Internal Dating Methodologies and the Problem Posed by the Similitudes of Enoch

Abstract

Dating pieces of biblical literature remains one of the most difficult and contentious undertakings for scholars, and, due to the comparative paucity of textual evidence, the complexity of this task is often heightened in the study of the Pseudepigrapha. Using the Similitudes of Enoch as an overarching example, this article surveys the three most common methodologies used to date compositions via internal data, calling particular attention to some common pitfalls in their utilization. While each of these methods can be used fruitfully when certain conditions are met in the respective circumstances, the Similitudes of Enoch fails to meet the minimum criteria in any case, demonstrating a need for the development of further methodological tools of this type.