of Hebrew origin (חֲנוֹךְ); Enoch (i.e. Chanok), an antediluvian:--Enoch.
Transliteration:Enṓch
Pronunciation:en-oke'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek lemma Ἐνώχ (Enṓch), a proper noun, directly derives from the Hebrew `{{H2585}}` (Chanok). As a personal name, its semantic range is primarily fixed to the specific individuals bearing it within the biblical narrative. The Hebrew root חנך (chanak) from which the name originates carries the core meaning of "to train," "to dedicate," or "to initiate." Thus, the name "Enoch" itself can be understood to connote "dedicated" or "initiated," perhaps hinting at the character's unique relationship with God. In the New Testament, G1802 exclusively refers to the antediluvian patriarch, son of Jared and father of Methuselah, known for his extraordinary walk with God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Enoch (G1802) appears three times in the New Testament, each instance illuminating a distinct facet of this remarkable patriarch's significance:
1. **[[Luke 3:37]]**: Enoch is listed in the genealogy of Jesus Christ, tracing His lineage back to Adam. Here, Enoch's inclusion serves to establish the historical continuity of God's redemptive plan through successive generations. His placement within this sacred lineage underscores his historical reality and his integral role in the unfolding narrative of salvation history, bridging the early patriarchal age with the coming of the Messiah.
2. **[[Hebrews 11:5-6]]**: Enoch is presented as a preeminent example of faith within the "faith hall of fame." The text states, "By faith Enoch was taken up so that he would not see death; and he was not found because God had taken him; for he obtained the witness that before his being taken up he was pleasing to God. And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him." This passage highlights Enoch's unique translation (from Genesis 5:24) as a direct consequence of his faith. His "pleasing God" is explicitly linked to his trust and belief, demonstrating that an intimate, God-honoring life is predicated upon faith. His not experiencing death serves as a powerful testament to the divine reward for such faith.
3. **[[Jude 1:14-15]]**: The Epistle of Jude directly quotes a prophecy attributed to Enoch: "It was also about these men that Enoch, in the seventh generation from Adam, prophesied, saying, 'Behold, the Lord came with many thousands of His holy ones, to execute judgment upon all, and to convict all the ungodly of all their ungodly deeds which they have done in an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him.'" This citation from the Book of Enoch (an extra-canonical work) affirms Enoch's prophetic office and his ancient witness to God's ultimate judgment against ungodliness. It underscores the certainty of divine retribution and the long-standing revelation of God's justice, even in the earliest epochs of human history.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of Enoch (G1802) naturally draws us to several related concepts and the foundational Hebrew term:
* **`{{H2585}}` (Chanok)**: This is the Hebrew equivalent, appearing in the Old Testament (e.g., [[Genesis 5:18-24]], [[1 Chronicles 1:3]]). The Genesis account provides the foundational narrative for Enoch's life, emphasizing his "walking with God" (הלך את האלהים), a phrase denoting intimate fellowship, consistent obedience, and a life lived in divine communion.
* **Faith (πίστις, `{{G4102}}`)**: As highlighted in Hebrews 11, Enoch's life is a supreme illustration of faith. His translation is presented as the direct result of his unwavering trust in God, making him a paradigm for all who seek to please the Almighty.
* **Walking with God**: This profound concept from Genesis 5:22, 24, though not using G1802 directly, is intrinsic to understanding Enoch's character. It signifies a life of continuous, intentional communion, obedience, and alignment with God's will, leading to divine favor and an extraordinary destiny.
* **Translation/Ascension**: Enoch's unique departure from the earthly realm ("God took him") is a singular event in the Old Testament, prefiguring Christ's ascension and offering a glimpse into the ultimate triumph over death for believers. It relates to concepts of glorification and eternal life in God's presence.
* **Prophecy (προφητεία, `{{G4394}}`)**: The citation in Jude reveals Enoch's role as an early prophet, speaking forth divine truth regarding future judgment. This connects him to the broader biblical theme of God's revelation through chosen individuals.
* **Righteousness/Piety**: Implicit in his "walking with God" and his pleasing God is a life characterized by righteousness and deep piety, setting him apart in a generation that was increasingly corrupt.
### Theological Significance
Enoch's life and unique translation hold profound theological significance:
1. **A Model of Faith and Divine Intimacy**: Enoch stands as a powerful testament to the possibility of profound communion with God in a fallen world. His "walking with God" demonstrates that a life of consistent, intimate fellowship is attainable and deeply pleasing to the Creator. His translation without seeing death serves as the ultimate divine affirmation of such a faith-filled existence, proving that God rewards those who diligently seek Him. He is a pre-Mosaic witness to salvation by grace through faith.
2. **Prefigurement of Glorified Existence**: Enoch's being "taken" by God without experiencing death offers a unique prophetic glimpse into the eschatological hope for believers. It foreshadows Christ's victory over death and resurrection, and the ultimate glorification and eternal life promised to those who are in Christ. His translation is a powerful symbol of God's power to transcend the boundaries of mortality for those who are truly His.
3. **Witness to God's Sovereignty and Judgment**: The prophecy cited by Jude underscores God's eternal plan for justice and judgment. Enoch's early prophetic voice affirms that God's moral order and ultimate accountability for ungodliness were revealed from the earliest times, long before the giving of the Law. This highlights the immutability of God's character and His unwavering commitment to righteousness.
4. **Continuity of Revelation and Redemption**: Enoch's place in the genealogy of Christ in Luke's Gospel reinforces the unbroken thread of God's redemptive activity throughout history. He is a vital link in the lineage through which the promise of the Messiah would eventually be fulfilled, demonstrating God's faithfulness across generations.
### Summary
The Greek lemma Ἐνώχ (Enṓch), derived from the Hebrew `{{H2585}}` (Chanok), refers to the antediluvian patriarch renowned for his exceptional walk with God. Appearing in the New Testament in the genealogy of Christ, as a paradigm of faith, and as an early prophet, Enoch's life carries immense theological weight. His "walking with God" exemplifies profound divine intimacy and obedience, leading to his unique translation without seeing death—a powerful testament to the efficacy of faith and a prefigurement of glorified existence. Furthermore, his prophetic witness to God's coming judgment underscores the consistency of divine revelation and justice from the earliest epochs. Enoch thus stands as a timeless biblical figure, embodying the power of faith to please God and the promise of eternal communion for those who wholeheartedly seek Him.
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