Story Highlights
- The Book of Enoch is not considered divinely inspired and is excluded from the Bible.
- Enoch is not the actual author, and the book was written thousands of years after his time.
- Its teachings and theology often contradict established biblical doctrines.
The Book of Enoch, an ancient Jewish text attributed to Enoch, the great-grandfather of Noah, has intrigued scholars and believers for centuries. Yet, this book remains conspicuously absent from the canonical texts of both the Christian and Jewish faiths. While some might wonder why a book quoted in the New Testament would be excluded from the Bible, there are compelling reasons for this exclusion. Below, we delve into the top three reasons why stay away from the book of Enoch.
Questionable Divine Inspiration
One of the primary reasons the Book of Enoch is not included in the biblical canon is the question of divine inspiration. According to Christian doctrine, as stated in 2 Timothy 3:16, all Scripture is “God-breathed” and authored by individuals under divine guidance. The canonical books are believed to reflect the true word of God, imparted through inspired human authors.
The Book of Enoch, however, does not meet this criterion. Scholars argue that its content reflects human speculation rather than divine revelation. The book extensively elaborates on certain biblical themes, such as the Nephilim and the fall of the angels, but these elaborations are seen as imaginative expansions rather than inspired writings. The author of Enoch appears to have expanded on Genesis 6:1-4, providing detailed narratives that are not corroborated by other biblical texts. This lack of divine inspiration is a key reason why the Book of Enoch was excluded from the Bible.
Authorship and Historical Credibility
Another critical factor in the exclusion of the Book of Enoch is the question of its authorship. Although attributed to Enoch, the seventh from Adam, biblical scholars and theologians agree that the real Enoch could not have written it. Enoch is a figure known for his righteousness and his close walk with God, as described in Genesis 5:22-24. However, historical evidence suggests that the Book of Enoch was composed long after his time, likely around 300 BCE to 100 BCE, which is approximately 4,000 years after Enoch’s era.
The writing style and content indicate that the book was compiled by various authors over time, rather than being the work of a single author. This patchwork authorship diminishes its historical credibility and further distances it from the authentic scriptural texts that form the Bible.
Theological Discrepancies
The third reason to approach the Book of Enoch with caution is its theological content, which often diverges from established biblical teachings. The book delves deeply into topics like fallen angels, demons, and apocalyptic visions, using extensive symbolism and allegory. While these topics are touched upon in canonical scriptures, the Book of Enoch presents them in ways that are inconsistent with other biblical narratives.
For example, the detailed descriptions of the fall of the angels and their offspring, the Nephilim, go far beyond the brief mentions found in Genesis. This elaboration creates a mythology that can confuse and mislead believers, leading them away from the core messages of the Bible. Furthermore, some of the prophetic visions in the Book of Enoch resemble those in the Book of Revelation but with significant differences, which could potentially cause doctrinal confusion.
Additionally, the authorship under the name of Enoch raises suspicions of intent. By using the name of a revered biblical figure, the authors may have sought to lend unwarranted credibility to their writings. This tactic, seen as deceitful by many theologians, aligns with warnings found in the New Testament about false teachings and deceptive practices. As stated in 2 Corinthians 11:14-15, “And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.”
The Book of Enoch remains a fascinating text, offering insights into ancient Jewish thought and apocalyptic literature. However, its exclusion from the biblical canon by both Jewish and Christian traditions is rooted in significant concerns regarding its divine inspiration, authorship, and theological consistency. For believers seeking guidance from the Bible, it is essential to recognize these issues and approach the Book of Enoch with discernment. While it can be studied for its historical and literary value, it should not be considered equivalent to the inspired and authoritative texts of the Bible.