The Book of Enoch Chapters 1-60 (also referred to as "Ethiopian
Enoch" or "1 Enoch") Chapter 1 1The
word of the blessing of Enoch, how he blessed the elect and the righteous,
who were to exist in the time of trouble; rejecting all the wicked
and ungodly. Enoch, a righteous man, who was (1)
with God, answered and spoke, while his eyes were open, and while
he saw a holy vision in the heavens. This the angels showed me. (1) N.B. The italicized words supply a gap
in the text. 2From
them I heard all things, and understood what I saw; that which will
not take place in this generation, but in a generation which is to
succeed at a distant period, on account of the elect. 3Upon
their account I spoke and conversed with him, who will go forth from
his habitation, the Holy and Mighty One, the God of the world: 4Who
will hereafter tread upon Mount Sinai; appear with his hosts; and
be manifested in the strength of his power from heaven. 5All
shall be afraid, and the Watchers be terrified. 6Great
fear and trembling shall seize them, even to the ends of the earth.
The lofty mountains shall be troubled, and the exalted hills depressed,
melting like a honeycomb in the flame. The earth shall be immerged,
and all things which are in it perish; while judgment shall come upon
all, even upon all the righteous: 7But
to them shall he give peace: he shall preserve the elect, and towards
them exercise clemency. 8Then
shall all belong to God; be happy and blessed; and the splendour of
the Godhead shall illuminate them. Chapter 2 1Behold,
he comes with ten thousands of his saints, to execute judgment upon
them, and destroy the wicked, and reprove all the carnal for everything
which the sinful and ungodly have done, and committed against him.
(2) (2) Quoted by Jude, vss. 14, 15. Chapter 3 1All
who are in the heavens know what is transacted there. 2They
know that the
heavenly luminaries change not their paths; that each rises and sets
regularly, every one at its proper period, without transgressing the
commands, which they have received. The behold the earth, and
understand what is there transacted, from the beginning to the end
of it. 3They
see that every
work of God is invariable in the period of its appearance. They behold
summer and winter: perceiving that the whole earth is full
of water; and that the cloud, the dew, and the rain refresh it. Chapter 4 1They
consider and behold every tree, how it appears to wither, and every
leaf to fall off, except of fourteen trees, which are not deciduous;
which wait from the old, to the appearance of the new leaf,
for two or three winters. Chapter 5 1Again
they consider the days of summer, that the sun is upon it at its very
beginning; while you seek for a covered and shady spot on account
of the burning sun; while the earth is scorched up with fervid heat,
and you become incapable of walking either upon the ground or upon
the rocks in consequence of that heat. Chapter 6 1They
consider how the trees, when they put forth their green leaves, become
covered, and produce fruit; understanding everything, and knowing
that He who lives for ever does all these things for you: 2That the works at the beginning of every existing
year, that all his works, are subservient to him, and invariable;
yet as God has appointed, so are all things brought to pass. 3They
see, too, how the seas and the rivers together complete their respective
operations: 4But you endure not patiently, nor fulfill the
commandments of the Lord; but you transgress and calumniate his
greatness; and malignant are the words in your polluted mouths
against his Majesty. 5You
withered in heart, no peace shall be to you! 6Therefore
your days shall you curse, and the years of your lives shall perish;
perpetual execration shall be multiplied, and you shall not obtain
mercy. 7In
those days shall you resign your peace with the eternal maledictions
of all the righteous, and sinners shall perpetually execrate you; 8Shall
execrate you
with the ungodly. 9The
elect shall possess light, joy, and peace; and they shall inherit
the earth. 10But
you, you unholy, shall be accursed. 11Then
shall wisdom be given to the elect, all of whom shall live, and not
again transgress by impiety or pride; but shall humble themselves,
possessing prudence, and shall not repeat transgression. 12They
shall not be condemned the whole period of their lives, not die in
torment and indignation; but the sum of their days shall be completed,
and they shall grow old in peace; while the years of their happiness
shall be multiplied with joy, and with peace, for ever, the whole
duration of their existence. Chapter 7 1It
happened after the sons of men had multiplied in those days, that
daughters were born to them, elegant and beautiful. 2And
when the angels, (3) the sons of heaven, beheld them, they
became enamored of them, saying to each other, Come, let us select
for ourselves wives from the progeny of men, and let us beget children. 3Then
their leader Samyaza said to them; I fear that you may perhaps be
indisposed to the performance of this enterprise; 4And
that I alone shall suffer for so grievous a crime. 5But
they answered him and said; We all swear; 6And
bind ourselves by mutual execrations, that we will not change our
intention, but execute our projected undertaking. 7Then
they swore all together, and all bound themselves by mutual execrations.
Their whole number was two hundred, who descended upon
Ardis, (In the days of Jared) (4) which is the top
of mount Armon. (4) Upon Ardis. Or, "in the
days of Jared" (R.H. Charles, ed. and trans., The Book of
Enoch [Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1893], p. 63). 8That
mountain therefore was called Armon, (Mt. Hermon) because they had
sworn upon it, (5) and bound themselves by mutual execrations. (5) Mt. Armon, or Mt. Hermon, derives its
name from the Hebrew word herem, a curse (Charles, p. 63). 9These
are the names of their chiefs: Samyaza, who was their leader, Urakabarameel,
Akibeel, Tamiel, Ramuel, Danel, Azkeel, Saraknyal, Asael, Armers,
Batraal, Anane, Zavebe, Samsaveel, Ertael, Turel, Yomyael, Arazyal.
These were the prefects of the two hundred angels, and the remainder
were all with them. (6) (6) The Aramaic texts preserve an earlier
list of names of these Watchers: Semihazah; Artqoph; Ramtel; Kokabel;
Ramel; Danieal; Zeqiel; Baraqel; Asael; Hermoni; Matarel; Ananel;
Stawel; Samsiel; Sahriel; Tummiel; Turiel; Yomiel; Yhaddiel (Milik,
p. 151). 10Then
they took wives, each choosing for himself; whom they began to approach,
and with whom they cohabited; teaching them sorcery, incantations,
and the dividing of roots and trees. 11And
the women conceiving brought forth giants, (7) (7) The Greek texts vary considerably from
the Ethiopic text here. One Greek manuscript adds to this section,
"And they [the women] bore to them [the Watchers] three races–first,
the great giants. The giants brought forth [some say "slew"]
the Naphelim, and the Naphelim brought forth [or "slew"]
the Elioud. And they existed, increasing in power according to their
greatness." See the account in the Book of Jubilees. 12Whose
stature was each three hundred cubits. These devoured all which
the labor of men produced; until it became impossible to feed
them; 13When
they turned themselves against men, in order to devour them; 14And
began to injure birds, beasts, reptiles, and fishes, to eat their
flesh one after another, (8) and to drink their blood. (8) Their flesh one after another.
Or, "one another’s flesh." R.H. Charles notes that this
phrase may refer to the destruction of one class of giants by another
(Charles, p. 65). 15Then
the earth reproved the unrighteous. Chapter 8 1Moreover
Azazyel taught men to make swords, knives, shields, breastplates,
the fabrication of mirrors, and the workmanship of bracelets and ornaments,
the use of paint, the beautifying of the eyebrows, the use of stones
of every valuable and select kind, and all sorts of dyes, so that
the world became altered. 2Impiety
increased; fornication multiplied; and they transgressed and corrupted
all their ways. 3Amazarak
taught all the sorcerers, and dividers of roots: 4Armers
taught the solution of sorcery; 5Barkayal
taught the observers of the stars, (9) (9) Observers of the stars. Astrologers
(Charles, p. 67). 6Akibeel
taught signs; 7Tamiel
taught astronomy; 8And
Asaradel taught the motion of the moon, 9And
men, being destroyed, cried out; and their voice reached to heaven. Chapter 9 1Then
Michael and Gabriel, Raphael, Suryal, and Uriel, looked down from
heaven, and saw the quantity of blood which was shed on earth, and
all the iniquity which was done upon it, and said one to another,
It is the voice of their cries; 2The
earth deprived of her children has cried even to the gate of
heaven. 3And
now to you, O you holy one of heaven, the souls of men complain, saying,
Obtain Justice for us with (10) the Most High. Then they
said to their Lord, the King, You are Lord of lords, God of
gods, King of kings. The throne of your glory is for ever and ever,
and for ever and ever is your name sanctified and glorified. You are
blessed and glorified. (10) Obtain justice for us with.
