NOAH! – The END OF THE WORLD – IS NOT COMING! WHAT IS RAIN?

[TrueTomHarley]

Jesus gives illustrations and stories and saying routinely, and he rarely explains any of them. He relies upon 'the heart' to discern them. Perhaps it is something like that at Matt 24:39. @JW Insidershowed many Bibles that render it differently than 'took no note.' I wonder if there are / what Bibles that render it similarly and what is the rationale each side has for doing what they do.

[Bible Speaks]

12 minutes ago, TrueTomHarley said:

Jesus gives illustrations and stories and saying routinely, and he rarely explains any of them. He relies upon 'the heart' to discern them. Perhaps it is something like that at Matt 24:39. @JW Insidershowed many Bibles that render it differently than 'took no note.' I wonder if there are / what Bibles that render it similarly and what is the rationale each side has for doing what they do.

@TrueTomHarley I think if we get the gist of it, they "took no note!" Yes, we must "open our hearts and minds" to get the meanings. However we know those illustrations meant opening our hearts and our minds. The world was destroyed in Noah's day because Jehovah judged them by their wickedness. He reads hearts we don't. Today people are happy mostly with this wicked world ? but we know Jehovah will not destroy the wicked without searching all hearts. Soon like Noah's day it will be accomplished. May we open our hearts and minds to what Jesus taught. He simplified his words by illustrating just like the days of Noah. We must pray for strength and obedience to conquer this world like Our Lord Christ Jesus did. Thank you for your encouragement. ?????

[JW Insider]

3 hours ago, TrueTomHarley said:

I wonder if there are / what Bibles that render it similarly and what is the rationale each side has for doing what they do.

The rationale appears quite simple and goes to the idea of using both our hearts and minds as @Bible Speaks said. In a manner of speaking, our "heart" wants it to be talking about a warning, but our "mind" tells us to just translate the Greek, which is extremely simple and completely unambiguous in this case. So I would NOT expect much variation in the idea from any other standard translation. Of course, a paraphrased version can take liberties. The Greek just says they "KNEW NOT."

Blueletterbible.com is just one of the places that can give you a set of a dozen or more different translations to compare at once. That's the one I used above. Another good site for that is biblestudytools.com which compares to over 30 at once:

http://www.biblestudytools.com/matthew/24-39-compare.html

American Standard Version

Matthew 24:39 (ASV) and they knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall be the coming of the Son of man.

The Bible in Basic English

Matthew 24:39 (BBE) And they had no care till the waters came and took them all away; so will be the coming of the Son of man.

Common English Bible

Matthew 24:39 (CEB) They didn't know what was happening until the flood came and swept them all away. The coming of the Human One will be like that.

The Complete Jewish Bible

Matthew 24:39 (CJB) and they didn't know what was happening until the Flood came and swept them all away. It will be just like that when the Son of Man comes.

Holman Christian Standard Bible

Matthew 24:39 (CSB) They didn't know until the flood came and swept them all away. So this is the way the coming of the Son of Man will be:

The Darby Translation

Matthew 24:39 (DBY) and they knew not till the flood came and took all away; thus also shall be the coming of the Son of man.

English Standard Version

Matthew 24:39 (ESV) and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.

Good News Translation

Matthew 24:39 (GNT) yet they did not realize what was happening until the flood came and swept them all away. That is how it will be when the Son of Man comes.

GOD'S WORD Translation

Matthew 24:39 (GW) They were not aware of what was happening until the flood came and swept all of them away. That is how it will be when the Son of Man comes again.

Hebrew Names Version

Matthew 24:39 (HNV) and they didn't know until the flood came, and took them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.

Jubilee Bible 2000

Matthew 24:39 (JUB) and they knew not until the flood came and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

King James Version

Matthew 24:39 (KJV) And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

Lexham English Bible

Matthew 24:39 (LEB) And they did not know [anything] until the deluge came and swept [them] all away. So also the coming of the Son of Man will be.

