Genesis Apocryphon

Lamech's troubled heart concerning the birth of Noah — his suspicion that the child is of the Watchers, his wife Bitenosh's solemn oath, and Methuselah's journey to inquire of Enoch.

1Behold, then I considered that the conception was from the Watchers, and the seed from the holy ones; and to the Nephilim it pertained. And my heart was troubled within me because of this child.

2Then I, Lamech, was sore afraid; and I went unto Bitenosh my wife, and said unto her: Swear unto me by the Most High, the great Lord, the King of all the worlds, the ruler of the children of heaven — that thou shalt tell me in truth: Is this seed from me, or from the Watchers, or from the Nephilim?

3Then Bitenosh my wife answered me with great heat, and wept, and said: O my brother and my lord! Remember, I pray thee, my pleasure with thee at the time of conception. I swear unto thee by the Most Holy One, by the King of the heavens, that this seed is of thee, and from thee was this conception. From thee is the planting of this fruit; not of any stranger, nor of any Watcher, nor of any son of heaven.

4Then I, Lamech, ran unto Methuselah my father, and told him all these things. And I asked him to journey unto Enoch his father, that he might know all things in truth — for the favour of God was with him, and his lot was with the holy ones. He spake with the holy ones, and they made known unto him the mysteries of the heavens.

5And Methuselah went unto Parwain — that is, the place where Enoch was — and he said unto him: O my father, hearken; for I am come unto thee with a hard matter. Be not angry with me that I have come hither. For my son Lamech is in dread because of the child which his wife Bitenosh hath borne. The form of the child is not as the form of men; he is more like to the children of the angels of heaven.

6His face is glorious, and his eyes are as the rays of the sun. The light shineth from his eyes upon the whole house. And as soon as he came forth from the womb, he opened his mouth, and blessed the Lord of eternity. Therefore Lamech is afraid, lest perhaps he be of the Watchers.

7Now I, Methuselah, am come unto thee that thou mayest declare the truth unto me. And Enoch made answer, saying: The Lord shall do a new thing in the earth in the days of this child. He shall be just; he shall be perfect; he shall be the deliverer in the day of the great flood. He shall escape; he shall continue; he shall be the father of three sons; and from his sons shall the earth be replenished.

8Now go thy way, and tell Lamech my son: This child is thine; the child is no Watcher's, but is of thy seed. Take heed unto him; preserve him; teach him in the ways of the Most High. He is the chosen of the Lord; and his name is Noah. For he shall give comfort unto the earth from the toil thereof.