Why is the Book of Enoch Not in the Bible?

In the vast landscape of religious texts, the Bible stands as a cornerstone for billions worldwide. Within its pages, readers find guidance, history, and spiritual insight. Yet, beyond the commonly recognized books of the Old and New Testaments, there exists a collection of writings that pique curiosity and spark debate. Among these is the Book of Enoch, a text that some find profoundly insightful and even consider to be divinely inspired. This raises a significant question for many: why is the Book of Enoch not included in the Bible?

This question stems from the intriguing references to Enoch in the canonical Bible, particularly in Genesis 5:21-24, which states that Enoch “walked with God.” Further exploration often leads individuals to the Book of Enoch, a text filled with visions, prophecies, and detailed accounts of angels and cosmic events. For some, like the individual who initially posed the question, the Book of Enoch can be a powerful and transformative read, seemingly offering a comprehensive blueprint of history and prophecy. However, despite its captivating nature and perceived spiritual depth, the Book of Enoch remains outside the accepted biblical canon for most Christian denominations.

To understand why the Book of Enoch is not part of the Bible, we need to delve into its origins, content, and historical reception. This article will explore the Book of Enoch, compare it to accepted biblical texts, and ultimately answer the question: “Why Is The Book Of Enoch Not In The Bible?”

Book of Enoch

Understanding the Book of Enoch

The Book of Enoch, as it is commonly known, is technically referred to as First Enoch or Ethiopic Enoch. Scholars believe it originated sometime between the second and first centuries BC, placing its writing during the Second Temple period of Judaism. It is categorized as part of the Pseudepigrapha, a collection of Jewish and early Christian texts written roughly between 200 BC and 400 AD that are not included in the traditional biblical canons. It’s important to distinguish First Enoch from other related texts, such as Second Enoch (Slavonic Enoch) and Third Enoch (Hebrew Enoch), which were written later. First Enoch, the focus of our discussion, is a composite work consisting of five main sections, often referred to as “books” within the larger text:

1. The Book of the Watchers (Chapters 1-36): This section describes the fall of the “Watchers,” angels who descended to Earth and cohabited with humans, resulting in the Nephilim. It details Enoch’s journey and intercession on behalf of these fallen angels.
2. The Book of Similitudes (or Parables) (Chapters 37-71): This part is rich in messianic themes and visions, introducing figures like “the Righteous One” and “the Son of Man,” who bear striking resemblance to messianic prophecies found in the canonical Bible and the figure of Jesus Christ. It also covers themes of resurrection, judgment, and paradise.
3. The Book of the Astronomical Writings (Chapters 72-82): This section shifts focus to the cosmos, detailing Enoch’s celestial journeys and revelations about astronomy, the movements of stars and the moon, and the structure of the universe.
4. The Book of Dream Visions (Chapters 83-90): Presented as two dream visions experienced by Enoch, this section provides an apocalyptic historical overview, from the antediluvian period to the messianic kingdom. It includes symbolic representations of the Flood, the history of Israel, and future events culminating in a messianic age.
5. The Epistle of Enoch (Chapters 91-108): This final section comprises a series of admonitions and prophecies directed towards Enoch’s children and future generations. It addresses themes of righteousness, wickedness, and the challenges faced by the righteous, concluding with prophecies extending to the coming of the Messiah and the final judgment.

Jude and Enoch: A Point of Connection, Not Canonical Endorsement

One of the most frequently cited reasons for interest in the Book of Enoch, particularly within Christian contexts, is the apparent quotation from it in the New Testament book of Jude. Jude 14-15 reads:

“Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men: ‘See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones to judge everyone, and to convict all of them of all the ungodly acts they have committed and of all the defiant words ungodly sinners have spoken against him.'” (NIV)

This passage bears a striking resemblance to Enoch 1:9:

“And behold! He cometh with ten thousands of His holy ones to execute judgment upon all, and to destroy all the ungodly; and to convict all flesh of all the works of their ungodliness which they have ungodly committed, and of all the hard things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him.” (R.H. Charles translation)

This similarity has led some to believe that Jude considered the Book of Enoch to be Scripture. However, a closer examination reveals a more nuanced understanding. While the verbal parallels are undeniable, there are also notable differences. For instance, Jude mentions “thousands” of holy ones, while some translations of Enoch 1:9 read “ten millions.” However, the Greek word in Jude, myrias, can mean both “ten thousand” and “innumerable.” Scholarly analysis suggests that the difference in numbers might be a matter of translation rather than a substantive discrepancy in the original texts. Furthermore, other textual variations exist, such as Jude’s “convict” versus Enoch’s “destroy,” and additional phrases in Jude not present in Enoch 1:9.