The Message Bible

Matthew 24:39 (MSG) They knew nothing - until the flood hit and swept everything away.

New American Standard Bible

Matthew 24:39 (NAS) and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be.

New Century Version

Matthew 24:39 (NCV) They knew nothing about what was happening until the flood came and destroyed them. It will be the same when the Son of Man comes.

New International Reader's Version

Matthew 24:39 (NIRV) They knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be when the Son of Man comes.

New International Version

Matthew 24:39 (NIV) and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.

New King James Version

Matthew 24:39 (NKJV) and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.

New Living Translation

Matthew 24:39 (NLT) People didn’t realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes.

New Revised Standard

Matthew 24:39 (NRS) and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so too will be the coming of the Son of Man.

Orthodox Jewish Bible

Mattityahu 24:39 (OJB) and they did not have daas until HaMabbul came and took away everything?thus also will be the Bias HaMoshiach, the Coming of the Ben HaAdam.

Douay-Rheims Catholic Bible

Matthew 24:39 (RHE) And they knew not till the flood came and took them all away: so also shall the coming of the Son of man be.

Revised Standard Version

Matthew 24:39 (RSV) and they did not know until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of man.

SBL Greek New Testament

Matthew 24:39 (SBLG) καὶ οὐκ ἔγνωσαν ἕως ἦλθεν ὁ κατακλυσμὸς καὶ ἦρεν ἅπαντας, οὕτως ἔσται καὶ ἡ παρουσία τοῦ υἱοῦ τοῦ ἀνθρώπου.

Third Millennium Bible

Matthew 24:39 (TMB) and knew not until the flood came and took them all away, so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be.

Tyndale

Matthew 24:39 (TYN) and knewe of nothynge tyll the floude came and toke them all awaye. So shall also the commynge of the sonne of man be.

The Webster Bible

Matthew 24:39 (WBT) And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away: so also will be the coming of the Son of man.

World English Bible

Matthew 24:39 (WEB) and they didn't know until the flood came, and took them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.

Weymouth New Testament

Matthew 24:39 (WNT) nor did they realise any danger till the Deluge came and swept them all away; so will it be at the Coming of the Son of Man.

Wycliffe

Matthew 24:39 (WYC) and they, knew not till the great flood came, and took all men, so shall be the coming of man's Son.

Young's Literal Translation

Matthew 24:39 (YLT) and they did not know till the flood came and took all away; so shall be also the presence of the Son of Man.

[In the Orthodox version "daas" just means "da'as" or knowledge: they "did not have knowledge."]

[TrueTomHarley]

Got it. 'Took no note' alone carries the connotation that they should have. Interesting.

[Bible Speaks]

[b4ucuhear]

Although recognizing the rendering of "ginosko" and "ou" as: "knew not"; "didn't know"...some Bible commentaries have this to say:

Albert Barnes: "That is, they knew not the exact time until it came upon them. So says he, it shall be when the Son of man shall come. They shall not know 'the precise time' until he comes, and then they will be found engaged in the ordinary business of life unconcerned."

Adam Clarkes commentary on the Bible: "And knew not - They considered not - did not lay Noah's warning to heart, till it was too late to profit by it: so shall it be - and so it was in this coming of the Son of man."

Expositor's Bible: "In these verses, again, not only is no date given, but we are expressly told that it is deliberately withheld. What then? Are we to dismiss the subject from our minds? Quite the reverse; for though the time is uncertain, the event itself is most certain, and it will come suddenly and unexpectedly. No time will be given for preparation to those who are not already prepared...but for those who are not watching, it will be too late - it will be with them as with those who lived at the close of the very first dispensation, who were 'eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away.' Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth dome..."

John Gill: "And knew not until the flood came,...that is, they did not advert or give heed to what Noah said to them about it: they slighted and despised his warnings; they did not believe, that what he said of the flood was true: they had notice of it, but they would not know it, and therefore God gave them up to judicial blindness and hardness of heart; and so they remained, until it came upon them at once:..."

Matthew Henry: 
"They were secure and careless; they knew not, until the flood came, (Mat. 24:39). Knew not! surely they could not but know. Did not God, by Noah, give them fair warning of it? Did he not call them to repentance, while his long-suffering waited? (1 Peter 3:19, 20). But they knew not, that is they believed not; they might have known, but would not know. Note, What we know of the things that belong to our everlasting peace, if we do not mix faith with it, and improve it, is all one as if we did not know it at all. Their 'not knowing' is joined with their eating , and drinking, and marrying; for, First, Therefore they were sensual, because they were secure. Note, the reason why people are so eager in the pursuit, and so entangled in the pleasures of this world is because they do not know, and believe, and consider, the eternity which they are on the brink of...SECONDLY, therefore they were secure, because they were sensual; therefore they knew not that the flood was coming, because they were eating and drinking; were so taken up with things seen and present, that they had neither time not heart to mind the things not seen as yet, which they were warned of. Note, As security bolsters men up in their brutal sensuality; so sensuality rocks them asleep in their carnal security. They 'knew not' until the flood came. 1) the flood did come, though they would not forsee it. Note, Those that will not know by faith, shall be made to know by feeling, the wrath of God revealed from heaven against their ungodliness and unrighteousness. The evil day is never the further off for men's putting it far off from them. 2) They didn't not know it till it was too late to prevent it, as they might have done if they had know it in time, which made it so much the more grievous. Judgments are most terrible and amazing to the secure, and this that have made a jest of them..."

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 39. - Knew not. They would not comprehend the signs of the coming judgment, or, at any rate, refused to profit by them, preferring their own carnal pleasures to the care of their souls and the amendment of their lives. The Lord assures us that similar recklessness and unbelief will be found at his coming. Doubtless anguish and fear will fill many hearts, but the general feeling will be incredulity, and a false security which refuses to take warning.

Verse 39. "And knew not until the deluge came. The source and cause of their ignorance was, that unbelief had blinded their minds; as, on the other hand, we are informed by the Apostle, that Noah beheld at a distance, by the eyes of faith, the vengeance of God which was still concealed, so as to entertain an early dread of it, (Hebrews 11:7.) And here Christ compares Noah with the rest of the world, and Lot with the inhabitants of Sodom, that believers may learn to withdraw, lest they wander and be cut off along with others. But it must be observed that the reprobate, at that time, were hardened in their wickedness, because the Lord did not show his grace to any but his servants, by giving them a salutary warning to beware in proper time. Not that information of the future deluge was altogether withheld from the inhabitants of the world—before whose eyes Noah, in building the ark for more than a hundred years, presented a warning of the approaching calamity"

end of quotes. 

It seems that many Bible commentators seem to lean toward the idea behind "knew not" (by inference or directly) as reflecting the idea that "they took no note."  The literal statement "They knew not," does not seem, to them at least, to be in the sense that they couldn't, didn't or had no opportunity to know, but rather because they chose not to know. They were like many compared with today, who could know but just choose not to. They don't want to hear the message. Their deliberate ignorance was a manifestation of the condition of their hearts, being preoccupied with physical, mundane affairs of life - a deliberate choice they made. Although it wouldn't surprise me if there were other commentators who ascribe to the idea that people "knew not" because there was no way of knowing. It doesn't make sense to me that Jehovah would destroy people without the opportunity to turn around. Yes, he can read hearts, but the whole universe is a spectacle watching this legal issue play out.

 

[Bible Speaks]

@b4ucuhear Thank you for your support! I was also thinking the world at that time was so wicked, Jehovah said he would destroy it. Of course he knows who's wicked and righteous. I think also the Nephilm being on the earth then proved how debased it became. It was beyond wicked because of these NEPHILIM. Jehovah is just and righteous. They are also called "bullies". Pretty bad in Jehovah's eyes and righteous man Noah. I'm sure as many pictures show how he was laughed at. But he just kept building and obeying Jehovah. What a lesson! They didn't want to "take any note!" Being wicked half human and demonic. They only were out to destroy the world. Jehovah stepped in, said he felt hurt. It means so much to me that Jehovah has such feelings and had to take measures for safety of the righteous. Today also Satan and his demons run rampant, knowing their end is soon. Jehovah as he can read hearts will find all that have a complete heart to him. What a wonderful God Jehovah is!

Note this: 

NEPHILIM

(Nephʹi·lim) [Fellers; Those Who Cause [Others] to Fall Down].

This is a transliteration of the Hebrew word nephi·limʹ, plural in its three occurrences in the Bible. (Ge 6:4; Nu 13:33 [twice]) It evidently stems from the causative form of the Hebrew verb na·phalʹ (fall) as found, for example, in 2 Kings 3:19; 19:7.

The Bible account describing Jehovah’s displeasure with men in the days of Noah before the Flood relates that “the sons of the true God” took for themselves wives from among the attractive daughters of men. It then mentions the presence of “Nephilim,” saying: “The Nephilim proved to be in the earth in those days, and also after that, when the sons of the true God continued to have relations with the daughters of men and they bore sons to them, they were the mighty ones [Heb., hag·gib·bo·rimʹ] who were of old, the men of fame.”—Ge 6:1-4.

Identity. Bible commentators, considering verse 4, have offered several suggestions as to the identity of these Nephilim. Some have thought that the derivation of the name indicates that the Nephilim were ‘fallen angels,’ angels who sinned. Others, using a remarkable line of reasoning, conclude that the designation Nephilim itself indicates that they ‘fell from heaven’ in that they were ‘begotten by heavenly beings.’ Other scholars, focusing their attention particularly on the statement “and also after that” (vs 4), have said the Nephilim were not ‘fallen angels’ or the “mighty ones,” since the Nephilim “proved to be in the earth in those days” before the sons of God had relations with women. These latter scholars hold the opinion that the Nephilim were simply wicked men like Cain—robbers, bullies, and tyrants who roamed the earth until they were destroyed by the Flood. Still another group, taking into consideration not only the meaning of the name Nephilim but also the context of verse 4, conclude that the Nephilim were not themselves angels, but were the hybrid offspring resulting from materialized angels having intercourse with the daughters of men.

Same as “gib·bo·rimʹ.” Certain Bible translations adjust the location of the phrase “and also after that,” placing it near the beginning of verse 4, thus identifying the Nephilim with the “mighty ones,” the gib·bo·rimʹ, mentioned in the latter part of the verse. For example: “In those days, as well as afterward, there were giants [Heb., han·nephi·limʹ] on the earth, who were born to the sons of the gods whenever they had intercourse with the daughters of men; these were the heroes [Heb., hag·gib·bo·rimʹ] who were men of note in days of old.”—Ge 6:4, AT; see also Mo, NIV, and TEV.

The Greek Septuagint also suggests that both the “Nephilim” and “mighty ones” are identical by using the same word giʹgan·tes (giants) to translate both expressions.

Reviewing the account, we see that verses 1 to 3 tell of “the sons of the true God” taking wives and of Jehovah’s statement that he was going to end his patience with men after 120 years. Verse 4 then speaks of the Nephilim proving to be in the earth “in those days,” evidently the days when Jehovah made the statement. Then it shows that this situation continued “after that, when the sons of the true God continued to have relations with the daughters of men,” and describes in more detail the results of the union of “the sons of the true God” with women.

Who were the ‘sons of God’ that fathered the Nephilim?

Who were “the sons of the true God” that were involved? Were they men who were worshipers of Jehovah (as distinguished from the general run of wicked mankind), as some claim? Evidently not. The Bible implies that their marriage to the daughters of men resulted in whipping up the badness in the earth. Noah and his three sons, along with their wives, were the only ones in God’s favor and were the only ones preserved through the Deluge.—Ge 6:9; 8:15, 16; 1Pe 3:20.