Literally, "Bring judgment to us from." (Richard Laurence,
ed. and trans., The Book of Enoch the Prophet [London: Kegan
Paul, Trench & Co., 1883], p. 9). 4You
have made all things; you possess power over all things; and all things
are open and manifest before you. You behold all things, and nothing
can be concealed from you. 5You
have seen what Azazyel has done, how he has taught every species of
iniquity upon earth, and has disclosed to the world all the secret
things which are done in the heavens. 6Samyaza
also has taught sorcery, to whom you have given authority over those
who are associated with him. They have gone together to the daughters
of men; have lain with them; have become polluted; 7And
have discovered crimes (11) to them. (11) Discovered crimes. Or, "revealed
these sins" (Charles, p. 70). 8The
women likewise have brought forth giants. 9Thus
has the whole earth been filled with blood and with iniquity. 10And
now behold the souls of those who are dead, cry out. 11And
complain even to the gate of heaven. 12Their
groaning ascends; nor can they escape from the unrighteousness which
is committed on earth. You know all things, before they exist. 13You
know these things, and what has been done by them; yet you do not
speak to us. 14What
on account of these things ought we to do to them? Chapter 10 1Then
the Most High, the Great and Holy One spoke, 2And
sent Arsayalalyur (12) to the son of Lamech, (12) Arsayalalyur. Here one Greek
text reads "Uriel." 3Saying,
Say to him in my name, Conceal yourself. 4Then
explain to him the consummation which is about to take place; for
all the earth shall perish; the waters of a deluge shall come over
the whole earth, and all things which are in it shall be destroyed. 5And
now teach him how he may escape, and how his seed may remain in all
the earth. 6Again
the Lord said to Raphael, Bind Azazyel hand and foot; cast him into
darkness; and opening the desert which is in Dudael, cast him in there. 7Throw
upon him hurled and pointed stones, covering him with darkness; 8There
shall he remain for ever; cover his face, that he may not see the
light. 9And
in the great day of judgment let him be cast into the fire. 10Restore
the earth, which the angels have corrupted; and announce life to it,
that I may revive it. 11All
the sons of men shall not perish in consequence of every secret, by
which the Watchers have destroyed, and which they have taught,
their offspring. 12All
the earth has been corrupted by the effects of the teaching of Azazyel.
To him therefore ascribe the whole crime. 13To
Gabriel also the Lord said, Go to the biters, (13) to the
reprobates, to the children of fornication; and destroy the children
of fornication, the offspring of the Watchers, from among men; bring
them forth, and excite them one against another. Let them perish by
mutual slaughter; for length of days shall not be theirs. (13) Biters. More accurately, "bastards"
(Charles, p. 73; Michael A. Knibb, ed. and trans., The Ethiopic
Book of Enoch [Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1978], p. 88). 14They
shall all entreat you, but their fathers shall not obtain their
wishes respecting them; for they shall hope for eternal life,
and that they may live, each of them, five hundred years. 15To
Michael likewise the Lord said, Go and announce his crime to
Samyaza, and to the others who are with him, who have been associated
with women, that they might be polluted with all their impurity. And
when all their sons shall be slain, when they shall see the perdition
of their beloved, bind them for seventy generations underneath the
earth, even to the day of judgment, and of consummation, until the
judgment, the effect of which will last for ever, be completed. 16Then
shall they be taken away into the lowest depths of the fire in torments;
and in confinement shall they be shut up for ever. 17Immediately
after this shall he, (14) together with them, burn and
perish; they shall be bound until the consummation of many generations. (14) He. I.e., Samyaza. 18Destroy
all the souls addicted to dalliance, (15) and the offspring
of the Watchers, for they have tyrannized over mankind. (15) Dalliance. Or, "lust"
(Knibb, p. 90; cp. Charles, p. 76). 19Let
every oppressor perish from the face of the earth; 20Let
every evil work be destroyed; 21The
plant of righteousness and of rectitude appear, and its produce become
a blessing. 22Righteousness
and rectitude shall be for ever planted with delight. 23And
then shall all the saints give thanks, and live until they have begotten
a thousand children, while the whole period of their youth,
and their sabbaths shall be completed in peace. In those days all
the earth shall be cultivated in righteousness; it shall be wholly
planted with trees, and filled with benediction; every tree of delight
shall be planted in it. 24In
it shall vines be planted; and the vine which shall be planted in
it shall yield fruit to satiety; every seed, which shall be sown in
it, shall produce for one measure a thousand; and one measure of olives
shall produce ten presses of oil. 25Purify
the earth from all oppression, from all injustice, from all crime,
from all impiety, and from all the pollution which is committed upon
it. Exterminate them from the earth. 26Then
shall all the children of men be righteous, and all nations shall
pay me divine honours, and bless me; and all shall adore me. 27The
earth shall be cleansed from all corruption, from every crime, from
all punishment, and from all suffering; neither will I again send
a deluge upon it from generation to generation for ever. 28In
those days I will open the treasures of blessing which are in heaven,
that I may cause them to descend upon earth, and upon all the works
and labour of man. 29Peace
and equity shall associate with the sons of men all the days of the
world, in every generation of it. (No Chapter 11) Chapter 12 1Before
all these things Enoch was concealed; nor did any one of the sons
of men know where he was concealed, where he had been, and what had
happened. 2He
was wholly engaged with the holy ones, and with the Watchers in his
days. 3I,
Enoch, was blessing the great Lord and King of peace. 4And
behold the Watchers called me Enoch the scribe. 5Then
the Lord said to me: Enoch, scribe of righteousness, go tell
the Watchers of heaven, who have deserted the lofty sky, and their
holy everlasting station, who have been polluted with women. 6And
have done as the sons of men do, by taking to themselves wives, and
who have been greatly corrupted on the earth; 7That
on the earth they shall never obtain peace and remission of sin. For
they shall not rejoice in their offspring; they shall behold the slaughter
of their beloved; shall lament for the destruction of their sons;
and shall petition for ever; but shall not obtain mercy and peace. Chapter 13 1Then
Enoch, passing on, said to Azazyel: You shalt not obtain peace. A
great sentence is gone forth against you. He shall bind you; 2Neither
shall relief, mercy, and supplication be yours, on account of the
oppression which you have taught; 3And
on account of every act of blasphemy, tyranny, and sin, which you
have discovered to the children of men. 4Then
departing from him I spoke to them all together; 5And
they all became terrified, and trembled; 6Beseeching
me to write for them a memorial of supplication, that they might obtain
forgiveness; and that I might make the memorial of their prayer ascend
up before the God of heaven; because they could not themselves thenceforwards
address him, nor raise up their eyes to heaven on account of the disgraceful
offence for which they were judged. 7Then
I wrote a memorial of their prayer and supplications, for their spirits,
for everything which they had done, and for the subject of their entreaty,
that they might obtain remission and rest. 8Proceeding
on, I continued over the waters of Danbadan, (16) which
is on the right to the west of Armon, reading the memorial of their
prayer, until I fell asleep. (16) Danbadan. Dan in Dan (Knibb,
p. 94). 9And
behold a dream came to me, and visions appeared above me. I fell down
and saw a vision of punishment, that I might relate it to the sons
of heaven, and reprove them. When I awoke I went to them. All being
collected together stood weeping in Oubelseyael, which is situated
between Libanos and Seneser, (17) with their faces veiled. (17) Libanos and Seneser. Lebanon
and Senir (near Damascus). 10I
related in their presence all the visions which I had seen, and my
dream; 11And
began to utter these words of righteousness, reproving the Watchers
of heaven. Chapter 14 1This
is the book of the words of righteousness, and of the reproof of the
Watchers, who belong to the world, (18) according to that
which He, who is holy and great, commanded in the vision. I perceived
in my dream, that I was now speaking with a tongue of flesh, and with
my breath, which the Mighty One has put into the mouth of men, that
they might converse with it. (18) Who belong to the world. Or,
"who (are) from eternity" (Knibb, p. 95). 2And
understand with the heart. As he has created and given to men the
power of comprehending the word of understanding, so has he created
and given to me the power of reproving the Watchers, the offspring
of heaven. I have written your petition; and in my vision it has been
shown me, that what you request will not be granted you as long as
the world endures. 3Judgment
has been passed upon you: your request will not be granted
you. 4From
this time forward, never shall you ascend into heaven; He has said,
that on the earth He will bind you, as long as the world endures. 5But
before these things you shall behold the destruction of your beloved
sons; you shall not possess them, but they shall fall before you by
the sword. 6Neither
shall you entreat for them, not for yourselves; 7But
you shall weep and supplicate in silence. The words of the book which
I wrote. (19) (19) But you shall weep…I wrote.
Or, "Likewise despite your tears and prayers you will receive
nothing whatever contained in the writing which I have written"
(Charles, p. 80). 8A
vision thus appeared to me. 9Behold,
in that vision clouds and a mist invited me; agitated stars
and flashes of lightning impelled and pressed me forwards, while winds
in the vision assisted my flight, accelerating my progress. 10They
elevated me aloft to heaven. I proceeded, until I arrived at a wall
built with stones of crystal. A vibrating flame (20) surrounded
it, which began to strike me with terror. (20) Vibrating flame. Literally,
"a tongue of fire" 11Into
this vibrating flame I entered; 12And
drew nigh to a spacious habitation built also with stones of crystal.
