2 Corinthians 4:4 and Its Echo of Enoch

Introduction

In recent discussions about the interpretation of 2 Corinthians 4:4, there has been a compelling suggestion that this verse contains an echo of the Book of Enoch. This interpretation offers a fascinating lens through which to view the text, particularly when considering the broader context of early Christian literature and theology.

2 Corinthians 4:4

The verse in question, 2 Corinthians 4:4, reads:

"In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them."

Traditional interpretations often understand "the god of this world" as a reference to Satan or a demonic power that blinds people to the truth of the Gospel. However, an alternative perspective can be found by examining parallels in the Book of Enoch.

Parallels in the Book of Enoch

The Book of Enoch, particularly in the passage from 1 Enoch 1:4-9, describes a vision of divine intervention and judgment:

"And the eternal God on earth (ὁ θεὸς τοῦ αἰῶνος ἐπὶ γῆν) will step on Mount Sinai and will appear from His intervention, and will appear in the strength of His power from the heaven of heavens. And everyone will be afraid, and the swift will believe, and they will be hidden everywhere at the ends of the earth; and all the ends of the earth will tremble, and great terror and fear will take them to the ends of the earth."

This passage describes the eternal God descending to earth, bringing judgment and revealing divine power. The similarity in language between "ὁ θεὸς τοῦ αἰῶνος" in Enoch and "ὁ θεὸς τοῦ αἰῶνος τούτου" in 2 Corinthians 4:4 is striking.

Theological Implications

The echo of Enoch in 2 Corinthians 4:4 introduces a theological nuance that recontextualizes the "god of this world." Instead of seeing it merely as a reference to Satan, this interpretation suggests a dual aspect of divine intervention and judgment. The god of this world blinds the unbelievers, but this act of blinding is set against the backdrop of divine judgment and revelation as described in Enoch.

The Marcionite Perspective

Secret Alias points out that Marcionites viewed the "god of this world" as a diminished divinity. They interpreted this title as indicating a lesser authority compared to the supreme God. This perspective aligns with the reading of 2 Corinthians 4:4 in the context of Enoch, where the god of this world is seen as a temporary power subject to the ultimate authority of the eternal God.

Supporting Scholarly Views

Peter Lorenz's observations on the textual variances and interpretative challenges in early Christian writings reinforce this approach. He highlights the difficulty in relying on Tertullian's citations to understand Marcion's gospel fully, given Tertullian's tendency to adapt texts polemically.

Hugh Houghton also underscores the problem of inconsistency in early Christian texts, noting Tertullian's habit of altering citations to suit his arguments. This inconsistency suggests that the understanding of key terms like "the god of this world" could be highly fluid, shaped by theological agendas and interpretive traditions.

Conclusion

Reading 2 Corinthians 4:4 as an echo of the Book of Enoch offers a richer, more layered interpretation of the text. It aligns with early Christian concerns about divine judgment and revelation and challenges simplistic readings of the "god of this world" as merely a reference to Satan. This perspective also underscores the importance of contextual and intertextual analysis in understanding early Christian writings.

---

References:

1. Peter E. Lorenz, A History of Codex Bezae’s Text in the Gospel of Mark
2. Hugh Houghton, The Latin New Testament: A Guide to Its Early History, Texts, and Manuscripts
3. 1 Enoch 1:4-9 - The Book of Enoch