A question arose in one of the Facebook groups I belong to asking, "Are there any female giants?" That's a great question and one I have asked myself. Let's see if we can put some thought to it.
I write with curiosity and question the accuracy of this intriguing proposition.
Throughout all Old Testament instances, the Hebrew term "gibbor" or "gibborim" is utilized in a context that typically indicates "male" as opposed to female. However, the existence of a feminine variant, "gibborah", cannot be overlooked and is used exactly twice in the Masoretic text with references in Jeremiah 48:41 and Nahum 3:13. These contexts indicate an insult or taunt directed towards male pagan warriors akin to our modern adage "You fight like a girl!"
However, the premise does not completely exclude Genesis 6:1-4 from being interpreted generically, hence suggesting that "gibborim" could symbolize a "type" rather than simply a gender. There are no strict prohibitions against this translation. The complexity lies in whether there is any credible evidence that may encourage us to perceive "gibborim" to be inclusive of both male and female - comparable to the term "mankind". This interpretation presents a significantly more challenging question requiring more intricate analysis.
Such an approach calls for an attempt to gain insights from ancient near-eastern pagan tales of goddesses and seemingly implausible interpretations of these beings masquerading as females. Concededly, this assumption stretches the imagination, perhaps beyond comfort, to reach such unconventional conclusions. I am only inclined to reconsider this perspective if it aligns with the interpretations of ancient Jews; it does not. For them, the sons of God (Watchers) and the Nephilim, are all male, hence the exclusive use of "gibbor" and "gibborim" of giants as opposed to "gibborah".
One cannot ignore the overwhelmingly accepted fact that all angelic beings are male. Coupled with the knowledge that the "gods" are believed to be fallen sons of God or Watchers, one is left to ponder the origins of "goddesses".
Our most plausible interpretation is that of male "sons of God", as fallen Watchers, masquerading as females. Alternatively, we could consider that the spirits of deceased demons or ex-Nephilim giants are assuming female identities. Either way, the characterization of goddesses as genuine females faces serious challenges.
The only plausible concept of Nephilim spirits being female is if we interpret Genesis 6:1-4's "mighty men" or "gibborim" as a non-gendered race such as we would by saying "mankind". This perspective may offer a potential argument in favor of female giants. This, of course, is the difficulty.
There is a segue into the final, and perhaps the most captivating point, which interestingly strengthens the argument of both Watchers and their Nephilim children being all male. The reasoning goes:
1. All angelic beings are male.
2. The father determines the gender of the offspring.
3. Only Adam possesses the RNA for both male and female.
4. Consequently, it is possible that angelic RNA only carries a male gene.
Following this reasoning, a compelling case is made for "gibborim" to imply "male only" giants. This provides a plausible theory that this RNA/DNA element is inherited only by male giants, thus implying that male demigod giant hybrids are the only possible outcome.
In the end, we are left with a single possible result: Both Watchers and Nephilim (giants) are male. It's a boy's club only. No females are possible. Therefore, the answer to the question of "Are there female giants?" appears to be a resounding, no.