Its walls too, as well as pavement, were formed with stones
of crystal, and crystal likewise was the ground. Its roof had the
appearance of agitated stars and flashes of lightning; and among them
were cherubim of fire in a stormy sky. (21) A flame burned
around its walls; and its portal blazed with fire. When I entered
into this dwelling, it was hot as fire and cold as ice. No trace
of delight or of life was there. Terror overwhelmed me, and a fearful
shaking seized me. (21) In a stormy sky. Literally,
"and their heaven was water" (Charles, p. 81). 13Violently
agitated and trembling, I fell upon my face. In the vision I looked. 14And
behold there was another habitation more spacious than the former,
every entrance to which was open before me, erected in the midst
of a vibrating flame. 15So
greatly did it excel in all points, in glory, in magnificence, and
in magnitude, that it is impossible to describe to you either the
splendour or the extent of it. 16Its
floor was on fire; above were lightnings and agitated stars, while
its roof exhibited a blazing fire. 17Attentively
I surveyed it, and saw that it contained an exalted throne; 18The
appearance of which was like that of frost; while its circumference
resembled the orb of the brilliant sun; and there was the voice
of the cherubim. 19From
underneath this mighty throne rivers of flaming fire issued. 20To
look upon it was impossible. 21One
great in glory sat upon it: 22Whose
robe was brighter than the sun, and whiter than snow. 23No
angel was capable of penetrating to view the face of Him, the Glorious
and the Effulgent; nor could any mortal behold Him. A fire was flaming
around Him. 24A
fire also of great extent continued to rise up before Him; so that
not one of those who surrounded Him was capable of approaching Him,
among the myriads of myriads (22) who were before Him.
To Him holy consultation was needless. Yet did not the sanctified,
who were near Him, depart far from Him either by night or by day;
nor were they removed from Him. I also was so far advanced, with a
veil on my face, and trembling. Then the Lord with his own
mouth called me, saying, Approach hither, Enoch, at my holy
word. (22) Myriads of myriads. Ten thousand
times ten thousands (Knibb, p. 99). 25And He raised me up, making me draw near even to the entrance. My Chapter 15 1Then
addressing me, He spoke and said, Hear, neither be afraid, O righteous
Enoch, you scribe of righteousness: approach hither, and hear my voice.
Go, say to the Watchers of heaven, who have sent you to pray for them,
You ought to pray for men, and not men for you. 2Wherefore
have you forsaken the lofty and holy heaven, which endures for ever,
and have lain with women; have defile yourselves with the daughters
of men; have taken to yourselves wives; have acted like the sons of
the earth, and have begotten an impious offspring? (23) (23) An impious offspring. Literally,
"giants" (Charles, p. 82; Knibb, p. 101). 3You
being spiritual, holy, and possessing a life which is eternal, have
polluted yourselves with women; have begotten in carnal blood; have
lusted in the blood of men; and have done as those who are flesh
and blood do. 4These
however die and perish. 5Therefore
have I given to them wives, that they might cohabit with them; that
sons might be born of them; and that this might be transacted upon
earth. 6But
you from the beginning were made spiritual, possessing a life which
is eternal, and not subject to death for ever. 7Therefore
I made not wives for you, because, being spiritual, your dwelling
is in heaven. 8Now
the giants, who have been born of spirit and of flesh, shall be called
upon earth evil spirits, and on earth shall be their habitation. Evil
spirits shall proceed from their flesh, because they were created
from above; from the holy Watchers was their beginning and primary
foundation. Evil spirits shall they be upon earth, and the spirits
of the wicked shall they be called. The habitation of the spirits
of heaven shall be in heaven; but upon earth shall be the habitation
of terrestrial spirits, who are born on earth. (24) (24) Note the many implications of vss.
3-8 regarding the progeny of evil spirits. 9The
spirits of the giants shall be like clouds, (25)
which shall oppress, corrupt, fall, content, and bruise upon earth. (25) The Greek word for "clouds"
here, nephelas, may disguise a more ancient reading, Napheleim
(Nephilim). 10They
shall cause lamentation. No food shall they eat; and they shall be
thirsty; they shall be concealed, and shall not (26) rise
up against the sons of men, and against women; for they come forth
during the days of slaughter and destruction. (26) Shall not. Nearly all manuscripts
contain this negative, but Charles, Knibb, and others believe the
"not" should be deleted so the phrase reads "shall
rise up." Chapter 16 1And
as to the death of the giants, wheresoever their spirits depart from
their bodies, let their flesh, that which is perishable, be without
judgment. (27) Thus shall they perish, until the day of
the great consummation of the great world. A destruction shall take
place of the Watchers and the impious. (27) Let their flesh…be without judgment.
Or, "their flesh shall be destroyed before the judgment"
(Knibb, p. 102). 2And
now to the Watchers, who have sent you to pray for them, who in the
beginning were in heaven, 3Say, In heaven have you been; secret things,
however, have not been manifested to you; yet have you known a reprobated
mystery. 4And
this you have related to women in the hardness of your heart, and
by that mystery have women and mankind multiplied evils upon the earth. 5Say
to them, Never therefore shall you obtain peace. Chapter 17 1They
raised me up into a certain place, where there was (28)
the appearance of a burning fire; and when they pleased they assumed
the likeness of men. (28) Where there was. Or, "where
they [the angels] were like" (Knibb, p. 103). 2They
carried me to a lofty spot, to a mountain, the top of which reach
to heaven. 3And
I beheld the receptacles of light and of thunder at the extremities
of the place, where it was deepest. There was a bow of fire, and arrows
in their quiver, a sword of fire, and every species of lightning. 4Then
they elevated me to a babbling stream, (29) and to a fire
in the west, which received all the setting of the sun. I came to
a river of fire, which flowed like water, and emptied itself into
the great sea westwards. (29) To a babbling stream. Literally,
"to water of life, which spoke" (Laurence, p. 23). 5I
saw every large river, until I arrived at the great darkness. I went
to where all of flesh migrate; and I beheld the mountains of the gloom
which constitutes winter, and the place from which issues the water
in every abyss. 6I
saw also the mouths of all the rivers in the world, and the mouths
of the deep. Chapter 18 1I
then surveyed the receptacles of all the winds, perceiving that they
contributed to adorn the whole creation, and to preserve the
foundation of the earth. 2I
surveyed the stone which supports the corners of the earth. 3I
also beheld the four winds, which bear up the earth, and the firmament
of heaven. 4And
I beheld the winds occupying the exalted sky. 5Arising
in the midst of heaven and of earth, and constituting the pillars
of heaven. 6I
saw the winds which turn the sky, which cause the orb of the sun and
of all the stars to set; and over the earth I saw the winds which
support the clouds. 7I
saw the path of the angels. 8I
perceived at the extremity of the earth the firmament of heaven above
it. Then I passed on towards the south; 9Where
burnt, both by day and night, six mountains formed of glorious stones;
three towards the east, and three towards the south. 10Those
which were towards the east were of a variegated stone; one of which
was of margarite, and another of antimony. Those towards the south
were of a red stone. The middle one reached to heaven like the throne
of God; a throne composed of alabaster, the top of which was
of sapphire. I saw, too, a blazing fire hanging over all the mountains. 11And
there I saw a place on the other side of an extended territory, where
waters were collected. 12I
likewise beheld terrestrial fountains, deep in the fiery columns of
heaven. 13And
in the columns of heaven I beheld fires, which descended without number,
but neither on high, nor into the deep. Over these fountains also
I perceived a place which had neither the firmament of heaven above
it, nor the solid ground underneath it; neither was there water above
it; nor anything on wing; but the spot was desolate. 14And
there I beheld seven stars, like great blazing mountains, and like
spirits entreating me. 15Then
the angel said, This place, until the consummation of heaven and earth,
will be the prison of the stars, and the host of heaven. 16The
stars which roll over fire are those which transgressed the commandment
of God before their time arrived; for they came not in their proper
season. Therefore was He offended with them, and bound them, until
the period of the consummation of their crimes in the secret year. Chapter 19 1Then
Uriel said, Here the angels, who cohabited with women, appointed their
leaders; 2And
being numerous in appearance (30) made men profane, and
caused them to err; so that they sacrificed to devils as to gods.
For in the great day there shall be a judgment, with which
they shall be judged, until they are consumed; and their wives also
shall be judged, who led astray the angels of heaven that they
might salute them. (30) Being numerous in appearance.
Or, "assuming many forms" (Knibb, p. 106). 3And
I, Enoch, I alone saw the likeness of the end of all things. Nor did
any human being see it, as I saw it. Chapter 20 1These
are the names of the angels who watch. 2Uriel,
one of the holy angels, who presides over clamor and terror. 3Raphael,
one of the holy angels, who presides over the spirits of men. 4Raguel,
one of the holy angels, who inflicts punishment on the world and the
luminaries. 5Michael,
one of the holy angels, who, presiding over human virtue, commands
the nations. 6Sarakiel,
one of the holy angels, who presides over the spirits of the
children of men that transgress. 7Gabriel,
one of the holy angels, who presides over Ikisat, (31)
over paradise, and over the cherubim. (31) Ikisat. The serpents (Charles,
p. 92; Knibb, p. 107).
