Giants and Adam: How Tall Was Adam According to the Bible?

by Patheos Editorial Team

Public Domain

Adam's Height: What Does the Bible Say?

The Bible, in its vast expanse, does not explicitly detail Adam's physical stature, leading to a plethora of interpretations and theories. One theory stems directly from Genesis 6:4 – “There were giants in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.”

Many Bible verses or stories are metaphorical with an intent to help illustrate a principle or greater ideal. However, many individuals and even Biblical scholars ascribe to Biblical literalism which suggest that indeed there were giants and such that existed along with Adam and his family. This schism of thought and interpretation of literary text in the Bible can provide some interesting theories.

First, it is vital to understand some scriptures that allude to tall individuals and unique attributes of Adam’s people:

Longevity:

Genesis 5:5 (KJV): "And all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years: and he died."
Genesis 5:27 (KJV): "And all the days of Methuselah were nine hundred sixty and nine years: and he died."
Genesis 9:29 (KJV): "And all the days of Noah were nine hundred and fifty years: and he died."

Height:

Genesis 6:4 (KJV): "There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown."
Numbers 13:33 (KJV): "And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight."
1 Samuel 17 (KJV): This chapter describes David and Goliath, with Goliath’s height given in verse 4: "And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span."

As we read with a literalist POV, we can understand that the lineage of Adam lived a lot longer than we do today. We can also understand that the existence of giants who intermingled with the sons and daughters of Adam and Eve.

Some scholars suggest that a calendar was a very casual way of keeping track of time in those days and should not be considered accurate according to today’s astronomical cycle.

Regardless of the school of thought, let's explore some unique concepts and descriptions of Adam.

How Long Did Adam Live?

Drawing from the Bible's intricate narratives, one can discern that early biblical figures, such as Adam, boasted remarkable lifespans. Adam's age, as chronicled in Genesis 5:5, reached an astonishing 930 years. This longevity has spurred theories suggesting Adam's superior physical and intellectual attributes, possibly including an imposing height. This idea that longevity correlates to a greater chance of a bigger stature is rooted on a very basic assumption that taller people are also older people, however, there has been and continues to be evidence that short people live long lives.

Why such long lives recorded in the Bible?

Perhaps it was due to genes or less damaging evolutionary effects of the Fall of Adam and Eve on disease, war, and existential threats. According to the Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi 2:21 “And the days of the children of men were prolonged, according to the will of God, that they might repent while in the flesh; wherefore, their state became a state of probation, and their time was lengthened, according to the commandments which the Lord God gave unto the children of men. For he gave commandment that all men must repent; for he showed unto all men that they were lost, because of the transgression of their parents.”

Scripture tells us that longevity was increased for the wise purposes of God. Adam and his children lived long lives to learn the basics of the Gospel and the laws of God to further His plan.

Time is an interesting concept in the Bible. Again, it begs for a metaphorical interpretation of the literary text particularly when reading events such as Joshua commanding the sun and moon to stand still so the Israelites could slaughter their enemies.

Joshua 10:12-13 (KJV): "Then spake Joshua to the LORD in the day when the LORD delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon; and thou, Moon, in the valley of Ajalon. And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies."

All things are possible with God and His priesthood however, this could also be metaphorical in explaining how God helped them in battle and was documented in a poetic way. This verse still has meaning and focuses on the power of faith and divine support rather than the literal physical altercation of the cosmos.

What Do Old Fossils Tell Us?

The annals of history, replete with the discovery of colossal prehistoric creatures, add another layer to this discourse. The unearthing of the Meganeuropsis americana in Oklahoma, a dragonfly-like entity with a wingspan nearing two and a half feet, and the Stupendemys geographicus, a turtle from northern South America with a shell almost nine and a half feet in length, raises the question: Were humans of that era also of a grander stature?

Some biological theory suggests that times in which CO2 and carbon were more abundant across the Earth that giant creatures and bigger animals also existed. This could also apply to humans. However, it would make more sense to see giants and bigger humans today due to the greater abundances and availability of food in a modern supply chain rather than a time in which everyone had to till the earth with crop that did not always bear fruit. Modern plant breeding technology means more food for a growing population, this simply did not exist back then.

Giants in the Bible

The Bible, in its multifaceted narratives, introduces us to beings of great stature, such as the Amorites, Rephaim, and the renowned Goliath. Goliath's stature, detailed as six cubits and a span, translates to over nine feet (1 Samuel 17:4). Could these figures be remnants of Adam's genetic lineage?

Goliath was a tall man. It could also be interpreted that he was of a lineage of the Nephilim who made the Israelites look like “grasshoppers.” Or perhaps he was a man of “renown” as described in Genesis 6:4 and his height was more metaphorical than physical.

Tall People Today

Instances of modern gigantism, exemplified by figures like Robert Wadlow, who stood at a staggering 8 ft, 11.1 in., offer tantalizing glimpses into the potential heights of our forebears. However, it's paramount to understand that contemporary gigantism often comes with health complications, suggesting it might not be a direct reflection of our ancestors.

What Do Other Religions Say?

Islamic scriptures also touch upon this enigma, with certain hadiths postulating Adam's height at an astounding 60 cubits, approximately 90 feet. This figure, though significantly larger than other estimates, underscores the global intrigue surrounding this query.

Norse Paganism often depicts Odin and Thor to be larger than the average human. This was more of a literary device to depict their acts and beings as being larger-than-life and to support the epic mythos behind the characters. They also have the Jotnar, the giants of the mountains, who metaphorically coincide with forces of nature.

Greek mythology describes giants, the Titans, who predated the Olympians. These Titans are cornerstone figures in the mythology to support ideas of chaos, rebellion, forces of nature, and the cosmos. These forces formed the mythological playscape in which the Olympian gods now meddle with people to teach principles.

Conclusion: A Lasting Mystery

We have no clue how tall Adam was according to the Bible. Despite some anecdotal depictions of “giants” in the Bible, there is no direct evidence, correlation, or literary text that states that Adam was tall. While a definitive answer might elude us, the interplay of faith, history, and science offers a riveting narrative and makes for a great dinnertime conversation.

Bible Verses about Adam's Height and Longevity

Genesis 5:5: "And all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years: and he died."
Genesis 5:27: "And all the days of Methuselah were nine hundred sixty and nine years: and he died."
Genesis 9:29: "And all the days of Noah were nine hundred and fifty years: and he died."
Genesis 6:4: "There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown."
Numbers 13:33: "And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight."
1 Samuel 17:4: "And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span."
Joshua 10:12-13: "Then spake Joshua to the LORD in the day when the LORD delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon; and thou, Moon, in the valley of Ajalon. And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies."

4/9/2024 8:43:01 PM