Hence, if these “sons of the true God” were merely men, the question arises, Why were their offspring “men of fame” more than those of the wicked, or of faithful Noah? Also, the question might be asked, Why mention their marriage to the daughters of men as something special? Marriage and childbearing had been taking place for more than 1,500 years.

The sons of God mentioned at Genesis 6:2, therefore, must have been angels, spirit “sons of God.” This expression is applied to angels at Job 1:6; 38:7. This view is supported by Peter, who speaks of “the spirits in prison, who had once been disobedient when the patience of God was waiting in Noah’s days.” (1Pe 3:19, 20) Also Jude writes of “the angels that did not keep their original position but forsook their own proper dwelling place.” (Jude 6) Angels had the power to materialize in human form, and some angels did so to bring messages from God. (Ge 18:1, 2, 8, 20-22; 19:1-11; Jos 5:13-15) But heaven is the proper abode of spirit persons, and the angels there have positions of service under Jehovah. (Da 7:9, 10) To leave this abode to dwell on earth and to forsake their assigned service to have fleshly relations would be rebellion against God’s laws, and perversion.

The Bible states that the disobedient angels are now “spirits in prison,” having been ‘thrown into Tartarus’ and “reserved with eternal bonds under dense darkness for the judgment of the great day.” This seems to indicate that they are greatly restricted, unable again to materialize as they did prior to the Flood.—1Pe 3:19; 2Pe 2:4; Jude 6.

Increased Wickedness. “The mighty ones who were of old, the men of fame” that were produced by these marriages, were not men of fame with God, for they did not survive the Flood, as did Noah and his family. They were “Nephilim,” bullies, tyrants, who no doubt helped to make conditions worse. Their angelic fathers, knowing the construction of the human body and being able to materialize, were not creating life, but lived in these human bodies and, cohabiting with women, brought forth children. Their children, “mighty ones,” were therefore unauthorized hybrids. Apparently the Nephilim did not, in turn, have children.

In Mythology. The fame and dread of the Nephilim, it appears, gave rise to many mythologies of heathen people who, after the confusion of languages at Babel, were scattered throughout the earth. Though the historical forms of the Genesis account were greatly distorted and embellished, there was a remarkable resemblance in these ancient mythologies (those of the Greeks being only one example), in which gods and goddesses mated with humans to produce superhuman heroes and fearful demigods having god-man characteristics.

https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1200003223

[Queen Esther]

REFLECTION.....

THE SCENE OF THE WORLD IS CHANGING,    1 CORINTHIAN 7:31

(1 Corinthians 6: 9, 10) What! Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not go astray. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men that are for contraranatural purposes, nor men that lie down with men, 10 nor thieves, nor people dominated by greed, nor drunkards, nor injuriers, nor those who practice extortion shall inherit the God's Kingdom.

A hundred years ago the world was a very different place. The traditional family existed as a father / husband who worked outside the home and a housewife / mother raised the children of the family. Very few women worked outside the home.
Of course, there was sexual immorality back then, but it was not common, nor was it accepted as the norm. Premarital sex was considered embarrassing, not encouraged. Homosexuality was seen as an abomination, and those few who practiced it dared not flaunt it in public for fear of reprisal and ridicule.

It was considered shameful for a woman to show her flesh in public. Even on the beach women dressed modestly in bathing suits which was less revealing than the street clothes that women routinely wear now. Obviously, fashions in the Western world have changed dramatically over the last century, just like morality. What would have been considered vulgar and surprisingly obscene a few generations before is now the trend most fashionable. But fashions are simply a reflection of the values of a culture. The exhibition of tattooed flesh, the glorification of homosexuality, lesbianism and transgender monsters, is the end result of decades of spiritual abandonment and cultural decay. What was previously considered scandalous and taboo is now normal. Homosexuals, locked in the closet only a few years ago, now paraded naked in the streets, celebrating pure perversity, their gay pride. In fact, as the inspired apostle apparently foresaw, the scene of this world is changing.