Chapter 21 1Then
I made a circuit to a place in which nothing was completed. 2And
there I beheld neither the tremendous workmanship of an exalted heaven,
nor of an established earth, but a desolate spot, prepared, and terrific. 3There,
too, I beheld seven stars of heaven bound in it together, like great
mountains, and like a blazing fire. I exclaimed, For what species
of crime have they been bound, and why have they been removed to this
place? Then Uriel, one of the holy angels who was with me, and who
conducted me, answered: Enoch, wherefore do you ask; wherefore do
you reason with yourself, and anxiously inquire? These are those
of the stars which have transgressed the commandment of the most high
God; and are here bound, until the infinite number of the days of
their crimes be completed. 4From
there I afterwards passed on to another terrific place; 5Where
I beheld the operation of a great fire blazing and glittering, in
the midst of which there was a division. Columns of fire struggled
together to the end of the abyss, and deep was their descent. But
neither its measurement nor magnitude was I able to discover; neither
could I perceive its origin. Then I exclaimed, How terrible is this
place, and how difficult to explore! 6Uriel,
one of the holy angels who was with me, answered and said: Enoch,
why are you alarmed and amazed at this terrific place, at the sight
of this place of suffering? This, he said, is the prison of
the angels; and here they are kept for ever. Chapter 22 1From
there I proceeded to another spot, where I saw on the west a great
and lofty mountain, a strong rock, and four delightful places. 2Internally
it was deep, capacious, and very smooth; as smooth as if it had been
rolled over: it was both deep and dark to behold. 3Then
Raphael, one of the holy angels who were with me, answered and said,
These are the delightful places where the spirits, the souls of the
dead, will be collected; for them were they formed; and here will
be collected all the souls of the sons of men. 4These
places, in which they dwell, shall they occupy until the day of judgment,
and until their appointed period. 5Their
appointed period will be long, even until the great judgment. And
I saw the spirits of the sons of men who were dead; and their voices
reached to heaven, while they were accusing. 6Then
I inquired of Raphael, an angel who was with me, and said, Whose spirit
is that, the voice of which reaches to heaven, and accuses? 7He
answered, saying, This is the spirit of Abel who was slain by Cain
his brother; and who will accuse that brother, until his seed be destroyed
from the face of the earth; 8Until
his seed perish from the seed of the human race. 9At
that time therefore I inquired respecting him, and respecting the
general judgment, saying, Why is one separated from another? He answered,
Three separations have been made between the spirits of the
dead, and thus have the spirits of the righteous been separated. 10Namely,
by a chasm, by water, and by light above it. 11And
in the same way likewise are sinners separated when they die, and
are buried in the earth; judgment not overtaking them in their lifetime. 12Here
their souls are separated. Moreover, abundant is their suffering until
the time of the great judgment, the castigation, and the torment of
those who eternally execrate, whose souls are punished and bound there
for ever. 13And
thus has it been from the beginning of the world. Thus has there existed
a separation between the souls of those who utter complaints, and
of those who watch for their destruction, to slaughter them in the
day of sinners. 14A
receptacle of this sort has been formed for the souls of unrighteous
men, and of sinners; of those who have completed crime, and associated
with the impious, whom they resemble. Their souls shall not be annihilated
in the day of judgment, neither shall they arise from this place.
Then I blessed God, 15And
said, Blessed by my Lord, the Lord of glory and of righteousness,
who reigns over all for ever and for ever. Chapter 23 1From
there I went to another place, towards the west, unto the extremities
of the earth. 2Where
I beheld a fire blazing and running along without cessation, which
intermitted its course neither by day nor by night; but continued
always the same. 3I
inquired, saying, What is this, which never ceases? 4Then
Raguel, one of the holy angels who were with me, answered, 5And
said, This blazing fire, which you behold running towards the west,
is that of all the luminaries of heaven. Chapter 24 1I
went from there to another place, and saw a mountain of fire flashing
both by day and night. I proceeded towards it; and perceived seven
splendid mountains, which were all different from each other. 2Their
stones were brilliant and beautiful; all were brilliant and splendid
to behold; and beautiful was their surface. Three mountains
were towards the east, and strengthened by being placed one upon another;
and three were towards the south, strengthened in a similar manner.
There were likewise deep valleys, which did not approach each other.
And the seventh mountain was in the midst of them. In length they
all resembled the seat of a throne, and odoriferous trees surrounded
them. 3Among
these there was a tree of an unceasing smell; nor of those which were
in Eden was there one of all the fragrant trees which smelt like this.
Its leaf, its flower, and its bark never withered, and its fruit was
beautiful. 4Its
fruit resembled the cluster of the palm. I exclaimed, Behold! This
tree is goodly in aspect, pleasing in its leaf, and the sight of its
fruit is delightful to the eye. Then Michael, one of the holy and
glorious angels who were with me, and one who presided over
them, answered, 5And
said: Enoch, why do you inquire respecting the odour of this tree? 6Why are you inquisitive to know it? 7Then
I, Enoch, replied to him, and said, Concerning everything I am desirous
of instruction, but particularly concerning this tree. 8He
answered me, saying, That mountain which you behold, the extent of
whose head resembles the seat of the Lord, will be the seat on which
shall sit the holy and great Lord of glory, the everlasting King,
when he shall come and descend to visit the earth with goodness. 9And
that tree of an agreeable smell, not one of carnal odor, there
shall be no power to touch, until the period of the great judgment.
When all shall be punished and consumed for ever, this shall be bestowed
on the righteous and humble. The fruit of the tree shall be
given to the elect. For towards the north life shall be planted in
the holy place, towards the habitation of the everlasting King. 10Then
shall they greatly rejoice and exult in the Holy One. The sweet odor
shall enter into their bones; and they shall live a long life on the
earth as your forefathers have lived; neither in their days shall
sorrow, distress, trouble, and punishment afflict them. 11And
I blessed the Lord of glory, the everlasting King, because He has
prepared this tree for the saints, formed it, and declared
that He would give it to them. Chapter 25 1From
there I proceeded to the middle of the earth, and beheld a happy and
fertile spot, which contained branches continually sprouting from
the trees which were planted in it. There I saw a holy mountain, and
underneath it water on the eastern side, which flowed towards the
south. I saw also on the east another mountain as high as that; and
between them there were deep, but not wide valleys. 2Water
ran towards the mountain to the west of this; and underneath there
was likewise another mountain. 3There
was a valley, but not a wide one, below it; and in the midst of them
were other deep and dry valleys towards the extremity of the three.
All these valleys, which were deep, but not side, consisted of a strong
rock, with a tree which was planted in them. And I wondered at the
rock and at the valleys, being extremely surprised. Chapter 26 1Then
I said, What means this blessed land, all these lofty trees, and the
accursed valley between them? 2Then
Uriel, one of the holy angels who were with me, replied, This valley
is the accursed of the accursed for ever. Here shall be collected
all who utter with their mouths unbecoming language against God, and
speak harsh things of His glory. Here shall they be collected. Here
shall be their territory. 3In
the latter days an example of judgment shall be made of them in righteousness
before the saints; while those who have received mercy shall for ever,
all their days, bless God, the everlasting King. 4And
at the period of judgment shall they bless Him for his mercy, as He
has distributed it to them. Then I blessed God, addressing myself
to Him, and making mention, as was meet, of His greatness. Chapter 27 1From
there I proceeded towards the east to the middle of the mountain in
the desert, the level surface only of which I perceived. 2It
was full of trees of the seed alluded to; and water leaped down upon
it. 3There
appeared a cataract composed as of many cataracts both towards the
west and towards the east. Upon one side were trees; upon the other
water and dew. Chapter 28 1Then
I went to another place from the desert; towards the east of that
mountain which I had approached. 2There
I beheld choice trees, (32) particularly, those which
produce the sweet-smelling opiate, frankincense and myrrh; and
trees unlike to each other. (32) Choice trees. Literally, "trees
of judgment" (Laurence, p. 35; Knibb, p. 117). 3And
over it, above them, was the elevation of the eastern mountain at
no great distance. Chapter 29 1I
likewise saw another place with valleys of water which never wasted, 2Where I perceived a goodly tree, which in smell
resembled Zasakinon. (33) (33) Zasakinon. The mastic tree (Knibb,
p. 118). 3And
towards the sides of these valleys I perceived cinnamon of a sweet
odour. Over them I advanced towards the east. Chapter 30 1Then
I beheld another mountain containing trees, from which water flowed
like Neketro, (34) Its name was Sarira, and Kalboneba.
