Journal: Westminster Theological Journal
Volume: WTJ 80:1 (Spring 2018)
Article: The “Sons of God” in Genesis 6:1–4: A Rhetorical Characterization
Author: Thomas A. Keiser

WTJ 80:1 (Spring 2018) p. 103

The “Sons of God” in Genesis 6:1–4:
A Rhetorical Characterization

Thomas A. Keiser

Thomas A. Keiser is a professor and department chair of the Department of Biblical Studies and Christian Ministry at Regent University’s College of Arts and Sciences, Virginia Beach, VA.

ABSTRACT

The identity of the referent of the “sons of God” in Gen 6 is a notorious and complex problem. Its complexity results from not only the number of issues involved, but their interrelationships as well. There is no consensus on the identity of the referent, principally due to the difficulty in harmonizing all of the various complexities.

The first matter considered is whether the “sons of God” should be understood as human or, in some manner, divine. A number of problems arise if they are understood as being divine, and the fact that judgment was carried out on humanity, and that within a larger context of a series of judgments upon humanity, seems to require that those involved in the story be understood as human. The issue then becomes explaining the human referents and the meaning of the expression “sons of God.”

From a contextual and literary review, a seemingly natural explanation surfaces. The broader context of the Primeval Narrative presents humanity’s seizing for itself rights which, according to the narrative presentation, lie only with God. Thus, they sinned by seeking to “be like God.” The analysis of the narrower context of Gen 5 and the literary features of Gen 6:1–4 indicate that the presentation of the narrator is probably designed to feature the corrupt character of humanity’s spreading throughout the earth. Utilizing numerous direct allusions to the fall, humanity’s character is portrayed as the full fruition of the sin of the man and woman in Eden, who seized autonomy in an attempt to be like God. God himself assesses humanity, which has multiplied and become great—that is, “like God”—and declares that they are actually nothing but evil. If this is an accurate assessment of the narrative flow, then it is quite easy to understand the expression “sons of God” as simply one of numerous rhetorical features used to portray humankind in all its pride and arrogance.

WTJ 80:1 (Spring 2018) p. 104

That is, it is an expression which sarcastically characterizes humanity, specifically the man, from his own perspective of greatness.

I. Introduction

The identity of the referent of the “sons of God” in Gen 6 is a notorious and complex problem. Its complexity results from not only the number of issues involved, but their interrelationships as well. A partial list of these issues is (1) the ref...