Did Enoch become Metatron?

While the Bible describes Enoch as a man who “walked with God” and was taken up to heaven without dying, later Jewish tradition—especially mystical writings—identify him with the archangel Metatron. In this blog post, we will explore what the Bible says about Enoch, how the figure of Metatron developed in Jewish mysticism, and whether there is any basis for believing that Enoch became Metatron.

Enoch in the Bible: A Man Who Walked with God

Enoch is mentioned briefly in the Hebrew Bible, primarily in Genesis 5:21-24. The passage is strikingly concise: “Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him.” Unlike other figures in the genealogy of Adam, Enoch does not die but is instead taken by God. Hebrews 11:5 in the New Testament echoes this, stating, “By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death.” While the biblical text offers scant details, it portrays Enoch as a man exceptionally close to God, whose departure from earth is mysterious and unique.

The Book of Enoch: Expanding the Story

Outside the canonical Bible, the ancient Jewish text known as the Book of Enoch (or 1 Enoch) elaborates on Enoch’s story. Written between the 3rd century BCE and the 1st century CE, this text portrays Enoch as a visionary and a scribe entrusted with heavenly secrets. He is depicted as someone who journeys through the heavens, receives revelations, and acts as an intermediary between God and angels. Although the Book of Enoch is not part of the standard Jewish or Christian biblical canon, it was highly influential in Second Temple Judaism and early Christian thought.

Who Is Metatron?

Metatron is a figure who appears not in the Bible, but in later Jewish mystical literature—especially in the Talmud, the Midrash, and the esoteric writings of Kabbalah. Metatron is often described as the highest of the angels, sometimes called the “Prince of the Presence” or the “Chancellor of Heaven.” In these texts, Metatron serves as a scribe of God, recording the deeds of Israel, and acts as a heavenly advocate for humanity.

The Connection Between Enoch and Metatron

The identification of Enoch with Metatron arises from Jewish mystical texts, most notably the 3rd–7th century work called 3 Enoch (or the Hebrew Book of Enoch). In this text, Rabbi Ishmael is taken up to heaven and encounters Metatron, who reveals that he was once Enoch, son of Jared, before being transformed into an angelic being. According to 3 Enoch, God bestowed upon Enoch a new name, immense wisdom, and a position of high authority in the heavenly court. The transformation is depicted as a reward for Enoch’s righteousness, and Metatron is sometimes described as the only angel allowed to sit beside the divine throne.

Why Did This Tradition Develop?

The identification of Enoch with Metatron may have developed for several reasons. First, Enoch’s unusual disappearance from earth—being “taken” by God—suggested to ancient readers that he was translated directly into another form of existence. Second, his role as a heavenly scribe in the Book of Enoch parallels the angelic functions attributed to Metatron. Finally, in Jewish mysticism, Metatron became a way to bridge the gap between humanity and the divine, serving as an exalted intermediary figure.

Is There Biblical Support for Enoch as Metatron?

It’s important to note that the Bible itself does not mention Metatron, nor does it explicitly state that Enoch became an angel or any other heavenly being. The identification is entirely a product of later Jewish mystical and apocryphal literature. Mainstream Judaism and Christianity do not generally teach that humans become angels after death, though the idea persists in popular culture. Instead, the Bible presents Enoch as a man who was exceptionally close to God and was granted a unique fate.

The Legacy of Enoch and Metatron

The story of Enoch’s transformation into Metatron has had a lasting impact on Jewish mysticism and on the imagination of readers for centuries. In Kabbalistic thought, Metatron is a powerful symbol of divine wisdom and mediation. For others, Enoch’s story serves as a reminder of the possibility of intimacy with God and the mysteries that lie beyond human understanding.