Is Metatron in the Bible? Who or what is Metatron?

Quick answer

Metatron is not found in the Bible, but various mystical and apocryphal writings make reference to Metatron as an angelic being.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Metatron is the name of an angelic being described in the Babylonian Talmud, Kirkisani, and other mystical writings. Metatron is also mentioned in the books of Enoch. According to these writings, after God took Enoch to heaven (Genesis 5:24), he was transformed into the angel Metatron. His "flesh was turned to flame, his veins to fire. . . his eyeballs to flaming torches" and he was "placed on a throne next to the throne of glory." According to Rabbinic tradition, he is the highest angel and the celestial scribe. There is no mention of Metatron, or any evidence for his existence, in the Bible. Neither is there any indication in the Bible that humans turn into angels or vice versa; they are entirely different orders or being.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

Metatron is not mentioned in the Old Testament.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

Metatron is not mentioned in the New Testament.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Metatron is at best a legend, and at worst, a deception—there is no reason to believe he exists. The Bible never mentions him, and the descriptions of Metatron in the mystical writings do not agree with the biblical descriptions of angels. The Bible tells us not to pursue "irreverent, silly myths " but to instead train ourselves in godliness (1 Timothy 4:7). Furthermore, the worship of angels is associated with asceticism and false visions, and is opposed to the worship of Christ (Colossians 2:18–19).

UNDERSTAND

Metatron is not mentioned in the Old or New Testament.
Metatron appears in the Babylonian Talmud and apocryphal texts, described as the transformed Enoch.
The Bible cautions against pursuing legends like Metatron, emphasizing the importance of worshiping Christ alone.

REFLECT

How do you discern between biblical truths and non-biblical traditions or legends like Metatron?
How do you ensure your focus remains on Christ rather than being drawn to mystical or alternative teachings?
How can understanding the nature of angels and their roles help you grow in your faith and relationship with God?

ENGAGE

The mystical writings that mention Metatron also say he is second only to God in terms of power and wisdom, glory and strength, and that the other angels all obey him. He is also supposed to be a kind of mediator between God and Israel and was possibly the angel who led Israel through the wilderness as a pillar of fire by night and a pillar of cloud by day. This is a rather startling assertion, as the Bible clearly says "the LORD went before them" (Exodus 13:21–22). The word "LORD" is from YHWH, or Yahweh, which is God's name, and not the name of a holy angel (Exodus 3:14–15). “There is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5).
How do the descriptions of Metatron in non-canonical texts compare with biblical descriptions of angels, and what can we learn from these differences?
What does the Bible teach us about the role of mediators between God and humanity, and how does this challenge the claims made about Metatron?