Why Stay Away from the Book of Enoch?

Christians should stay away from the Book of Enoch because it is not inspired Scripture and contains unbiblical teachings. The book was never accepted into the biblical canon by the early church or the Jewish community, and it presents ideas that conflict with the Bible. While it may be of historical interest, it is not authoritative for faith and practice. Our breakdown of How to Read the Bible Book by Book Step by Step covers the related details.

What Is the Book of Enoch?

The Book of Enoch is an ancient Jewish religious text attributed to Enoch, the great-grandfather of Noah mentioned in Genesis 5:21-24. It is a collection of writings likely composed between the 3rd century BC and the 1st century AD. The book is divided into several sections, including the Book of the Watchers, the Book of Parables, the Astronomical Book, the Book of Dream Visions, and the Epistle of Enoch. It expands on the brief biblical account of Enoch and includes elaborate visions, angelology, and prophecies.

The book was known to early Christians and is even quoted in the New Testament book of Jude (Jude 1:14-15). However, this quotation does not mean the entire book was considered inspired; Jude simply used a familiar saying from it to make a point, similar to how Paul quoted pagan poets (Acts 17:28). For the next step, read our overview of How to Become a Book Editor: Steps and Skills.

Why Was the Book of Enoch Excluded from the Bible?

The primary reason the Book of Enoch was excluded from the Bible is that it was never included in the Hebrew canon of Scripture. The Jews themselves did not consider it inspired, and by the time of Jesus, the Hebrew Scriptures were already fixed. The early church followed the Jewish canon for the Old Testament and did not add the Book of Enoch. For related context, see our guide to Can You Book a Hotel at 18? Age Rules Explained.

According to historical sources, by the 4th century, the Book of Enoch was mostly excluded from Christian canons. It is now regarded as scripture only by the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church and the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church, but not by other Christian traditions.

Several factors contributed to its exclusion:

• Lack of apostolic authority: The book was not written by Enoch himself, despite its claims. It is pseudepigraphal, meaning it was written under a false name. The true authorship is unknown, and it was written long after Enoch lived.
• Not accepted by the Jewish community: The Jews never included it in their canon, and Jesus and the apostles never quoted it as authoritative Scripture. While Jude quotes from it, he does not call it Scripture.
• Uncertain textual history: The book exists in various versions and translations, and there is no single authoritative text. This made it difficult for early church leaders to consider it inspired.

What Are the Problems with the Book of Enoch?

Beyond its exclusion from the canon, there are several reasons why many Christians advise staying away from the Book of Enoch:

• It contains unbiblical teachings: The book promotes a worldview that is not consistent with the Bible. For example, it describes the fall of angels in a way that blames them for introducing sin to humanity, whereas the Bible teaches that human sin originated with Adam and Eve's disobedience (Romans 5:12).
• It can lead to confusion: Because the book is written in an apocalyptic style with vivid imagery, it can be easily misinterpreted. Some people have used it to develop speculative doctrines about angels, demons, and the end times that are not supported by Scripture.
• It may distract from the true gospel: The Book of Enoch focuses heavily on angelic hierarchies and cosmic battles, which can shift attention away from the core message of salvation through Jesus Christ.
• It is not necessary for spiritual growth: The Bible contains everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). The Book of Enoch adds nothing essential to our understanding of God's plan.

As GotQuestions.org notes, much of the Book of Enoch is apocalyptic and uses vivid imagery to predict doom and final judgment, with a heavy emphasis on angelic beings. This can be fascinating but is not authoritative for Christian faith.

Is It a Sin to Read the Book of Enoch?

Reading the Book of Enoch is not inherently sinful, but it should be approached with caution. It is not inspired Scripture, and it contains errors and false teachings. Christians are called to test everything against the Word of God (1 Thessalonians 5:21). If reading the book causes confusion or leads someone away from sound doctrine, it is best to avoid it.

Some believers may read it for historical or cultural background, similar to reading other ancient Jewish literature. However, it should never be treated as equal to the Bible or used to establish doctrine.

How Should Christians Respond to the Book of Enoch?

Christians should be discerning when it comes to extra-biblical texts like the Book of Enoch. Here are some practical guidelines:

• Study the Bible first: Make sure you have a solid foundation in Scripture before exploring non-canonical books. The Bible is the ultimate authority.
• Use it only for historical insight: If you read the Book of Enoch, do so to understand the cultural and religious context of the intertestamental period, not to gain spiritual truth.
• Compare everything to Scripture: Any teaching in the Book of Enoch that contradicts the Bible must be rejected. The Bible is the standard of truth.
• Seek guidance from mature believers: If you have questions about the book, discuss them with a pastor or knowledgeable Christian who can help you discern truth from error.

In summary, the Book of Enoch is an interesting ancient text, but it is not part of God's inspired Word. There are good reasons to stay away from it as a source of spiritual truth, and Christians should rely on the Bible alone for faith and practice.