Were Adam and Eve Giants? The SDA Connection to Pre-Flood Giant Theories

Introduction: Unwittingly Adopting Extra-Biblical Traditions

Within certain YEC circles, it is not uncommon to encounter claims that early humans were of enormous stature—claims sometimes echoed in exhibits at venues like the Lost World Museum in Phoenix, New York. (1) What many believers may not realize is that these ideas draw substantially from the extra-biblical writings of Ellen G. White, a prominent figure in the Seventh-day Adventist movement. (2) In works such as The Story of Redemption and Patriarchs and Prophets, White describes Adam as "more than twice as tall as men now living upon the earth." (3, 4) Over time, these descriptions have been adopted and circulated in certain creationist publications and presentations without clear attribution, giving the impression that such ideas stem directly from Scripture.

Scriptural Descriptions of Adam and Eve

Genesis 1:26–27 emphasizes that humanity was created in God’s image—a theological statement centered on spiritual, relational, and moral dimensions rather than physical measurements. The text remains silent regarding any extraordinary physical characteristics, focusing instead on human dignity and the divine mandate to steward creation. While later traditions have speculated on the physical stature of early humans, the canonical narrative itself offers no basis for the claim that figures like Adam and Eve were giants.

The Ambiguity Surrounding the “Giants” in Genesis 6:4

Proponents of giant antediluvians often cite Genesis 6:4, which refers to the Nephilim: "The Nephilim were on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God went to the daughters of humans and had children by them." This passage introduces a mysterious group whose identity has been the subject of much debate. Rather than serving as a blanket description of all pre-Flood humans, the reference to the Nephilim is more plausibly understood as pointing to a particular subset of individuals or beings with an aura of might and notoriety—without any clear indication that the foundational couple or their immediate descendants were of exaggerated physical size.

The Extra-Biblical Influence of Ellen G. White

A noteworthy aspect of this discussion is the influential role of Ellen G. White’s writings within certain YEC circles. Her vivid portrayal of early human stature has found its way into modern creationist literature and museum exhibits, often uncritically incorporated into the broader narrative of a pre-Flood world. (5) Unfortunately, many fundamentalists and even some evangelicals who encounter these ideas through trusted YEC sources are unaware that this particular line of thought has its origins in White’s extra-biblical commentary rather than in the biblical text itself. This unexamined adoption of her perspective has, over time, rendered these ideas as accepted truths within those circles, despite lacking explicit scriptural corroboration.

The Theological Focus: Prioritizing Spiritual Over Physical Attributes

The overarching message of the early chapters of Genesis is not concerned with measuring the physical dimensions of humanity but with establishing a relationship between God and humankind—a focus on moral and spiritual legacy rather than on physical form. While some interpret changes in human size as symptomatic of a broader post-Flood degeneration, the biblical narrative directs readers to consider the spiritual ramifications of the fall and the promise of redemption. In this light, the idea that humanity’s physical stature was a critical element of its creation is seen as an interpretative overlay rather than a central doctrinal truth.

Conclusion

Although certain YEC circles and venues such as the Lost World Museum have popularized the notion of giant antediluvians—unwittingly drawing on ideas from Ellen G. White’s extra-biblical writings—a careful, contextual reading of Scripture does not support the claim that early humans, including Adam and Eve, were giants. The biblical narrative focuses on humanity's creation in God’s image and the unfolding of its moral and spiritual journey, leaving little room for assertions about extraordinary physical dimensions. Recognizing the true origins of these giant claims is essential for grounding theological discussions firmly within the biblical text and avoiding unexamined assumptions drawn from later interpretative traditions.