Subject: The Sons of God in Genesis 6:1-4 |
Bible Note: Greetings Jesusman! I don't remember much of my Hebrew! :-( But, here is what the "Theological Word Book of the Old Testament", published by Moody Press has to say about the word 'nƒphiyl'. ***************************************** "While some scholars attempt to relate this term etymologically to 'napal I' via the noun 'nepel' "untimely birth" or "miscarriage" (as productive of superhuman monstrosities), a more likely reconstruction is the proposal of a root 'napal' II, akin to other weak verbs, 'pul' II "be wonderful, strong, mighty," 'pala' "be wonderful," and even 'pala' "separate, distinguish," 'palal' "discriminate." This pattern of semantically related groups of weak verbs with two strong consonants in common is a notably recurrent phenomenon in Hebrew lexicography. Actually, the translation "giants" is supported mainly by the LXX and may be quite misleading. The word may be of unknown origin and mean "heroes" or "fierce warriors" etc. The RSV and NIV transliteration "Nephilim" is safer and may be correct in referring the noun to a race or nation." (Vol. 2, pg. 578) ********************************************* I hope this helps! Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |