated with strength and great stature.
Og, King of Bashan (Deuteronomy 3:11)
- “Og king of Bashan was the last of the Rephaim. His bed was decorated with iron and was more than nine cubits long and four cubits wide. It is still in Rabbah of the Ammonites.”
- Og is described as a giant, with a bed approximately 13.5 feet (4.1 meters) long.
Goliath (1 Samuel 17:4-7)
- “A champion named Goliath, who was from Gath, came out of the Philistine camp. His height was six cubits and a span.”
- Goliath, famously defeated by David, is described as over 9 feet tall and clad in heavy armor.
Descendants of Rapha (2 Samuel 21:15-22)
- Describes battles with descendants of giants, including a man with six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot.
Giants in the Land (Amos 2:9)
- “Yet I destroyed the Amorites before them, though they were tall as the cedars and strong as the oaks.”
- The Amorites are described metaphorically as giant-like in stature.

Ahiman, amalekites, Anak, Anakim, Arba, Canaanites, emim, fingers, giant, giants, Goliath, Hittites, Isbi-benob, Jebusites, King Og, King Sohon, Lahmi, Michael Heiser, nephilim, Philistines, rephaim, Saph, Sheshai, Sihon, Sippai, Sons of Anak, Talmai, toes, Zamzummim

The story of the fallen angels, their rebellion, and their subsequent actions, including taking human women as wives, is a fascinating and multifaceted topic rooted in biblical texts, apocryphal writings, and theological interpretations. Here’s an explanation of the themes and possible reasons behind these actions:

1. Rebellion Against God and Deception by Satan

Pride and Ambition: Satan, originally a high-ranking cherub, is often depicted as being consumed by pride and ambition. In Isaiah 14:12-15 and Ezekiel 28:12-17 his fall is attributed to his desire to exalt himself above God. The fallen angels may have been influenced by this same pride, believing they could achieve greater power or autonomy by rebelling.
Deception: Satan, described as “the father of lies” (John 8:44), is believed to have deceived the other angels. He could have promised them power, freedom, or a new order apart from God’s dominion, appealing to their sense of independence or dissatisfaction.
Free Will: Angels, like humans, are thought to possess free will. Their choice to follow Satan reflects the possibility of exercising this freedom, even to their detriment.

2. Taking Human Women as Wives

This story is primarily derived from Genesis 6:1-4 and elaborated on in 1 Enoch, an ancient Jewish text. Here’s why some fallen angels may have taken human women:

Defiance of Divine Order: By taking human wives, these angels were violating the boundaries God set between the spiritual and human realms. This act symbolized their rebellion against God’s authority and an attempt to corrupt His creation.
Desire for Power: In 1 Enoch, the fallen angels are described as desiring to produce offspring—the Nephilim—who were giants or mighty beings. These hybrid beings might represent an attempt to create a race superior to humans, exerting power over the earth.
Lust and Temptation: The angels’ attraction to human women highlights the corrupting nature of their fall. Their lust may have been an expression of their moral degradation after rebelling against God.

3. Why They Persisted Despite Knowing They Were Wrong

Arrogance and Entrapment: Once they had rebelled, the fallen angels might have felt trapped by their own pride or convinced they could evade judgment. This is a common theme in theological writings: sin can lead to self-deception, blinding individuals (or beings) to the consequences of their actions.
Contempt for God’s Plan: Their actions might also be interpreted as deliberate attempts to thwart God’s plan for humanity, possibly out of spite or a desire to assert dominance over creation.

4. Lessons from Their Choices

The Consequences of Pride: The story emphasizes how pride and rebellion can lead to ruin, even for beings of great power and privilege.
The Importance of Obedience: It serves as a warning against defying divine order and authority, showing that such defiance has cosmic consequences.
The Nature of Deception: Satan’s role in leading others astray highlights the dangers of being deceived and the importance of discernment.

The story of the fallen angels and their interactions with humanity serves as a rich allegory for understanding themes of rebellion, temptation, and the consequences of moral failure. It also reflects the broader spiritual battle between good and evil that runs throughout biblical literature.

