Hypsiphrone

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Hypsiphrone is Codex XI, Tractate 4 [1] of the Nag Hammadi writings, [2] named from the translation of a Greek feminine name word 'Hypsiphrone' or 'Hupsiph[rone]' [3] rendered as she of high mind. [4] The text is highly fragmentary, and only parts of several paragraphs have survived. [5]

Contents

Summary

The text describes a conversation between Hypsiphrone and her brethren Phainops. Hypsiphrone has returned to the world after being in the place of her virginity, and Phainops asks why she has left and suggests she follow him. Phainops then tells Hypsiphrone about a fount of blood that can be revealed by starting a fire. [6]

Interpretation and scholarship

Although the meaning of the text is obscure due to its fragmentary state, it has attracted scholarly attention for its unusual feminine protagonist and its Gnostic symbolism. Elaine Pagels and Charles Hedrick provide a translation and introduction in Nag Hammadi Codices XI, XII, XIII, suggesting the work may allude to spiritual transition or initiation rites. [7] Combs (Grace Theological Journal) discusses the tractate's relevance for understanding Gnostic views on salvation and spiritual knowledge. [8]

Preservation

Hypsiphrone is one of the lesser-known texts from the Nag Hammadi library. Its high degree of fragmentation has limited both lay and scholarly interpretation. However, existing references and secondary literature provide a basis for further analysis, and additional comparative studies with other Nag Hammadi texts have been encouraged. [9]

Further reading

References

  1. ↑ Combs, W. "NAG HAMMADI, GNOSTICISM AND NEW TESTAMENT INTERPRETATION". Grace Theological Journal . 8 (2): 195–212.
  2. ↑ Introduced and Translated by J.D.Turner from The facsimile edition of the Nag Hammadi codices, Volume 12 edited by James M. Robinson pages 454-455 17:28 17.10.11
  3. ↑ Pearson, Birger A. "Hypsiphrone". Early Christian Writings. Peter Kirby. Retrieved 15 December 2018.
  4. ↑ Pagels, Elaine H.; Hedrick, Charles W. (1990). Nag Hammadi Codices XI, XII, XIII. BRILL. ISBN   9004078258.
  5. ↑ Meyer, Marvin (2007). The Nag Hammadi scriptures. New York: HarperOne. ISBN   978-0-06-162600-5. OCLC   124538398.
  6. ↑ Turner, John D. "Hypsiphrone". The Gnostic Society Library. The Nag Hammadi Library. Retrieved 31 January 2023.
  7. ↑ Pagels, Elaine H.; Hedrick, Charles W. (1990). Nag Hammadi Codices XI, XII, XIII. BRILL. ISBN   9004078258.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  8. ↑ Combs, W. (1987). "NAG HAMMADI, GNOSTICISM AND NEW TESTAMENT INTERPRETATION". Grace Theological Journal. 8 (2): 195–212.
  9. ↑ Pearson, Birger A. "Hypsiphrone". Early Christian Writings. Retrieved 2018-12-15.
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