1 Enoch

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Chapter 42

1 Wisdom found no place where she might dwell; then a dwelling-place was assigned to her in the heavens.⁠ 2 Wisdom went forth to make her dwelling among the children of men, and found no dwelling-place:⁠ Wisdom returned to her place, and took her seat among the angels.⁠ 3 And unrighteousness went forth from her chambers: whom she did not seek, she found, and dwelt with them,⁠ like rain in a desert and dew on a thirsty land.

Texts in conversation

Compare 1 Enoch 42:3 and Sirach 51:15

Pseudepigrapha, Apocalypses · Deuterocanon

Summary

Sirach 51 describes wisdom as a lifelong guide learned from youth who brings direction and joy to those who are devoted to her. 1 Enoch also speaks of wisdom as a figure, but shows her leaving the earth when rejected, focusing on her absence.

Passages

1 Enoch 42:3

Pseudepigrapha, Apocalypses

1 Wisdom found no place where she might dwell; then a dwelling-place was assigned to her in the heavens. 2 Wisdom went forth to make her dwelling among the children of men, and found no dwelling-place: Wisdom returned to her place, and took her seat among the angels. 3 And unrighteousness went forth from her chambers: whom she did not seek, she found, and dwelt with them, like rain in a desert and dew on a thirsty land.

300 BCE – 100 CE (scholarly estimate) Read in 1 Enoch

Sirach 51:15

Deuterocanon · Ben Sira, Ecclesiasticus

13 When I was yet young, before I went abroad, I sought wisdom openly in my prayer. 14 Before the temple I asked for her. I will seek her out even to the end. 15 From the first flower to the ripening grape my heart delighted in her. My foot walked in uprightness. From my youth I followed her steps. 16 I inclined my ear a little, and received her, and found for myself much instruction. 17 I profited in her. I will give glory to him who gives me wisdom.

195–180 BCE (scholarly estimate) Read in Sirach

References

"... The antithetical pairing of Wisdom as a woman with the wicked woman is traditional and occurs in Israelite, Hellenistic, and early Christian literature. The figure of Iniquity as a wicked woman is especially close at hand in 4Q184, and elements of the description are contrastingly reminiscent of Sirach 51:13-22 and especially its Hebrew counterpart in 11QPs xxxi.11-17 ..."

George W. E. Nickelsburg, A Commentary on the Book of 1 Enoch Chapters 37-82 (Minneapolis: Fortress, 2012), 140.

References are not endorsements of their contents. Read each reference in full to understand its author's intentions in using these texts.

1 Enoch108 chapters

Compare 1 Enoch 42:3 and Sirach 51:15

Summary

Passages

1 Enoch 42:3

Sirach 51:15

References

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