(35) And upon this mountain I beheld another mountain,
upon which were trees of Alva. (36) (34) Neketro.
A nectar (Knibb, p. 119).
2These
trees were full, like almond trees, and strong; and when they produced
fruit, it was superior to all redolence. Chapter 31 1After
these things, surveying the entrances of the north, above the mountains,
I perceived seven mountains replete with pure nard, odoriferous trees,
cinnamon and papyrus. 2From
there I passed on above the summits of those mountains to some distance
eastwards, and went over the Erythraean sea. (37) And when
I was advanced far beyond it, I passed along above the angel Zateel,
and arrived at the garden of righteousness. In this garden I beheld,
among other trees, some which were numerous and large, and which flourished
there. (37) Erythraean sea. The Red Sea. 3Their
fragrance was agreeable and powerful, and their appearance both varied
and elegant. The tree of knowledge also was there, of which if any
one eats, he becomes endowed with great wisdom. 4It
was like a species of the tamarind tree, bearing fruit which resembled
grapes extremely fine; and its fragrance extended to a considerable
distance. I exclaimed, How beautiful is this tree, and how delightful
is its appearance! 5Then
holy Raphael, an angel who was with me, answered and said, This is
the tree of knowledge, of which your ancient father and your aged
mother ate, who were before you; and who, obtaining knowledge, their
eyes being opened, and knowing themselves to be naked, were expelled
from the garden. Chapter 32 1From
there I went on towards the extremities of the earth; where I saw
large beasts different from each other, and birds various in their
countenances and forms, as well as with notes of different sounds. 2To
the east of these beasts I perceived the extremities of the earth,
where heaven ceased. The gates of heaven stood open, and I beheld
the celestial stars come forth. I numbered them as they proceeded
out of the gate, and wrote them all down, as they came out one by
one according to their number. I wrote down their names altogether,
their times and their seasons, as the angel Uriel, who was with me,
pointed them out to me. 3He
showed them all to me, and wrote down an account of them. 4He
also wrote down for me their names, their regulations, and their operations. Chapter 33 1From
there I advanced on towards the north, to the extremities of the earth. 2And
there I saw a great and glorious wonder at the extremities of the
whole earth. 3I
saw there heavenly gates opening into heaven; three of them distinctly
separated. The northern winds proceeded from them, blowing cold, hail,
frost, snow, dew, and rain. 4From
one of the gates they blew mildly; but when they blew from the two
other gates, it was with violence and force. They blew over
the earth strongly. Chapter 34 1From
there I went to the extremities of the world westwards; 2Where
I perceived three gates open, as I had seen in the north; the gates
and passages through them being of equal magnitude. Chapter 35 1Then
I proceeded to the extremities of the earth southwards; where I saw
three gates open to the south, from which issued dew, rain, and wind. 2From
there I went to the extremities of heaven eastwards; where I saw three
heavenly gates open to the east, which had smaller gates within them.
Through each of these small gates the stars of heaven passed on, and
proceeded towards the west by a path which was seen by them, and that
at every period of their appearance. 3When
I beheld them, I blessed; every time in which they appeared,
I blessed the Lord of glory, who had made those great and splendid
signs, that they might display the magnificence of this works to angels
and to the souls of men; and that these might glorify all his works
and operations; might see the effect of his power; might glorify the
great labour of his hands; and bless him for ever. (No Chapter 36) Chapter 37 1The
vision which he saw, the second vision of wisdom, which Enoch saw,
the son of Jared, the son of Malaleel, the son of Canan, the son of
Enos, the son of Seth, the son of Adam. This is the commencement of
the word of wisdom, which I received to declare and tell to those
who dwell upon earth. Hear from the beginning, and understand to the
end, the holy things which I utter in the presence of the Lord of
spirits. Those who were before us thought it good to speak; 2And
let not us, who come after, obstruct the beginning of wisdom. Until
the present period never has there been given before the Lord of spirits
that which I have received, wisdom according the capacity of my intellect,
and according to the pleasure of the Lord of spirits; that which I
have received from him, a portion of life eternal. 3And
I obtained three parables, which I declared to the inhabitants of
the world. Chapter 38 1Parable
the first. When the congregation of the righteous shall be manifested;
and sinners be judged for their crimes, and be troubled in the sight
of the world; 2When
righteousness shall be manifested (38) in the presence
of the righteous themselves, who will be elected for their good
works duly weighed by the Lord of spirits; and when the light
of the righteous and the elect, who dwell on earth, shall be manifested;
where will the habitation of sinners be? And where the place of rest
for those who have rejected the Lord of spirits? It would have been
better for them, had they never been born. (38) When righteousness shall be manifested.
Or, "when the Righteous One appears" (Knibb, p. 125; cp.
Charles, p. 112). 3When,
too, the secrets of the righteous shall be revealed, then shall sinners
be judged; and impious men shall be afflicted in the presence of the
righteous and the elect. 4From
that period those who possess the earth shall cease to be powerful
and exalted. Neither shall they be capable of beholding the countenances
of the holy; for the light of the countenances of the holy, the righteous,
and the elect, has been seen by the Lord of spirits. (39) (39) For the light…Lord of spirits.
Or, "for the light of the Lord of spirits will have appeared
on the face of the holy, the righteous, and the chosen" (Knibb,
p. 126). 5Yet
shall not the mighty kings of that period be destroyed; but be delivered
into the hands of the righteous and the holy. 6Nor
thenceforwards shall any obtain commiseration from the Lord of spirits,
because their lives in this world will have been completed. Chapter 39 1In
those days shall the elect and holy race descend from the upper heavens,
and their seed shall then be with the sons of men. Enoch received
books of indignation and wrath, and books of hurry and agitation. 2Never
shall they obtain mercy, saith the Lord of spirits. 3A
cloud then snatched me up, and the wind raised me above the surface
of the earth, placing me at the extremity of the heavens. 4There
I saw another vision; I saw the habitations and resting places
of the saints. There my eyes beheld their habitations with the angels,
and their resting places with the holy ones. They were entreating,
supplicating, and praying for the sons of men; while righteousness
like water flowed before them, and mercy like dew was scattered
over the earth. And thus shall it be with them for ever and
for ever. 5At
that time my eyes beheld the dwelling of the elect, of truth, faith,
and righteousness. 6Countless
shall be the number of the holy and the elect, in the presence of
God for ever and for ever. 7Their
residence I beheld under the wings of the Lord of spirits. All the
holy and the elect sung before him, in appearance like a blaze of
fire; their mouths being full of blessings, and their lips glorifying
the name of the Lord of spirits. And righteousness incessantly dwelt
before him. 8There
was I desirous of remaining, and my soul longed for that habitation.
There was my antecedent inheritance; for thus had I prevailed before
the Lord of spirits. 9At
that time I glorified and extolled the name of the Lord of spirits
with blessing and with praise; for he has established it with blessing
and with praise, according to his own good pleasure. 10That
place long did my eyes contemplate. I blessed and said, Blessed be
he, blessed from the beginning for ever. In the beginning, before
the world was created, and without end is his knowledge. 11What
is this world? Of every existing generation those shall bless you
who do not spiritually sleep but stand before your glory, blessing,
glorifying, exalting you, and saying, The holy, holy, Lord of spirits,
fills the whole world of spirits. 12There
my eyes beheld all who, without sleeping, stand before him and bless
him, saying, Blessed be you, and blessed be the name of God for ever
and for ever. Then my countenance became changed, until I was incapable
of seeing. Chapter 40 1After
this I beheld thousands of thousands, and myriads of myriads, and
an infinite number of people, standing before the Lord of spirits. 2On
the four wings likewise of the Lord of spirits, on the four sides,
I perceived others, besides those who were standing before him.
Their names, too, I know; because the angel, who proceeded with me,
declared them to me, discovering to me every secret thing. 3Then
I heard the voices of those upon the four sides magnifying the Lord
of glory. 4The
first voice blessed the Lord of spirits for ever and for ever. 5The
second voice I heard blessing the Elect One, and the elect who suffer
on account of the Lord of spirits. 6The
third voice I heard petitioning and praying for those who dwell upon
earth, and supplicate the name of the Lord of spirits. 7The
fourth voice I heard expelling the impious angels, (40)
and prohibiting them from entering into the presence of the Lord of
spirits, to prefer accusations against (41) the inhabitants
of the earth. (40) Impious
angels. Literally, "the Satans" (Laurence, p. 45; Knibb,
p. 128). Ha-satan in Hebrew ("the adversary") was
originally the title of an office, not the name of an angel. 8After
this I besought the angel of peace, who proceeded with me, to explain
all that was concealed. I said to him, Who are those whom I
have seen on the four sides, and who words I have heard and written
down? He replied, The first is the merciful, the patient, the holy
Michael. 9The
second is he who presides over every suffering and every affliction
of the sons of men, the holy Raphael. The third, who presides
over all that is powerful, is Gabriel. And the fourth, who presides
over repentance, and the hope of those who will inherit eternal life,
is Phanuel. These are the four angels of the most high God, and their
four voices, which at that time I heard. Chapter 41 1After
this I beheld the secrets of the heavens and of paradise, according
to its divisions; and of human action, as they weight it there in
balances. I saw the habitations of the elect, and the habitations
of the holy. And there my eyes beheld all the sinners, who denied
the Lord of glory, and whom they were expelling from there, and dragging
away, as they stood there; no punishment proceeding against
them from the Lord of spirits. 2There,
too, my eyes beheld the secrets of the lightning and the thunder;
and the secrets of the winds, how they are distributed as they blow
over the earth: the secrets of the winds, of the dew, and of the clouds.
