Journal for the study of the Pseudepigrapha Vol 19.2 (2009): 83-107 © The Author(s), 2009. Reprints and Permissions: http://www.sagepub.co.uk/JournalsPermissions.nav DOI: 10.1177/0951820709354803 http://JSP.sagepub.com Rooted in Paradise? The Meaning of the ‘Tree of Life’ in 1 Enoch 24–25 Reconsidered * VERONIKA BACHMANN Theologische Fakultät, University of Zurich, Kirchgasse 9, 8001 Zurich, Switzerland Abstract This study explores the meaning of the marvellous tree depicted in chs. 24–25 of the Book of the Watchers. Scholars generally refer to this tree as the ‘tree of life’, mentioned in the paradise story in Genesis 2–3. However, such an interpretation leaves several questions unanswered. Although a few scholars seem to be aware of the problems, a serious reconsideration of the interpretation of the tree has not yet been undertaken. This article proposes linking the tree in chs. 24–25 with wisdom. Evidence for such a conclusion is drawn from the Book of the Watchers itself, but also from other early Jewish writings, including Proverbs and the book of Sirach. Keywords: Book of the Watchers, Tree of Life, wisdom, iconography. In chs. 24–25 of the Book of the Watchers (BW), readers encounter the description of a marvellous tree, generally referred to as the ‘tree of * This study contains thoughts developed in the course of doctoral research on the Book of the Watchers. I would like to thank Professor Gabriele Boccaccini (Ann Arbor) and my advisor, Professor Thomas Krüger (Zurich), for encouraging me to present these thoughts as a paper for the Enoch Graduate Seminar 2008, held at Princeton. In addi- tion, I am indebted to the great work of several proofreaders: Amina Farha and Anne Kreps from Ann Arbor, Wendy Swanson and Peter Altmann from Zurich. The images used in this article are reproduced courtesy of the BIBLE+ORIENT Foundation.