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3 Enoch

The Third Book of Enoch (Hebrew: Sefer Hekhalot, Book of Palaces) — a Hebrew apocalyptic work describing Enoch's transformation into the angel Metatron.|||The oldest printed text appears to be the Derus Pirqe Hekalot, dated c. 1650. Compiled in post-talmudic times. Odeberg's 1928 edition remains foundational.|||Dating speculative. Probably compiled 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. Enoch is transformed into the angel Metatron, the " Lesser YHWH." Foundational text for Merkavah mysticism and later Kabbalah.|||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.|||Odeberg Translation Archive|https://www.sacred-texts.com/jud/3en/index.htm|Selections from Odeberg's 1928 translation.;; Internet Archive — 3 Enoch|https://archive.org/details/3Enoch|Full text scans and scholarly editions.|||" And Enoch was transformed into the angel Metatron, the prince of the presence." — 3 Enoch 3:1

Collection: Enochic Literature Canon: varies

Canon Status

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

Date & Provenance

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

Language & Manuscripts

The oldest printed text appears to be the Derus Pirqe Hekalot, dated c. 1650. Compiled in post-talmudic times. 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. Enoch is transformed into the angel Metatron, the " Lesser YHWH." Foundational text for Merkavah mysticism and later Kabbalah.

" 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.