The reference to “sons of God” in Genesis 6:1-2 has baffled many. Some believe it means angels married and had offspring. What is the truth about this verse?

Before we look at the account in Genesis that sometimes raises these questions, let’s see what the Bible reveals elsewhere about angels. From Hebrews 1:14, we see that they are created spirits and not mortal flesh-and-blood beings. Christ is recorded in the Gospel accounts as stating that angels are created spirits. They cannot reproduce by sexual intercourse or any other means (see Luke 20:34-36; Matthew 22:30; Mark 12:25). For more information on this subject, read Chapter Two of Herbert W. Armstrong’s book Mystery of the Ages.

Angels were a special creation. Each was individually created. Why does man reproduce? Because mankind has the potential to be in the Family of God. Only mankind has been given this opportunity. “For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?” (Hebrews 1:5). Only mankind, created physically, unlike the angels, may become spiritual “sons of God” through a begettal by God’s Holy Spirit (Romans 8:14; 1 John 3:1; 2 Peter 1:4). When we are also composed of spirit like the angels, we will not have sexual function. The level of intimacy, mentally and spiritually, between us and the other members of the God Family, cannot even be fathomed. It will certainly far surpass anything that we can compare it with on the physical plane.

Against this backdrop, let’s next look at the sixth chapter of Genesis. “And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, that the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose. The sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown” (verses 1-4).

Who, then, were these “sons of God”? The phrase can be used three different ways in the Bible: 1) Men (Genesis 6:1-4; Luke 3:38; Malachi 2:10). Genesis 6 is referring to men, not angels. 2) Angels (Job 38:5-7; Hebrews 1:5). 3) Spirit-begotten humans (Romans 8:14; 1 John 3:1; 2 Peter 1:4). The first two groups are both created “sons of God,” physical and spiritual. But only the first category of men, created physical “sons of God,” unlike the angels, may become spiritual “sons of God” through a begettal by God’s Holy Spirit.

Genesis 6:2 says that the “sons of God” took wives. Since they married women, they could not be angels. Notice verse three: “The Lord said, My spirit shall not always strive with man.” Here, again, the sons of God are called man. Because these sons of God sinned, God continues in verse 7, “I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth ….”

It is always important to read the entire context of a passage. So far, not one word about angels! As mentioned earlier, angels are spirits and could not be destroyed by water. With the flood, “all flesh died … and every man. … Noah only remained alive, and they that were with him in the ark” (Genesis 7:21-23).

For more on the subject of angels, please read Chapter Two of Herbert W. Armstrong’s book Mystery of the Ages. For more on how mankind can be born into the Family of God and the transcendental purposes of marriages and sex, read The Missing Dimension in Sex.