The brief and cryptic account of Enoch in the Bible has long fascinated both Jews and Christians, leaving them deeply curious about his life and, even more so, his mysterious fate. The Book of Genesis introduces Enoch with startling brevity, offering few details about who he was or why he was taken by God (Gen 5:21-24). This scarcity of information has only fueled centuries of speculation, inspiring a wealth of extra-Biblical traditions that attempt to fill in the gaps.
Various ancient texts, written long after the Bible, present diverse and often elaborate accounts about Enoch’s role, his extraordinary departure from earth, and his lasting importance in the afterlife. These writings, emerging from different cultural and theological traditions, expand upon the Biblical narrative in imaginative ways. However, since they were composed many centuries after the composition of the Book of Genesis (which itself was quite far removed from the original Enoch events), their claims remain speculative, adding layers of intrigue (not necessarily extra knowledge) to an already enigmatic figure.
As we embark on this spiritual exploration, it's crucial to anchor our understanding in the inspired Word of God, particularly the English Standard Version (ESV) of the Bible. We'll exegete the key passages, delving into the Hebrew text to highlight keywords and phrases, and draw out spiritual applications for our walk with God today. While we'll touch on extra-Biblical sources for context, our primary focus will be the canonical Scriptures, where Enoch's story shines as a beacon of faith, intimacy with God, and the hope of eternal life.
Understanding Pseudepigrapha
Since this post explores sources that claim additional Biblical knowledge about Enoch’s fate, it is essential to understand what these texts are and when they were likely written.
It’s time for us to introduce a key scholarly term, Pseudepigrapha (pronounced soo-deh-pig-ruh-fuh). Pseudepigrapha, an ancient literary genre, ascribes texts to well-known individuals, such as patriarchs, prophets, or apostles, who did not actually compose them.
Modern readers may perceive the term as fraud or forgery, yet this judgment is misguided. Ancient writers and audiences did not view authorship in the same way we do today. Attribution to a revered figure was often a way of honoring tradition, connecting new ideas to established authority, and situating a text within a particular theological lineage. Rather than deception, this practice was a form of reverence, a means of aligning new interpretations with the wisdom of the past.
Among the most famous examples of Pseudepigrapha are the Books of Enoch, which expand dramatically on the Biblical figure’s story. Without understanding the cultural and literary conventions of ancient pseudepigraphy, modern readers might misinterpret these texts as claiming to be truly written by the Biblical authors. Instead, they must be viewed as helpful theological commentaries by ancient believers, which provide us with a rare opportunity to peer into the theological struggles of these ancient communities, as we struggle with the same Biblical texts today.
Understanding Targum and Midrash
While these concepts will be featured less prominently in our article, they remain essential for understanding ancient Jewish Biblical interpretation. They should be mentioned to you at least in general, so that you will know what they mean when they are discussed.
Targum refers to an ancient Aramaic translation and interpretive paraphrase of the Hebrew Bible. Emerging during the Second Temple period (c. 500 BCE–70 CE), Targumim (plural) were used in synagogues to help Aramaic-speaking Jews engage with the Hebrew Scripture better. Unlike strict translations, they often expand the text with explanations, theological insights, and other commentary, blending translation with interpretation. Even though “Targum” literally means “translation,” it is not a translation in the modern sense of the word. As one studies the Biblical text itself in public conversation with other believers, it serves as an interpretive and interactive tool.
Midrash represents the rabbinic tradition of deep scriptural exploration, characterized by going beyond the plain meaning of the text. It comes in two primary forms, one of which, Midrash Aggadah, is particularly relevant. It explores narrative, moral, and theological teachings through creative interpretation. Developed between 200 and 1000 CE, midrashim seek to resolve ambiguities, fill narrative gaps, and extract timeless lessons from Scripture. This dynamic Jewish interpretive method keeps the Biblical text alive, allowing each generation to engage with its wisdom in new ways, but it also runs a high risk of obscuring the Biblical revelation itself with the wisdom of well-meaning but often misinformed and ideologically driven commentators.
Having defined the three above-mentioned concepts important for the responsible interpretation of extra/para-Biblical texts (Pseudepigrapha, Targum, and Midrash), we can now survey some representative examples. Below, we have chosen to highlight several topics, among many.
