I recently watched a television program that centered around the meaning of Genesis 6:4.  It was in regards to whether there were really "giants" at that time in history.  Later on in the program, it showed that the original Greek translation was not the same word as "giant" as we know it – but would be the same word as meaning ‘neanderthals’ or ‘homosapiens’.  I don't remember what the word was exactly, but since watching the program, I keep thinking about that verse and what it means.  I don't know if I'm understanding it right.  Does it mean that there were less "evolved" humans at the same time?  If so, how does that fit into what the Bible says about God's creation of the Earth?  Just a bit of clarification would be helpful!

Sincerely,
Average Height

Dear Average Height,

The word used in Gen 6:4 is ‘Nephilim’, and it is a Hebrew word – not a Greek one.  The Old Testament was originally written in Hebrew because that is the Jewish language.  The word ‘Nephilim’ means ‘giant’, ‘fallen one’, or ‘wondrous one’.  The word was translated ‘giant’ by the Greeks when they wrote the Old Testament in Greek… the version of the Bible that Jesus quoted.  The Nephilim weren’t less-evolved or some sort of evolutionary missing link; they were simply very big people.  Men like Goliath were descendants of this giant group of people (Num 13:33).  Different races of people have distinct physical characteristics; this particular race’s distinction was their height.  They weren’t primitive, just big.

Hi.  In Daniel 12:1, when Daniel is receiving the message about the time of the end, the messenger says, "At that time Michael, the archangel who stands guard over your nation, will arise."  Can you explain this to me better because I thought that Jesus is the one who is coming and will arise?  Thanks much.

Sincerely,
Questioning The Angel

Dear Questioning The Angel,

Dan 12:1 says “at that time”… Michael the archangel will stand up.  We need to know what “at that time” refers to in order to have a proper understanding of the verse.  Context is very important when looking at symbolic passages like those found in Daniel and Revelation.  In Matt 24:21, Jesus uses the exact same words as Dan 12:1.  Jesus’ commentary on these events is very specific.  Jesus says that Daniel’s prophecy was referring to the end of the Jewish nation… not the end of mankind.  Matt 24:15-21 describes the fall of the Jewish nation at the hands of Rome.  Rome would encircle Jerusalem (Matt 24:28), utterly destroy that city, and tear down the temple (Matt 24:1-2).  All of these events happened in 70 A.D.  Not all of Daniel’s prophecies refer to 70 A.D., but the verse in question (Dan 12:1) does.

What does the writer mean in Ecclesiastes 11:1, "Cast your bread on the surface of the waters, for you will find it after many days."?

Sincerely,
Gone Fishin’

Dear Gone Fishin’,

Eccl 11:1-2 is dealing with charity and benevolent behavior.  Give generously to all, and your good deeds will come back to you.  This is very similar to the New Testament statement that “we reap what we sow” (Gal 6:7-8).  Pr 14:31 says that we honor God when we care for the needy, and Pr 19:17 says that God repays those who care for the impoverished.  Give your bread bountifully to the poor, and you will be blessed (Pr 22:9).  Cast your bread upon the waters – it may seem like you are throwing your money away – but it will be the right decision.

In Genesis 32:30, Jacob called the place Peniel: “For I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.”  Did Jacob really see God face to face?  Please explain.  Because John 1:18 says, “No man has seen God at anytime...”

Sincerely,
Look Me In The Eye

Dear Look Me In The Eye,

Jacob did not actually see God face to face; Jacob was simply using poetic language to describe the fact that he had wrestled with an angelic, heavenly being and survived (Gen 32:24-25).  God specifically told Moses that if anyone saw God’s face, they would die (Ex 33:20).  Jacob had come face to face with a spiritual being sent by God and lived to tell the tale (Gen 32:28).  That is all that is meant by the phrase “face to face”.

Why did God create the universe?

Sincerely,
Big Picture

Dear Big Picture,

God created the universe for His enjoyment and His glory (Col 1:16-17).  God makes it clear that before He made even one molecule of the universe, He planned to offer salvation to mankind (Eph 1:4).  His plan was that all mankind would be offered the opportunity to spend eternity with Him through Jesus Christ (Eph 1:5).  God created the earth, so we might live on it, choose Him, and spend eternity as His children.