Ἐνώχ

Enoch

Definition

Ἐνώχ (Enoch) is the Greek form of the Hebrew name חֲנוֹךְ (Chanokh), meaning 'dedicated' or 'initiated.' In the New Testament, it refers exclusively to the antediluvian patriarch Enoch, the son of Jared and father of Methuselah (Luke 3:37). He is most notably remembered for his unique relationship with God, as he 'was taken up so that he should not see death' (Hebrews 11:5). The book of Jude further records a prophecy attributed to him concerning the Lord's coming judgment (Jude 1:14).

Biblical Usage

The name Ἐνώχ appears only three times in the New Testament, each in a distinct context. In Luke 3:37, it is used genealogically, placing Enoch in the lineage of Jesus. Hebrews 11:5 uses his example to illustrate the principle of faith, specifically faith that pleases God and results in a miraculous translation to avoid death. Jude 1:14 cites Enoch as a prophetic figure from ancient tradition, quoting a non-canonical work (1 Enoch) to underscore a message of judgment.

Etymology

Derived directly from the Hebrew name חֲנוֹךְ (Chanokh), which likely means 'dedicated' or 'trained up.' The Greek form Ἐνώχ is a transliteration, a direct borrowing of the sound of the Hebrew name into Greek, preserving its identity as a proper name without semantic translation.

Semantic Range

Enoch is a theologically significant figure as a paradigm of exceptional faith and intimacy with God. His story (drawn from Genesis 5:21-24) demonstrates that a life of walking with God can transcend ordinary human destiny, a key point in Hebrews 11's 'Hall of Faith.' His cited prophecy in Jude connects the earliest biblical history with New Testament eschatology, affirming God's consistent character of judging ungodliness. Understanding the Greek highlights how the New Testament authors drew from both the Hebrew Scriptures and contemporary Jewish tradition to build their arguments.

In Second Temple Jewish culture, Enoch was a prominent figure in apocalyptic literature (e.g., the Book of 1 Enoch), viewed as a recipient of heavenly secrets and a prophet of the final judgment. The New Testament's reference to his prophecy in Jude 1:14 assumes this broader cultural understanding, showing the early church's engagement with traditions respected in their milieu, even from non-canonical sources, to make a theological point.

No direct synonyms as a proper name. Theologically, his example is linked to concepts of faith (πίστις, pistis, G4102) and translation (μετατίθημι, metatithēmi, G3346).

Word Details

Scripture References