Who was Enoch in the Bible?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Bible mentions four men named Enoch, with the most notable being the son of Jared, who "walked with God" and was taken to heaven without dying (Genesis 5:18–24). This Enoch fathered Methuselah and lived 365 years. In the New Testament, Enoch is highlighted in Hebrews 11:5 for his faith, which pleased God, leading to his being taken up so he would not see death. Additionally, Enoch is referenced in Jude 1:14–15 for his prophecy about divine judgment, although the Book of Enoch, from which this prophecy is quoted, is not considered canonical scripture.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• There are actually four men named Enoch recorded in the Bible. One was Cain’s son (Genesis 4:17). Genesis 25:4 mentions an Enoch, but his name is translated into English as Hanoch as is the Hanoch mentioned in Genesis 46:9.
• The Bible interrupts a genealogy to tell us about another Enoch (Genesis 5:18–24). This Enoch was one of the two people recorded in the Bible who did not die but were taken up into heaven by God, the other being Elijah (2 Kings 2:11). Genesis 5:21–24 says, "When Enoch had lived 65 years, he fathered Methuselah. Enoch walked with God after he fathered Methuselah 300 years and had other sons and daughters. Thus all the days of Enoch were 365 years. Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him."
• Enoch’s son was Methuselah (Genesis 5:21).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Enoch is referenced in the genealogy found in Luke 3:37.
• Hebrews 11:5 mentions Enoch and his being taken up by God: "By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God.” Although the Bible does not tell us motivation for why God took Enoch, it says it was so he would not see death and it says that he pleased God. Enoch's life was described as pleasing to God. Enoch is not recorded as having done any miracles or other great acts for God; God was pleased with him because Enoch lived his life in relationship with God.
• The book of Jude refers to Enoch: "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 1:14–15). Although these verses are quoted from the Book of Enoch, this portion must have been true. Like other Apocryphal books, we cannot read the Book of Enoch as though it were the infallible Word of God. It may contain insight and wisdom, but it is not perfect. However, it must have been true that Enoch prophesied of the judgment that would come on the ungodly.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Very little is actually said about Enoch in the Bible, and those few verses give us all God decided was important for us to know. Enoch's unwavering faith and close relationship with God emphasize the importance of living in accordance with God's will, demonstrating that everyday faithfulness and integrity are highly valued by God. Enoch's translation to heaven without experiencing death symbolizes the hope of eternal life for those who walk with God, reinforcing the promise of eternal communion with Him. We can experience this closeness with God now as we abide in Him (John 15:4–8), looking forward to the closeness He has in store for us in eternity later. Enoch’s prophetic voice against ungodliness in Jude also encourages believers to stand firm in their faith and to speak out against unrighteousness with love (Ephesians 4:15). Overall, Enoch's life inspires believers to strive for a legacy marked by faith and divine favor, motivating them to live in a way that honors God and impacts future generations. Enoch walked with God. May we do the same.

UNDERSTAND

• There are four Enochs in the Bible, but the one who was taken up to heaven before he died is the most prominent.
• Enoch was a man who walked with God and whose life pleased God.
• Enoch is mentioned in the New Testament for his faith and living for the Lord.

REFLECT

• In what ways can I strengthen my daily walk with God to emulate Enoch’s close relationship with Him?
• How can I ensure that my actions and decisions are pleasing to God, even in the small, everyday moments of my life?
• Not much was said about Enoch, but what was said was impactful and clear of his faith. What do you want your life to be marked by?

ENGAGE

• Enoch was a man with a lot of mystery and legend surrounding him, but other than the few verses in the Bible, the rest is just legend and tradition such as in the Book of Enoch. Some rabbinical literature claims that God took Enoch to prove that God was not cruel; others say that he was taken up so Enoch would not do the evil he had potential to. However, the Bible does not reveal the reason God took him up.
• Some believe Enoch and Elijah, being the only people who were taken up by God (2 Kings 2:11), will come back to earth as the two witnesses that come in the end times (Revelation 11:3–12). The book of Revelation, however, is not specific on who the two witnesses will be.
• What truths about God or His Word can we be sure of when we don’t fully understand His motivations for doing things, like taking Enoch before he had died?