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3 Enoch (Hebrew Enoch)

The Third Book of Enoch (Hebrew: Sefer Hekhalot, Book of Palaces) is a Biblical apocryphal book in Hebrew. It purports to have been written in the 2nd century CE.|||The oldest printed text appears to be the Derus Pirqe Hekalot, dated c. 1650. The book seems to have been compiled in post-talmudic times, probably not before the 6th century CE. Odeberg's 1928 edition remains foundational.|||Dating remains speculative. Probably compiled in the 5th–6th century CE, though containing earlier traditions.|||Not canonical in any tradition. Part of the Hekhalot mystical literature.|||Describes the ascent of Rabbi Ishmael to heaven and his vision of the Merkavah (divine chariot). Enoch is transformed into the angel Metatron, the " Lesser YHWH."|||Charlesworth, J. H., ed. The Old Testament Pseudepigrapha, vol. 1. Doubleday, 1983.|||Alexander, P. "3 (Hebrew Apocalypse of) Enoch." In OTP 1:223–315.|||Odeberg, H. 3 Enoch, or the Hebrew Book of Enoch. Cambridge, 1928.|||3 Enoch — Wikipedia|https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3_Enoch|Background and scholarly discussion.;; 3 Enoch — Internet Archive|https://archive.org/details/3enochorhebrewb00odeb|Odeberg's edition and translation.|||" And Enoch was transformed into the angel Metatron, the prince of the presence." — 3 Enoch 3:1

Collection: Jewish Pseudepigrapha Canon: varies

Canon Status

Not canonical in any tradition. Part of the Hekhalot mystical literature.

Date & Provenance

Dating remains speculative. Probably compiled in the 5th–6th century CE, though containing earlier traditions.

Language & Manuscripts

The oldest printed text appears to be the Derus Pirqe Hekalot, dated c. 1650. The book seems to have been compiled in post-talmudic times, probably not before the 6th century CE. Odeberg's 1928 edition remains foundational.

Why It Matters for Study

Describes the ascent of Rabbi Ishmael to heaven and his vision of the Merkavah (divine chariot). Enoch is transformed into the angel Metatron, the " Lesser YHWH."

" And Enoch was transformed into the angel Metatron, the prince of the presence." — 3 Enoch 3:1

Read the Text & External Resources

Public-domain translations and scholarly databases where the text can be read online or downloaded.

External links open in a new tab. Sources are chosen for public-domain or open-access availability; always verify edition and translation when citing in academic work.

Further Reading

Charlesworth, J. H., ed. The Old Testament Pseudepigrapha, vol. 1. Doubleday, 1983.
Alexander, P. "3 (Hebrew Apocalypse of) Enoch." In OTP 1:223–315.
Odeberg, H. 3 Enoch, or the Hebrew Book of Enoch. Cambridge, 1928.