Meaning of Genesis 6:2

Genesis 6:2 describes a pivotal moment in the pre-Flood narrative where a significant transgression occurs, blurring the lines between the divine and the human realms. The phrase "sons of God" is generally understood by scholars to refer to a line of righteous individuals, possibly descendants of Seth, who had maintained a closer relationship with God, contrasted with the "daughters of humans," who represented the broader, increasingly corrupt human population. The act of intermarriage, therefore, is not merely about unions between different groups but signifies a spiritual compromise and a dilution of the godly lineage, leading to a further descent into wickedness that precipitates God's judgment. This event marks a critical turning point, highlighting the pervasive influence of sin and the consequences of departing from divine fellowship.

Context and Background

This verse is situated within the account of humanity's rapid moral decay following the expulsion from Eden. Genesis 6:1 states that humanity began to multiply and spread across the earth, and it was during this period that "the sons of God" began to take notice of "the daughters of humans." The preceding chapters detail the growing wickedness of humankind, culminating in the statement in Genesis 6:5 that "the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually." The intermarriage described in 6:2 is presented as a symptom and perhaps a catalyst for this escalating corruption. The term "sons of God" (Hebrew: b'nei Elohim) is a significant point of scholarly discussion. While some interpret it as referring to angelic beings, the prevailing scholarly view, often supported by context and later biblical usage, understands it as referring to godly men, particularly the descendants of Seth who had preserved a semblance of piety, as opposed to the ungodly lineage of Cain. This interpretation emphasizes a spiritual and ethical divide rather than a purely supernatural one.

Key Themes and Messages

The primary theme is the corruption of the godly line. The intermarriage represents a compromise of spiritual integrity, where the righteous lineage begins to mingle with and be influenced by the increasingly wicked world. This dilution of the distinctiveness of the godly lineage is seen as a significant factor contributing to the widespread depravity that necessitated the Flood. Another key theme is the enticement of the flesh and the allure of beauty. The verse explicitly states that the "daughters of humans were beautiful," suggesting that physical attraction played a role in this fateful decision, leading the "sons of God" to disregard spiritual boundaries for carnal desires. This highlights the ever-present temptation to prioritize temporal pleasures over eternal principles.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Spiritually, this passage serves as a stark warning against compromise and spiritual dilution. It illustrates how even those who have a heritage of faith can be drawn away from God through association with the world's allurements. The principle applies to individuals and communities alike: maintaining spiritual distinctiveness is crucial for preserving faith and resisting the pervasive influences of sin. The verse underscores the importance of discerning associations and being mindful of who we allow to influence our lives and relationships, particularly in matters of marriage and close fellowship.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This event is a crucial precursor to the Great Flood. God's decision to bring judgment upon the earth in Genesis 6:7 ("I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, both man and beast and creeping things and birds of the heavens, for I am sorry that I have made them") is directly linked to the pervasive wickedness that had taken root, of which this intermarriage was a significant manifestation. The story also foreshadows later biblical injunctions against intermarriage with unbelievers, such as those found in Deuteronomy and Ezra and Nehemiah, which were aimed at preserving the spiritual purity of God's people. The survival of Noah and his family, who were described as "righteous and blameless in his generation" (Genesis 6:9), emphasizes the importance of maintaining a remnant of faith amidst widespread apostasy.

Analogies

One analogy for the "sons of God" intermarrying with "daughters of humans" is that of a pure water source becoming contaminated by polluted runoff. The purity of the water (the godly lineage) is compromised by the influx of impurities (the corrupting influences of the world), rendering it unsafe and ultimately requiring a cleansing. Another analogy could be a strong, healthy plant being grafted with a diseased branch. The vitality of the healthy plant is threatened by the disease of the grafted branch, leading to a weakening or death of the entire organism.

Relation to Other Verses

• Genesis 6:5: This verse directly precedes Genesis 6:2 and establishes the context of pervasive wickedness, making the intermarriage a contributing factor to this general corruption.
• Deuteronomy 7:3-4: This passage explicitly warns the Israelites against intermarrying with the surrounding nations, citing the danger of them turning their sons away from following the Lord to serve other gods. This echoes the concern for preserving a distinct and faithful lineage evident in Genesis 6.
• 1 Corinthians 15:33: Paul's admonition, "Do not be deceived: 'Bad company ruins good morals'," resonates with the principle that associations can have a profound impact on spiritual well-being, as seen in the pre-Flood narrative.
• 2 Peter 2:4-5: This passage explicitly mentions the angelic rebellion, stating that "God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to chains of gloomy darkness to be kept until the judgment." While the primary interpretation of "sons of God" in Genesis 6:2 leans towards human lineage, Peter's reference to fallen angels and the judgment of the world in the context of the Flood can lead some to connect the two, though this remains a debated interpretative point. The key takeaway, regardless of the precise identity of the "sons of God," is the profound spiritual transgression and its catastrophic consequences.