Brief Answer

The Book of Giants is an ancient Jewish writing that expands on the story of the Nephilim, the offspring of fallen angels and human women mentioned in Genesis 6:1-4. It is part of the Enochic tradition and was discovered among the Dead Sea Scrolls at Qumran. The book describes the wickedness of these giants, their coming judgment, and their attempts to seek mercy from God. While it is an interesting historical text, it is not part of the biblical canon and does not carry the same authority as Scripture.

Understanding the Book of Giants from a Biblical Perspective

The Book of Giants is a non-canonical Jewish work, meaning it is not recognized as divinely inspired Scripture. It is linked to the Book of Enoch, which is also considered extra-biblical. However, the Bible does mention giants (Nephilim) in several places:

• Genesis 6:1-4 – Describes how the “sons of God” took human wives and produced the Nephilim, who were mighty warriors of old.
• Numbers 13:33 – The spies in Canaan report seeing Nephilim, calling them great and fearsome.
• Deuteronomy 3:11 – Mentions Og, king of Bashan, a remnant of the Rephaim (another giant race).
• 1 Samuel 17 – Goliath, the Philistine champion, was a giant defeated by David.

While the Bible briefly references these figures, it does not provide as much detail as the Book of Giants. The biblical focus is always on God’s sovereignty, judgment, and redemption, rather than on sensational stories of fallen angels and giants.

Historical Context of the Book of Giants

The Book of Giants was discovered among the Dead Sea Scrolls, a collection of Jewish writings from around 200 BC to 100 AD, found in caves near Qumran. The text is believed to have been part of the Enochic literature, a group of writings attributed to the biblical figure Enoch (Genesis 5:24).

Key historical points:

• It was not included in the Hebrew Bible or Christian Old Testament.
• It was likely written during the Second Temple period (between the Old and New Testaments).
• It reflects Jewish apocalyptic themes about fallen angels, judgment, and divine justice.

The book describes:

• The wickedness of the giants, who engaged in violence and corruption.
• The fallen angels realizing their doom and sending Enoch to intercede with God.
• God’s decree of judgment through a great flood, similar to Noah’s story.

Practical Implications

Since the Book of Giants is not Scripture, how should Christians approach it?

• It can provide historical insight – The book reflects Jewish thought on Genesis 6:1-4 and gives context to early interpretations of the Nephilim.
• It is not authoritative – Unlike the Bible, which is divinely inspired (2 Timothy 3:16), the Book of Giants is a man-made work with legendary embellishments.
• It should not distract from biblical truth – While intriguing, it is not necessary for understanding salvation, Christ, or God’s plan.

Some people use extra-biblical texts to speculate about fallen angels, demons, or supernatural mysteries. However, Scripture provides all we need for faith and godly living (2 Peter 1:3).

Theological Depth and Insight

The themes of the Book of Giants align with biblical principles in some ways but also diverge from clear biblical doctrine:

Similarities to Biblical Themes

• God’s judgment on the wicked – Like in the Flood narrative (Genesis 6-9), the book describes divine punishment on rebellious beings.
• Human corruption – The giants represent extreme human sinfulness, echoing Romans 3:23.
• The supernatural realm – It acknowledges the reality of angels and unseen spiritual battles, which is consistent with Ephesians 6:12.

Differences from Biblical Doctrine

• It expands on the Nephilim legend in ways the Bible does not. The Bible gives limited details about fallen angels and giants, whereas the Book of Giants creates an elaborate story.
• It presents Enoch as a mediator between angels and God. Scripture does not support this role for Enoch—Jesus Christ is the only mediator (1 Timothy 2:5).
• It suggests fallen angels sought repentance, but the Bible teaches that rebellious angels are eternally condemned (2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6).

Ultimately, the Bible’s emphasis is not on giant lore but on God’s redemptive plan through Christ.

Broader Biblical Themes

The Book of Giants touches on key themes found in Scripture:

• The reality of spiritual warfare – The existence of fallen angels is affirmed in Scripture (Ephesians 6:12), though the Bible does not focus on their offspring.
• God’s sovereign judgment – The flood (Genesis 6-9) serves as a biblical warning against corruption and rebellion.
• The exclusivity of biblical revelation – Extra-biblical works like the Book of Giants cannot replace God’s Word as the ultimate source of truth (Psalm 119:105).

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit helps believers:

• Discern truth from speculation – We are called to test everything and hold to what is good (1 Thessalonians 5:21).
• Focus on Christ-centered teaching – The Spirit guides us into truth, pointing to Jesus (John 16:13-14).
• Avoid distractions from the gospel – Some believers get caught up in non-biblical theories, but the Spirit reminds us to focus on Christ (Colossians 2:8).

Relevance for Today’s Christian

With increasing interest in supernatural themes, some people use texts like the Book of Giants to make sensational claims. However, as followers of Christ, our focus should remain on biblical truth and the gospel message.

• When studying history, prioritize Scripture – It is fine to explore historical writings, but they should never be given equal weight with the Bible.
• Guard against speculative theology – Satan uses distractions to lead people away from the truth (2 Corinthians 11:3).
• Remember what truly matters – Jesus Christ is the center of our faith, not fallen angels, giants, or hidden books.

Connection to Jesus Christ and God’s Love

Jesus’ mission was not to explain angelic history but to save sinners (Luke 19:10). Unlike speculative texts, the Bible tells us:

• Sin is the real enemy, not just supernatural forces (Romans 6:23).
• Jesus alone is our Savior – We do not need hidden knowledge, only faith in Christ (John 14:6).
• Our hope is in the resurrection, not myths (1 Corinthians 15:20-22).

Christ’s sacrifice on the cross and His resurrection provide the only way to eternal life.

Bible Characters Who Relate to This Topic

• Enoch (Genesis 5:24) – Though linked to the Book of Giants, the Bible says little about him except that he “walked faithfully with God.”
• Noah (Genesis 6:9-22) – He lived in a time of corruption and judgment but found grace through faith.
• Moses (Deuteronomy 29:29) – Taught that some things are revealed by God, while others remain mysteries.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why is it important to distinguish between biblical truth and extra-biblical speculation?
2. How does the Bible’s teaching on sin and judgment compare with the Book of Giants?
3. Why do people sometimes focus on mysterious or hidden writings instead of Scripture?
4. How can we ensure that our study of history and ancient texts strengthens, rather than distracts from, our faith in Christ?
5. How does Jesus’ redemptive work on the cross compare to the themes in the Book of Giants?

The Book of Giants is a fascinating historical text, but it does not carry the authority of Scripture. As Christians, we are called to focus on God’s revealed Word, trust in Christ alone, and avoid distractions that lead us away from the truth.