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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Genesis 6:2 the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful, and they took as wives whomever they chose.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/6-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/16/01_Gen_06_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 6:2 - Corruption on the Earth" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful, and they took as wives whomever they chose." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/genesis/6-2.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/genesis/6-2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/genesis/">Genesis</a> > <a href="/genesis/6.htm">Chapter 6</a> > Verse 2</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad2.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/genesis/6-1.htm" title="Genesis 6:1">◄</a> Genesis 6:2 <a href="/genesis/6-3.htm" title="Genesis 6:3">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/genesis/6.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/genesis/6.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />the sons of God saw that the daughters of humans were beautiful, and they married any of them they chose.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/6.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />The sons of God saw the beautiful women and took any they wanted as their wives.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/6.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />the sons of God saw that the daughters of man were attractive. And they took as their wives any they chose.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/6.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful, and they took as wives whomever they chose.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/6.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they <i>were</i> fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/6.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />that the sons of God saw the daughters of men, that they <i>were</i> beautiful; and they took wives for themselves of all whom they chose.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/6.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />that the sons of God saw that the daughters of mankind were beautiful; and they took wives for themselves, whomever they chose.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/6.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />that the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful; and they took wives for themselves, whomever they chose.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/6.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />that the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful; and they took wives for themselves, whomever they chose.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/6.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />that the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were good <i>in appearance</i>; and they took wives for themselves, whomever they chose.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/6.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />that the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful <i>and</i> desirable; and they took wives for themselves, whomever they chose <i>and</i> desired.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/6.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />the sons of God saw that the daughters of mankind were beautiful, and they took any they chose as wives for themselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/6.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />the sons of God saw that the daughters of mankind were beautiful, and they took any they chose as wives for themselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/6.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />that the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all that they chose.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/6.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />that the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all that they chose.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/6.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The sons of God saw that the daughters of other humans were beautiful. So they married any woman they chose.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/6.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />some of the heavenly beings saw that these young women were beautiful, so they took the ones they liked. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/6.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />some divine beings noticed how attractive human women were, so they took wives for themselves from a selection that pleased them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/6.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful, and they took as wives whomever they chose.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/6.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />the sons of God saw that the daughters of humankind were beautiful. Thus they took wives for themselves from any they chose.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/6.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />that God's sons saw that the daughters of humankind were beautiful, and they took wives for themselves, whomever they chose.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/6.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all whom they chose.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/6.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />God’s sons saw that men’s daughters were beautiful, and they took any that they wanted for themselves as wives. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/6.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and the sons of God see that they, the daughters of men, [are] beautiful, and they take women for themselves of all whom they have chosen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/6.