There I perceived the place from which they issued forth, and became
saturated with the dust of the earth. 3There
I saw the wooden receptacles out of which the winds became separated,
the receptacle of hail, the receptacle of snow, the receptacle of
the clouds, and the cloud itself, which continued over the
earth before the creation of the world. 4I
beheld also the receptacles of the moon, whence they came, whither
they proceeded, their glorious return, and how one became more splendid
than another. I marked their rich progress, their unchangeable
progress, their disunited and undiminished progress; their observance
of a mutual fidelity by a stable oath; their proceeding forth before
the sun, and their adherence to the path allotted them, (42)
in obedience to the command of the Lord of spirits. Potent is his
name for ever and for ever. (42) Their proceeding forth…path allotted
them. Or, "the sun goes out first and completes its journey"
(Knibb, p. 129; cp. Charles, p. 122). 5After
this I perceived, that the path both concealed and manifest
of the moon, as well as the progress of its path, was there completed
by day and by night; while each, one with another, looked towards
the Lord of spirits, magnifying and praising without cessation, since
praise to them is rest; for in the splendid sun there is a frequent
conversion to blessing and to malediction. 6The
course of the moon’s path to the righteous is light, but to sinners
it is darkness; in the name of the Lord of spirits, who created a
division between light and darkness, and, separating the spirits
of men, strengthened the spirits of the righteous in the name of his
own righteousness. 7Nor
does the angel prevent this, neither is he endowed with the
power of preventing it; for the Judge beholds them all, and judges
them all in his own presence. Chapter 42 1Wisdom
found not a place on earth where she could inhabit; her dwelling
therefore is in heaven. 2Wisdom
went forth to dwell among the sons of men, but she obtained not a
habitation. Wisdom returned to her place, and seated herself in the
midst of the angels. But iniquity went forth after her return, who
unwillingly found a habitation, and resided among them,
as rain in the desert, and as a dew in a thirsty land.
Chapter 43 1I
beheld another splendour, and the stars of heaven. I observed that
he called them all by their respective names, and that they heard.
In a righteous balance I saw that he weighed out with their light
the amplitude of their places, and the day of their appearance, and
their conversion. Splendour produced splendour; and their conversion
was into the number of the angels, and of the faithful. 2Then
I inquired of the angel, who proceeded with me, and explained to me
secret things, What their names were. He answered. A similitude
of those has the Lord of spirits shown you. They are names of the
righteous who dwell upon earth, and who believe in the name of the
Lord of spirits for ever and for ever.
Chapter 44 1Another
thing also I saw respecting splendour; that it rises out of the stars,
and becomes splendour; being incapable of forsaking them. Chapter 45 1Parable
the second, respecting these who deny the name of the habitation of
the holy ones, and of the Lord of spirits. 2Heaven
they shall not ascend, nor shall they come on the earth. This shall
be the portion of sinners, who deny the name of the Lord of spirits,
and who are thus reserved for the day of punishment and of affliction. 3In
that day shall the Elect One sit upon a throne of glory; and shall
choose their conditions and countless habitations, while their spirits
within them shall be strengthened, when they behold my Elect One,
for those who have fled for protection to my holy and glorious name. 4In
that day I will cause my Elect One to dwell in the midst of them;
will change the face of heaven; will bless it, and illuminate
it for ever. 5I
will also change the face of the earth, will bless it; and
cause those whom I have elected to dwell upon it. But those who have
committed sin and iniquity shall not inhabit it, for I have marked
their proceedings. My righteous ones will I satisfy with peace, placing
them before me; but the condemnation of sinners shall draw near, that
I may destroy them from the face of the earth. Chapter 46 1There
I beheld the Ancient of days, whose head was like white wool, and
with him another, whose countenance resembled that of man. His countenance
was full of grace, like that of one of the holy angels. Then
I inquired of one of the angels, who went with me, and who showed
me every secret thing, concerning this Son of man; who he was; whence
he was and why he accompanied the Ancient of days. 2He
answered and said to me, This is the Son of man, to whom righteousness
belongs; with whom righteousness has dwelt; and who will reveal all
the treasures of that which is concealed: for the Lord of spirits
has chosen him; and his portion has surpassed all before the Lord
of spirits in everlasting uprightness. 3This
Son of man, whom you behold, shall raise up kings and the mighty from
their dwelling places, and the powerful from their thrones; shall
loosen the bridles of the powerful, and break in pieces the teeth
of sinners. 4He
shall hurl kings from their thrones and their dominions; because they
will not exalt and praise him, nor humble themselves before him,
by whom their kingdoms were granted to them. The countenance likewise
of the mighty shall He cast down, filling them with confusion. Darkness
shall be their habitation, and worms shall be their bed; nor from
that their bed shall they hope to be again raised, because
they exalted not the name of the Lord of spirits. 5They
shall condemn the stars of heaven, shall lift up their hands against
the Most High, shall tread upon and inhabit the earth, exhibiting
all their acts of iniquity, even their works of iniquity. Their strength
shall be in their riches, and their faith in the gods whom they have
formed with their own hands. They shall deny the name of the Lord
of spirits, and shall expel him from the temples, in which they assemble; 6And
with him the faithful, (43) who suffer in the name
of the Lord of spirits. (43) Shall expel him…the faithful.
Or, "will be driven from the houses of his congregation, and
of the faithful" (Knibb, p. 132; cp. Charles, p. 131). Chapter 47 1In
that day the prayer of the holy and the righteous, and the blood of
the righteous, shall ascend from the earth into the presence of the
Lord of spirits. 2In
that day shall the holy ones assemble, who dwell above the heavens,
and with united voice petition, supplicate, praise, laud, and bless
the name of the Lord of spirits, on account of the blood of the righteous
which has been shed; that the prayer of the righteous may not be intermitted
before the Lord of spirits; that for them he would execute judgment;
and that his patience may not endure for ever. (44) (44) That his patience…endure for ever.
Or, "(that) their patience may not have to last for ever"
(Knibb, p. 133). 3At
that time I beheld the Ancient of days, while he sat upon the throne
of his glory, while the book of the living was opened in his
presence, and while all the powers which were above the heavens
stood around and before him. 4Then
were the hearts of the saints full of joy, because the consummation
of righteousness was arrived, the supplication of the saints heard,
and the blood of the righteous appreciated by the Lord of spirits. Chapter 48 1In
that place I beheld a fountain of righteousness, which never failed,
encircled by many springs of wisdom. Of these all the thirsty drank,
and were filled with wisdom, having their habitation with the righteous,
the elect, and the holy. 2In
that hour was this Son of man invoked before the Lord of spirits,
and his name in the presence of the Ancient of days. 3Before
the sun and the signs were created, before the stars of heaven were
formed, his name was invoked in the presence of the Lord of spirits.
A support shall he be for the righteous and the holy to lean upon,
without falling; and he shall be the light of nations. 4He
shall be the hope of those whose hearts are troubled. All, who dwell
on earth, shall fall down and worship before him; shall bless and
glorify him, and sing praises to the name of the Lord of spirits. 5Therefore
the Elect and the Concealed One existed in his presence, before the
world was created, and for ever. 6In
his presence he existed, and has revealed to the saints and
to the righteous the wisdom of the Lord of spirits; for he has preserved
the lot of the righteous, because they have hated and rejected this
world of iniquity, and have detested all its works and ways, in the
name of the Lord of spirits. 7For
in his name shall they be preserved; and his will shall be their life.
In those days shall the kings of the earth and the mighty men, who
have gained the world by their achievements, become humble in countenance. 8For
in the day of their anxiety and trouble their souls shall not be saved;
and they shall be in subjection to those whom I have chosen. 9I
will cast them like hay into the fire, and like lead into the water.
