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Book of Enoch

Multiple or Unknown Authors

not specified

The most important of the Old Testament Pseudepigrapha

The Book of Enoch (1 Enoch) is the most important and influential of the Old Testament Pseudepigrapha - texts written "pseudonymously", under the name of a famous figure or author, during the intertestamental period. It was likely composed in stages, by different authors, in the last two centuries B.C. It is an "apocalypse" – a revelation of divine or heavenly mysteries – part of a large body of apocalyptic literature which has traits in common with the biblical books of Daniel and Revelation. The statement in Genesis 5:24 produced much creative speculation, both Jewish and Christian, about the person of Enoch. Here the patriarch is shown visions and told secrets of the heavens, angels, demons, the Flood and later history of Israel; and is allowed to act as mediator to both fallen angels and men, advocating repentance and return to God. There are interesting parallels with the epistles 2 Peter and Jude; and the Son of Man figure is attested, showing a stage in development of the idea.

Bible Translations

Apocrypha / Pseudepigrapha