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and sons of God see the daughters of men that they are fair, and they take to themselves women of all whom they have chosen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/6.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the sons of God will see the daughters of Adam that they are good, and they will take to them wives of all which they chose.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/6.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />The sons of God seeing the daughters of men, that they were fair, took themselves wives of all which they chose. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/6.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />the sons of God, seeing that the daughters of men were beautiful, took to themselves wives from all whom they chose.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/6.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />the sons of God saw how beautiful the daughters of human beings were, and so they took for their wives whomever they pleased.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/6.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />the sons of God saw that they were fair; and they took wives for themselves of all that they chose.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/6.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />That the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were fair; so they took them wives of all whom they chose.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/6.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />the Sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were beautiful and they took those women to them of all that they chose.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/6.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />that the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives, whomsoever they chose.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/6.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />that the sons of God having seen the daughters of men that they were beautiful, took to themselves wives of all whom they chose.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/6-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=1249" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/genesis/6.htm">Corruption on the Earth</a></span><br><span class="reftext">1</span>Now when men began to multiply on the face of the earth and daughters were born to them, <span class="reftext">2</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ḇə·nê- (N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">the sons</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">of God</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: way·yir·’ū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">saw</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/1323.htm" title="1323: bə·nō·wṯ (N-fpc) -- Daughter. From banah; a daughter.">the daughters</a> <a href="/hebrew/120.htm" title="120: hā·’ā·ḏām (Art:: N-ms) -- Man, mankind. From 'adam; ruddy i.e. A human being.">of men</a> <a href="/hebrew/2007.htm" title="2007: hên·nāh (Pro-3fp) -- They. Prolongation for hen; themselves."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: ṭō·ḇōṯ (Adj-fp) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good.">were beautiful,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3947.htm" title="3947: way·yiq·ḥū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To take. A primitive root; to take.">and they took</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/802.htm" title="802: nā·šîm (N-fp) -- Woman, wife, female. Feminine of 'iysh or 'enowsh; irregular plural, nashiym; a woman.">as wives</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: mik·kōl (Prep-m:: N-ms) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every."></a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">whomever</a> <a href="/hebrew/977.htm" title="977: bā·ḥā·rū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To choose. A primitive root; properly, to try, i.e. select.">they chose.</a> </span><span class="reftext">3</span>So the LORD said, “My Spirit will not contend with man forever, for he is mortal; his days shall be 120 years.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/1-6.htm">Job 1:6</a></span><br />One day the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came with them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/2-1.htm">Job 2:1</a></span><br />On another day the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came with them to present himself before Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/38-7.htm">Job 38:7</a></span><br />while the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jude/1-6.htm">Jude 1:6</a></span><br />And the angels who did not stay within their own domain but abandoned their proper dwelling—these He has kept in eternal chains under darkness, bound for judgment on that great day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_peter/2-4.htm">2 Peter 2:4</a></span><br />For if God did not spare the angels when they sinned, but cast them deep into hell, placing them in chains of darkness to be held for judgment;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/22-30.htm">Matthew 22:30</a></span><br />In the resurrection, people will neither marry nor be given in marriage. Instead, they will be like the angels in heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/20-34.htm">Luke 20:34-36</a></span><br />Jesus answered, “The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage. / But those who are considered worthy to share in the age to come and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage. / In fact, they can no longer die, because they are like the angels. And since they are sons of the resurrection, they are sons of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-19.htm">1 Peter 3:19-20</a></span><br />in whom He also went and preached to the spirits in prison / who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In the ark a few people, only eight souls, were saved through water.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/13-33.htm">Numbers 13:33</a></span><br />We even saw the Nephilim there—the descendants of Anak that come from the Nephilim! We seemed like grasshoppers in our own sight, and we must have seemed the same to them!