Book of Enoch (1 Enoch)

At a glance

History, context & interpretation

What this document is

An ancient apocalyptic work attributed to the antediluvian patriarch Enoch. It is composed of several sections: the Book of the Watchers (fallen angels who take human wives and teach forbidden knowledge), the Astronomical Book (calendrical and celestial lore), the Book of Dream Visions, the Epistle of Enoch, and the Book of Parables (the last not attested at Qumran). Aramaic fragments recovered from Qumran Cave 4 prove that large parts of the work circulated in the 3rd–2nd centuries BCE. The complete text survives only in Ethiopic (Ge’ez). It was not included in the Hebrew Bible or most Christian canons but was influential in Second Temple Judaism and is quoted in the New Testament Epistle of Jude. <strong>Traditional position:</strong> Attributed to the antediluvian Enoch (great-grandfather of Noah). Ethiopian Orthodox Church preserves the full text in its canon. <strong>Scholarly consensus:</strong> Composite pseudepigraphon assembled over the Second Temple period (roughly 3rd century BCE–1st century CE). Individual sections have different dates; not written by the historical Enoch. Leading specialists (Nickelsburg, VanderKam, Stone, and others) affirm Jewish Second Temple authorship. Earlier theories of Christian origin for the Parables have been largely abandoned. Both positions are presented for reference.

Dating and civilization

Book of Enoch (1 Enoch) is catalogued under Jewish / Second Temple and is dated c. 3rd–1st c. BCE (Qumran fragments). Its recorded category is Apocalyptic / Pseudepigrapha, associated with Aramaic / Ethiopic.

Where to investigate

Complete text primarily in Ethiopic manuscripts held in Ethiopian monasteries and the Institute of Ethiopian Studies (Addis Ababa); Aramaic fragments from Qumran in Israel Museum and related collections

Connected traditions

This entry connects to Ra (Re), An (Anu), Thor. Follow the linked deity profiles to compare stories and roles.

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Sources and further reading

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Enoch

Historical descriptions are educational summaries. Religious traditions, scholarly interpretations and unverified claims are distinguished where possible; imagery may be illustrative rather than an artifact photograph.