the sons of God saw that the daughters of man were attractive. And they took as their wives any they chose.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse highlights a subtle but crucial turning point: it wasn't just about attraction, but about an unrestrained desire that disregarded boundaries, leading the "sons of God" to take wives "any they chose." This unrestrained picking and choosing, driven by superficial appeal rather than wisdom or divine guidance, set the stage for the world's profound corruption.
the sons of God saw that the daughters of man were attractive. And they took as their wives any they chose.
English Standard Version (ESV)
As humanity proliferates, a disturbing trend emerges: the lines blur between the godly lineage of Seth and the descendants of Cain. The sons of God, representing the godly line, begin to take notice of the outward attractiveness of the daughters of men, who are associated with the increasingly wicked lineage of Cain. This mingling leads to marriages driven by desire rather than divine guidance, setting the stage for a profound spiritual and moral decline.
Who exactly were these 'sons of God' who intermarried with humanity? This isn't just a biblical riddle; understanding their identity is key to grasping the magnitude of the corruption that followed.
The phrase 'sons of God' in Genesis 6:2 is a topic of much discussion. While some ancient traditions and even later interpretations (like those hinted at in the New Testament, referencing Jude and 2 Peter) lean towards these beings being angels, the most consistent understanding within the Old Testament context points elsewhere.
This distinction is crucial. The 'sons of God' were those who, by lineage and profession, were meant to be distinct, upholding God's ways. Their choice to intermarry with the 'daughters of men' (understood as the ungodly lineage of Cain, or simply those outside the covenant) was a profound breach of this sacred distinction.
Ask a follow-up
It wasn't just a casual glance; the 'sons of God' saw beauty and acted upon it. What's the spiritual danger when mere attraction overrides godly principles?
The verse states, 'the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair.' The focus here is on outward appearance. This wasn't a pursuit of godly character or spiritual compatibility, but a lustful attraction based solely on physical beauty.
This wasn't just a social faux pas; it was a violation of God's established order. Why is maintaining spiritual distinctiveness so vital for the people of God?
The act described in Genesis 6:2 represents a fundamental breach of the divine order established by God. This wasn't merely about personal preferences; it struck at the core of how God intended His people to live and maintain their identity.
Understand the original words
benei ha'elohim · Hebrew Noun phrase
Refers to a group of beings often interpreted in the Old Testament as angelic beings or members of the heavenly council. In this context, their interaction with humanity is presented as a transgression against the created order.
The blending of the righteous lineage of Seth with the ungodly descendants of Cain through marriage, driven by superficial attraction, led to widespread violence and corruption, prompting God's judgment. This event underscores the critical importance of spiritual compatibility in relationships and the profound impact of mixed marriages on the spiritual health of a family and society.
c. 3500 BC— this verse
Sethites Begin Intermarrying
The descendants of Seth, who had maintained a more righteous lineage and were called 'sons of God', began to intermarry with the descendants of Cain, who were known for their violence and impiety. This marked the beginning of a significant cultural and spiritual decline.
c. 3000 BC
Rise of 'Mighty Men'
Following the intermarriages, a generation of powerful and violent individuals, often referred to as 'giants' or 'mighty men of old', emerged. These figures were known for their great strength and deeds, but also for their immense wickedness.
c. 2500 BC
God's Spirit Strives with Humanity
The narrative indicates that God's Spirit actively contended with humanity's growing sinfulness, offering opportunities for repentance over an extended period.
c. 2400 BC
God Resolves to Send the Flood
Seeing the pervasive and incorrigible wickedness of humankind, God determined to destroy all life on earth with a great flood, regretting His creation of humanity.
c. 2400 BC
Noah Instructed to Build the Ark
God revealed His plan to Noah, a righteous man, and commanded him to build an ark as a means of preserving himself, his family, and pairs of every animal.
This passage directly references 'angels who did not keep their own position but left their own dwelling' and links them to judgment, aligning with interpretations that the 'sons of God' were supernatural beings who transgressed their boundaries.
2 Peter 2:4This verse speaks of God 'not sparing angels when they sinned' and casting them into hell, which connects to the idea of divine judgment on heavenly beings who committed a transgression, as seen in the Genesis account.
Genesis 6:1-4This passage immediately preceding Genesis 6:2 describes the 'sons of God' and the 'daughters of men,' as well as the resulting 'mighty men,' providing the immediate context and consequences of the unions described in 6:2.
Malachi 3:17This verse describes a future day when God will make up His treasured possession, and those who feared the Lord and thought on His name will be distinguished, echoing the separation and distinction between the 'sons of God' and 'daughters of men' in Genesis.
Deuteronomy 7:3-4This passage warns against intermarrying with foreign nations and forming close alliances, highlighting the divine concern for maintaining spiritual separation and purity, which resonates with the implications of the 'sons of God' marrying 'daughters of men.'
calvinGenesis 6:1-22: "And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them,"
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.
Gigantes fuerunt in terra in diebus illis: et etiam postquam ingressi sunt filii Dei ad filias hominum, genuerunt eis: isti sunt potentes, qui a saec…
gillGenesis 6:2: "That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose."
That the sons of God saw the daughters of men, that they were fair,.... Or "good" (k), not in a moral but natural sense; goodly to look upon, of a beautiful aspect; and they looked upon, and only regarded their external beauty, and lusted after them: those "sons of God" were not angels either good or bad, as many have thought, since they are incorporeal beings, and…
This verse highlights a subtle but crucial turning point: it wasn't just about attraction, but about an unrestrained desire that disregarded boundaries, leading the "sons of God" to take wives "any they chose." This unrestrained picking and choosing, driven by superficial appeal rather than wisdom or divine guidance, set the stage for the world's profound corruption.
As humanity proliferates, a disturbing trend emerges: the lines blur between the godly lineage of Seth and the descendants of Cain. The sons of God, representing the godly line, begin to take notice of the outward attractiveness of the daughters of men, who are associated with the increasingly wicked lineage of Cain. This mingling leads to marriages driven by desire rather than divine guidance, setting the stage for a profound spiritual and moral decline.
As humanity proliferates, a disturbing trend emerges: the lines blur between the godly lineage of Seth and the descendants of Cain. The sons of God, representing the godly line, begin to take notice of the outward attractiveness of the daughters of men, who are associated with the increasingly wicked lineage of Cain. This mingling leads to marriages driven by desire rather than divine guidance, setting the stage for a profound spiritual and moral decline.
"the sons of God saw that the daughters of man were attractive. And they took as their wives any they chose." — This verse highlights a subtle but crucial turning point: it wasn't just about attraction, but about an unrestrained desire that disregarded boundaries, leading the "sons of God" to take wives "any t…
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Last reviewed October 2026