Topical Encyclopedia The Book of Enoch, also known as 1 Enoch, is an ancient Jewish text attributed to Enoch, the great-grandfather of Noah. Although it is not included in the canonical Bible for most Christian traditions, it holds significant historical and theological interest, particularly within certain branches of Christianity and Judaism. The book is considered canonical by the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and Eritrean Orthodox Church.Authorship and Composition Traditionally, the Book of Enoch is ascribed to Enoch, a figure mentioned in Genesis 5:21-24, who "walked with God" and was taken up to heaven without experiencing death. The text is believed to have been composed between the 3rd century BC and the 1st century AD, with multiple authors contributing to its various sections over time. The book is divided into five main parts: The Book of the Watchers, The Book of Parables, The Astronomical Book, The Book of Dream Visions, and The Epistle of Enoch. Content and Themes The Book of Enoch expands upon the brief biblical account of Enoch, providing elaborate narratives about his heavenly journeys, visions, and revelations. One of the central themes is the account of the Watchers, a group of angels who descended to earth and sinned by taking human wives and teaching forbidden knowledge. This narrative is echoed in Genesis 6:1-4, where the "sons of God" are described as taking human wives and producing the Nephilim. The book also contains apocalyptic visions, prophecies of judgment, and descriptions of the heavenly realms. It emphasizes themes of divine justice, the coming of a messianic kingdom, and the ultimate triumph of righteousness over evil. The Book of Parables introduces the concept of the "Son of Man," a messianic figure who will execute judgment and establish God's kingdom. Influence and Reception The Book of Enoch has had a significant impact on Jewish and Christian thought, particularly in the development of angelology and demonology. Its influence is evident in the New Testament, where Jude 1:14-15 directly quotes Enoch: "Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about them: 'Behold, the Lord is coming with myriads of His holy ones to execute judgment on everyone...'" . Despite its exclusion from the Jewish and most Christian canons, the Book of Enoch was widely read and respected in early Christian communities. Church Fathers such as Tertullian and Origen referenced it, although its status as scripture was debated. The book's exclusion from the canon is often attributed to its non-Hebrew origin and the theological controversies surrounding its content. Modern Interest and Study In recent times, the Book of Enoch has garnered renewed interest among scholars and laypeople alike. Its rediscovery in the Ethiopian language in the 18th century and subsequent translations have made it accessible to a broader audience. The text is studied for its insights into Second Temple Judaism, early Christian eschatology, and its potential influence on New Testament writings. While not considered authoritative scripture by most Christian denominations, the Book of Enoch remains a valuable resource for understanding the religious and cultural milieu of the intertestamental period. Its vivid imagery and apocalyptic themes continue to captivate readers and provoke theological reflection. Smith's Bible Dictionary the Book Of EnochThe first trance of the existence of this work is found in the Epistle of (Jude 1:14,15) An apocryphal book called Enoch was known at a very early date, but was lost sight of until 1773, when Bruce brought with him on his return from Egypt three MSS. containing the complete Ethiopic translation. In its present shape the book consists of a series of revelations supposed to have been given to Enoch and Noah, which extend to the most varied aspects of nature and life. And are designed to offer a comprehensive vindication of the action of Providence. Notwithstanding the quotation in Jude, and the wide circulation of the book itself, the apocalypse of Enoch was uniformly and distinctly separated from the canonical Scriptures. Its authorship and date are unknown. Library The Book of Enoch Appendix i. Pseudepigraphic Writings The General Epistle of Jude In the Next Place, He Proceeds to Answer Himself as He Thinks Fit ... Introduction The Epistle of Judas Introduction. The Book of Jubilees Use of the Old Testament by the First Christian Writers, and by ... Note by the American Editor. Resources The: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics the Epistle of Paul To Philemon the First Epistle General Of John The Kingdom or Church of Christ the Second and Third Epistles Of John Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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