Daughters of Men
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Topical Encyclopedia
The term "Daughters of Men" appears in the early chapters of the Book of Genesis, specifically in Genesis 6:1-4. This passage is a prelude to the account of the Great Flood and introduces a mysterious and much-debated narrative involving the "sons of God" and the "daughters of men."

Biblical Context:

Genesis 6:1-2 states: "Now when men began to multiply on the face of the earth and daughters were born to them, the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful, and they took as wives whomever they chose." This passage sets the stage for a significant event that leads to God's decision to bring about the Flood.

Interpretation:

The identity of the "daughters of men" is generally understood to refer to human women, descendants of Adam and Eve, as humanity began to populate the earth. The phrase contrasts with the "sons of God," whose identity has been the subject of various interpretations throughout Christian history.

Theological Perspectives:

1. Human Lineage View: One interpretation suggests that the "sons of God" were the godly descendants of Seth, Adam's son, while the "daughters of men" were the ungodly descendants of Cain. This view posits that the intermarriage between these two lines led to moral corruption and widespread wickedness, prompting divine judgment.

2. Angelic View: Another interpretation, supported by some early Jewish and Christian traditions, posits that the "sons of God" were fallen angels or divine beings who took human wives. This union is believed to have produced the Nephilim, a race of giants mentioned in Genesis 6:4. This view is often linked to passages such as Job 1:6 and Jude 1:6, which refer to angels and their interactions with humanity.

3. Royalty or Nobility View: A less common interpretation suggests that the "sons of God" were ancient kings or rulers who claimed divine status and took women from the general population as part of their harems. This view emphasizes the abuse of power and the resulting societal decay.

Implications:

The narrative of the "daughters of men" and the "sons of God" serves as a backdrop to the increasing wickedness on earth, which ultimately leads to God's decision to cleanse the world through the Flood. Genesis 6:5 notes, "Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great upon the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was altogether evil all the time."

Cultural and Historical Considerations:

The account of the "daughters of men" reflects ancient Near Eastern themes of divine beings interacting with humans, a motif found in various mythologies. However, the biblical narrative uniquely emphasizes the moral and spiritual decline resulting from these interactions, highlighting the need for divine intervention.

Conclusion:

The "daughters of men" narrative remains a complex and intriguing part of biblical literature, inviting readers to explore the nature of human sinfulness, divine judgment, and the hope of redemption through God's covenant with Noah.
Condensed Biblical Cyclopedia
Daughters of Men

There are only two families in the ages before the flood, the sons Of God and the daughters of men (Genesis 6:1-8). The descendants of Seth were the sons of God (Genesis 4:25; Genesis 5:3-32). There was only one other family (Genesis 4:9-23). Therefore, the daughters of men were descendants of Cain.

Library

Of the Fall of the Sons of God who were Captivated by the ...
... Chapter 22."Of the Fall of the Sons of God Who Were Captivated by the Daughters
of Men, Whereby All, with the Exception of Eight Persons, Deservedly Perished ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 22 of the fall of.htm

A Question About the Fallen Angels who are Said in Genesis to have ...
... II. Second Conference of Abbot Moses. Chapter XX. A question about the fallen angels
who are said in Genesis to have had intercourse with the daughters of men. ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter xx a question about.htm

Of the Reasons Assigned by the Apostle for Bidding Women to be ...
... men had begun to grow more numerous upon the earth, there were withal daughters
born them; but the sons of God, having descried the daughters of men, that they ...
/.../tertullian/on the veiling of virgins/chapter vii of the reasons assigned.htm

Fragment ii. When Men Multiplied on the Earth, the Angels of ...
... the daughters? When men multiplied on the earth, the angels of heaven
came together with the daughters of men. In some copies ...
/.../africanus/the writings of julius africanus/fragment ii when men multiplied.htm

Parental Duties Considered and Urged.
... Before the flood we read of "sons of God" who married "the daughters of men;"
a sad union which led to the universal degeneracy of mankind. ...
/.../sermon xxii parental duties considered.htm

Jordan Means "Their Going Down. " Spiritual Meanings and ...
... as it is written in the Book of Enoch"if any one cares to accept that book as
sacred"in the days when the sons of God came down to the daughters of men. ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/25 jordan means their going.htm

Moreover, as to this Word which is Written in the Gospel...
... of lightning [1742] upon the earth, while others, [1743] harassed by the dragon,
sought their felicity in intercourse with the daughters of men, [1744] and ...
/.../32 moreover as to this.htm

Answer to the Foregoing Arguments.
... For indeed it is "on account of the angels" [8886] that he saith women must be veiled,
because on account of "the daughters of men" angels revolted from God. ...
/.../tertullian/on prayer/chapter xxii answer to the foregoing.htm

The Daughters of Jerusalem
... this so extraordinary that they have held these women to be Galileans; but Jesus
addressed them as "daughters of Jerusalem." The Galilean men who had ...
/.../stalker/the trial and death of jesus christ/chapter xi the daughters of.htm

For the King There were Three Great Perils: the People...
... far north, and that perfect and voluptuous contour found only in marble figures
of Venus, above the great purple sea, and, below it, in the daughters of men. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 16 for the king.htm

Resources
Who were the daughters of Zelophehad? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about daughters? | GotQuestions.org

Who were the sons of God and daughters of men in Genesis 6:1-4? | GotQuestions.org

Daughters: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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