The Book of Giants: The Watchers, Nephilim, and The Book of Enoch

by Joseph B. Lumpkin

Among the first seven scrolls discovered in the caves of Qumran at the Dead Sea is a scroll given the name, "The Book of Giants." It is thought to have been based on the Book of Enoch, a pseudepigraphical Jewish work from the 3rd century BCE. The Book of Giants, like the Book of Enoch, concerns itself with the Nephilim, which are the offspring of fallen angels, who are called the Watchers. Two main versions of the text exist. The Dead Sea version is written in Aramaic. Another version has been found written in middle Persian, adapted from the Aramaic to fit into the Manichean religion. Both versions will be examined. Following theories speculating that the Book of Giants was once part of the Book of Enoch, we will attempt to place the two texts back together to render the complete story of the Watchers and the Nephilim. We will discover the history and contributions of these ancient scrolls and look carefully at their content and meaning. Throughout the combined texts of the Book of Giants and the Book of Enoch we will examine all the biblical and apocryphal references and parallels within the text. The result is an in-depth and panoramic view of the Angels, the Watchers, and the Nephilim, and how one of the giants of the Nephilim race may have survived the flood intended to cleanse the Earth of their horror.

Genres: History, Mythology, Religion, Spirituality, Audiobook, Conspiracy Theories, Biblical

222 pages, Paperback

First published November 27, 2014

Reviews

[Miguel Portillo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extremely Interesting read!

The author presented the information in an easily accessible format. First the material was summarized with brief points of analysis. Then the actual text was presented and comments made when necessary to explain the material. The author pointed to current scholarship which reflected the way second temple period readers would have viewed this material. If you're interested in reading non-canonical literature this is a must trad.

[William · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received a review copy of this audiobook.

The Book of Giants itself has so many corruptions and omissions that it is scarcely coherent. The vast majority of this book is actually the Book of Enoch. Lumpkin's conclusion is at best confusing and at worst heretical.

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF. This book wasn't what I thought it was although I do think that it is a good reference work, I personally wasn't able to stay engaged.

[Ashley Grant · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought Lumpkin did a great job of organizing the texts of both The Book of Giants and The Book of Enoch; however, I can’t get over the terrible inherent content of both books. This “god” character is immensely narcissistic and hypocritical, not a new notion to me, but DANG was it exemplified throughout these two texts.

I’m so sad to see that humanity has, for so many hundreds of years, continued to wage war and hurt fellow humans all in the name of this fictional “god”. The only positive about reading this book is that I can now better articulate my feelings surrounding the narcissism and immorality of “god”, and (hopefully) better understand what is occurring in the brains of the thoughtless hordes who blindly follow/believe this faulty and evil book.

[Audrey · Rating 2 out of 5]

I heard about this text in an episode of Ancient Aliens and was super intrigued, especially by the Book of Giants found among the Dead Seas Scrolls. Sadly, I was underwhelmed. It was difficult to read between broken/missing text in one section and then author's notes and scripture comparisons in between passages in another. There were a lot of interesting bits, but a headache to comprehend with so much deviation. There were also a number of typos.

[Carolyn Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An informative writing that fills in some of the fractures encountered in Scriptures. Placing center stage how The Watchers failed their mandate and committed the most grievous offense that dishonored their Maker and is still dousing ruin on all today. Supplying behind the scenes particulars that provides additional clarity on what actually happened. A haunting tale of how lust was let loose off its chain to wreak havoc for eons to come.

[Round Mountain Public Library · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was requested by more than one person interested in reading more about the book of Enoch and the "Lost Books of the Bible", of particular interest this book tells more about the "Giants" mentioned in the book of Enoch. Feed your need for research and checkout this book at the Library.

[Joseph Smyth · Rating 4 out of 5]

LEARNING NEW THINGS

This book was clear and concise. The subject matter is something I have found of great interest . Having read on the subject before I did not think I would find anything of real value. However I was pleased to find that I did indeed learn something new.

[Francesca Brignardello · Rating 5 out of 5]

very well organized

This was a pleasant gift bought for me by a friend. He knew I had been doing some research on giants. I learned so much more than just about giants in this book. It’s a must read for anyone who enjoys reading about the ancient manuscripts.

[Joanna Fruhauf · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was doing research for a book I was writing, a Biblical fiction book based on Adam. I found this to be an interesting source and helpful in fleshing out the story. ( a Book I am currently revising called, The Adam Chronicles, Journal of the First Man)

[John Steele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this via Audible multiple times and I'll likely read it multiple more times.

[Kenneth C. Rueckert · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great fairy tale.
Great medicinal value. It will cure even the worst of headaches.

[T.S. Hottle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Always wondered what was in Enoch. The author of the volume, though, spends a little too much time expounding on his own apocalyptic theories, which never holds up for long.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

It goes along with what the Book of Enoch and Jasher have mentioned.

[Julian M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Didn't read this exact edition but WOW these ancient texts are so sick.

[Etete Usoro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

[Michael Millar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb analysis

Excellent scholarly work highly recommend this book really appreciated the connections with Scripture. I've gotten hold of your other books too!

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great companion for referencing on the O.T. & N.T..

Great resource for finding and filling in some of those missing pieces of the puzzle, that I could not find in the cannon itself.

[Tessa Stockton · Rating 4 out of 5]

The format enhanced the study of these accounts/writings, though a bit tricky to wade through at times. I appreciated the Author’s Notes throughout; however, some need to be digested speculatively.

[Joshua Friesen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author wrote this interesting and informative text a very concise and understandable way.