Thus shall they burn in the presence of the righteous, and sink in
the presence of the holy; nor shall a tenth part of them be found. 10But
in the day of their trouble, the world shall obtain tranquillity. 11In
his presence shall they fall, and not be raised up again; nor shall
there be any one to take them out of his hands, and to lift them up:
for they have denied the Lord of spirits, and his Messiah. The name
of the Lord of spirits shall be blessed. Chapter 48A(45) (45) Two consecutive chapters are numbered
"48." 1Wisdom
is poured forth like water, and glory fails not before him for ever
and ever; for potent is he in all the secrets of righteousness. 2But
iniquity passes away like a shadow, and possesses not a fixed station:
for the Elect One stands before the Lord of spirits; and his glory
is for ever and ever; and his power from generation to generation. 3With
him dwells the spirit of intellectual wisdom, the spirit of instruction
and of power, and the spirit of those who sleep in righteousness;
he shall judge secret things. 4Nor
shall any be able to utter a single word before him; for the Elect
One is in the presence of the Lord of Spirits, according to his own
pleasure. Chapter 49 1In
those days the saints and the chosen shall undergo a change. The light
of day shall rest upon them; and the splendour and glory of the saints
shall be changed. 2In
the day of trouble evil shall be heaped up upon sinners; but the righteous
shall triumph in the name of the Lord of spirits. 3Others
shall be made to see, that they must repent, and forsake the works
of their hands; and that glory awaits them not in the presence of
the Lord of spirits; yet that by his name they may be saved. The Lord
of spirits will have compassion on them; for great is his mercy; and
righteousness is in his judgment, and in the presence of his glory;
nor in his judgment shall iniquity stand. He who repents not before
him shall perish. 4Henceforward
I will not have mercy on them, saith the Lord of spirits. Chapter 50 1In
those days shall the earth deliver up from her womb, and hell deliver
up from hers, that which it has received; and destruction shall restore
that which it owes. 2He
shall select the righteous and holy from among them; for the day of
their salvation has approached. 3And
in those days shall the Elect One sit upon his throne, while every
secret of intellectual wisdom shall proceed from his mouth, for the
Lord of spirits has gifted and glorified him. 4In
those days the mountains shall skip like rams, and the hills shall
leap like young sheep (46) satiated with milk; and all
the righteous shall become like angels in heaven. (46) Cp. Psalm 114:4 5Their
countenance shall be bright with joy; for in those days shall the
Elect One be exalted. The earth shall rejoice; the righteous shall
inhabit it, and the elect possess it. Chapter 51 1After
that period, in the place where I had seen every secret sight, I was
snatched up in a whirlwind, and carried off westwards. 2There
my eyes beheld the secrets of heaven, and all which existed on earth;
a mountain of iron, a mountain of copper, a mountain of silver, a
mountain of gold, a mountain of fluid metal, and a mountain of lead. 3And
I inquired of the angel who went with me, saying, What are these things,
which in secret I behold? 4He
said, All these things which you behold shall be for the dominion
of the Messiah, that he may command, and be powerful upon earth. 5And
that angel of peace answered me, saying, Wait but a short time, and
you shalt understand, and every secret thing shall be revealed to
you, which the Lord of spirits has decreed. Those mountains which
you have seen, the mountain of iron, the mountain of copper, the mountain
of silver, the mountain of gold, the mountain of fluid metal, and
the mountain of lead, all these in the presence of the Elect One shall
be like a honeycomb before the fire, and like water descending from
above upon these mountains; and shall become debilitated before his
feet. 6In
those days men shall not be saved by gold and by silver. 7Nor
shall they have it in their power to secure themselves, and to fly. 8There
shall be neither iron for was, nor a coat of mail for the breast. 9Copper
shall be useless; useless also that which neither rusts nor consumes
away; and lead shall not be coveted. 10All
these things shall be rejected, and perish from off the earth, when
the Elect One shall appear in the presence of the Lord of spirits. Chapter 52 1There
my eyes beheld a deep valley; and wide was its entrance. 2All
who dwell on land, on the sea, and in islands, shall bring to it gifts,
presents, and offerings; yet that deep valley shall not be full. Their
hands shall commit iniquity. Whatsoever they produce by labour, the
sinners shall devour with crime. But they shall perish from the face
of the Lord of spirits, and from the face of his earth. They shall
stand up, and shall not fail for ever and ever. 3I
beheld the angels of punishment, who were dwelling there, and
preparing every instrument of Satan. 4Then
I inquired of the angel of peace, who proceeded with me, for whom
those instruments were preparing. 5He
said, These they are preparing for the kings and powerful ones of
the earth, that thus they may perish. 6After
which the righteous and chosen house of his congregation shall appear,
and thenceforward unchangeable in the name of the Lord of spirits. 7Nor
shall those mountains exist in his presence as the earth and the hills,
as the fountains of water exist. And the righteous shall be
relieved from the vexation of sinners. Chapter 53 1Then
I looked and turned myself to another part of the earth, where I beheld
a deep valley burning with fire. 2To
this valley they brought monarchs and the mighty. 3And
there my eyes beheld the instruments which they were making, fetters
of iron without weight. (47) (47) Without weight. Or, "of
immeasurable weight" (Knibb, p. 138). 4Then
I inquired of the angel of peace, who proceeded with me, saying, For
whom are these fetters and instruments prepared? 5He
replied, These are prepared for the host of Azazeel, that they may
be delivered over and adjudged to the lowest condemnation; and that
their angels may be overwhelmed with hurled stones, as the Lord of
spirits has commanded. 6Michael
and Gabriel, Raphael and Phanuel shall be strengthened in that day,
and shall then cast them into a furnace of blazing fire, that the
Lord of spirits may be avenged of them for their crimes; because they
became ministers of Satan, and seduced those who dwell upon earth. 7In
those days shall punishment go forth from the Lord of spirits; and
the receptacles of water which are above the heavens shall be opened,
and the fountains likewise, which are under the heavens and under
the earth. 8All
the waters, which are in the heavens and above them, shall be mixed
together. 9The
water which is above heaven shall be the agent; (48) (48) Agent. Literally, "male"
(Laurence, p. 61). 10And
the water which is under the earth shall be the recipient: (49)
and all shall be destroyed who dwell upon earth, and who dwell under
the extremities of heaven. (49) Recipient. Literally, "female"
(Laurence, p. 61). 11By
these means shall they understand the iniquity which they have committed
on earth: and by these means shall they perish. Chapter 54 1Afterwards
the Ancient of days repented, and said, In vain have I destroyed all
the inhabitants of the earth. 2And
he sware by his great name, saying, Henceforwards I will not
act thus towards all those who dwell upon earth. 3But
I will place a sign in the heavens; (50) and it shall be
a faithful witness between me and them for ever, as long as the days
of heaven and earth last upon the earth. (50) Cp. Gen. 9:13, "I do set my bow
in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me
and the earth." 4Afterwards,
according to this my decree, when I shall be disposed to seize them
beforehand, by the instrumentality of angels, in the day of affliction
and trouble, my wrath and my punishment shall remain upon them, my
punishment and my wrath, saith God the Lord of spirits. 5O
you kings, O you mighty, who inhabit the world you shall behold my
Elect One, sitting upon the throne of my glory. And he shall judge
Azazeel, all his associates, and all his hosts, in the name of the
Lord of spirits. 6There
likewise I beheld hosts of angels who were moving in punishment, confined
in a net-work of iron and brass. Then I inquired of the angel of peace,
who proceeded with me, To whom those under confinement were going. 7He
said, To each of their elect and their beloved, (51) that
they may be cast into the fountains and deep recesses of the valley. (51) To each of…their beloved. Or,
"Each to his own chosen ones and to his own beloved ones"
(Knibb, p. 139). 8And
that valley shall be filled with their elect and beloved; the days
of whose life shall be consumed, but the days of their error shall
be innumerable. 9Then
shall princes (52) combine together, and conspire. The
chiefs of the east, among the Parthians and Medes, shall remove kings,
in whom a spirit of perturbation shall enter. They shall hurl them
from their thrones, springing as lions from their dens, and like famished
wolves into the midst of the flock. (52) Princes. Or, "angels"
(Charles, p. 149; Knibb, p. 140). 10They
shall go up, and tread upon the land of their elect. The land of their
elect shall be before them. The threshing-floor, the path, and the
city of my righteous people shall impede the progress of
their horses. They shall rise up to destroy each other; their right
hand shall be strengthened; nor shall a man acknowledge his friend
or his brother; 11Nor
the son his father and his mother; until the number of the dead bodies
shall be completed, by their death and punishment. Neither
shall this take place without cause. 12In
those days shall the mouth of hell be opened, into which they shall
be immerged; hell shall destroy and swallow up sinners from the face
of the elect. Chapter 55 1After
this I beheld another army of chariots with men riding in them. 2And
they came upon the wind from the east, from the west, and from the
south. (53) (53) From the south. Literally, "from
the midst of the day" (Laurence, p. 63). 3The
sound of the noise of their chariots was heard. 4And
when that agitation took place; the saints out of heaven perceived
it; the pillar of the earth shook from its foundation; and the sound
was heard from the extremities of the earth unto the extremities of
heaven at the same time. 5Then
they all fell down, and worshipped the Lord of spirits. 6This
is the end of the second parable. Chapter 56 1I
now began to utter the third parable, concerning the saints and the
elect. 2Blessed
are you, O saints and elect, for glorious is your lot. 3The
saints shall exist in the light of the sun, and the elect in the light
of everlasting life, the days of whose life shall never terminate;
nor shall the days of the saints be numbered, who seek for light,
and obtain righteousness with the Lord of spirits. 4Peace
be to the saints with the Lord of the world. 5Henceforward
shall the saints be told to seek in heaven the secrets of righteousness,
the portion of faith; for like the sun has it arisen upon the earth,
while darkness has passed away. There shall be light interminable;
nor shall they enter upon the enumeration of time; for darkness shall
be previously destroyed, and light shall increase before the Lord
of spirits; before the Lord of spirits shall the light of uprightness
increase for ever. Chapter 57 1In
those days my eyes beheld the secrets of the lightnings and the splendours,
and the judgment belonging to them. 2They
lighten for a blessing and for a curse, according to the will of the
Lord of spirits. 3And
there I saw the secrets of the thunder, when it rattles above in heaven,
and its sound is heard. 4The
habitations also of the earth were shown to me. The sound of the thunder
is for peace and for blessing, as well as for a curse, according to
the word of the Lord of spirits. 5Afterwards
every secret of the splendours and of the lightnings was seen by me.
