THEOSISGregory the Great
Behold, the giants groan under the waters (Job 26:5; 30). It is appropriate, first by admonishment, to deflate the arrogance of worldly wisdom, and subsequently to convey teachings rich in mysteries. In this context, the term ‘giants’ may refer to either fallen angels or proud humans. As the prophet proclaimed, "The dead shall not be made alive; the giants shall not rise again" (Isaiah 26:14). Here, the ‘dead’ signifies sinners, while the ‘giants’ denotes those consumed by pride. The former 'shall not be made alive' because they have lost their righteous life due to sin; the latter also 'shall not rise' after death, having failed to seek repentance following their prideful actions.
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Therefore, it is well stated: "The man that strayeth from the path of reason shall be found in the assembly of the dead" (Proverbs 21:16). For one who departs from righteousness aligns himself with the company of proud spirits. The declaration, "Behold, the giants groan under the waters," rightly criticizes the high-minded. It suggests, in straightforward terms, "Can human knowledge boast, while the abyss of oblivion contains the most arrogant of spirits?" If the name 'giants' indicates the powerful of this world, the reference to ‘waters’ might symbolize the people, as John attests, "The waters which thou seest are the nations" (Revelation 17:15). Against the prideful, it is fitting to observe: "Behold, giants groan under the waters," for those who ascend in this life must bear a heavier burden the more they strive for social honor. The higher one rises, the greater the weight of concern. Internally, the individual is dependent upon, and essentially subordinate to, those they appear to exceed in status. Thus, pride collapses under the very conditions that elevate it, as the desire to rise also necessitates a bowing down beneath it. A person in elevated positions inwardly carries as many burdens as they rule over outwardly. The associates of such individuals are also weighed down, as they pursue glory alongside the burdens of earthly honors. Following the statement "Behold, the giants groan under the waters," it continues, "And they that dwell with them" (Job 26:5, 32), indicating that those tied to another's glory through earthly delights also share in their groaning. It is noteworthy that striving for worldly virtues becomes increasingly burdensome as one engages more deeply with worldly cares. Ah, if only the human mind could always perceive and evade sin, even in stillness! Recognizing that the pursuit of honorable deeds is often intertwined with sin, and that nothing unlawful escapes God's wrath, he appropriately concludes: