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Dr Michael Heiser said:
The Hebrew word אֲשֶׁר (ʾăšer) is a relative pronoun or conjunction, functioning similarly to English "that," "which," "who," "when," or "where."
English Standard Version:
The phrase וְגַם־אַחֲרֵי־כֵן אָז ("and also after that, when") described a sequence of events involving the "sons of God" and the "daughters of men." The focus was on a specific period in history when these interactions occurred, leading to the birth of the Nephilim ("giants"). The context suggested punctiliar historical events rather than indicative repeated occurrences. The use of אָז fitted this understanding, pointing to a particular moment ("then" or "at that time") rather than an ongoing pattern ("whenever").
Can אָז Be Translated as "Whenever"?
While אָז could theoretically be translated as "whenever" in certain contexts where repetition is implied, this would require strong contextual support. To translate אָז as "whenever" here would impose a sense of repetition not supported by the immediate context or broader biblical narrative.
There was another Hebrew word that meant repeated pattern. Ge 30:
The Hebrew word אָז in Genesis 6:4 most naturally means "when" or "then," referring to a specific historical event. While "whenever" could theoretically be considered in cases where repetition is implied, the context of Genesis 6:4 does not support such a translation. The passage describes a singular, defining moment in history rather than a recurring pattern.
New Living Translation, Ge 6:
Strong's Hebrew: 834. אֲשֶׁר (asher) — 5502 Occurrences
The Hebrew word אֲשֶׁר (ʾăšer) is a relative pronoun or conjunction, functioning similarly to English "that," "which," "who," "when," or "where."
English Standard Version:
On Biblehub, 26 versions used 'when'; only NLT used 'whenever'.
The phrase וְגַם־אַחֲרֵי־כֵן אָז ("and also after that, when") described a sequence of events involving the "sons of God" and the "daughters of men." The focus was on a specific period in history when these interactions occurred, leading to the birth of the Nephilim ("giants"). The context suggested punctiliar historical events rather than indicative repeated occurrences. The use of אָז fitted this understanding, pointing to a particular moment ("then" or "at that time") rather than an ongoing pattern ("whenever").
Can אָז Be Translated as "Whenever"?
While אָז could theoretically be translated as "whenever" in certain contexts where repetition is implied, this would require strong contextual support. To translate אָז as "whenever" here would impose a sense of repetition not supported by the immediate context or broader biblical narrative.
There was another Hebrew word that meant repeated pattern. Ge 30:
Strong's Hebrew: 3605. כֹּל (kol or kol) — 5418 Occurrences
The Hebrew word אָז in Genesis 6:4 most naturally means "when" or "then," referring to a specific historical event. While "whenever" could theoretically be considered in cases where repetition is implied, the context of Genesis 6:4 does not support such a translation. The passage describes a singular, defining moment in history rather than a recurring pattern.
