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Parables of Enoch

The Parables of Enoch (Similitudes of Enoch) — the central section of 1 Enoch, describing the heavenly " Son of Man" and the judgment of the wicked.|||Part of 1 Enoch (chs. 37–71). No fragments found at Qumran. Survives complete only in Ge'ez.|||Composed between 100 BCE and 100 CE. Absence at Qumran has led some scholars to date it to the 1st century CE.|||Not canonical in any tradition except the Ethiopian Orthodox Church (as part of 1 Enoch).|||Develops the " Son of Man" and " Chosen One" figures, who judge the world and rule in the eschaton. Major source for messianic expectation and the background of the New Testament " Son of Man" sayings.|||Nickelsburg, G. W. E. 1 Enoch 1: A Commentary. Fortress Press, 2001.|||Charlesworth, J. H. " The Date and Provenance of the Similitudes of Enoch." In The Pseudepigrapha and Modern Research. Scholars Press, 1981.|||Charles, R. H. The Book of Enoch. Oxford, 1912.|||Read within 1 Enoch|https://www.sacred-texts.com/bib/boe/boe005.htm|Full translation of the Parables at Sacred Texts.;; Early Jewish Writings — 1 Enoch|https://www.earlyjewishwritings.com/1enoch.html|Indexed text.|||" And there I saw One who had a head of days, and His head was white like wool." — 1 Enoch 46:1 (related to Daniel 7)

Collection: Enochic Literature Canon: varies

Canon Status

Not canonical in any tradition except the Ethiopian Orthodox Church (as part of 1 Enoch).

Date & Provenance

Composed between 100 BCE and 100 CE. Absence at Qumran has led some scholars to date it to the 1st century CE.

Language & Manuscripts

Part of 1 Enoch (chs. 37–71). No fragments found at Qumran. Survives complete only in Ge'ez.

Why It Matters for Study

Develops the " Son of Man" and " Chosen One" figures, who judge the world and rule in the eschaton. Major source for messianic expectation and the background of the New Testament " Son of Man" sayings.

" And there I saw One who had a head of days, and His head was white like wool." — 1 Enoch 46:1 (related to Daniel 7)

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

Nickelsburg, G. W. E. 1 Enoch 1: A Commentary. Fortress Press, 2001.
Charlesworth, J. H. " The Date and Provenance of the Similitudes of Enoch." In The Pseudepigrapha and Modern Research. Scholars Press, 1981.
Charles, R. H. The Book of Enoch. Oxford, 1912.