Did Jesus Quote From The Book Of Enoch?

Did Jesus quote from the Book of Enoch?

Introduction

The Book of Enoch is both interesting in its content and its origin.

Many people find it to be a very interesting piece of work, especially when considered in relation to the Bible.

While the book is not in the Bible or supported as God-inspired Scripture, it still sparks curiosity in many, especially those who take an interest in extra-biblical religious works.

One of the questions that may come up when looking at the Book of Enoch is whether Jesus ever quoted from the book.

There is one well-known potential quote from the book of Enoch that is present in the Bible, but is it possible that Jesus would also quote from this extra-biblical work?

The Book of Enoch quoted

As mentioned, there is one place in the Bible where the Book of Enoch seems to be quoted.

This quote is in the book of Jude in verses 14-15, which says:

It was also about these that Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied, saying, “Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of his holy ones, to execute judgment on all and to convict all the ungodly of all their deeds of ungodliness that they have committed in such an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things that ungodly sinners have spoken against him.”

Jude 14-15 [ESV]

This seems pretty clear that Jude is, in fact, referencing a prophecy that Enoch made.

It’s pretty difficult to get around the fact that Jude is probably quoting from the very Book of Enoch that is in question.

In 1 Enoch 1:9, it says, “Behold, he comes with the myriads of his holy ones, to execute judgment on all, and to destroy all the wicked, and to convict all flesh for all the wicked deeds that they have done, and the proud and hard words that wicked sinners spoke against him.”

It must be noted that this is almost spot on in terms of being identical to one another.

Even though there are many criticisms to be had about the Book of Enoch, it seems quite clear that the Bible does at least once quote from it. However, is this the only time the Bible quotes from the Book of Enoch?

Jesus’ Ministry

Anyone who has studied the Gospels or even read through the life and ministry of Jesus Christ knows that He did pretty often quote the ancient Scriptures.

Sometimes, He would use the ancient Scriptures to relate what He was saying to the people He was saying it to in a way that they would better understand.

Other times, He would use Scripture to show that He was the fulfillment of various prophecies and instances of foretelling of the Messiah. Other times, He would even use Scripture to put forth new commandments.

For example, He would say things like, “You have heard…” and then, “But I say to you….”

This was Jesus’ way of also showing that He was God and that He had been given all authority in heaven and on earth to make such commandments.

Regardless of what He used them for, it is clear that He had a knack for quoting ancient Scripture.

So then, did He ever happen to quote the Book of Enoch?

READ MORE: Did Jesus drink water when He was fasting for 40 days?

Did Jesus quote the Book of Enoch?

The simple answer to this question is no, Jesus did not directly quote the Book of Enoch, at least not in the same way that Jude seemed to quote the book in his letter.

When looking at the claims of those who say that Jesus did quote the Book of Enoch, you’ll find that they look at many different phrases and short lines that Jesus said that seems somewhat similar to things written in the Book of Enoch. However, I don’t believe that this necessarily means that He ever quoted the book.

When considering these ‘similarities,’ they are never word-for-word; they are, for the most part, only similar in concept. However, that doesn’t strike me as odd, considering they are both speaking about the things of God.

If you take two pastors’ sermons and compare them, they will probably say similar things here and there, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they are quoting each other.

It simply means that there is an overlap in their subject matter.

I believe this is the case when it comes to comparing things that Jesus said with things written in the Book of Enoch.

READ MORE: In the Book of Enoch, who are the watchers?

What does this mean?

Honestly, the question of whether Jesus did quote the Book of Enoch or not doesn’t necessarily make a difference in terms of what we consider the Book of Enoch to be.

Going back to using pastors as an example, many pastors will quote others in their sermons, taking ideas and concepts from people who go it right with what they said. However, that does not necessarily mean that they agree with everything that person believes.

Even if Jesus quoted from the Book of Enoch, that would not suddenly make the Book of Enoch inspired Scripture.

There were plenty of books that Jesus did not quote from, yet that doesn’t mean that we don’t still look at them as Scripture.

This is why we simply must be careful when we measure what is true.

Regardless of who quoted the Book of Enoch or who didn’t, we must trust that God placed the books of the Bible into the Bible for a reason and left others out for a reason.

Divine intervention put the Bible together through mankind, and we must trust that it was done the right way through textual criticism and divine inspiration.

Feel free to study the Book of Enoch on your own time, just be careful not to consider it divine, inspired Scripture.

Always compare its thoughts to what the true Scriptures say and use those as a basis for the rest of your studies.

Books of Enoch believed to be quoted by Jesus

New Testament [Jesus’ quotes]	Book of Enoch
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. (Matthew 5:5)	The elect shall possess light, joy and peace, and they shall inherit the earth. (Enoch 5:9)
Shall inherit everlasting life (Matthew 19:29)	Those who will inherit eternal life (Enoch 40:9)
Ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. (Matthew 19:28)	I will place each of them on a throne of glory (Enoch 108:12)
Woe unto that man through whom the Son of man is betrayed! It had been good for that man if he had not been born. (Matthew 26:24)	Where then will be the dwelling of the sinners, And where the resting-place of those who have denied the Lord of Spirits? It had been good for them if they had not been born. (Enoch 38:2)
Wo unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation (Luke 6:24)	Woe to you who are rich, for in your riches have you trusted; but from your riches you shall be removed. (Enoch 94:8)
The Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the son (John 5:22).	And he sat on the throne of his glory, And the sum of judgement was given unto the Son of Man. (Enoch 69:27)
Between us and you there is a great gulf fixed. (Luke 16:26)	These three have been made that the spirits of the dead might be separated. And such a division has been make (for) the spirits of the righteous, in which there is the bright spring of water (Enoch 22: 9)
In my Father’s house are many mansions (John 14:2)	In that day shall the Elect One sit upon a throne of glory, and shall choose their conditions and countless habitations. (Enoch 45:3)
The water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. (John 4:14)	All the thirsty drank and were filled with wisdom, having their habitation with the righteous, the elect, and the holy. (Enoch 48:1)

Can I read and quote the Book of Enoch?

Many Christians reach an intersection in their journey with Christ when they stumble upon the Book of Enoch, hear or read about it, and wonder if it is something they should explore. 

Curiosity is good. However, there should be checks and balances.

Before you dash to the internet, local library, or anywhere you can access the Book of Enoch, you must ask yourself what value the book will add to your spiritual life.

How will the book enhance your faith and deepen your relationship with God?

The major themes explored in the Book of Enoch center around the revolt of angels against God before the Great Flood, the stories of the fallen angels, and their sexual relationship with humans.

How will studying the history and activities of demons help you mature into the fullness of Christ?

God is interested in us focusing on Him.

Hebrews 12:2 says, “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.” We must focus on Jesus, our perfect example. 

Seeking deep knowledge can be dangerous.

It can open one’s soul to demonic influences that will destroy one’s soul.

That is why the Bible warns against visiting mediums. 

“Give no regard to mediums and familiar spirits; do not seek after them, to be defiled by them: I am the Lord your God.” (Isaiah 8:19)

The 66 books of the Bible are enough to build our spiritual lives. Jesus’ teachings are mighty to save and deliver.

What else are we looking for? Instead of searching for deep and secret things, why not focus your energy on fulfilling the Lord’s command in the Bible you have right now?

If you diligently obey God’s Word, you will be less bothered about obscure teachings. 

READ THIS NEXT: Why is the Book of Enoch not in the Bible?