Transformation into a Heavenly Being
There is an extensive set of Enoch-related references that relate to his glorification from human to heavenly. Here are a few examples:
“And the Lord said to Michael, ‘Take Enoch and remove his earthly garments, and anoint him with my sweet ointment, and clothe him with the garments of my glory.’” (2 Enoch 22:8)
“And the Lord called me and said, ‘Enoch, sit to the left of me with Gabriel.’” (2 Enoch 24:1)
“And I looked at myself, and I was like one of the glorious ones, and there was no observable difference.” (2 Enoch 22:10)
In the heavenly realm, Enoch was transformed into an angelic being and given a high status within the heavenly hierarchy. Even though he was once a mere human, now there was no visible difference between him and other powerful heavenly beings (at least per “his” own testimony).
These depictions, while vivid, stem from pseudepigraphal works composed centuries after the Genesis account. They reflect ancient attempts to envision what it means for a human to be "taken" by God. Still, they should not overshadow the Biblical simplicity: Enoch's intimate walk led to a divine translation beyond mortal life.
Enoch as Heavenly Secretary
Enoch-related references also have to do with his new role as a powerful heavenly secretary/scribe/mediator. Here are a few examples:
“And He said to me, ‘Enoch, you righteous scribe, go, declare to the Watchers of heaven who have left the high heaven…’” (1 Enoch 15:1)
“Enoch, scribe of righteousness, was sent to proclaim judgment to the Watchers.” (1 Enoch 12:4)
“Enoch was set in the Garden to write the judgments and to teach righteousness to the angels.” (Jubilees 10:17)
“Enoch, the scribe, was taken to the heavens to intercede for the Watchers.” (Book of Giants, Dead Sea Scrolls 4Q530)
The Enochic passages from 1 Enoch, Jubilees, and the Book of Giants portray Enoch as a righteous scribe and intercessor, tasked with delivering divine judgment to the Watchers, fallen angels who, according to 1 Enoch 6–11, abandoned their heavenly roles, mated with human women, and corrupted the earth, prompting the Flood. This tradition of a righteous figure proclaiming judgment to rebellious spiritual beings resonates with references in the New Testament epistles attributed to Peter, specifically 1 Peter 3:19–20 and 2 Peter 2:4–5, where Christ is described as preaching to “spirits in prison” and the judgment of angels is tied to the time of Noah. Both Enochic and Petrine texts draw on a shared theological framework rooted in Second Temple Jewish traditions about divine justice, the fall of angels, and the pre-Flood era. However, Peter reinterprets this framework through a Christological lens, emphasizing Christ’s divine authority, redemptive mission, and ultimate victory, in contrast to Enoch’s human, scribal, and intercessory role.
Spiritually, this highlights how God uses faithful individuals as instruments of His truth, even in the most profound cosmic realms. Yet, the Bible itself portrays Enoch more humbly, as a walker with God, not a heavenly bureaucrat.
Enoch’s Transformation into Metatron
The most intriguing Enochian tradition, found in 3 Enoch, emerges from the 5th–6th century CE, much later than 1 Enoch and 2 Enoch (some time between 300 BCE and 200 CE). This text details Enoch’s glorification with striking (and unacceptable) theological implications for both Judaism and Christianity.
In 3 Enoch, Rabbi Ishmael journeys to heaven, where he encounters Metatron. Metatron appears to be the supreme angel (similar to the concept of the Angel of the Lord), often identified with Enoch, transformed into a celestial being. He serves as God’s scribe, recording human deeds and cosmic events, and acts as a divine intermediary. The etymology of his name is uncertain, and many theories have been put forth. However, it is most likely that the name Metatron, although spelled in Hebrew, originates from the Greek phrase meta thronos, which means “next to the throne.”
“Rabbi Ishmael said: The Holy One, blessed be He, took me and brought me up on high… and He showed me Metatron, His servant… and He said to me: ‘This is Enoch, the son of Jared… whom I took from them, whom I lifted up to serve before My Throne of Glory.’” (3 Enoch 4:1–10)
Metatron’s exalted status is further emphasized:
“The Holy One… appointed me (Metatron) as prince and ruler over all the princes of kingdoms… And He wrote with His finger, as with a pen of flame, upon the crown on my head the letters by which heaven and earth were created.” (3 Enoch 10:3–6)
“The Holy One… set His hand upon me and blessed me with 1,365,000 blessings. I was enlarged and increased in size until I matched the world in length and breadth. He made my throne like His throne and my glory like His glory… and He called me ‘The Lesser YHWH’ in the presence of His heavenly household.” (3 Enoch 6:1)
The title “Lesser YHWH” (יהוה קטן) for a glorified human in heaven poses significant theological challenges. For Christianity, this conflicts with the belief in Jesus as the eternal Word of God, equal to the Father in power and glory, who was re-glorified at the resurrection and ascension, not a human elevated to divine status, as in the case of Enoch. For Judaism, the existence of a second powerful being in heaven threatens its unapologetic monotheism.
A parallel narrative in the Babylonian Talmud (Hagigah 15a) from roughly the same period recounts the story of four rabbis who visit paradise. Their encounter with Metatron leaves a profound impact: only one returns safely, one dies, one loses his mind, and Elisha ben Avuyah (called Aher, meaning “other,” after becoming a Jewish Christian/Christian Jew) reacts in a forbidden way:
“Aher saw Metatron sitting and writing the merits of Israel. He said: ‘It is taught that on high there is no sitting, no competition… Perhaps, God forbid!, there are two powers in heaven?!’” (Babylonian Talmud, Hagigah 15a)
The story reveals that, despite obeying God’s command, Metatron failed to stand when the rabbis approached, leading to their confusion. For this, he is reprimanded and lashed with forty fiery lashes by angelic figures, reinforcing that only one authority reigns in heaven.
These traditions, while fascinating, underscore the danger of speculating beyond Scripture. They can lead to theological confusion, as seen in the Talmudic account, and divert from the Biblical emphasis on God's sovereignty and our call to simple faith.
Exegeting the Biblical Account: Genesis 5:21-24 in the ESV
To truly grasp what happened to Enoch, we must turn to the heart of the matter, the Scriptures themselves. The primary Biblical account is found in Genesis 5:21-24 (ESV):
"21 When Enoch had lived 65 years, he fathered Methuselah. 22 Enoch walked with God after he fathered Methuselah 300 years and had other sons and daughters. 23 Thus all the days of Enoch were 365 years. 24 Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him."
This passage is nestled within the genealogy of Adam's descendants, a list that repeats the refrain "and he died" for each patriarch, except Enoch. His story breaks the pattern, pointing to something extraordinary. Let's exegete this verse by verse, highlighting key Hebrew words and phrases to uncover their depth.
First, verse 21: "When Enoch had lived 65 years, he fathered Methuselah." The Hebrew name for Enoch is חֲנוֹךְ (Chanokh), meaning "dedicated" or "initiated," suggesting a life set apart for God from the start. Methuselah's name, מְתוּשֶׁלַח (Methushelach), is often interpreted as "when he dies, it shall be sent" or "his death shall bring," foreshadowing the Flood that came the year Methuselah died (Genesis 5:25-27; 7:6). This birth seems to mark a turning point in Enoch's life, perhaps awakening him to impending judgment and deepening his commitment to God.
Verse 22: "Enoch walked with God after he fathered Methuselah 300 years and had other sons and daughters." The key phrase here is "walked with God," rendered from the Hebrew וַיִּתְהַלֵּךְ חֲנוֹךְ אֶת־הָאֱלֹהִים (vayithallekh Chanokh et-ha'Elohim). The verb הָלַךְ (halakh) in the hitpael stem (vayithallekh) implies a habitual, reciprocal action, a continual, intimate strolling together. It's not a casual walk but a faithful companionship, echoing Amos 3:3 (ESV): "Do two walk together, unless they have agreed to meet?" This "with God" (et-ha'Elohim) uses the preposition אֶת (et), denoting close association, as if Enoch aligned his steps with the divine will in every aspect of life. Spiritually, this challenges us: Is our daily life a walk with God, marked by obedience, prayer, and communion, or merely a solitary path occasionally intersecting His?
The duration, "300 years", highlights endurance. In a pre-Flood world rife with corruption (Genesis 6:5), Enoch persisted in holiness for centuries. He "had other sons and daughters," showing he lived a normal family life, yet his walk remained unwavering. This reminds us that spiritual intimacy with God is possible amid everyday responsibilities.
Verse 23: "Thus all the days of Enoch were 365 years." Compared to others like Jared (962 years) or Methuselah (969 years), Enoch's 365 years is short, symbolically matching a solar year, perhaps signifying a complete, fulfilled life cycle. His brevity underscores quality over quantity: a life pleasing to God ends not in death's shadow but in divine embrace.
Verse 24: "Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him." This climactic verse repeats "walked with God" for emphasis, reinforcing the cause of his fate. "And he was not" translates וְאֵינֶנּוּ (ve'einennu), a stark negation meaning "he was no longer found" or "he disappeared." It's abrupt, mirroring the mystery of his departure, no body, no grave, just absence.
The phrase "God took him" uses לָקַח (laqach), meaning "to take" or "seize," often implying a sudden, divine intervention (e.g., Elijah in 2 Kings 2:1-11). In Hebrew exegesis, this suggests translation to heaven without tasting death, a rapture-like event. As Charles Spurgeon noted, "Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him: Enoch, the son of Jared, was carried away to God in a miraculous way. Walked with God speaks of a true, deep relationship." This "taking" is God's sovereign act, rewarding faith with immediate presence.
Spiritually, Enoch's story inspires hope. In a world where death reigns due to sin (Romans 5:12), his exception points to resurrection victory in Christ. It calls us to "walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7), trusting that faithful communion with God leads to eternal fellowship.
New Testament Insights: Hebrews 11:5-6 and Jude 14-15
The New Testament illuminates Enoch's story further, confirming his faith and prophetic role.
Hebrews 11:5-6 (ESV): "5 By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now, before he was taken, he was commended as having pleased God. 6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him."
In Greek, "by faith" (πίστει, pistei) frames Enoch's life, unwavering trust in God. "Taken up" (μετετέθη, metetethē) from μετάθεσις (metathesis) means "transposed" or "transferred," bypassing death (θάνατον, thanaton). He "pleased God" (εὐηρέστησεν, euērestēsen), a perfect tense indicating enduring approval. Verse 6 universalizes this: Faith pleases God because it believes in His existence and rewards seekers. Enoch's walk exemplifies drawing near to God, urging us to seek Him diligently amid distractions.
Jude 14-15 (ESV): "14 It was also about these that Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied, saying, 'Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of his holy ones, 15 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.'"
Here, Enoch is a prophet (προεφήτευσεν, proephēteusen), foretelling Christ's return for judgment. The quote echoes 1 Enoch 1:9 but is inspired Scripture, validating the prophecy without endorsing the entire book. "Behold, the Lord comes" (ἦλθεν κύριος, ēlthen kyrios) uses a prophetic perfect tense, portraying future events as certain. This warns of judgment on the ungodly (ἀσεβῶν, asebōn), repeated for emphasis, while comforting believers.
Spiritually, Enoch's prophecy reminds us of the importance of accountability. In our age, where ungodliness abounds, it calls us to live righteously, anticipating Christ's return.
Walking with God Today
Enoch's story isn't mere history; it's a spiritual blueprint. Walking with God means intimacy: sharing burdens, receiving guidance, like friends conversing (as Spurgeon described). It requires agreement (Amos 3:3), light-walking (1 John 1:7), and faith (Hebrews 11:6).
Consider the catalyst: Methuselah's birth. Parenthood awakened Enoch to legacy and judgment, spurring deeper devotion. Today, life events, births, crises, can propel us closer to God.
His endurance, 300 years, teaches perseverance. In a microwave culture, we must cultivate long-term faithfulness through disciplines like prayer, Scripture, and community.
Finally, his taking inspires hope. Like Enoch, believers won't all taste death (1 Thessalonians 4:17). This motivates holy living, knowing God rewards seekers.
Yet, Enoch points to Christ, the ultimate Walker with God, who was "taken up" in ascension (Acts 1:9). In Him, we find perfect intimacy and eternal life.
Conclusion
The Enochian tradition, with its vibrant tapestry of Enoch’s ascent, celestial duties, and transformation into Metatron, invites us into the boundless imagination of ancient Jewish and early Christian minds. Woven from the threads of Pseudepigrapha, Targum, and Midrash, these texts are heartfelt attempts to unravel the enigma of Enoch’s brief mention in Genesis (5:21–24). As historical treasures, they shine light on the theological quests and creative spirit of ancient communities. Yet, their speculative nature and late origins (300 BCE–6th century CE) remind us they are not the unerring voice of divine truth.
