It is unfortunate that year upon year of misunderstanding of Hebrews 11:5 has clouded the true message contained in the chapter. The misunderstanding centers on the word translated, so we will look at the entirety of the verse. By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. It was pointed out in Part VII that metatithemi (translated) does not mean immortality and never has had that meaning though it is commonly taught that it   does. Using the correct meanings of remove or transfer, the verse says he was transferred or moved. Enoch’s faith in God caused him to be free (regarded as righteous much the same as Abraham) of seeing death, but it wasn’t from physical death, for he died. The Psalmist wrote in 89:48 What man can live and not see death? Can he deliver his life from the power of the grave? Selah (NKJV) What man can live and not see death, or save himself from the power of the grave? Selah (NIV) The Psalmist knew everyone died and at some point he would die too.

Now look at the next part of verse 5 that he should not see death; What death is referenced? It has to be the second death or spiritual death since it says should not see death which has to be a future event. Jesus told John in Revelation 2:11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. Enoch had overcome because he had served God faithfully from age 65 until death at 365 years of age. The next part of the verse is thusly and was not found, because God had translated (moved metatithemi) him: He wasn’t found because God moved (metatithemi) him to a grave that could not be found. The remainder of the verse tells us what he did before he died. for before his translation (metathesis-move or remove) he had this testimony, that he pleased God. Jude recorded in 1:14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, 15 To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him. That is how he showed his faith and became pleasing to God.

(A word of caution is necessary when using Greek to English Lexicons. Both Strong’s and Thayer’s Lexicons give definitions for metathesis -- pronounced: met-ath'-es-is #G3331 as transferal to heaven and translation of a person to heaven respectively. Strong cites #G3346 for progression of meaning. Thayer uses Hebrews 11:5 as proof. As has been pointed out, there is no meaning of immortality in the words metatithemi and methistemi. The erroneous teaching is that Enoch received immortality before Jesus brought it to light and both lexicons perpetuate that error. But Paul told Timothy in II Timothy 1:10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:  If Enoch had gone to heaven, he would have been made perfect outside of the work of Jesus Christ. Nowhere is that taught. Strong’s and Thayer’s definitions are wrong on the teaching.)

Jimmy Swaggart, a well known preacher, wrote in his commentary version of the Bible that Enoch was one of the two men in history who did not die. Elijah being the other one. He was translated, and as Paul said, “that he should not see death.”  (Hebrews 11:5). Mr. Swaggart claims to know the Bible and yet he makes the same error as many others. He should read Paul’s words in I Corinthians 15:50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. It was impossible for Enoch to be taken to heaven before Jesus Christ.)

Now we have arrived at verse 6 which clarifies verse 5. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Enoch had faith; he served God believing that God would reward him for seeking after him and Enoch and all the others pleased God  for their exhibition of faith. Verse 13 adds to the clarity of the message. These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. Verse 13 makes it plain that not one of the early servants of God received the promises except by faith they held before dying and that included Enoch.

In order to finish the discussion, Hebrews 11:39-40 must be examined. 39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:  Enoch and everyone who followed him in God’s service had a good report but they did not receive the promise. Verse 40 God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect. No one was made perfect and will not be until Jesus returns. Those before Jesus believed they would live again and they will because of his perfect life, death and resurrection.

All of those listed in Hebrews 11 and many others, are asleep waiting for that glorious day when the dead shall rise and forever be with the Lord. I Thessalonians 4:16-18. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

© 12-08-2012 DEC     

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