The Book of Enoch: 7 Components of The Creation of Man
From the Book of Enoch:
The unity of the cosmological and anthropological developments is evident in the tradition of the sevenfold nature of humanity. The longer recension of 2nd Enoch chapter 30 verses 8-9 recounts that Adam (first man) was created from seven “components” and endowed with seven “properties or faculties”.
The name “Adam” in Amharic and Ge’ez is written as አዳም (pronounced “Adam”). The name Eve is pronounced in Amharic as Hewan.
This transliteration remains consistent across both languages, as Ge’ez is the liturgical and historical root of Amharic. It carries the same biblical and symbolic meaning of “man” or “human” derived from the Hebrew word “adamah,” meaning “earth” or “ground.”
The Book of Enoch: The 7 Components of Man’s Creation
The Book of Enoch, specifically 2 Enoch, offers a profound account of humanity’s creation, describing man as a being formed from seven components. According to this text, God commanded Wisdom to fashion Adam on the sixth day, combining elements of the cosmos to create the perfect being:
- Flesh was formed from the rich dark earth.
- Blood came from the dew and the sun.
- Eyes were crafted from the bottomless sea.
- Bones emerged from stone.
- Reason was derived from the mobility of angels and clouds.
- Veins and hair originated from grass.
- Spirit was infused from God’s Spirit and the wind.
God also granted man seven distinct properties: hearing to the flesh, sight to the eyes, smell to the spirit, touch to the sinews, taste to the blood, endurance to the bones, and sweetness to reason.
The Symbolism of the “Bottomless Sea”
A fascinating point in the creation narrative is the description of man’s eyes. Some manuscripts state they were made from the sun, while others mention the bottomless sea. This variance reflects differences in translation and interpretation, each emphasizing the mystical and symbolic origins of man’s creation. It would make sense that the eyes were made from the bottomless sea; thus, why our tears are salty! The “bottomless sea” suggests depth, mystery, and infinite perception, while the “sun” symbolizes light and vision.
This intricate narrative aligns with hermetic and gnostic traditions, where the sevenfold creation of man mirrors the cosmic order, showcasing the divine connection between humanity and the universe.
