Nephilim are biblical figures that appear twice in the Torah: first, in Genesis 6:4, in a verse that describes the unions of “bnei elohim” and “daughters of men,” and then in Numbers 13:33, when 12 spies report that they saw nephilim in the land of Canaan. Nephilim also appear once in the book of Ezekiel according to some understandings, and in several instances throughout works of Apocrypha. In the Jewish textual tradition, these creatures are understood to be angels, the offspring of angels, giants, or the offspring of noble people.
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Legendary Giants: The NephilimTANAKH
Legendary Giants: The Nephilim
TANAKH
The Nephilim are described as the offspring of divine beings and human women. The book of Genesis, the first book of the Torah, recounts the origins of mankind and includes the mysterious narrative of the Nephilim.
Giants in the LandTANAKH
Giants in the Land
TANAKH
The scouts' encounter with the Nephilim in the land of Canaan left them feeling insignificant and fearful, highlighting the psychological impact of facing seemingly insurmountable challenges. In the book of Numbers, the scouts' report upon returning from exploring the land of Canaan reveals their fear and intimidation after encountering the Nephilim.
Unveiling the NephilimMIDRASH
Unveiling the Nephilim
MIDRASH
The Nephilim, mysterious figures in the Bible, are shrouded in interpretations that link them to themes of rebellion and immorality. Bereshit Rabbah, an ancient midrash on the book of Genesis, delves into the various names and characteristics of the Nephilim, offering insights into their significance and impact.
Descendants of Fallen AngelsCOMMENTARY
Descendants of Fallen Angels
COMMENTARY
The Nephilim are identified by some as the descendants of fallen angels, Shemchazai and Azael, offering a fascinating link between biblical creatures and celestial beings. Rashi, the preeminent medieval Jewish commentator, provides a deeper understanding of the Nephilim's origins.
The Enigmatic NephilimCOMMENTARY
The Enigmatic Nephilim
COMMENTARY
The term 'nephilim' has sparked curiosity and debate due to its ambiguous nature. Yosef Bekhor Shor, a 12th-century French commentator, offers two intriguing interpretations of the term 'nephilim' in his biblical exegesis.
The Fallen Angels of the ZoharKABBALAH
The Fallen Angels of the Zohar
KABBALAH
Some understand Nephilim to be rebellious angels who were cast down due to their desire for human women, offering a unique perspective on their origin and fate. The Zohar, a foundational work of Jewish mysticism, explores the story of the Nephilim within the context of divine justice and human fallibility.
Demystifying the NephilimCOMMENTARY
Demystifying the Nephilim
COMMENTARY
The Nephilim, often shrouded in myth, are interpreted as legendary figures used to justify idolatry and false beliefs across various ancient cultures. The 19th-century Jewish commentator Malbim offers a perspective that contrasts these myths with the biblical narrative, portraying the Nephilim as mere mortals.
Ascending to Heavenly RealmsMUSAR
Ascending to Heavenly Realms
MUSAR
The Nephilim, a blend of human and angelic traits, symbolize the potential for humans to elevate themselves spiritually. Rabbi Nosson Tzvi Finkel's teachings, drawing from the Yalkut Shimoni, a medieval compilation of midrashic interpretations, explore the idea that humans can aspire to embody angelic qualities.
The Spiritual Disconnect of the NephilimCHASIDUT
The Spiritual Disconnect of the Nephilim
CHASIDUT
The Nephilim's 'fallenness' serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of ignoring God's presence in the world. Rabbi Chaim Tyrer of Czernowitz, in his Chasidic commentary, emphasizes the need to recognize God's continuous involvement in earthly matters and to elevate the physical to its spiritual roots.
The Rebellion of the NephilimMIDRASH
The Rebellion of the Nephilim
MIDRASH
The Nephilim, with their magical abilities and defiance, illustrate the consequences of rejecting divine guidance. Midrash Tanchuma, a medieval collection of midrash, explores the story of the Nephilim, mythical giants from Genesis, focusing on themes of arrogance and divine retribution.