For blessing and for fertility they lighten. Chapter 58 1In
the five hundredth year, and in the seventh month, on the fourteenth
day of the month, of the lifetime of Enoch, in that parable,
I saw that the heaven of heavens shook; that it shook violently; and
that the powers of the Most High, and the angels, thousands and thousands,
and myriads of myriads, were agitated with great agitation. And when
I looked, the Ancient of days was sitting on the throne of his glory,
while the angels and saints were standing around him. A great trembling
came upon me, and terror seized me. My loins were bowed down and loosened;
my reins were dissolved; and I fell upon my face. The holy Michael,
another holy angel, one of the holy ones, was sent, who raised me
up. 2And
when he raised me, my spirit returned; for I was incapable of enduring
this vision of violence, its agitation, and the concussion of heaven. 3Then
holy Michael said to me, Why are you disturbed at this vision? 4Hitherto
has existed the day of mercy; and he has been merciful and longsuffering
towards all who dwell upon the earth. 5But
when the time shall come, then shall the power, the punishment,
and the judgment take place, which the Lord of spirits has
prepared for those who prostrate themselves to the judgment of righteousness,
for those who abjure that judgment, and for those who take his
name in vain. 6That
day has been prepared for the elect as a day of covenant; and
for sinners as a day of inquisition. 7In
that day shall be distributed for food (54) two
monsters; a female monster, whose name is Leviathan, dwelling in the
depths of the sea, above the springs of waters; (54) Distributed for food. Or, "separated
from one another" (Knibb, p. 143). 8And
a male monster, whose name is Behemoth; which possesses, moving
on his breast, the invisible wilderness. 9His
name was Dendayen in the east of the garden, where the elect and the
righteous will dwell; where he received it from my ancestor,
who was man, from Adam the first of men, (55) whom the
Lord of spirits made. (55) He received it…first of men.
Or, "my [great-] grandfather was taken up, the seventh from Adam"
(Charles, p. 155). This implies that this section of the book was
written by Noah, Enoch's descendant, rather than Enoch. Scholars have
speculated that this portion of the book may contain fragments of
the lost Apocalypse of Noah. 10Then
I asked of another angel to show me the power of those monsters, how
they became separated, how they became separated on the same day,
one being in the depths of the sea, and one in the dry desert. 11And
he said, You, son of man, are here desirous of understanding secret
things. 12And
the angel of peace, who was with me, said, These two monsters are
by the power of God prepared to become food, that the punishment of
God may not be in vain. 13Then
shall children be slain with their mothers, and sons with their fathers. 14And
when the punishment of the Lord of spirits shall continue, upon them
shall it continue, that the punishment of the Lord of spirits may
not take place in vain. After that, judgment shall exist with mercy
and longsuffering. Chapter 59 1Then
another angel, who proceeded with me, spoke to me; 2And
showed me the first and last secrets in heaven above, and in the depths
of the earth: 3In
the extremities of heaven, and in the foundations of it, and in the
receptacle of the winds. 4He
showed me how
their spirits were divided; how they were balanced; and how both the
springs and the winds were numbered according to the force of their
spirit. 5He
showed me the
power of the moon's light, that its power is a just one; as well as
the divisions of the stars, according to their respective names; 6That every division is divided; that the lightning
flashes; 7That
its troops immediately obey; and that a cessation takes place during
thunder in continuance of its sound. Nor are the thunder and the lightning
separated; neither do both of them move with one spirit; yet they
are not separated. 8For
when the lightning lightens, the thunder sounds, and the spirit at
a proper period pauses, making an equal division between them; for
the receptacle, upon which their periods depend, is loose as
sand. Each of them at a proper season is restrained with a bridle;
and turned by the power of the spirit, which thus propels them
according to the spacious extent of the earth. 9The
spirit likewise of the sea is potent and strong; and as a strong power
causes it to ebb, so is it driven forwards, and scattered against
the mountains of the earth. The spirit of the frost has its angel;
in the spirit of hail there is a good angel; the spirit of snow ceases
in its strength, and a solitary spirit is in it, which ascends from
it like vapour, and is called refrigeration. 10The
spirit also of mist dwells with them in their receptacle; but it has
a receptacle to itself; for its progress is in splendour. 11In
light, and in darkness, in winter and in summer. Its receptacle is
bright, and an angel is in it. 12The
spirit of dew has its abode in the extremities of heaven, in
connection with the receptacle of rain; and its progress is in winter
and in summer. The cloud produced by it, and the cloud of the mist,
become united; one gives to the other; and when the spirit of rain
is in motion from its receptacle, angels come, and opening its receptacle,
bring it forth. 13When
likewise it is sprinkled over all the earth, it forms an union with
every kind of water on the ground; for the waters remain on the ground,
because they afford nourishment to the earth from the Most
High, who is in heaven. 14Upon
this account therefore there is a regulation in the quantity of rain,
which the angels receive. 15These things I saw; all of them, even paradise.
Chapter 60 1In
those days I beheld long ropes given to those angels; who took to
their wings, and fled, advancing towards the north. 2And
I inquired of the angel, saying, Wherefore have they taken those long
ropes, and gone forth? He said, They are gone forth to measure. 3The
angel, who proceeded with me, said, These are the measures of the
righteous; and cords shall the righteous bring, that they may trust
in the name of the Lord of spirits for ever and ever. 4The
elect shall begin to dwell with the elect. 5And
these are the measures which shall be given to faith, and which
shall strengthen the words of righteousness. 6These
measures shall reveal all the secrets in the depth of the earth. 7And
it shall be, that those who have been destroyed in the desert,
and who have been devoured by the fish of the sea, and by wild beasts,
shall return, and trust in the day of the Elect One; for none shall
perish in the presence of the Lord of spirits, nor shall any be capable
of perishing. 8Then
they received the commandment, all who were in the heavens
above; to whom a combined power, voice, and splendour, like fire,
were given. 9And
first, with their voice, they blessed him, they exalted him,
they glorified him with wisdom, and ascribed to him wisdom with the
word, and with the breath of life. 10Then
the Lord of spirits seated upon the throne of his glory the Elect
One; 11Who
shall judge all the works of the holy, in heaven above, and in a balance
shall he weigh their actions. And when he shall lift up his countenance
to judge their secret ways in the word of the name of the Lord of
spirits, and their progress in the path of the righteous judgment
of God most high; 12They
shall all speak with united voice; and bless, glorify, exalt, and
praise, in the name of the Lord of spirits. 13He
shall call to every power of the heavens, to all the holy above, and
to the power of God. The Cherubim, the Seraphim, and the Ophanin,
all the angels of power, and all the angels of the Lords, namely,
of the Elect One, and of the other Power, who was upon earth
over the water on that day, 14Shall
raise their united voice; shall bless, glorify, praise, and exalt
with the spirit of faith, with the spirit of wisdom and patience,
with the spirit of mercy, with the spirit of judgment and peace, and
with the spirit of benevolence; all shall say with united voice; Blessed
is He; and the name of the Lord of spirits shall be blessed for ever
and for ever; all, who sleep not, shall bless it in heaven above. 15All
the holy in heaven shall bless it; all the elect who dwell in the
garden of life; and every spirit of light, who is capable of blessing,
glorifying, exalting, and praising your holy name; and every mortal
man, (56) more than the powers of heaven, shall
glorify and bless your name for ever and ever. (56) Every mortal man. Literally,
"all of flesh" (Laurence, p. 73). 16For
great is the mercy of the Lord of spirits; long-suffering is he; and
all his works, all his power, great as are the things which he has
done, has he revealed to the saints and to the elect, in the name
of the Lord of spirits.
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