The Esoteric Interpretation of Genesis 6:4: Giant Beings and the Third Root Race
The Bible, particularly Genesis, has long fascinated scholars, theologians, and general readers with its enigmatic verses. One such verse, Genesis 6:4, has raised countless questions over centuries. According to esoteric teachings, this verse provides a deeper and more profound understanding of the nature and origins of humanity as described in the scriptures.
Understanding Genesis 6:4
The KJV translation of Genesis 6:4 reads: 'There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the children of God were come in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.'
From an esoteric perspective, this verse is interpreted to describe a pivotal moment in human evolution. The text essentially states that there were giant beings in the Earth in those times, and later, when the 'sons of God' (representing spiritually advanced beings) interbred with the daughters of men (human beings), they produced offspring who were both mighty and renowned in history. This concept aligns with the idea of a transitional period in human evolution from a more spiritual and less materialistic state to one characterized by greater physicality and lessened spiritual awareness.
The Significance of 'Giants'
The term 'giants' in this verse is not to be interpreted solely as large physical beings. In esoteric teachings, the giants represent spiritual entities or beings with advanced qualities before the advent of separate sexes and procreation in the traditional sense. These beings are described as 'sexless' and 'androgyne,' signifying a higher, more integrated state of consciousness.
Post-Giant Epoch
Following the era of these giants, the text mentions 'Sons of God' coming in unto the daughters of men. This transition marks a significant evolutionary shift where spiritual beings, incarnating as humans, began to procreate in the conventional manner. The offspring of this new form of human reproduction are described as 'mighty men' and 'men of renown.'
Implications for Future Evolution
This transitional period is described as a change from a spiritual or ethereal form to a more material-oriented one. According to these teachings, the 'mighty men' born of such unions were recognized for their extraordinary abilities and accomplishments. They are often likened to figures such as Nimrod, the 'mighty hunter before the Lord,' whose deeds are both legendary and supernatural.
The Problem of Wickedness
Following this period of mingling between spiritual beings and humans, the Bible (Genesis 6:5) attests to humans' wickedness: 'The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.'
Esoteric teachings explain that this wickedness arose when some members of the human race interbred with semi-human creatures, producing monstrous giants. These giants, seen as the forebears of vast anthropoid apes and human types, were a testament to the degeneration of humanity's spiritual and ethical standards.
The Third Root Race and Its Downfall
The term 'Third Root Race,' mentioned in esoteric literature, refers to a specific human civilization that experienced a significant moral and ethical decline. The The Secret Doctrine by H.P. Blavatsky elaborates on this concept, stating: 'When the Third Root Race separated and fell into sin by breeding men-animals, these the animals became ferocious, and men and they mutually destructive. Till then there was no sin, no life taken.'
According to esoteric teachings, the Third Root Race, marked by its spiritual purity and wisdom, eventually degenerated and lost its ethical compass, leading to the rise of violence and destructiveness.
Lessons from the Esoteric View
The esoteric interpretation of Genesis 6:4 offers valuable insights into the evolution of humanity. It highlights the importance of maintaining spiritual integrity and the perils of merging with lower forms of life, leading to moral and ethical decline. This perspective encourages individuals to strive for spiritual enlightenment and moral fortitude, drawing parallels to current ethical challenges in human society.
In conclusion, the esoteric interpretation of Genesis 6:4 provides a rich and nuanced understanding of human evolution, focusing on spiritual and ethical development. Through this lens, the text becomes a timeless guide for spiritual seekers and humanity in general.