Who is Gadreel in religious or mythological texts?

I. Introduction

Gadreel is a name absent from the canonical books of the Bible. The reference to Gadreel most commonly appears in extra-biblical writings—particularly in certain sections of the Book of Enoch, a work classified by many evangelical and conservative Christian scholars as pseudepigraphal (i.e., written under a pseudonym and not accepted into the biblical canon). Because of its extra-canonical status, Gadreel’s role and identity are not considered authoritative within standard Protestant, Catholic, or Orthodox Christianity.

Still, to understand questions that sometimes arise about Gadreel, it is helpful to look at (1) where the name appears, (2) what ancient or mythological sources say about him, and (3) why these claims are not given biblical status. This entry will summarize what is known from those sources, how the canonical Scriptures address the broader topic of fallen angels, and what conservative Christian tradition holds.

II. Historical Context: Apocryphal and Pseudepigraphical References

1 Enoch, an ancient Jewish work that circulated among various communities (some fragments of which were found at Qumran, known as the Dead Sea Scrolls), contains multiple lists of so-called “Watcher” angels who sinned before the Flood (cf. Genesis 6:1–4). In the Ethiopian version of 1 Enoch—still recognized within the canon of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church but considered apocryphal or pseudepigraphical by most other Christian traditions—the figure “Gadreel” is mentioned in the context of sin and the misleading of humanity.

According to 1 Enoch 69:6–8, Gadreel is portrayed as a fallen angel who allegedly taught warfare or destructive arts to humanity and is even described in some translations as responsible for deceiving Eve. These details are not found in any book of the Hebrew Bible or the New Testament. Instead, they belong to an interpretive tradition within certain ancient Jewish apocalyptic circles.

While such ancient writings can be of historical interest, conservative Christian thought does not regard them as divinely inspired in the same way as the recognized canonical Scriptures. The Book of Enoch, though containing moral lessons and interesting historical background, does not carry the binding authority of biblical text.

III. Key Appearances of Gadreel

1. The Book of Enoch

• Gadreel is named among the Watchers (also called fallen angels) who were judged for instructing humans in forbidden knowledge and corrupt practices.

• One passage (1 Enoch 69:6–8) states that Gadreel “showed the children of men all the blows of death” and is tied to the introduction of weapons and armor.

• The text may also link Gadreel to the deception of Eve, though the canonical Scripture in Genesis 3:1–7 only mentions the serpent without assigning it a specific angelic name.

2. Possible Confusion with Satan

In the standard biblical canon, the being who deceives Eve is understood to be the serpent (cf. Genesis 3) and later identified symbolically with Satan (cf. Revelation 12:9). The naming of Gadreel for that role is an extra-biblical tradition. Many conservative Christians thus view the association of Gadreel with the serpent of Eden as speculative and not reflective of inspired Scripture.

3. No Canonical Mentions

Although “Gad” or “Gaddi” appear as personal names in the Old Testament, “Gadreel” does not. There are no passages from the sixty-six books of the standard Protestant Bible referencing or naming an angel by this title.

IV. Biblical Canon vs. Extra-biblical Mentions

From a conservative Christian perspective, the Bible (Genesis through Revelation) is the inspired Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16–17). Consequently, accounts or names found solely in extra-biblical literature—such as Gadreel—are viewed as non-authoritative. This perspective rests on the belief that, while ancient Jewish literature (like 1 Enoch) may offer windows into certain traditions or viewpoints that were known in the intertestamental period, these documents do not carry the weight of “God-breathed” Scripture.

The Bible does, however, reference the existence of fallen angels. For example:

• Genesis 6:1–4 mentions the “sons of God” who took wives from among mankind.

• Jude 6 refers to angels “who did not stay within their own domain.”

• 2 Peter 2:4 mentions angels who sinned and were cast into “chains of darkness.”

Some interpreters connect these verses to the stories in 1 Enoch, suggesting that this apocryphal text expands on or embellishes the identity and punishments of the angels who sinned. However, Scripture itself never names Gadreel among them. Therefore, while 1 Enoch offers a name for one of the fallen angels, such a name is not confirmed or endorsed by the biblical text.

V. Theological Considerations and Traditional Interpretations

1. Authority of Scripture

Within traditional Christian theology, Scripture is the final and infallible guide. Because Gadreel appears nowhere in the canonical list of angelic beings—holy or fallen—he is not given any special attention, title, or authority in conservative Christian teaching.

2. The Role of Extra-biblical Lore

Extra-biblical works sometimes emerged to provide more vivid details about genealogies, angelic hierarchies, or events that are only briefly hinted at in the Hebrew Bible or the New Testament. While these writings can be informative about how certain ancient groups understood the spiritual world, they remain outside the realm of canonical authority.

3. Satan’s Identity and Origins

Biblical teaching on Satan reveals him as a created angelic being who rebelled against God (cf. Isaiah 14:12–15, Ezekiel 28:12–17—though these passages primarily describe earthly kings, many Christian interpreters see them also pointing illustratively to satanic pride). He is further identified in the New Testament as “the devil” and “the ancient serpent” (Revelation 12:9). Scripture itself does not link the name “Gadreel” with Satan’s identity.

4. Caution in Embracing Apocryphal Names

Because of the serious doctrinal weight placed on angels, demons, sin, and salvation, orthodox Christianity typically emphasizes caution about adopting spiritual theories or names that lack a firm biblical basis. The broad consensus is that Scripture, as God’s revealed Word, provides sufficient clarity regarding angels and fallen spirits.

VI. Relevance for Modern Readers

1. Questions of Myth and Interpretation

Gadreel’s presence in the Book of Enoch highlights that ancient Jews and early Christian communities wrestled with questions about sin, evil, and the origins of illicit knowledge. These questions remain relevant today, but the canonical Bible offers sufficient guidance for understanding Christ’s victory over sin and death (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:3–4) and for recognizing the devil’s role as the enemy of God’s people.

2. Fallen Angels in Scripture

Rather than focusing on names not found in the Bible, Christians generally focus on the clear biblical statements that fallen angels are real, that spiritual warfare is ongoing (Ephesians 6:12), and that ultimate victory belongs to the believer through faith in Christ (Romans 8:37–39).

3. Discernment and the Sufficiency of the Canon

Scripture records all that is necessary to understand salvation: the incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. While extra-biblical sources (including the Book of Enoch) might capture historical imagination, the teaching of conservative Christianity underscores that one should remain anchored in the canonical Bible. Believers are encouraged to exercise discernment when entertaining ideas that fall outside the boundaries of officially recognized biblical texts.

Conclusion

Gadreel is best understood as a figure mentioned in the apocryphal Book of Enoch—a name associated with a fallen angel who allegedly introduced warfare to humanity and deceived Eve. Canonical Scripture never uses this name. From a conservative Christian standpoint, the ultimate authority is the divinely inspired Bible, and there Gadreel’s identity and story find no place. Consequently, Gadreel is not recognized as having special spiritual significance or as an authoritative representative of evil within the text of the Bible.

Nevertheless, the significance of this question underlines a common theme in biblical and extra-biblical traditions: humanity wrestles with evil, sin, and the influence of demonic powers. The biblical response points unequivocally to the supremacy of God, the saving work of Christ, and the confidence that believers can have in the reliability of Scripture—a sure foundation that stands above and beyond the mythical or pseudepigraphical narratives of ancient times.