Giants in the Bible: 10 Verses Looking at the Giants of Scripture

Even the greatest giant is nothing compared to God, who holds all power and authority!

The Bible references giants several times throughout its narrative, sparking fascination and wonder among readers. These mysterious beings, often portrayed as formidable and powerful, are part of the rich tapestry of biblical history. In this post, we’ll go through 10 verses that mention giants, offering insights into their presence in the biblical world.

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Genesis 6:4

“In those days, and for some time after, giant Nephilites lived on the earth, for whenever the sons of God had intercourse with women, they gave birth to children who became the heroes and famous warriors of ancient times.”

This verse introduces the Nephilim, a race of giants born from the union of the “sons of God” and human women, noted for their strength and heroism.

Numbers 13:33

“We even saw giants there, the descendants of Anak. Next to them, we felt like grasshoppers, and that’s what they thought, too!”

The Israelite spies report seeing the Anakim, a race of giants, in Canaan, feeling dwarfed in comparison to their stature.

Deuteronomy 2:10-11

“The Emites used to live there—a people strong and numerous, and as tall as the Anakites. Like the Anakites, they too were considered Rephaites, but the Moabites called them Emites.”

This passage speaks of the Emites, another race of giants, who were compared to the Anakites and Rephaites.

Deuteronomy 2:20-21

“That area was considered a land of the Rephaites, who used to live there; but the Ammonites called them Zamzummites. They were also as strong and numerous and tall as the Anakites. But the Lord destroyed them so that the Ammonites could occupy their land.”

The Rephaites, another group of giants, are mentioned here, indicating the variety of giant tribes in the ancient world.

Deuteronomy 3:11

“King Og of Bashan was the last survivor of the giant Rephaites. His bed was made of iron and was more than 13 feet long and 6 feet wide. It can still be seen in the Ammonite city of Rabbah.”

King Og, a notable giant, ruled over Bashan. His enormous iron bed is highlighted to illustrate his size.

Joshua 12:4

“King Og of Bashan, one of the last survivors of the Rephaites, who lived at Ashtaroth and Edrei.”

This verse reiterates the presence of King Og, emphasizing his status as one of the last Rephaites.

Joshua 15:13-14

“The land given to Caleb, as Moses had promised, was Kiriath-arba, that is, Hebron. (Arba was the ancestor of Anak.) Caleb drove out the three sons of Anak—Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai—the descendants of Anak.”

Caleb’s conquest of Hebron involved defeating the sons of Anak, showcasing the ongoing encounters with giants in the Promised Land.

Joshua 17:15

“Joshua replied, ‘If there are so many of you, and if the hill country of Ephraim is too small for you, then go up into the forest and clear land for yourselves in the land of the Perizzites and Rephaites.'”

Joshua’s instructions to the tribe of Joseph include a reference to the land of the Rephaites, indicating their known presence in the region.

1 Samuel 17:4

“Then Goliath, a Philistine champion from Gath, came out of the Philistine ranks to face the forces of Israel. He was over nine feet tall!”

The famous story of David and Goliath introduces Goliath, a giant from Gath, highlighting his intimidating stature.

2 Samuel 21:16

“Ishbi-benob, a descendant of the giants, who had a bronze spear that weighed more than seven pounds and who was armed with a new sword, said he would kill David.”

This verse tells of Ishbi-benob, another giant who threatened David, underscoring the recurring theme of giants throughout Israel’s history.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we reflect on these verses about giants in the Bible, we are reminded of Your sovereignty over all creation. You have shown time and again that no challenge is too great for those who trust in You. Help us to face our own ‘giants’ with faith and courage, knowing that You are with us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Conclusion

The giants in the Bible symbolize formidable challenges and fears that can seem insurmountable. Yet, these verses also remind us of God’s power and the victory that can be achieved through faith. As we encounter our own giants in life, let us remember that with God, all things are possible.