By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse highlights that Enoch was commended for pleasing God before he was taken up. This shows his heavenly translation wasn't a reward for an extraordinary act, but the ultimate outcome of a life lived in faith and a pleasing walk with God. It’s the enduring testimony of his pleasing God that underpins his unique departure.
By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage is part of a larger argument in Hebrews about the nature of faith. The author is illustrating his definition of faith with examples from the Old Testament, starting with Abel and now moving to Enoch, highlighting how their faithfulness led to God's favor and extraordinary interventions. The text immediately following will emphasize that pleasing God is impossible without faith.
Enoch's story is one of the shortest in the Bible, yet it packs a profound punch. What does it mean to be 'taken up' by God?
Hebrews 11:5 tells us Enoch was 'taken up so that he should not see death.' This wasn't a typical departure from life. Instead of experiencing death, God removed him directly from the earthly scene. The text emphasizes this was 'by faith.'
A Unique Departure
More Than Just Disappearance
Before Enoch was taken, he 'had this testimony, that he pleased God.' What does it truly mean to please the Almighty?
The verse pinpoints the core reason for Enoch's special reception by God: he 'pleased God.' This wasn't a fleeting moment but a consistent way of living that earned divine commendation.
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A Life of Alignment
Faith as the Foundation
Understand the original words
thanatos · Greek Noun
The permanent cessation of physical life as a result of the Fall, or the final state of separation from God’s presence in this world.
euaresteo · Greek Verb
To live in a manner that aligns with God's desires, winning His favor through obedience and a heart focused on His pleasure.
Enoch's story, though brief in Genesis, becomes a powerful testament to faith and divine favor in the New Testament. His unique departure, without seeing death, serves as a profound example of God's reward for those who please Him.
c. 3100 BC— this verse
Enoch's Life and Translation
Enoch, a descendant of Adam, lived a life of faith, walking with God. The Bible records his unusual departure from earth: 'he was not, for God took him.' This event, recorded in Genesis 5:24, is interpreted as a translation to be with God without experiencing physical death.
c. 1400 BC
Septuagint Translation
The Hebrew Scriptures, including the account of Enoch, are translated into Greek. This translation (the Septuagint) uses specific wording for Enoch's departure that emphasizes his removal by God, shaping later interpretations.
c. AD 30-60
New Testament Writings
The New Testament authors, particularly the author of Hebrews, reference Enoch's story. They highlight his faith and translation as a testament to pleasing God and an example for believers.
c. AD 90
Book of Jude Reference
The Epistle of Jude mentions Enoch's prophecy concerning God's judgment, further solidifying his role as a prophet and a figure of righteousness in the early Christian tradition.
This is the original Old Testament account of Enoch, stating he 'walked with God; and he was not, for God took him,' directly underpinning the New Testament's summary of his faith and translation.
Jude 1:14-15This passage quotes Enoch directly, revealing his role as a prophet who warned a wicked generation of God's coming judgment, highlighting the boldness and spiritual insight that likely characterized his walk with God.
Luke 2:26In this passage, Simeon states he had been told by the Holy Spirit that he would not 'see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ,' paralleling Enoch's unique removal from death before his time.
2 Kings 2:11This account of Elijah being taken up to heaven in a whirlwind provides a strong parallel to Enoch's experience, showing another instance of a prophet being removed from earth without experiencing death.
Hebrews 11:6Immediately following the mention of Enoch, this verse states that 'without faith it is impossible to please God,' directly explaining the 'testimony' that Enoch received before his translation.
ellicottHebrews 11:5: "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."
(5) See death. —See Luke 2:26 ; Psalm 89:48 ( John 8:51 ). And was not found . . . translated him.—An exact quotation from the LXX. (Genesis 5:24). The word rendered “translated” is a very simple one, denoting merely change of place; but nothing can equal the simplicity of the Hebrew, “he was not. fo…
vincentHebrews 11:5: "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."
EnochGenesis 5:21-24. Comp. Sir. 44:16; 49:14; Wisd. 4:10.Was translated (μετετέθη)The verb used of Enoch's translation, lxx, Genesis 5:24. In Acts 7:16 of the transporting of the remains of Jacob and his sons to Sychem. In Galatians 1:6, of the sudden change in the religious attitude of the Galatia…
The verse highlights that Enoch was commended for pleasing God before he was taken up. This shows his heavenly translation wasn't a reward for an extraordinary act, but the ultimate outcome of a life lived in faith and a pleasing walk with God. It’s the enduring testimony of his pleasing God that underpins his unique departure.
This passage is part of a larger argument in Hebrews about the nature of faith. The author is illustrating his definition of faith with examples from the Old Testament, starting with Abel and now moving to Enoch, highlighting how their faithfulness led to God's favor and extraordinary interventions. The text immediately following will emphasize that pleasing God is impossible without faith.
This passage is part of a larger argument in Hebrews about the nature of faith. The author is illustrating his definition of faith with examples from the Old Testament, starting with Abel and now moving to Enoch, highlighting how their faithfulness led to God's favor and extraordinary interventions. The text immediately following will emphasize that pleasing God is impossible without faith.
"By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God." — The verse highlights that Enoch was commended for pleasing God before he was taken up. This shows his heavenly translation wasn't a reward for an extraordinary act, but the ultimate outcome of a li…
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Last reviewed October 2026