Did Jesus Quote from the Book of Enoch and 2 Esdras?

 Did Jesus Quote from the Book of Enoch and 2 Esdras?

Many scholars and Bible readers have noticed striking similarities between Jesus' teachings and certain apocryphal books, particularly 1 Enoch and 2 Esdras (also known as 4 Ezra). While these books are not part of the traditional Jewish or Protestant canon, they were widely read in Jewish circles during the Second Temple period. This raises an intriguing question: Did Jesus consider these books to be Scripture?

Jesus and The Book of Enoch

The clearest connection between the New Testament and 1 Enoch is found in Jude 1:14-15, where the author explicitly quotes 1 Enoch 1:9:

"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.’"

While Jude is the only New Testament writer to cite 1 Enoch explicitly, Jesus’ teachings contain echoes of its themes and ideas. One notable example is Matthew 22:29-30, where Jesus rebukes the Sadducees about the resurrection:

"You are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven."

This teaching closely resembles 1 Enoch 15:6-7, where God tells the fallen angels that they were originally created as spiritual beings, not meant to marry:

"But you were formerly spiritual, living the eternal life and immortal for all generations of the world. And therefore I have not appointed wives for you; for as for the spiritual ones of the heaven, in heaven is their dwelling."

Since Jesus introduces this teaching by saying, "You know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God," some argue that He may have considered 1 Enoch as part of "the Scriptures." However, it is also possible that He was referring more broadly to the Hebrew Bible while using ideas familiar from Jewish apocalyptic thought.

Jesus and 2 Esdras (4 Ezra)

Unlike 1 Enoch, 2 Esdras is never explicitly quoted in the New Testament, but several of Jesus’ sayings align with its themes:

1. The Narrow Path and Few Who Are Saved

Matthew 7:13-14: "Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few."

2 Esdras 7:6-7: "There is also another thing: A city is built, and set upon a broad field, and is full of all good things. The entrance to it is narrow, and is set in a dangerous place to fall, like as if there were a fire on the right hand, and on the left a deep water."

Both passages describe a narrow and difficult path leading to salvation, while contrasting it with an easier way that leads to destruction.

2. The Coming Judgment and Separation of the Righteous and Wicked

Matthew 13:41-43 (Parable of the Weeds): "The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father."

2 Esdras 7:33-35: "The Most High shall be revealed upon the seat of judgment, and compassion shall pass away, and patience shall be withdrawn. Only judgment shall remain, truth shall stand, and faith shall grow strong. And the reward shall follow, and the righteous shall be given the world that is promised them."

Both passages speak of a final judgment where the wicked are condemned and the righteous are rewarded.

3. Weeping Over Jerusalem and Divine Mercy

Matthew 23:37: "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!"

2 Esdras 1:30: "I gathered you together, as a hen gathers her chickens under her wings: but now, what shall I do unto you? I will cast you out from my face."

The similarity in wording suggests that both texts come from the same Jewish tradition about God’s longing to protect Jerusalem.

Did Jesus Consider 1 Enoch and 2 Esdras Scripture?

While Jesus never explicitly quotes 2 Esdras or 1 Enoch in the way that Jude does, there are strong thematic connections between His teachings and these books. Three possible explanations exist:

  1. Jesus was referring to the Hebrew Bible but used apocalyptic ideas that were common in Jewish thought.

  2. Jesus and the authors of these books drew from the same oral traditions and theological concepts.

  3. Jesus may have considered these writings authoritative but did not explicitly name them as "Scripture."

Ultimately, while we cannot say with certainty that Jesus viewed 1 Enoch and 2 Esdras as Scripture, their influence on Jewish eschatology—and possibly on Jesus' teachings—should not be overlooked.

Conclusion

The apocryphal books 1 Enoch and 2 Esdras provide fascinating parallels to Jesus' teachings on judgment, salvation, and divine mercy. While Jesus does not directly quote 2 Esdras, His words strongly resemble its themes. Meanwhile, His teaching in Matthew 22:30 closely mirrors 1 Enoch 15:6-7, raising the possibility that He was referencing this text when He spoke of the resurrection and angels.

Whether or not Jesus saw these writings as "Scripture," it is clear that they were influential in the religious thought of His time. For modern readers, exploring these books can provide deeper insight into the worldview of Jesus and His early followers.

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