Jude 1:14
And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Jude's quotation from 1 Enoch raised questions about canonicity in early church debates. How could Scripture quote a non-canonical source? Several responses emerged:
- Paul quoted pagan poets without endorsing paganism (Acts 17:28, Titus 1:12). Quoting a source doesn't canonize it, just affirms the truth of the quoted portion.
- Under inspiration, Jude could authenticate genuinely prophetic material preserved in extrabiblical tradition.
- Both Jude and 1 Enoch may draw from common oral tradition going back to Enoch himself.
1 Enoch was popular in Second Temple Judaism.
Fragments were found among Dead Sea Scrolls, indicating widespread circulation. Ethiopian Orthodox Church includes it in their canon. While most Christians rejected it as Scripture, they recognized it contained some authentic tradition. Jude's use legitimizes selective quoting of extrabiblical sources when they preserve truth, without requiring acceptance of entire works.
The concept of Enoch's translation without death (Genesis 5:24, Hebrews 11:5) made him a significant figure in Jewish apocalyptic thought. As one who entered God's presence directly, he was viewed as privy to heavenly secrets. Whether Enoch actually spoke these words or they represent later tradition, Jude's inspired use establishes their prophetic validity for this context.
Questions for Reflection
- How should the certainty of Christ's return in judgment shape daily Christian living and priorities?
- What does it mean that believers will accompany Christ and participate in judgment?
- How does applying ancient prophecy to current situations demonstrate Scripture's timeless relevance?
Analysis & Commentary
And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, Jude now quotes from 1 Enoch 1:9, a Jewish apocalyptic work written around 200-100 BC. "Enoch, the seventh from Adam" (Greek Henoch hebdomos apo Adam, Ἑνὼχ ἕβδομος ἀπὸ Ἀδὰμ) identifies the antediluvian patriarch who "walked with God: and he was not; for God took him" (Genesis 5:21-24). The number seven often signifies completeness or perfection in Scripture; Enoch's position as seventh may suggest completeness of witness before the flood.
The verb "prophesied" (Greek proephēteuse, προεφήτευσε) indicates Enoch spoke prophetically about coming judgment. "Prophesied of these" specifically applies his ancient warning to contemporary false teachers—judgment pronounced millennia ago remains relevant. "Behold, the Lord cometh" (Greek idou ēlthen kyrios, ἰδοὺ ἦλθεν κύριος) uses prophetic perfect tense—the coming is so certain it's spoken of as already accomplished.
"With ten thousands of his saints" (Greek en hagiais myriasin autou, ἐν ἁγίαις μυριάσιν αὐτοῦ) depicts the Lord accompanied by countless holy ones—either angels or glorified believers or both. "Myriads" suggests innumerable multitudes. This vision of Christ's return in glory with His people to execute judgment echoes throughout Scripture (Deuteronomy 33:2, Daniel 7:10, Zechariah 14:5, Matthew 25:31, 1 Thessalonians 3:13, Revelation 19:14). The imagery emphasizes both the certainty and magnificence of coming judgment.