Bible Dictionary
Enoch, The Book Of
The Book of Enoch is an ancient apocalyptic work attributed to Enoch, known in early times and later preserved in an Ethiopic translation. Although Jude refers to a prophecy associated with Enoch, the book was not regarded as part of the canonical Scriptures.
Definition
The Book of Enoch is an apocryphal apocalypse consisting in its present form of revelations attributed to Enoch and Noah. It addresses varied aspects of nature and life and seeks to vindicate the action of Providence.
Biblical Usage
Jude contains the earliest trace of the work’s existence and refers to a prophecy associated with Enoch. Despite that quotation and the book’s circulation, it was distinctly separated from the canonical Scriptures.
Historical Background
The work was known in early times and later became obscure. In 1773 Bruce returned from Egypt with three manuscripts containing a complete Ethiopic translation. Its authorship and date are unknown.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Smith's Bible Dictionary
The first trance of the existence of this work is found in the Epistle of (Jude 1:14,15) An apocryphal book called Enoch was known at a very early date, but was lost sight of until 1773, when Bruce brought with him on his return from Egypt three MSS. containing the complete Ethiopic translation. In its present shape the book consists of a series of revelations supposed to have been given to Enoch and Noah, which extend to the most varied aspects of nature and life. And are designed to offer a comprehensive vindication of the action of Providence. Notwithstanding the quotation in Jude, and the wide circulation of the book itself, the apocalypse of Enoch was uniformly and distinctly separated from the canonical Scriptures. Its authorship and date are unknown.