Is the Book of Enoch inspired writing? Should the Book of Enoch be in the Bible?

what does the bible say?

The Book of Enoch, also known as 1 Enoch, is an ancient apocalyptic Jewish work written between the third and first centuries BC. The Book describes visions of heaven, the judgment of the wicked, the fate of fallen angels, and the coming of a messianic figure. It emphasizes divine justice, moral instruction, and the ultimate triumph of righteousness over evil. The Book of Enoch is attributed to the biblical patriarch Enoch to lend authority, though he did not author it. While Jude 1:14-15 quotes a prophecy associated with Enoch, this citation does not imply the entire Book of Enoch is inspired Scripture, just as Paul’s quotations of non-biblical sources do not make them canonical (Acts 17:28; 1 Corinthians 15:33; Titus 1:12). The Book of Enoch exists today primarily in Ge’ez, though portions likely existed earlier in Hebrew or Aramaic, and contains apocalyptic literature reflecting Jewish thought and concerns from centuries before Christ. Scholars agree it was not recognized as authoritative by Jewish leaders or early Christians, and it is not considered divinely inspired. However, it remains historically and culturally valuable, providing insight into Jewish beliefs, apocalyptic traditions, and moral reflections during the Second Temple period.

from the old testament

• Enoch in the Old Testament (Genesis 5:18-24) was the seventh generation from Adam, known for “walking with God” and being taken by Him without experiencing death, making him an example of righteousness and faith. The Book of Enoch, however, was written centuries later (third to first century BC) as apocalyptic literature and was attributed to Enoch to lend authority, not because he authored it. The language, style, and historical context of the Book of Enoch differs from the patriarch Enoch’s era, so while the biblical Enoch was a real figure, he did not write this later work.

from the new testament

• Jude 1:14-15 quotes the Book of Enoch, “It was also about these that Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied, saying, ‘Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of his holy ones, to execute judgment on all and to convict all the ungodly of all their deeds of ungodliness that they have committed in such an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things that ungodly sinners have spoken against him.’”

implications for today

This Book of Enoch (also known as 1 Enoch) was an ancient Jewish writing known within Jewish culture. It exists in full today only in Ge’ez, the religious language of Ethiopia, though it likely has existed in Hebrew or Aramaic. It is believed the early portions of it existed from about 300 BC while the later portions were added by the first century BC. The writer of this work is unknown. Its content is based on the biblical character Enoch who is listed in Genesis as the great-grandfather of Noah and was noted as the “seventh from Adam” (Jude 1:14). Along with Elijah and Jesus, Enoch is noted as leaving this world alive and ascending to God. Genesis 5:24 says, “Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him.” Hebrews 11:5 reiterates that Enoch did not die but was rather taken up by God. Because the Book of Enoch is quoted in Jude, some have wondered whether it should be considered a book of the Bible. However, several reasons st and against this view: First, the Book of Enoch existed before the New Testament period and was not accepted as authoritative by the Jewish leaders who affirmed the Old Testament writings. Second, scholars agree that the Book of Enoch was not authored by the biblical Enoch. While the authors of some biblical books are unknown, no biblical book’s authorship is knowingly attributed to a false author. As an aside, since Jude attributes the particular prophecy he mentions to the biblical Enoch, it does seem that is something the biblical Enoch prophesied. However, a book including a true statement does not make the entire book true nor does it mean the book is inspired by God. Additionally, quoting a book in the New Testament does not require that the book be considered part of the Bible. For example, Paul quoted Greek poets (Acts 17; Titus 1:12) and surely did not consider these “biblical sources” or inspired. He instead used these to illustrate an idea with his audience. The same was true of Jude’s use of Enoch. His Jewish readers would have been familiar with the Book of Enoch. Jude used this quotation concerning judgment as a warning to his readers, but did not do so to help prove that the Book of Enoch should be in the Bible. Instead, the Book of Enoch should be treated like other historical writings. Some of its information is true and some is not. It can be helpful in research, but is not inspired as Scripture.

Recap

understand

• The Book of Enoch is an ancient apocalyptic Jewish work, not divinely inspired, and not written by the biblical Enoch.
• Jude 1:14-15 quotes Enoch, but that does not make the book canonical.
• The Book of Enoch is historically and culturally valuable though not authoritative Scripture.

reflect

• How does knowing that the Book of Enoch is not divinely inspired affect your understanding of what makes Scripture authoritative?
• How can you use the historical and cultural insights from the Book of Enoch to deepen your own study of the Bible?
• How does distinguishing between inspired Scripture and extra-biblical writings shape the way you evaluate other religious or ancient texts?

engage

• How can we discern the difference between historically valuable writings and divinely inspired Scripture when studying ancient texts?
• Why might Jude have quoted a non-canonical book like Enoch, and what does that teach us about interpreting Scripture in context?
• How do extra-biblical works like the Book of Enoch influence our understanding of Second Temple Judaism and early Christian thought?