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/7-1.htm">Deuteronomy 7:1-3</a></span><br />When the LORD your God brings you into the land that you are entering to possess, and He drives out before you many nations—the Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, seven nations larger and stronger than you— / and when the LORD your God has delivered them over to you to defeat them, then you must devote them to complete destruction. Make no treaty with them and show them no mercy. / Do not intermarry with them. Do not give your daughters to their sons or take their daughters for your sons,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/11-10.htm">1 Corinthians 11:10</a></span><br />For this reason a woman ought to have a sign of authority on her head, because of the angels.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/3-25.htm">Daniel 3:25</a></span><br />“Look!” he exclaimed. “I see four men, unbound and unharmed, walking around in the fire—and the fourth looks like a son of the gods!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/3-28.htm">Daniel 3:28</a></span><br />Nebuchadnezzar declared, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent His angel and delivered His servants who trusted in Him. They violated the king’s command and risked their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/1-5.htm">Hebrews 1:5</a></span><br />For to which of the angels did God ever say: “You are My Son; today I have become Your Father”? Or again: “I will be His Father, and He will be My Son”?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/1-14.htm">Hebrews 1:14</a></span><br />Are not the angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose.</p><p class="hdg">the sons.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/4-26.htm">Genesis 4:26</a></b></br> And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enos: then began men to call upon the name of the LORD.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/4-22.htm">Exodus 4:22,23</a></b></br> And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD, Israel <i>is</i> my son, <i>even</i> my firstborn: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/14-1.htm">Deuteronomy 14:1</a></b></br> Ye <i>are</i> the children of the LORD your God: ye shall not cut yourselves, nor make any baldness between your eyes for the dead.</p><p class="hdg">saw.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_peter/2-14.htm">2 Peter 2:14</a></b></br> Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:</p><p class="hdg">that they.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/3-6.htm">Genesis 3:6</a></b></br> And when the woman saw that the tree <i>was</i> good for food, and that it <i>was</i> pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make <i>one</i> wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/39-6.htm">Genesis 39:6,7</a></b></br> And he left all that he had in Joseph's hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was <i>a</i> goodly <i>person</i>, and well favoured… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/11-2.htm">2 Samuel 11:2</a></b></br> And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman <i>was</i> very beautiful to look upon.</p><p class="hdg">and they.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/24-3.htm">Genesis 24:3</a></b></br> And I will make thee swear by the LORD, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth, that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/27-46.htm">Genesis 27:46</a></b></br> And Rebekah said to Isaac, I am weary of my life because of the daughters of Heth: if Jacob take a wife of the daughters of Heth, such as these <i>which are</i> of the daughters of the land, what good shall my life do me?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/34-16.htm">Exodus 34:16</a></b></br> And thou take of their daughters unto thy sons, and their daughters go a whoring after their gods, and make thy sons go a whoring after their gods.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/revelation/21-19.htm">Beautiful</a> <a href="/james/1-18.htm">Chose</a> <a href="/revelation/17-14.htm">Chosen</a> <a href="/genesis/6-1.htm">Daughters</a> <a href="/revelation/18-14.htm">Fair</a> <a href="/genesis/5-24.htm">God's</a> <a href="/genesis/4-19.htm">Married</a> <a href="/genesis/3-6.htm">Pleasing</a> <a href="/genesis/3-8.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/2-10.htm">Whomever</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/16-3.htm">Whomsoever</a> <a href="/genesis/4-25.htm">Wife</a> <a href="/genesis/4-23.htm">Wives</a> <a href="/genesis/4-19.htm">Women</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/12-11.htm">Beautiful</a> <a href="/genesis/13-11.htm">Chose</a> <a href="/genesis/18-19.htm">Chosen</a> <a href="/genesis/6-4.htm">Daughters</a> <a href="/genesis/12-11.htm">Fair</a> <a href="/genesis/6-4.htm">God's</a> <a href="/genesis/11-29.htm">Married</a> <a href="/genesis/27-4.htm">Pleasing</a> <a href="/genesis/10-1.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/genesis/19-12.htm">Whomever</a> <a href="/genesis/19-12.htm">Whomsoever</a> <a href="/genesis/6-18.htm">Wife</a> <a href="/genesis/6-18.htm">Wives</a> <a href="/genesis/14-16.htm">Women</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 6</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/6-1.htm">The wickedness of the world, which provoked God's wrath.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/6-8.htm">Noah finds grace.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/6-9.htm">His family line</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/6-14.htm">The order, form, dimensions, and building of the ark.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/6.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/genesis/6.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>the sons of God</b><br>This phrase has been interpreted in various ways, but traditionally, it is understood to refer to angelic beings or divine beings. In the context of Genesis, it suggests a group distinct from humans, possibly fallen angels. This interpretation is supported by <a href="/job/1-6.htm">Job 1:6</a> and <a href="/job/2.htm">Job 2:1</a>, where "sons of God" clearly refers to angelic beings. Some conservative scholars also consider the "sons of God" to be the godly lineage of Seth, contrasting with the ungodly line of Cain.