Why does Jude quote the non-canonical Book of Enoch as prophecy (Jude 14-15)?

Question

Did the Holy Spirit fail to inspire Jude with the fact that the Book of Enoch would not be accepted into the canon?

Answer 1

Your right the book of Enoch,was not put in the canon,but should have been,for it is scripture.

Answer 2

Jude's quotation of the book of Enoch does not mean that Jude considered it inspired. The book of Enoch was a well respected writing among some of the Jews in New Testament times. Even though it was not inspired, it contains some truth (and some falsehood - like "angels marrying humans") like most books.

Jude simply uses a passage from the book of Enoch to prove his point about the coming judgment of wicked men.

Answer 3

As half-brother to Jesus, Jude would have been raised Jewish and been familiar with Jewish teachings both written and the verbal tradition taught by Rabbis. Though we do not have a Book of Enoch in Cannon, it makes me wonder what we missed. It obviously had an impact upon Jude.

And at the same time, it makes me look forward to the day when God will reveal all to His children in heaven.

Answer 4

Matthew Henry says it best

Of the prophecy of Enoch, (Jud_1:14, Jud_1:15) we have no mention made in any other part or place of scripture; yet now it is scripture that there was such prophecy. One plain text of scripture is proof enough of any one point that we are required to believe, especially when relating to a matter of fact; but in matters of faith, necessary saving faith, God has not seen fit (blessed be his holy name he has not) to try us so far. There is no fundamental article of the Christian religion, truly so called, which is not inculcated over and over in the New Testament, by which we may know on what the Holy Ghost does, and consequently on what we ought, to lay the greatest stress. Some say that this prophecy of Enoch was preserved by tradition in the Jewish church; others that the apostle Jude was immediately inspired with the notice of it: be this as it may, it is certain that there was such a prophecy of ancient date, of long standing, and universally received in the Old Testament church; and it is a main point of our New Testament creed. Observe, 1. Christ's coming to judgment was prophesied of as early as the middle of the patriarchal age, and was therefore even then a received and acknowledged truth. - The Lord cometh with his holy myriads, including both angels and the spirits of just men made perfect. What a glorious time will that be, when Christ shall come with ten thousand of these! And we are told for what great and awful ends and purposes he will come so accompanied and attended, namely, to execute judgment upon all. 2. It was spoken of then, so long ago, as a thing just at hand: “Behold, the Lord cometh; he is just a coming, he will be upon you before you are aware, and, unless you be very cautious and diligent, before you are provided to meet him comfortably.” He cometh, (1.) To execute judgment upon the wicked. (2.) To convince them. Observe, Christ will condemn none without precedent, trial, and conviction, such conviction as shall at least silence themselves. They shall have no excuse or apology to make that they either can or dare then stand by. Then every mouth shall be stopped, the Judge and his sentence shall be (by all the impartial) approved and applauded, and even the guilty condemned criminals shall be speechless, though at present they want not bold and specious pleas, which they vent with all assurance and confidence; and yet it is certain that the mock-trials of prisoners in the jail among themselves and the real trial at the bar before the proper judge soon appear to be very different things.