Who Was Enoch? What the Lost Texts Say

In 1 Enoch

The text describes Enoch as a righteous man whose eyes open when he receives a vision from God. He sees the Holy One in the heavens and is addressed as a scribe and writer of righteousness. He is told to deliver a message to the Watchers of heaven, who have left their high and holy home.

Enoch's words of blessing are given to those who are chosen and live rightly. In another passage, he raises his voice to speak to his son Methuselah about a dream.

In The Book of Giants

In The Book of Giants, Mahway is sent to find Enoch, the wise scribe, and ask him about visions. Enoch greets Mahway, who tells him that the giants and monsters are waiting for answers. The dreams Enoch explains warn of a coming disaster as punishment for their actions. Enoch sends back a warning on a tablet, written in his own hand and addressed to Shemihaza and his followers.

In Genesis

Genesis names Enoch as a son of Jared and gives his lifespan as three hundred and sixty five years. The text says that Enoch walks with God, then is gone because God takes him. Genesis also names a son called Enoch after whom a city is named.

Where Enoch appears

What the texts say, in their own words

“Enoch, a righteous man, received a vision from God. His eyes were opened, and he saw the Holy One in the heavens.”

1 Enoch · Enoch receives a vision, and his opened eyes see the Holy One in the heavens. · Read it in The Complete Books of Enoch

“Enoch sent back a tablet with a warning. The message was written in his own hand and was addressed to Shemihaza and his followers.”

The Book of Giants · Enoch sends a written warning addressed to Shemihaza and his followers. · Read it in The Complete Books of Enoch

“Enoch lived a total of 365 years. Enoch walked with God, and then he was gone, because God took him.”

Genesis · Genesis describes Enoch's lifespan and his disappearance when God takes him. · Read it in The Complete 88-Book Ethiopian Bible

“Michael said, If he gives sentence concerning the souls, it is not permitted; but Enoch himself does not give sentence, but it is the Lord who does so, and he has no more to do than only to write.”

Testament of Abraham · Michael explains that Enoch writes, while the Lord gives sentence. · Read it in The Complete Books of Enoch

Questions

Who was Enoch?

Enoch is described as a righteous man who receives a vision from God. Genesis names him as Jared's son and says he walks with God.

What does Enoch do in The Book of Giants?

Enoch explains dreams that warn of a coming disaster as punishment for their actions. He also sends a tablet bearing a warning to Shemihaza and his followers.

Does Enoch judge souls in Testament of Abraham?

Enoch does not give sentence in Testament of Abraham, but only writes. The text says the Lord gives sentence, while Enoch records sins and righteousnesses.

Where is Enoch mentioned in the lost texts?

Enoch appears in 1 Enoch, The Book of Giants, 2 Enoch, 3 Enoch and Testament of Abraham, in The Complete Books of Enoch; Genesis and Sirach, in The Complete 88-Book Ethiopian Bible.