Were Nephilim Fallen Angels?

A KJV Bible Study the Nephilim and fallen angels spark curiosity among Bible readers. In the King James Version (KJV), some believe the Nephilim are fallen angels—rebellious beings who defied God. But what does the KJV say? Let’s explore key verses like Genesis 6:4 and Jude 1:6, simplify the mystery, and see how this connects to living as true disciples today.

The word Nephilim appears twice in the KJV, often linked to giants and divine rebellion. Many, including our reader, view them as fallen angels who sinned against God.

Genesis 6:4 (KJV)

“There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.”

• What It Says: Before the Flood, “sons of God” (angels, per some interpretations) married human women, producing Nephilim, called “giants” in the KJV. These were powerful, famous warriors.
• Nephilim as Fallen Angels: If “sons of God” are angels, the Nephilim could be those angels themselves, fallen from heaven to sin on earth. Their offspring, “mighty men,” spread wickedness, leading to the Flood (Genesis 6:5–7).
• Takeaway: The Nephilim’s rebellion shows the danger of turning from God, like false disciples in Matthew 7:23 (“I never knew you”).

Numbers 13:33 (KJV)

“And there we saw the Nephilim, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.”

• What It Says: Israelite spies in Canaan saw fearsome “Nephilim,” linked to the tall Anakims. They felt small, like “grasshoppers.”
• Nephilim as Fallen Angels: Some believe these are later fallen angels or their descendants, though others see “Nephilim” as a term for tall warriors, not literal angels.
• Takeaway: Fear of giants led Israel to doubt God, teaching us to trust Him as true servants.

Jude 1:6 (KJV)

“And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.”

• What It Says: Angels who abandoned their heavenly role were punished, chained until judgment.
• Nephilim Connection: These could be the “sons of God” from Genesis 6:4, fallen angels who became Nephilim or fathered them, judged for their sin.
• Takeaway: God’s justice warns us to stay faithful, avoiding the fate of rebellious angels.

Other Verses

• Isaiah 14:12 (KJV): “How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning!” Describes Satan’s fall, possibly leading other angels (Nephilim) to rebel.
• 2 Peter 2:4 (KJV): God cast “angels that sinned” into “chains of darkness,” likely tied to Genesis 6.
• Revelation 12:9 (KJV): Satan and his angels were cast out, suggesting a broader angelic rebellion.

The KJV suggests Nephilim could be fallen angels (“sons of God”) who sinned by marrying humans, producing wicked giants. Their rebellion led to the Flood and divine judgment (Jude 1:6). Alternatively, Nephilim might be their hybrid offspring, while fallen angels are the instigators. Either way, the KJV shows God’s response to sin, calling us to obedience.

What This Means for Us:

• Be True Disciples: Like Matthew 7:23, avoid hypocrisy. Live for God, not fame like the “men of renown.”
• Trust God: Don’t fear “giants” (Numbers 13:33) but rely on God’s promises.
• Stay Faithful: Fallen angels’ punishment (Jude 1:6) reminds us to serve God humbly.