Ben Stanhope’s Etymological Analysis of the ‘Sons of God’ and Nephilim

Ben Stanhope, with a degree from Boyce of Southern Seminary and an M.A. in Manuscript Cultures from Hamburg University, offers a compelling perspective on the Nephilim in his YouTube commentary titled “The Nephilim Explained: Biblical Giants and the Book of Enoch.”

Through thorough examination of biblical texts, he discusses the identity of the ‘sons of God’ and the Nephilim, advocating for the angelic interpretation.

“When I first began researching this passage in college, I found that many modern theologians oppose the ancient view that Genesis six intends to say that human beings were producing offspring with supernatural entities. Believing the Enoch corpus to be a fanciful Jewish misinterpretation, those who oppose the supernatural view usually believe that the sons of God refer to human rulers and that the Nephilim were simply a bloodline of thoroughly human fallen warriors. But is it correct to dismiss the supernatural view? In this video, I want to present several of the reasons why I believe the supernatural view is by far the more superior interpretation. The natural place to begin with the identity of the Nephilim is the etymology of the term. The vast majority of academic dictionaries routinely explain this word as the masculine plural form of the Hebrew verb and fall, which means to fall. In other words, the fallen ones.”

Ben

Stanhope’s Etymological Analysis

Stanhope begins by analyzing the term “Nephilim,” which is derived from the Hebrew word “naphal,” meaning “to fall.” He suggests that the Nephilim were fallen beings or angels. However, Michael Heiser highlights a complication in Numbers 13:33, where the word is spelled with an extra yod, indicating a different pronunciation that does not align with the verb “naphal.”

Stanhope counters this by highlighting the Aramaic noun “naphil,” which translates directly to ‘giant’ and fits the variant spelling. This interpretation is supported by Jewish texts from the intertestamental period that translate Nephilim as “gigantes” in Greek, meaning giants​​​​​​.

The Gigantism of Nephilim Tribes

Stanhope draws attention to biblical descriptions of the Nephilim tribes, particularly in Numbers 13:32-33, where they are depicted as giants so large that normal humans appear as grasshoppers in comparison. This gigantism supports the view that the Nephilim were fathered by divine beings, rather than merely being descendants of human rulers​​.

Insights from Ancient Texts

Ancient texts like the Book of Enoch and New Testament passages provide additional support for the angelic interpretation. In Jude 6-7 and 2 Peter 2, angels who engaged in sexual immorality are bound in chains under gloomy darkness. Notably, the term “Tartarus,” used in 2 Peter to describe their imprisonment, is borrowed from Greek mythology, where it denotes the prison of rebellious giants​​​​​​.

Stanhope also explores Mesopotamian tablets that reference deities known as “apkallu,” who were believed to deliver culture and civilization to humanity. These beings, referred to as “Watchers” in Enoch’s account, provide a parallel to the divine beings in Genesis 6. The tradition of celestial beings interacting with humanity, as seen in Enoch, is thus rooted in ancient narratives predating the Jewish exile in Babylonia​​​​​​.

The Watchers and their Role

In the Book of Enoch, the Watchers are depicted as angels who descended to Earth and engaged in forbidden unions with human women, producing the Nephilim. Enoch describes how these angels swore an oath together on Mount Hermon to carry out this act.

This narrative aligns with the Greek mythological concept of divine beings interacting with humans, further supporting the supernatural interpretation of Genesis 6.

Theological Implications

Stanhope highlights the theological implications of this interpretation. If the Nephilim were indeed the offspring of angels and human women, it underscores the idea of a profound celestial-human interaction that had significant consequences. This perspective is reinforced by New Testament references to these events, where the punishment of the rebellious angels is described in terms that resonate with ancient Greek mythology.

Modern Scholarship and the Nephilim

Modern scholars like John MacArthur and Michael Heiser have also weighed in on this topic. MacArthur supports the angelic interpretation, citing the consistent depiction of the Nephilim as giants and the clear references to angelic beings in both the Old and New Testaments. Heiser, while noting the linguistic challenges, acknowledges the weight of historical and textual evidence that supports the angelic view​​​​.

Conclusion

Stanhope’s commentary offers a thorough examination of the complexities surrounding Genesis 6:1-4, providing a reliable resource for understanding the Nephilim and the Sons of God. By analyzing terms like “Tartarus” and exploring ancient texts, he reinforces the notion of the Nephilim as celestial beings. This exploration underscores the need for dedication, patience, and commitment in unraveling the enigmas of ancient history.

For a more in-depth exploration, watch Ben Stanhope’s full commentary titled “The Nephilim Explained: Biblical Giants and the Book of Enoch” on YouTube.

Source Link: The Nephilim Explained: Biblical Giants and the Book of Enoch – YouTube

Quick Info

Date: 2019

Interpretation: Angel

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