Old Testament
Genesis 6:2
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The sons of God noticed how beautiful these women were and married whichever ones they wanted.
Compare translations
That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose.
What Genesis 6:2 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see a moment where the 'sons of God' are captivated by the beauty of women from the human world. They are drawn to these women and choose to marry them based on their attraction. This action reflects a significant blending of two different realms, suggesting a departure from their original purpose. The phrase 'whichever ones they wanted' indicates a sense of freedom and choice, but it also raises questions about the consequences of such decisions. This moment sets the stage for deeper themes of relationships, choices, and the impact of those choices on the world. It highlights the allure of beauty and the human tendency to pursue what we desire, regardless of the potential fallout. Ultimately, this verse invites us to reflect on our own choices and the motivations behind them, urging us to consider the long-term effects of our actions on ourselves and others. It serves as a reminder that beauty can be both captivating and dangerous, leading us to explore the balance between desire and responsibility.
How to apply Genesis 6:2 to your life
Consider the choices you make in your relationships. Are they based on genuine connection or superficial attraction? Reflect on how your decisions impact not just you, but those around you. Strive for balance between desire and responsibility in your interactions with others. Choose wisely and thoughtfully in your connections with people in your life.
Curated for this public verse page. Genesis Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Moses

Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Genesis 6:2
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Genesis 6:2
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Genesis
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Genesis 6:2 mean?
Genesis 6:2 describes how the 'sons of God' were attracted to the beauty of human women and chose to marry them. This verse highlights the blending of divine and human realms, raising questions about the implications of such unions.
What is the significance of 'sons of God' in Genesis 6:2?
In Genesis 6:2, 'sons of God' typically refers to divine beings or angels who are drawn to human women. Their actions suggest a departure from their intended roles, leading to significant consequences in the narrative.
What does 'daughters of men' refer to in Genesis 6:2?
The 'daughters of men' in Genesis 6:2 refers to human women. This phrase contrasts them with the 'sons of God,' emphasizing the interaction between the divine and human worlds.
What themes are present in Genesis 6:2?
Genesis 6:2 explores themes of beauty, choice, relationships, and the consequences of desire. It reflects on how attraction can lead to significant decisions that impact both individuals and the broader world.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.