3. The Hebrew-Greek Key Study Bible, Spiros Zodhiates, Th. D.
“The term ‘giant’ from the Hebrew NEPHILIM (5303) is influenced by the Greek term GIGANTES in the Septuagint. Nephilim comes from the verb NAPHAL (5307) meaning “to fall” in general, but is often associated with violence, hence often translated ‘overthrow, fall upon.’ In Numbers 13:32,33 it is also noted that they were ‘men of great stature.’ Emphasis should be placed upon the fact that they were men of violence who had no respect for other men.”
The scholars of the NIV presume it is impossible for angels to have physical bodies. I challenge that assumption. There could be more spiritual paths and creations in heaven than we assume. Let’s also suppose that angels who enter our fallen world can become mortals because of sin, which sin causes death. According to the Bible, then, the “sons of God” or angels could logically fall. And thus, Nephilim, or the name of their children, would be a combination of “Naphlu”, meaning “they fell”, and “hipilu”, meaning they caused the downfall of the world. Interestingly, this interpretation of the word “Nephilim” is given by by Charles B. Chavel, a Jewish Rabbi, in Ramban (Nachmanides) Commentary of the Torah. Although Chavel does not agree with my view on fallen angels, his interpretation of the word Nephilim fits perfectly. Of the six sources I quote, I believe the Jewish mind is a more credible interpretation.
The Nephilim had contaminated the gene pool, and they were spreading their false doctrine of spiritual genetics and spiritual evolution on earth, and therefore, God needed to send the flood to cleanse it. This view also explains why “giants” such as Goliath and others are mentioned in the Bible after the flood. It is probably that some of the genes were passed on through some of Noah’s children or through Ham. The Nephilim had so dominated the gene pool, that even after the flood, the genetic influence was still felt by human beings. (2 Sam 21:16-22; 1Chr 20:4-8; Job 16:14; Num 13:13; De 2:11,20; 3:11-13; Josh 12:4, 13:12, 15:8, 17:15, 18:16) Thus, the interpretation of immortal angels falling into sin and death gives a clearer explanation of genetic origin of the giants mentioned in the Bible repeatedly. Do we have a better explanation anywhere?
The view of fallen angels in Genesis 6:1-5 is not from my own limited ex-LDS perspective, but it has been in the mind of scholars for thousands of years and this view is recognized by Bible commentaries such as the notes in the NIV Study Bible:
This is from another website that shows a different view and does NOT contain Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saint propaganda.
http://www.nccg.org/nefilim/ch25.html
Now before you slam me for quoting a website of questionable intent and origin......let me tell you, it probably IS questionable.
My real point in posting it is:
Why would you accept as truth the teachings of one man, who started a religion. Why would you use as proof, information that comes ONLY from those who follow and subscribe to the teachings of that man.
Why would you look only at information from the LDS Church to verify it's veracity. Even the scholars of the Church are out to prove one thing and one thing only and that is, THAT THE CHURCH IS TRUE.
All Mormon scholars who dare to say otherwise are no longer LDS, and their findings are not publicized by the Church. The only place you'll see them is by research. But don't take my word for it.