3 Enoch Chapter 16: Modernized English & Source Wording

The Hebrew Book · Lightly modernized English

Switch Between Modernized and Source Wording

Use the wording buttons beneath Chapters and Narrate chapter in the interactive reader to change versions without leaving this chapter.

Read This Chapter in Modernized English

Rabbi Ishmael said: Metatron, the Angel, the Prince of the Presence, the Glory of all heaven, said to me:

¹ At first I was sitting upon a great Throne at the door of the Seventh Hall; and I was judging the children of heaven, the household on high by authority of the Holy One, blessed be he. And I divided Greatness, Kingship, Dignity, Rulership, Honor and Praise, and Diadem and Crown of Glory to all the princes of kingdoms, while I was presiding (lit. sitting) in the Celestial Court (Yeshiba), and the princes of kingdoms were standing before me, on my right and on my left by authority of the Holy One, blessed be he.

² But when Acher came to see the vision of the Merkaba and fixed his eyes on me, he feared and trembled before me and his soul was affrighted even to departing from him, because of fear, horror and dread of me, when he saw me sitting upon a throne like a king with all the serving angels standing by me as my servants and all the princes of kingdoms adorned with crowns surrounding me:

³ in that moment he opened his mouth and said: "Indeed, there are two Divine Powers in heaven!"

⁴ Immediately Bath Qol (the Divine Voice) went out from heaven from before the Shekina and said: "Return, you backsliding children (Jer. iii. 22), except Acher!"

⁵ Then came 'Aniyel, the Prince, the honored, glorified, beloved, wonderful, revered and fearful one, in commission from the Holy One, blessed be he and gave me sixty strokes with lashes of fire and made me stand on my feet.