1 Enoch (Book of Enoch)

About this text

One of the most discussed non-canonical texts. Quoted in Jude 14–15. Covers fallen angels (the Watchers), heavenly visions, the Son of Man, and the final judgment. Considered canonical by the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.

Significance

Directly quoted in the New Testament. Deeply influential on early Christian and Jewish apocalyptic thought.

Key excerpts

"And behold! He cometh with ten thousands of His holy ones to execute judgement upon all, and to destroy all the ungodly."

"In those days shall the elect and holy race descend from the upper heavens, and their seed shall then be with the sons of men."

"The Watchers, the children of heaven, saw and lusted after the daughters of men, and said to one another: Come, let us choose us wives from among the children of men."

Scripture cross-references

• Jude 1:14-15 — Directly quotes 1 Enoch 1:9
• Genesis 6:1-4 — The Nephilim / "sons of God" passage that 1 Enoch expands
• 2 Peter 2:4 — Angels who sinned — echoes the Enochic Watchers tradition

Continue exploring

This text is one of 17 in the Early Jewish / Second Temple Texts category, and one of 62 across the entire library.