The Enochian texts, often touted as “missing books of the Bible,” significantly conflict with New Testament teachings, underscoring why they were never canonized as part of God’s Word. Their speculative narratives diverge from what seems relatively straightforward in the Scripture, particularly in their portrayal of divine judgment and authority. In the Enochian tradition, the flood is attributed to the “Sons of God” transgressing heavenly boundaries by marrying human women, contrasting sharply with the New Testament’s focus on human sin as the cause of divine judgment (Romans 5:12). Additionally, Enoch’s depiction as a Christ-like figure, preaching to imprisoned spirits, muddles the unique authority of Christ described in 1 Peter 3:19–20, fulfilling seemingly the same task. Most strikingly, Enoch’s elevation to Metatron, the “Lesser YHWH” (3 Enoch 6:1), clashes with the high Christology of the Gospel of John, which affirms that Christ is the second power in heaven, not Enoch (John 1:1, 14). These discrepancies highlight the theological divide between Enochian lore and the New Testament’s message, while at the same time confirming that both sources drank from the same rich well of ancient Judaism.
(Genesis 5:18-27) From Jared to Methuselah.
Jared lived one hundred and sixty-two years and begot Enoch. After he begot Enoch, Jared lived eight hundred years, and had sons and daughters. So all the days of Jared were nine hundred and sixty-two years; and he died. Enoch lived sixty-five years and begot Methuselah. After he begot Methuselah, Enoch walked with God three hundred years, and had sons and daughters. So all the days of Enoch were three hundred and sixty-five years. And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him. Methuselah lived one hundred and eighty-seven years, and begot Lamech. After he begot Lamech, Methuselah lived seven hundred and eighty-two years, and had sons and daughters. So all the days of Methuselah were nine hundred and sixty-nine years; and he died.
a. Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him: Enoch, the son of Jared, was carried away to God in a miraculous way. Walked with God speaks of a true, deep relationship.
i. “You cannot consciously walk with a person whose existence is not known to you. When we walk with a man, we know that he is there, we hear his footfall if we cannot see his face; we have some evident perception that there is such a person at our side.” (Spurgeon)
ii. “If I wished to find a man’s most familiar friend, it would surely be one with whom he daily walked… In walking, friends become communicative, one tells his trouble, and the other strives to console him under it, and then imparts to him his own secret in return.” (Spurgeon)
b. Enoch walked with God: Walking with God means walking by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7), walking in the light (1 John 1:5-7), and walking in agreement with God (Amos 3:3). After walking like this with God, it was as if one day God told Enoch, “You don’t need to walk home. Why don’t you just come home with Me?”
i. God took him: “A very remarkable expression. Perhaps he did it in some visible manner. I should not wonder. Perhaps the whole of the patriarchs saw him depart, even as the apostles were present when our Lord was taken up. However that may be, there was some special rapture, some distinct taking up of this choice one to the throne of the Most High.” (Spurgeon)
ii. Hebrews 11:5 tells us the foundation of Enoch’s walk with God: By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, “and was not found, because God had taken him; for before he was taken ,he had this testimony, that he pleased God. You can’t walk with God or please God apart from faith.
iii. “If men walk contrary to God, he will not walk with them, but contrary to them. Walking together implies amity, friendship, intimacy, love, and these cannot exist between God and the soul unless the man is acceptable unto the Lord.” (Spurgeon)
iv. “Enoch’s life has no adventures; is it not adventure enough for a man to walk with God? What ambition can crave a nobler existence than abiding in fellowship with the Eternal?” (Spurgeon)
c. After he begot Methuselah, Enoch walked with God: It seems Enoch began to walk with God in a special way after the birth of Methuselah. The name Methuselah means, when he is dead, it shall come. At the birth of Methuselah, Enoch had a special awareness from God that judgment was coming, and this awareness drew him closer in his walk with God.
i. Jude 14 also tells us Enoch was a prophet; even from his vantage point long ago, he could see the second coming of Jesus (Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints, to execute judgment on all, to convict all who are ungodly).
ii. “Enoch walked with God after Methuselah had been born, three hundred years, and doubtless he had walked with him before. What a splendid walk! A walk of three hundred years! One might desire a change of company if he walked with anybody else, but to walk with God for three centuries was so sweet that the patriarch kept on with his walk until he walked beyond time and space, and walked into paradise.” (Spurgeon)
d. So all the days of Methuselah were nine hundred and sixty-nine years; and he died: Methuselah’s long life was no accident. It was because of the grace of God. When Methuselah died, the flood came. God kept him alive longer than anybody to give people as long as possible to repent.
Upon reflecting on Enoch's life, we discover a profound spiritual truth: genuine faith leads to transformation. His walk wasn't about spectacular deeds but consistent communion. Today, in Christ, we are invited to the same, walking in the Spirit, pleasing God through faith, and awaiting our own "taking up" at His return. May Enoch's example ignite our hearts to pursue God with unwavering devotion, knowing He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.
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