<p><b>saw that the daughters of men</b><br>The "daughters of men" are generally understood to be human women, specifically from the lineage of Cain. This phrase highlights the interaction between the divine or semi-divine beings and human beings, which was contrary to God's intended order. The emphasis on "saw" suggests a visual attraction, which is a recurring theme in the Bible where sight leads to temptation and sin, as seen in <a href="/genesis/3-6.htm">Genesis 3:6</a> with Eve.<p><b>were beautiful</b><br>The beauty of the daughters of men is noted as a significant factor in the sons of God's decision to take them as wives. This reflects a recurring biblical theme where physical beauty can lead to moral and spiritual compromise, as seen in the stories of Samson and Delilah (Judges 16) and David and Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11). The focus on physical appearance rather than spiritual qualities often leads to negative consequences.<p><b>and they took as wives</b><br>This phrase indicates a formal union, suggesting that these were not mere acts of lust but involved marriage. However, the marriages were not sanctioned by God, as they were unions between beings of different natures. This act of taking wives parallels the later Israelite warnings against intermarriage with pagan nations, which could lead to idolatry and turning away from God (<a href="/deuteronomy/7-3.htm">Deuteronomy 7:3-4</a>).<p><b>whomever they chose</b><br>The phrase implies a disregard for divine guidance or moral considerations, highlighting the autonomy and rebellion of the "sons of God." This choice reflects a self-centered decision-making process, similar to the autonomy exercised by Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. It underscores the theme of human (or semi-divine) rebellion against God's established order, which is a precursor to the judgment that follows in the narrative of the Flood.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/sons_of_god.htm">Sons of God</a></b><br>This term has been interpreted in various ways, including as angels, descendants of Seth, or rulers. In the conservative Christian perspective, it is often seen as referring to the godly lineage of Seth, contrasting with the ungodly line of Cain.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/d/daughters_of_men.htm">Daughters of Men</a></b><br>These are generally understood to be the descendants of Cain or, more broadly, human women. The phrase highlights the intermingling of the godly and ungodly lines.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/m/marriage.htm">Marriage</a></b><br>The act of taking wives "whomever they chose" suggests a disregard for God's design for marriage, leading to moral decline.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/p/pre-flood_world.htm">Pre-Flood World</a></b><br>This event occurs in the context of increasing wickedness on earth, setting the stage for the judgment of the flood.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/d/divine_displeasure.htm">Divine Displeasure</a></b><br>The actions described in this verse contribute to God's decision to bring about the flood as a form of judgment.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_godly_lineage.htm">Understanding Godly Lineage</a></b><br>Recognize the importance of maintaining a godly heritage and the dangers of compromising with worldly influences.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/m/marriage_and_holiness.htm">Marriage and Holiness</a></b><br>Reflect on the sanctity of marriage and the need to seek God's guidance in choosing a spouse, ensuring alignment with biblical values.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_disobedience.htm">Consequences of Disobedience</a></b><br>Acknowledge that actions contrary to God's will can lead to severe consequences, as seen in the pre-flood world.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_vigilance.htm">Spiritual Vigilance</a></b><br>Be aware of the spiritual decline in society and strive to live righteously, as Noah did, amidst widespread corruption.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_and_judgment.htm">God's Sovereignty and Judgment</a></b><br>Understand that God is sovereign and just, and His judgments are righteous, calling us to live in reverence and obedience.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_6.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 6</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_were_the_'sons_of_god'_in_genesis_6_2.htm">In Genesis 6:2, who were the “sons of God,” and how could they produce offspring with human women? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_are_the_'sons_of_god'_in_gen_6_1-4.htm">Who were the "sons of God" in Genesis 6:1-4?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_are_the_sons_of_god_in_the_bible.htm">Who are the sons of God in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/are_nephilim_angels,_demons,_or_giants.htm">Are Nephilim fallen angels, demons, or giants?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/genesis/6.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2) <span class= "bld">The sons of God. . . . --</span>The literal translation of this verse is, <span class= "ital">And the sons of the Elohim saw the daughters of the adam that they were good </span>(beautiful); <span class= "ital">and they took to them wives whomsoever they chose. </span>Of the sons of the Elohim there are three principal interpretations: the first, that of the Targums and the chief Jewish expositors, that they were the nobles, and men of high rank; the second, that they were angels. St. Jude, <a href="/jude/1-6.htm" title="And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness to the judgment of the great day.">Jude 1:6</a>, and St. Peter, 2 Ep., <a href="/2_peter/2-4.htm" title="For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved to judgment;">2Peter 2:4</a>, seem to favour this interpretation, possibly as being the translation of the LXX. according to several MSS. But even if this be their meaning, which is very uncertain, they use it only as an illustration; and a higher authority says that the angels neither marry nor are given in marriage. The third, and most generally accepted interpretation in modern times, is that the sons of the Elohim were the Sethites, and that when they married for mere lust of beauty, universal corruption soon ensued. But no modern commentator has shown how such marriages could produce "mighty men . . . men of renown;" or how strong warriors could be the result of the intermarriage of pious men with women of an inferior race, such as the Cainites are assumed to have been.