While sociologists may have their explanations for the transformation of society, it should be noted that cultural decay, which began little by little, almost imperceptibly, like the physical rot of a piece of wood, seems to have coincided with the appearance Of International Bible Students on the scene, especially after the First World War.

It is a solemn reality that the invisible rulers of the world are the same powerful angels who left their proper place in heaven and dressed in flesh to have sex with beautiful women. The unnatural sexual union of materialized angels and fallen human flesh resulted in the incubation of a strange race of giants called the Nephilim. The world, as a result, was ruined in the sight of God. As a consequence, Jehovah caused the great catastrophe known as the flood of Noah. Although the ancient world perished as a result of the cataclysm, the angels did not. They were able to dematerialize and return to the realm of spirits. However, God did not accept them back into their family of heavenly children. Instead, they were condemned to eternal death. It is his fatalism and the fixation on sex that now permeates society.

In response to Jehovah for having drowned their wives and children, the demons intend to corrupt the bearers of light, Jehovah's Witnesses, if possible, knowing as surely as they do that the terrible day of Jehovah's wrath is Arriving ! 

[b4ucuhear]

I can't say I disagree with other posts pointing out that the actual words say "knew not," "did not know..." It's also a fair point to be made that if the Bible doesn't actually say something, our translations shouldn't take liberties to make it appear as something different. As lauded as our NWT is for it's accuracy in some circles, there is no denying that at times liberties have been taken. Especially in our latest revision. Still I like it and use it (along with others). The point I was making in quoting these other commentators is that it would appear that using the same scriptures as a basis, they came to much the same conclusion in their observations as indicated in the NWT. That people living at Noah's time must have known something was up and were not completely ignorant of what was to happen, but they took no note (they chose to "know not".). According to (some) Bible commentators, they "knew not" in the sense that they didn't want to know. I can't say I'd be dogmatic that Noah's being a preacher of righteousness included warning people of an imminent flood. But warning people in order for them to make a change/turnaround does seems consistent with the way Jehovah often does things - giving even wicked ones an opportunity to make a choice for live or death. So to me as posted above, it does seem "most likely" that Noah as "preacher of righteousness" included some kind of warning.

[Bible Speaks]

@b4ucuhear Thank you for your support! I was also thinking the world at that time was so wicked, Jehovah said he would destroy it. Of course he knows who's wicked and righteous. I think also the Nephilm being on the earth then proved how debased it became. It was beyond wicked because of these NEPHILIM. Jehovah is just and righteous. They are also called "bullies". Pretty bad in Jehovah's eyes and righteous man Noah. I'm sure as many pictures show how he was laughed at. But he just kept building and obeying Jehovah. What a lesson! They didn't want to "take any note!" Being wicked half human and demonic. They only were out to destroy the world. Jehovah stepped in, said he felt hurt. It means so much to me that Jehovah has such feelings and had to take measures for safety of the righteous. Today also Satan and his demons run rampant, knowing their end is soon. Jehovah as he can read hearts will find all that have a complete heart to him. What a wonderful God Jehovah is!

Note this: 

NEPHILIM

(Nephʹi·lim) [Fellers; Those Who Cause [Others] to Fall Down].

This is a transliteration of the Hebrew word nephi·limʹ, plural in its three occurrences in the Bible. (Ge 6:4; Nu 13:33 [twice]) It evidently stems from the causative form of the Hebrew verb na·phalʹ (fall) as found, for example, in 2 Kings 3:19; 19:7.

The Bible account describing Jehovah’s displeasure with men in the days of Noah before the Flood relates that “the sons of the true God” took for themselves wives from among the attractive daughters of men. It then mentions the presence of “Nephilim,” saying: “The Nephilim proved to be in the earth in those days, and also after that, when the sons of the true God continued to have relations with the daughters of men and they bore sons to them, they were the mighty ones [Heb., hag·gib·bo·rimʹ] who were of old, the men of fame.”—Ge 6:1-4.