Giants and the Pre-Flood Corruption

The giants are depicted as a direct result of the rebellion of certain angels, who defied divine boundaries by taking human women as wives (Genesis 6:2). Their offspring, described as “mighty men who were of old, the men of renown,” contributed to widespread violence and immorality on earth. This corruption was so severe that Genesis 6:5-7 notes God’s grief over creation and His decision to bring about the flood to cleanse the earth.

The Flood as Divine Judgment

The flood described in Genesis 7 was a cataclysmic event that eradicated all life except for Noah, his family, and the creatures aboard the ark. The giants, along with the rest of corrupted humanity, perished in this judgment. However, the narrative suggests that their destruction did not mark the end of their existence entirely.

The Curse of the Giants’ Spirits

In the apocryphal text of 1 Enoch (particularly chapters 15 and 16), it is written that the spirits of the giants, being neither fully angelic nor fully human, were cursed to remain on earth as disembodied spirits. These spirits, often referred to as “unclean spirits” or demons, are said to roam the earth until the Day of Judgment. Enoch 15:8-9 states:

“And now the giants, who are produced from the spirits and flesh, shall be called evil spirits upon the earth, and on the earth shall be their dwelling. Evil spirits have proceeded from their bodies; because they are born from men, and from the holy Watchers is their beginning and primal origin; they shall be evil spirits on earth, and evil spirits shall they be called.”

This view portrays the spirits of the Nephilim as restless and malevolent, perpetually wandering the earth and opposing God’s purposes.

Biblical Echoes of Their Presence

The New Testament alludes to the activity of such unclean spirits. For instance, Jesus frequently encountered and cast out demons during His ministry (e.g., Mark 5:1-20). These entities, according to some interpretations, could trace their origins back to the spirits of the Nephilim, embodying the lingering consequences of pre-flood rebellion.

Awaiting Final Judgment

Both biblical and apocryphal texts affirm that these spirits will face ultimate judgment. Jude 1:6 references the fallen angels who are “kept in eternal chains under gloomy darkness until the judgment of the great day.” Similarly, the Book of Revelation foretells a time when all evil, including unclean spirits, will be cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10).

Lessons from Their Story

The narrative of the giants and their curse serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of defying God’s order. Their story underscores themes of divine justice, the enduring impact of sin, and the certainty of God’s ultimate victory over evil. It also invites reflection on the spiritual dimensions of human existence, reminding believers of the ongoing cosmic struggle between good and evil.

While the giants perished in the flood, their legacy lingers in theological and spiritual discourse, challenging readers to consider the profound implications of rebellion, judgment, and redemption.

The concept of evil spirits, often referred to as familiar spirits, and their influence on humans is a recurring theme in theological and spiritual discussions. These spirits are thought to work under Satan’s direction, seeking to disrupt, deceive, and destroy the lives of humans. Here’s an explanation of their workings and their impact:

1. Who Are Familiar Spirits?

Familiar spirits are believed to be evil spirits or demons with intimate knowledge of individuals, families, or communities. The term “familiar” may imply their close connection to humans, often working in subtle ways to influence their thoughts, emotions, and actions. In some spiritual traditions, they are seen as entities passed down through generations, exploiting weaknesses or sins in familial or societal structures.

Biblical References:

Leviticus 19:31 warns against seeking out familiar spirits: “Do not turn to mediums or necromancers; do not seek them out, and so make yourselves unclean by them: I am the Lord your God.” This suggests that familiar spirits were associated with spiritual impurity and deception.
Isaiah 8:19 highlights their deceptive nature: “And when they say to you, ‘Inquire of the mediums and the necromancers who chirp and mutter,’ should not a people inquire of their God?”