<p>The Jewish interpreters, who well understood the uses of their own language, are right in the main point that the phrase "sons of the Elohim" conveys no idea of moral goodness or piety. Elohim constantly means <span class= "ital">mighty ones </span>(<a href="/exodus/15-11.htm" title="Who is like to you, O LORD, among the gods? who is like you, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?">Exodus 15:11</a>, marg.). (Comp. <a href="/exodus/12-12.htm" title="For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD.">Exodus 12:12</a>, marg., <a href="/exodus/21-6.htm" title="Then his master shall bring him to the judges; he shall also bring him to the door, or to the door post; and his master shall bore his ear through with an awl; and he shall serve him for ever.">Exodus 21:6</a>; <a href="/context/exodus/22-8.htm" title="If the thief be not found, then the master of the house shall be brought to the judges, to see whether he have put his hand to his neighbor's goods.">Exodus 22:8-9</a>, where it is translated <span class= "ital">judges; </span><a href="/exodus/22-28.htm" title="You shall not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of your people.">Exodus 22:28</a>, <a href="/1_samuel/2-25.htm" title="If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him: but if a man sin against the LORD, who shall entreat for him? Notwithstanding they listened not to the voice of their father, because the LORD would slay them.">1Samuel 2:25</a>, where also it is translated <span class= "ital">judge.</span>) In <a href="/job/1-6.htm" title="Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them.">Job 1:6</a> the "sons of Elohim" are the nobles, the idea being that of a king who at his durbar gathers his princes round him; and, not unnecessarily to multiply examples, the "sons of the Elim," the other form of the plural, is rightly translated <span class= "ital">mighty ones </span>in <a href="/psalms/29-1.htm" title="Give to the LORD, O you mighty, give to the LORD glory and strength.">Psalm 29:1</a>. . . . <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/6-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">the sons</span><br /><span class="heb">בְנֵי־</span> <span class="translit">(ḇə·nê-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of God</span><br /><span class="heb">הָֽאֱלֹהִים֙</span> <span class="translit">(hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><br /><span class="word">saw that</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּרְא֤וּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yir·’ū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> </span><span class="str2">To see</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the daughters</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּנ֣וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(bə·nō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1323.htm">Strong's 1323: </a> </span><span class="str2">A daughter</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of men</span><br /><span class="heb">הָֽאָדָ֔ם</span> <span class="translit">(hā·’ā·ḏām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_120.htm">Strong's 120: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ruddy, a human being</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[were] beautiful,</span><br /><span class="heb">טֹבֹ֖ת</span> <span class="translit">(ṭō·ḇōṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2896.htm">Strong's 2896: </a> </span><span class="str2">Pleasant, agreeable, good</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and they took</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּקְח֤וּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiq·ḥū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3947.htm">Strong's 3947: </a> </span><span class="str2">To take</span><br /><br /><span class="word">as wives</span><br /><span class="heb">נָשִׁ֔ים</span> <span class="translit">(nā·šîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_802.htm">Strong's 802: </a> </span><span class="str2">Woman, wife, female</span><br /><br /><span class="word">whomever</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲשֶׁ֥ר</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·šer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - relative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they chose.</span><br /><span class="heb">בָּחָֽרוּ׃</span> <span class="translit">(bā·ḥā·rū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_977.htm">Strong's 977: </a> </span><span class="str2">To try, select</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/6-2.htm">Genesis 6:2 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/6-2.htm">Genesis 6:2 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/6-2.htm">Genesis 6:2 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/6-2.htm">Genesis 6:2 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/6-2.htm">Genesis 6:2 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/6-2.htm">Genesis 6:2 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/6-2.htm">Genesis 6:2 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/6-2.htm">Genesis 6:2 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/6-2.htm">Genesis 6:2 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/6-2.htm">Genesis 6:2 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/6-2.htm">OT Law: Genesis 6:2 That God's sons saw that men's daughters (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/6-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 6:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 6:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/6-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 6:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 6:3" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>