Nephilim

[ nef-uh-lim, nef-uh-leem; Hebrew nuhf-ee-leem ]

plural noun

1. Bible. a group of people or beings described as very large and strong, sometimes understood as the children of fallen angels and human women.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Nephilim¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; from Hebrew nĕfîlîm, plural of nāfîl, often translated as “giant,” perhaps literally “fallen one,” from nāfal “to fall”

Example Sentences

But, the Yahwist describes the Nephilim as “heroes that were of old, warriors of renown,” not as gods or even demi-gods.

From The Daily Beast

There are those who dispute the meaning of the noun Nephilim and derive it from Naphal, which signifies "to fall."

From Project Gutenberg

Let the rabbis vouch for the correctness of this; it is ridiculous to call them "Nephilim" because others fell.

From Project Gutenberg

Their name as given in the old Testament, 'Nephilim' means 'fallen ones.'

From Project Gutenberg