Many people have asked about the Cepher of Chanoch (Book of Enoch). Those in the know also ask about Chanoch 2 and Chanoch 3.  Let’s take a look at the structure of Chanoch (Enoch) 1

Chanoch Ri’shon (1 Enoch) begins with the Cepher Iyriym, the Book of the Watchers. This book begins with chapter 1 and proceeds through 36 chapters (1-36), discussing the fall of the Watchers and those things which YAHUAH gave him of all creation.

Beginning at chapter 37, the Cepher Tenumah, the Book of Similitudes, is set forth.  It is here that the commencement of the word of wisdom begins, and contains the Messianic prophecies, through to chapter 71 (37-71).  Note that in the Eth CEPHER, there is a chapter restructuring to eliminate the missing chapters and to comport with the generally accepted numbering system.

However, within this Book of Similitudes, we find the three parables.  The first parable begins in chapter 38, with a discussion of “[w]hen the assembly of the righteous shall be manifested; and sinners be judged for their crimes, and be troubled in the sight of the world;”

Beginning at chapter 45, the second parable undertakes a discussion “respecting these who deny the name of the habitation of the holy ones, and of YAHUAH TSEVA’OTH. Heaven they shall not ascend, nor shall they come on the earth.” 

Beginning at chapter 56, the third parable discusses the qodeshiym and the elect (56-64). It begins with the following statement concerning the qodeshiym and the elect: “Blessed are you, O qodeshiym and elect, for glorious is your lot. 3 The qodeshiym shall exist in the light of the sun, and the elect in the light of everlasting life, the days of whose life shall never terminate; nor shall the days of the qodeshiym be numbered, who seek for light, and obtain righteousness with YAHUAH TSEVA’OTH. 4 Peace be to the qodeshiym with YAHUAH of the world.”

Beginning at chapter 65, the text is interrupted with the Vision of Noach (65-71).  Noach is given the instruction to build an ark and is given prophecy as well.

Beginning at chapter 72 [again, the chapter numeration is adjusted in the Eth CEPHER compared with some editions], we find the Cepher Or Shemayim, the Book of Heavenly Lights (Heavenly Luminaries). Here, Chanoch undertakes his discussion of the metaphysical properties of the sun, the moon, the stars, and the calendar.  This discussion is a substantial expansion on the mitsvah (command) of Bere’shiyth (Genesis) 1:14-18.

Beginning at chapter 82, we find the Cepher Chalom Mar’ah, Book of Dream Visions (82-90).  There can be little doubt that what is written in this book is prophecy.  In chapters 88 and 89 we see a detailed prophecy of the rise of the belief in the Brit Chadashah. 

Beginning at chapter 91, we find the Iggereth Chanoch, the Letter of Enoch, which will complete the prophecy through the last chapter 105.

This concludes the overall structure of the Cepher Chanoch (the Book of Enoch) – each section being worth of a study of a thousand days.  This text is set out in the Eth CEPHER, together with the Cepher Yovheliym (the Book of Jubilees), and the Cepher Yashar (the Book of Jasher).

For further reading...

What is Canonization?

Canonicity: The Septuagint – Part 1

Canonicity: The Ethiopic Bible – Part 2

Canonicity: The Synod of Jamnia – Part 3

Canonicity: The Council of Nicea – Part 4

Canonicity: The Council of Laodicea – Part 5

Qs and As on the Cepher Chanoch (Book of Enoch)

The Cepher of Chanoch (Book of Enoch) - its credibility

Cepher Chanoch: On the veracity of the Book of Enoch

Cepher Chanoch: Understanding the Book of Enoch