Identity. Bible commentators, considering verse 4, have offered several suggestions as to the identity of these Nephilim. Some have thought that the derivation of the name indicates that the Nephilim were ‘fallen angels,’ angels who sinned. Others, using a remarkable line of reasoning, conclude that the designation Nephilim itself indicates that they ‘fell from heaven’ in that they were ‘begotten by heavenly beings.’ Other scholars, focusing their attention particularly on the statement “and also after that” (vs 4), have said the Nephilim were not ‘fallen angels’ or the “mighty ones,” since the Nephilim “proved to be in the earth in those days” before the sons of God had relations with women. These latter scholars hold the opinion that the Nephilim were simply wicked men like Cain—robbers, bullies, and tyrants who roamed the earth until they were destroyed by the Flood. Still another group, taking into consideration not only the meaning of the name Nephilim but also the context of verse 4, conclude that the Nephilim were not themselves angels, but were the hybrid offspring resulting from materialized angels having intercourse with the daughters of men.

Same as “gib·bo·rimʹ.” Certain Bible translations adjust the location of the phrase “and also after that,” placing it near the beginning of verse 4, thus identifying the Nephilim with the “mighty ones,” the gib·bo·rimʹ, mentioned in the latter part of the verse. For example: “In those days, as well as afterward, there were giants [Heb., han·nephi·limʹ] on the earth, who were born to the sons of the gods whenever they had intercourse with the daughters of men; these were the heroes [Heb., hag·gib·bo·rimʹ] who were men of note in days of old.”—Ge 6:4, AT; see also Mo, NIV, and TEV.

The Greek Septuagint also suggests that both the “Nephilim” and “mighty ones” are identical by using the same word giʹgan·tes (giants) to translate both expressions.

Reviewing the account, we see that verses 1 to 3 tell of “the sons of the true God” taking wives and of Jehovah’s statement that he was going to end his patience with men after 120 years. Verse 4 then speaks of the Nephilim proving to be in the earth “in those days,” evidently the days when Jehovah made the statement. Then it shows that this situation continued “after that, when the sons of the true God continued to have relations with the daughters of men,” and describes in more detail the results of the union of “the sons of the true God” with women.

Who were the ‘sons of God’ that fathered the Nephilim?

Who were “the sons of the true God” that were involved? Were they men who were worshipers of Jehovah (as distinguished from the general run of wicked mankind), as some claim? Evidently not. The Bible implies that their marriage to the daughters of men resulted in whipping up the badness in the earth. Noah and his three sons, along with their wives, were the only ones in God’s favor and were the only ones preserved through the Deluge.—Ge 6:9; 8:15, 16; 1Pe 3:20.

Hence, if these “sons of the true God” were merely men, the question arises, Why were their offspring “men of fame” more than those of the wicked, or of faithful Noah? Also, the question might be asked, Why mention their marriage to the daughters of men as something special? Marriage and childbearing had been taking place for more than 1,500 years.

The sons of God mentioned at Genesis 6:2, therefore, must have been angels, spirit “sons of God.” This expression is applied to angels at Job 1:6; 38:7. This view is supported by Peter, who speaks of “the spirits in prison, who had once been disobedient when the patience of God was waiting in Noah’s days.” (1Pe 3:19, 20) Also Jude writes of “the angels that did not keep their original position but forsook their own proper dwelling place.” (Jude 6) Angels had the power to materialize in human form, and some angels did so to bring messages from God. (Ge 18:1, 2, 8, 20-22; 19:1-11; Jos 5:13-15) But heaven is the proper abode of spirit persons, and the angels there have positions of service under Jehovah. (Da 7:9, 10) To leave this abode to dwell on earth and to forsake their assigned service to have fleshly relations would be rebellion against God’s laws, and perversion.

