Nephilim from the Book of Enoch: The Hybrid Giants Who Brought Destruction to Earth. Illustration: signo.net.br
The Book of Enoch, a widely studied apocryphal text, provides a detailed and impressive account of the Nephilim, briefly mentioned in the Bible.
According to the text, these giants were not merely mythical figures but the direct result of the union between fallen angels and human women, a transgression that, according to the text, disrupted the balance of divine creation.
The Emergence of the Nephilim
According to the Book of Enoch, a group of angels known as the Watchers was sent to Earth to observe humanity. However, led by Semjaza and Azazel, these angels succumbed to temptation, married human women, and fathered the Nephilim, described as beings of immense stature and extraordinary strength.
These giants, unable to control their voracious appetites and power, began consuming Earth’s resources excessively. When food became scarce, they resorted to violence, cannibalism, and destruction, bringing chaos to the world.
The Impact on Humanity
The fallen angels, in addition to creating the Nephilim, introduced knowledge considered forbidden by God:
Warfare and vanity: Azazel taught humans to create weapons and ornaments, fostering wars and vanity.
Magic and astrology: Other angels revealed the secrets of the stars and occult practices, corrupting humanity.
These actions accelerated humanity’s moral degradation, making the Nephilim symbols of disobedience and violence.
Divine Judgment
God’s response was swift and severe. He commanded the archangels Michael, Gabriel, Uriel, and Raphael to intervene:
Gabriel was tasked with exterminating the Nephilim, eliminating the threat to Earth.
The Watchers were captured and imprisoned in dark abysses, where they await final judgment.
The souls of the Nephilim, being hybrids, had no place in heaven or on Earth, becoming wandering spirits responsible, according to the text, for demonic influences in the world.
The Flood: An Extreme Solution
The destruction caused by the Nephilim was so great that, according to the Book of Enoch, God decided to purify the Earth with the Flood. This event is portrayed as an effort to eliminate the giants, the fallen angels, and restore divine order.
Legacy and Mystery
Although the Book of Enoch is not considered canonical in most Judeo-Christian traditions, it remains a fascinating source about ancient views of angels, giants, and the struggle between good and evil. For some communities, such as the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, the text is an essential part of their sacred tradition.
The Nephilim described in the Book of Enoch continue to intrigue scholars, religious thinkers, and the curious, raising questions about morality, rebellion, and the consequences of defying divine order.
Source: Genesis 6:1-4 (Hebrew Bible), First Book of Enoch (1 Enoch). This content was created with the assistance of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
