# The Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs, chapter 2: Reuben 2

Source: https://enocharchive.com/books/the-testaments-of-the-twelve-patriarchs/2 (Enoch Archive, public-domain translation).

**2:1** And now hear me, my children, what things I saw in my repentance concerning the seven spirits of error.

**2:2** Seven spirits are given against man from Beliar, and they are chief of the works of youth; and seven spirits are given to him at his creation, that in them should be done every work of man.

**2:3** The first (1) spirit is of life, with which man’s whole being is created.

**2:4** The second (2) spirit is of sight, with which ariseth desire.

**2:5** The third (3) spirit is of hearing, with which cometh teaching.

**2:6** The fourth (4) spirit is of smelling, with which taste is given to draw air and breath.

**2:7** The fifth (5) spirit is of speech, with which cometh knowledge.

**2:8** The sixth (6) spirit is of taste, with which cometh the eating of meats and drinks; and by them strength is produced, for in food is the foundation of strength.

**2:9** The seventh (7) spirit is of begetting and sexual intercourse, with which through love of pleasure sin also entereth in: wherefore it is the last in order of creation, and the first of youth, because it is filled with ignorance, which leadeth the young as a blind man to a pit, and as cattle to a precipice.

[Previous chapter](https://enocharchive.com/books/the-testaments-of-the-twelve-patriarchs/1.md) | [Next chapter](https://enocharchive.com/books/the-testaments-of-the-twelve-patriarchs/3.md)