Sons of God in Genesis 6
There are at least two theories as to the meaning of “sons of God” in Genesis 6:1–4.
Angels intermarrying with human women
- “Sons of God” elsewhere, and possibly in Moses’ writings, refers to angels
- Dt 32:8 (but see ESV footnote); Job 1:6; 2:1; 38:7; Ps 29:1 (see ESV footnote); Ps 89:6 (see ESV footnote); Da 3:25
- Seems to find support in New Testament
- 1Co 11:10; 2Pe 2:4–5; Jude 6–7
- But seems to contradict Jesus’ teaching that angels cannot/do not marry
- Mt 22:30 (cf. Mk 12:25; Lk 20:35–36)
This theory also finds support in apocryphal literature such as the Book of Enoch and the Book of Jubilees.
Sethites intermarrying with Cainites
- “Son(s) of God” elsewhere, including in Moses’ writings, refers to God’s elect
- Ex 4:22–23; Dt 14:1–2; 32:8 (see ESV footnote); Isa 43:6; Jer 3:22; Hos 1:10; 11:1
- Sethites were noted for devotion to God, walking with God
- Ge 4:26; 5:22–24; 5:29; 6:8–9; Heb 11:5
- Cainites were noted for rebellion, sin
- Ge 4:8, 19, 23–24
- Mixed marriages are forbidden elsewhere in the writings of Moses
- Ge 24:3–4; 28:1; Ex 34:15–16; Dt 7:3