Delve into Allen Nolan’s, founder of Cornerstone Fellowship, interpretation of Genesis 6:1-4 as he makes a compelling case for the Nephilim being none other than angels.
Introduction
Allen Nolan is known for his book studies and eschatological exploration. He holds a degree in Biblical Languages and New Testament Greek from John Brown University and a master’s degree in Theology from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. In 1987, he and his wife, Lisa, founded the Cornerstone Fellowship.
One of the many passages he studied was Genesis 6:1-4. According to him, the ‘sons of God’ in Genesis 6:1-4 are, unequivocally, fallen angels. Here’s why.
Angelic Interpretation Through History
For centuries, the prevailing interpretation of Genesis 6:1-4 was that it depicted angels engaging with mortal women. This understanding rests on the repeated use of the phrase “sons of God” in the Old Testament. Nolan emphasizes that each time this phrase appears in the Old Testament, it consistently refers to angels.
Nolan’s reasoning is grounded in hermeneutics, the art and science of interpreting scripture. According to hermeneutical principles, scripture should interpret itself. When examining the phrase “sons of God,” its consistent use throughout the Old Testament points to angels.
“To me, it’s a no-brainer. You either apply true hermeneutical principles and allow God’s Word to interpret itself, or you ignore hermeneutical principles and come up with your own theory, which has no biblical basis,” Nolan asserts.
However, in the third century AD, Julius Africanus found the idea of angels engaging with mortal women difficult to accept. He introduced an alternative theory that the ‘sons of God’ were descendants of Seth, while the ‘daughters of men’ were descendants of Cain.
“He totally disregarded hermeneutical principles and proposed the theory that the sons of God were the descendants of Seth, and the daughters of men were the descendants of Cain.”
Africanus’ theory gained traction and became the standard interpretation in both Catholic and many Protestant circles. Nolan, however, firmly believes this disregards hermeneutical principles.
Analysis of Chapter 6, Verse 3
Nolan begins his analysis by focusing on the word “strive” in verse 3. The Hebrew word used is “oon,” which can mean “to judge” or “to plead with.” Nolan argues that in Genesis 6:3, the latter interpretation is more fitting. According to him, God’s message is that His spirit will not endlessly plead with humanity to repent. This verse symbolizes a divine ultimatum—a 120-year grace period for humanity to repent.
“…there was a 120-year grace period for men to repent, and, of course, they didn’t repent, so the flood came and it wiped them all out.”
Analysis of Chapter 6, Verse 4
Verse 4 states:
“There were giants on the earth in those days, and also afterward when the sons of God came into the daughters of men, and they bore children to them. Those were the mighty men who were men of old, men of renown.”
Nolan highlights the Hebrew origin of the term “nephil,” meaning “to fall,” thus referring to the Nephilim as “fallen ones.” According to Nolan, Genesis 6:4 reveals that they are the offspring of celestial beings and mortal women—a hybrid existence. The term ‘mighty men’ further supports this, as it translates to “heroes” in Hebrew, indicating that the Nephilim were beings of exceptional prowess and renown.
“So they were the heroes of the old world, men of renown. Now, what this is implying is that these Nephilim were superior creatures physically. They truly were giants… because they were half angel and half man, they were bigger, stronger, quicker, faster, and more agile than mortal men.”
The Nephilim Did Not Survive the Flood
Nolan emphasizes the misplacement of the clause “and also afterward” in verse 4. He believes it should be placed at the end of the sentence, not the beginning, to avoid the impression that some Nephilim survived the flood. Nolan asserts that no Nephilim survived the flood, supporting his belief with Genesis 6:7:
“I will wipe this human race I have created from the face of the earth.”
Nolan contends that the term ‘Nephilim’ became a figure of speech and urban legend after the flood, referring to anyone considered extraordinary in stature or ability.
“…they became legends. So that word, Nephilim, became a figure of speech after the flood referring to anyone that was bigger, faster, quicker. We know that because the flood destroyed every man, woman, and child including the offspring of the Fallen Angels and mortal women.”
Conclusion
Allen Nolan firmly believes that the Nephilim are fallen angels. His conviction is grounded in the careful examination of the phrase ‘sons of God’ throughout the Old Testament and a commitment to sound hermeneutical principles.
In the ever-evolving discourse surrounding Genesis 6:1-4, scholars like Nolan offer valuable insights, contributing to a deeper understanding of this ancient biblical passage. For more ancient and modern resources that tackle the origins and identity of the Nephilim, visit us at Chasing the Giants.
Watch Allen Nolan’s full YouTube commentary titled “The Nephilim: The Shocking Truth | Angels And Demons 4 | Allen Nolan” on Cornerstone Fellowship Allen Nolan.