The Bible states that the disobedient angels are now “spirits in prison,” having been ‘thrown into Tartarus’ and “reserved with eternal bonds under dense darkness for the judgment of the great day.” This seems to indicate that they are greatly restricted, unable again to materialize as they did prior to the Flood.—1Pe 3:19; 2Pe 2:4; Jude 6.

Increased Wickedness. “The mighty ones who were of old, the men of fame” that were produced by these marriages, were not men of fame with God, for they did not survive the Flood, as did Noah and his family. They were “Nephilim,” bullies, tyrants, who no doubt helped to make conditions worse. Their angelic fathers, knowing the construction of the human body and being able to materialize, were not creating life, but lived in these human bodies and, cohabiting with women, brought forth children. Their children, “mighty ones,” were therefore unauthorized hybrids. Apparently the Nephilim did not, in turn, have children.

In Mythology. The fame and dread of the Nephilim, it appears, gave rise to many mythologies of heathen people who, after the confusion of languages at Babel, were scattered throughout the earth. Though the historical forms of the Genesis account were greatly distorted and embellished, there was a remarkable resemblance in these ancient mythologies (those of the Greeks being only one example), in which gods and goddesses mated with humans to produce superhuman heroes and fearful demigods having god-man characteristics.

https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1200003223

[Bible Speaks]

@b4ucuhear Jehovah is a just God and will never destroy the righteous. We know that. One day we will know more about this. Truly the world was so wicked he felt regret over what was happening there. Today, we know the future! His Kingdom through His appointed Son, Our Lord Christ Jesus will forever destroy any wickedness and those demons and Satan himself will not be able to bring man to ruin anymore! What a hope. We know we have more understanding today of the whole Bible, as the "true knowledge will become abundant." I'm sure we still will learn much more about those faithful to Jehovah and those he must destroy by His Kingdom Government. I love Isaiah chapter 2 it says it all. Because they have not bowed to His King ? they will suffer destruction. Relief from all of our woes! Thank you for your support. 

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[JW Insider]

22 hours ago, b4ucuhear said:

It seems that many Bible commentators seem to lean toward the idea behind "knew not" (by inference or directly) as reflecting the idea that "they took no note."

That idea in some commentaries could be very valid. But, as you have already said, a commentary is not the same as a translation -- at least it shouldn't be.

There is a tendency in commentaries to conflate their interpretations of ALL the scriptures on a topic into a single coherent idea, in spite of the fact that Jesus may have used this illustration or circumstance to highlight a different idea.

I think it gets back to the idea of the "heart" wanting to think that Noah must have warned everyone, so we want to understood "preacher of righteousness" to mean Noah gave everyone a warning. And he very well might have, but we are speculating if we decide that our favorite definition of "preacher" must fit this particular situation.

Whether Noah gave a warning or not, Jesus' point seems more likely to highlight the fact that they acted as if they had had no warning -- as if there had not been a warning. So it's not a key point of the verse to point out that a warning must have taken place. It changes the sense of the verse and the context to try to add this point. Doesn't mean that there is no truth to the idea of a warning in another context.

I think it's the same way in which many people think that Jesus' purpose (in Matthew 24) was to let the disciples know that there would be advance warning signs. This is what many commentaries WANT the whole chapter to be saying. There are one or two places that sound like something could be taken as a warning, and about 10 places where Jesus sounds like he was trying to say it would come as a thief, suddenly, without warning. It doesn't seem fair that it would be without warning at least to the faithful or at least to the angels, so we overthrow 10 clear verses in favor of one or two that could partially suggest otherwise.

I think that some have looked at this idea and think I'm trying to say that we should not be giving a warning about the end of this system. This is not the point at all. We can always warn people about how deep we must be into the time of the end. The only thing we should NOT be doing is saying "The Time is at Hand!" That's the way in which Matthew 24 (Mark 13, Luke 21) would be misinterpreted, and why Jesus started out with a warning about how easy it would be to get misled.

English Standard Version - Luke 21:8
And he said, “See that you are not led astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time is at hand!’ Do not go after them."