2. How Familiar Spirits Work Against Humans

Familiar spirits are often associated with spiritual warfare. Their methods can include:

a. Influencing the Mind

Familiar spirits aim to disrupt peace of mind, causing:

Depression: These spirits may amplify feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or despair, targeting emotional vulnerabilities to keep individuals in a state of mental anguish.
Oppression: They create a heavy, overwhelming sense of fear, anxiety, or failure, often leading people to feel trapped or helpless.
Possession: In extreme cases, familiar spirits may inhabit a person, exerting control over their thoughts and actions. This often results in destructive behaviors and spiritual bondage.

b. Exploiting Generational Weaknesses

The idea of generational spirits is rooted in the belief that certain patterns of sin or behavior can create a foothold for demonic activity. For example:

Addictions, anger, abuse, or occult practices in a family lineage can provide openings for familiar spirits to influence subsequent generations.
This is sometimes linked to the biblical concept of generational curses (e.g., Exodus 20:5), where the sins of the fathers impact the children.

c. Taking Orders from Satan

Familiar spirits operate under the hierarchy of demonic forces led by Satan. Their ultimate goal is to:

Oppose God’s work and kingdom.
Alienate humans from God by promoting sin, confusion, and spiritual disconnection.
Hinder individuals from experiencing salvation and the freedom offered through Jesus Christ.

3. How to Recognize and Resist Familiar Spirits

Christians are called to be vigilant and equipped to stand against these spiritual forces.

Recognizing Their Influence

Persistent negative thoughts that contradict God’s truth (e.g., “I’m unworthy,” “No one loves me”).
Patterns of destructive behavior or recurring struggles that seem beyond natural explanation.
Intense spiritual resistance when drawing closer to God (e.g., distractions during prayer, overwhelming doubt).

Resisting Familiar Spirits

Faith in Christ: Belief in the power of Jesus is the foundation of resisting evil. James 4:7 says, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
Prayer and Fasting: Prayer builds spiritual strength, and fasting amplifies focus on God’s power to break strongholds (Matthew 17:21).
Confession and Repentance: Confessing sins, breaking ties with occult practices, and renouncing generational strongholds can close spiritual doorways.
The Armor of God: Ephesians 6:10-18 outlines spiritual tools such as truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, and the Word of God to protect against demonic attacks.
Deliverance Ministry: In some cases, believers may seek help through deliverance prayer to break demonic influences.

4. Hope and Victory in Christ

While familiar spirits aim to disrupt and destroy, the Bible reassures believers of the ultimate power of Jesus Christ over all spiritual forces:

Colossians 2:15: “[Jesus] disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.”
Romans 8:38-39: “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers…will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

For those struggling with depression, oppression, or fear, turning to God’s truth, surrounding oneself with prayerful support, and relying on the Holy Spirit’s power offers lasting peace and deliverance from spiritual attacks.

Reading the Bible can be incredibly powerful for the soul, offering peace, clarity, and strength in the face of spiritual struggles. Scripture is described as a living, active force that can cut through confusion and darkness:

Hebrews 4:12: *”For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”*

Why Demons Flee from Scripture:

The Word is God’s Truth: Demons operate in deception, but the Word of God is absolute truth. When you read Scripture aloud or meditate on it, you declare God’s authority, leaving no room for lies.
- John 8:32: *”You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”*
God’s Presence Fills the Space: Scripture invites the presence of God, and demons cannot coexist in an atmosphere saturated with His holiness and power.
- James 4:7: *”Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”*
Strengthens the Spirit: Reading the Bible strengthens the mind and heart with God’s promises, disarming the discouragement, fear, or confusion demons often use to attack.
- Psalm 119:105: *”Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”*

The Peace Scripture Brings

When you read or listen to the Word of God, it has the power to calm your heart and restore peace to your mind:

Isaiah 26:3: *”You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.”*
Philippians 4:7: *”And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”*

How to Use Scripture as a Weapon Against Demonic Oppression:

Read Aloud: Speak God’s Word over your situation. For example:
- When feeling afraid: “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” (Psalm 27:1).
- When overwhelmed: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28).
Meditate on Key Passages: Write down or memorize verses that give you strength, such as:
- Ephesians 6:10-18: The Armor of God.
- Psalm 91: God’s protection and deliverance.
Create a Holy Atmosphere: Playing Scripture-based worship music or audio readings of the Bible can also help fill your environment with God’s truth.

Reading Scripture is more than an intellectual exercise; it’s a spiritual balm that restores, protects, and empowers. By immersing yourself in the Word, you align your heart and mind with God’s peace, forcing darkness to flee.