Crucially, Jude introduces the passage by stating, “Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied, saying…” Jude is not explicitly quoting “the Book of Enoch” as a written text, but rather attributes the prophecy to Enoch himself. It is plausible that Jude was aware of a tradition or prophetic saying attributed to Enoch, which may have been preserved orally or in written forms predating the extant Book of Enoch. Therefore, Jude’s citation does not necessarily imply canonical endorsement of the entire Book of Enoch. The New Testament writers occasionally referenced non-canonical sources, including pagan poets, to illustrate or support their theological points without thereby validating those sources as divinely inspired Scripture.

Apostolic Authority and the Biblical Canon

The primary reason the Book of Enoch is not in the Bible lies in the criteria used to determine the biblical canon – the official list of books recognized as divinely inspired Scripture. For both the Old and New Testaments, apostolic authority and recognition played a crucial role.

For the Old Testament, the books were largely established within Judaism by the time of Jesus. Jesus and the New Testament writers consistently quoted from and affirmed the authority of the Hebrew Scriptures (our Old Testament). While there was some debate within Judaism about the edges of the canon, a general consensus existed regarding the core books.

The New Testament canon developed over time in the early Church. The apostles, as Christ’s chosen representatives, were seen as having unique authority to speak and write on behalf of God. Books written by apostles or their close associates (like Mark and Luke) were gradually recognized as authoritative. This process was not arbitrary but involved discernment based on factors such as:

• Apostolic Authorship or Association: Was the book written by an apostle or someone directly connected to the apostles?
• Consistent Doctrine: Did the book align with the core teachings of the apostles and the established Old Testament?
• Widespread Acceptance and Usage: Was the book widely recognized and used in worship by the early churches?
• Evidence of Divine Inspiration: Did the book bear internal and external witness to its divine origin and spiritual power?

The Book of Enoch, while ancient and containing elements that resonate with biblical themes, did not meet these criteria for canonical inclusion. It was not attributed to an apostle or a contemporary of Jesus. While some early Church Fathers like Tertullian and Clement of Alexandria viewed the Book of Enoch favorably and even quoted it, they did not consider it to be Scripture on par with the Old Testament prophets or the New Testament writings of the apostles. Other influential figures, like Augustine, explicitly rejected its canonical status.

The Ethiopian Orthodox Church stands as a notable exception, including the Book of Enoch within its Old Testament canon. However, this is a minority position within Christianity. The Roman Catholic and Protestant traditions, representing the vast majority of Christians globally, have consistently excluded the Book of Enoch from their biblical canons. The historical process of canon formation, solidified by church councils and widespread consensus, affirmed the 66 books commonly recognized as the Bible, without including the Book of Enoch.

Conclusion: Respecting the Canon, Understanding Other Texts

In conclusion, the Book of Enoch is not in the Bible because it was not recognized by Jesus or the apostles as Scripture, nor was it included in the canon of Scripture established by the early Church. While the book may contain interesting historical, theological, and literary insights, and even share thematic similarities with biblical texts, it lacks the apostolic authority and consistent recognition that characterize the books of the Bible.

While the Book of Enoch can be a fascinating text to study for historical and comparative religious purposes, it is crucial to understand its non-canonical status. For those seeking spiritual guidance and divine revelation, the 66 books of the Protestant Bible (and the slightly expanded canons of Catholic and Orthodox traditions) remain the authoritative and divinely inspired Word of God, affirmed by centuries of faithful interpretation and church tradition. Understanding why books like Enoch are not included helps us appreciate the careful process of canonization and the unique authority ascribed to the biblical texts that have stood the test of time and theological scrutiny.

References:

1. James H Charlesworth. The Old Testament Pseudepigrapha. Doubleday & Company. 1983. vol. 1, pp. 5-89.
2. Ibid. p. 93, 223.
3. Ibid. p. 7.
4. Ibid.
5. Ibid., p. 13.
6. Balz and Schneider. Exegetical Dictionary of the New Testament. Eerdmans Publishing. 1981. p. 446.
7. Text can be found at barnascha.narod.ru/books/1hanokhg.htm. However, note that the text has many typographical errors, maybe due to word processing.
8. Anke Wanger. The Biblical Canon of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahdo Church. Unpublished work. date unknown. p. 5.

Suggested Links:

How Accurate Is the Bible?
Should the Deuterocanon be included in the Holy Bible?
Is the book of Enoch inspired?
What Is The Bible?
What Is the Muratorian Fragment?
Did Jude copy from the book of Enoch?
Is Phanuel an angel? The Book of Enoch refers to the angel Phanuel.
Does Jude 9 quote the Assumption of Moses? — the Testament of Moses?
Did the Council of Nicaea reject the book of Enoch?