“Sons of God” (

B’nei Elohim) is a biblical phrase with multiple interpretations, primarily referring to supernatural beings (angels or watchers) in Genesis 6 who mated with human women, producing giants (Nephilim), but also used for righteous humans (like King David) or, in the New Testament, for adopted believers who are led by God’s Spirit, becoming spiritual heirs. Interpretations range from literal angels (fallen or otherwise) to human lineages (Seth’s line vs. Cain’s line) or ancient kings claiming divine status. 

Key Interpretations

• Angelic/Supernatural Beings: This view, popular in later Jewish and Christian tradition, sees the “sons of God” as angelic entities (Watchers) interacting with humans, leading to the Nephilim.
• Righteous Human Lineage: Some scholars interpret them as the godly descendants of Seth, who intermarried with the wicked descendants of Cain, the “daughters of men”.
• Ancient Rulers: Another theory suggests they were powerful kings or rulers who took multiple wives, asserting divine privilege. 

New Testament Usage

• Believers: In the New Testament, especially in Romans 8, “sons of God” (or children of God) refers to followers of Christ, adopted by the Spirit, becoming heirs with Christ.
• Adam: Adam is also called a “son of God” in Luke, highlighting humanity’s original relationship with its Creator.

Key Biblical Passages

• Genesis 6:1-4: The primary text, describing the union of “sons of God” and “daughters of men”.
• Job 1-2 & Psalm 29, 82: Mentions “sons of God” in the context of a divine council or heavenly court.
• Romans 8:14: “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God”.
• John 1:12: “To all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God”. 

Significance

The phrase highlights different divine-human relationships, from powerful supernatural figures to the adoption of believers into God’s family, showing a progression from ancient mysteries to the Christian experience.

The term “

sons of God” (Bənē hāʾĔlōhīm) appears in several contexts within the Bible and theology, most notably in the Book of Genesis, the Book of Job, and the New Testament. Its meaning varies significantly depending on the passage and the theological framework used. 

1. The Genesis 6 Debate

In Genesis 6:1-4, the “sons of God” are described as taking “daughters of men” as wives, resulting in the birth of the Nephilim (giants). There are three primary interpretations for this passage: 

• Fallen Angels: The oldest and most widely held view in ancient Judaism and the early church. It suggests that rebellious celestial beings mated with human women.
• Sethite View: Popularized in the 4th century by Augustine, this view identifies the “sons of God” as the righteous descendants of Seth and the “daughters of men” as the wicked descendants of Cain.
• Royal/Tyrant View: This interpretation identifies them as powerful human rulers or kings who claimed divine status and took many wives by force. 

2. Celestial Beings in the Old Testament

Outside of Genesis, the term consistently refers to spiritual beings in the heavenly court: 

• Job 1:6 and 2:1: The “sons of God” present themselves before the Lord, with Satan among them.
• Job 38:7: They are depicted shouting for joy at the creation of the earth.
• Psalm 82:6: Refers to “gods” and “children of the Most High” in a context of divine judgment. 

3. Believers in the New Testament

In the New Testament, the title is applied to those who have a personal relationship with God through faith: 

• Adoption: Believers are called “sons of God” because they are adopted into His family.
• Faith in Christ: Galatians 3:26 states, “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus”.
• Leading by the Spirit: Romans 8:14 defines sons of God as those who are “led by the Spirit of God”. 

4. Other Uses

• Adam: In Luke 3:38, Adam is explicitly called the “son of God” because he was directly created by God rather than born.
• Literature: “Sons of God” is also the title of books by authors such as Christine Mercie and Rebecca Ellen Kurtz, exploring spiritual and personal growth themes.