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The Gospel of Mary
is found in the Berlin Gnostic Codex (or Papyrus Berolinensis 8502, as this
ancient collection of Gnostic texts is labeled for archival reasons). This very
important and well-preserved codex was apparently discovered in the
late-nineteenth century somewhere near Akhmim in upper Egypt. It was purchased
in 1896 by a German scholar, Dr. Carl Reinhardt, in Cairo and then taken to
Berlin.
The book (or "codex", as these ancient books
are called) was probably copied and bound in the late fourth or early fifth
century. It contains Coptic translations of three very important early
Christian Gnostic texts: the Gospel of Mary, the Apocryphon
of John, and the Sophia of Jesus Christ. The texts themselves date
to the second century and were originally authored in Greek. (In academic
writing over the last century, this codex is variably and confusingly
referenced by scholars as the "Berlin Gnostic Codex", the
"Akhmim Codex", PB 8502, and BG 8502).
Despite the importance of the discovery of this ancient
collection of Gnostic scriptures, several misfortunes including two world wars
delayed its publication until 1955. By then the large Nag Hammadi collection of
ancient Gnostic writings had also been recovered. It was found that copies of
two of the texts in this codex -- the Apocryphon of John, and the Sophia of
Jesus Christ -- had also been preserved in the Nag Hammadi collection. The
texts from the Berlin Gnostic Codex were used to aid and augment translations
of the Apocryphon of John and the Sophia
of Jesus Christ as they now are published in Nag
Hammadi Library.
But more importantly, the codex preserves the most
complete surviving fragment of the Gospel of Mary (as the text is named in the
manuscript, though it is clear this named Mary is the person we call Mary of
Magdala). Two other small fragments of the Gospel of Mary from separate Greek
editions were later unearthed in archaeological excavations at Oxyrhynchus in
lower Egypt. (Fragments of the Gospel of Thomas were also found at this ancient
site; see the Oxyrhynchus and Gospel of Thomas page for
more information about Oxyrhynchus.) Finding three fragments of a text of this
antiquity is extremely unusual, and it is thus evidenced that the Gospel of
Mary was well distributed in early Christian times and existed in both an
original Greek and a Coptic language translation.
Unfortunately the surviving manuscript of the Gospel of
Mary is missing pages 1 to 6 and pages 11 to 14 -- pages that included sections
of the text up to chapter 4, and portions of chapter 5 to 8. The extant text of
the Gospel of Mary, as found in the Berlin Gnostic Codex, is presented below.
The manuscript text begins on page 7, in the middle of a passage.
Further Introductory Material
We highly recommend Karen King's new translation with
extended commentary, The Gospel of Mary of Magdala: Jesus and the First
Woman Apostle. The Gospel of Mary is also included, along with a
useful introduction, in the International Edition of The Nag Hammadi Scriptures
(published in 2007).
Without explanatory and background material, it will be
impossible for a reader unfamiliar with ancient Gnostic Christian writings to
understand the Gospel of Mary. Dr. King's introduction to her book -- which we
provide here in preview -- gives an excellent overview of the text of the Gospel
of Mary and a discussion about the discovery and surviving manuscript
fragments. In subsequent chapters, Dr. King provides the contextual information
a reader needs to understand the messages of this important text.
Read Dr. King's introductory chapter from The Gospel of Mary of Magdala: Jesus and the First
Woman Apostle.
We also additionally recommend the first three books
listed to the left: Mary Magdalene, First Apostle by Ann Brock;
The Resurrection of Mary Magdalene: Legends,
Apocrypha, and the Christian Testament by Jane Schaberg; and Mary Magdalen, Myth and Metaphor by Susan
Haskin. There are many books now available on Mary of Magdala, some of
questionable value. These four books are among the best and together offer an
overview of the Magdalen in history and myth from a wide variety of
perspectives.
The
Gospel According to Mary Magdalene
[The Gospel of Mary]
[The Gospel of Mary]
Chapter 4
(Pages 1 to 6 of the manuscript, containing chapters 1
- 3, are lost. The extant text starts on page 7...)
. . . Will matter then be destroyed or not?
22) The Savior said, All nature, all formations, all
creatures exist in and with one another, and they will be resolved again into
their own roots.
23) For the nature of matter is resolved into the roots
of its own nature alone.
24) He who has ears to hear, let him hear.
25) Peter said to him, Since you have explained
everything to us, tell us this also: What is the sin of the world?
26) The Savior said There is no sin, but it is you who
make sin when you do the things that are like the nature of adultery, which is
called sin.
27) That is why the Good came into your midst, to the
essence of every nature in order to restore it to its root.
28) Then He continued and said, That is why you become
sick and die, for you are deprived of the one who can heal you.
29) He who has a mind to understand, let him
understand.
30) Matter gave birth to a passion that has no equal,
which proceeded from something contrary to nature. Then there arises a
disturbance in its whole body.
31) That is why I said to you, Be of good courage, and
if you are discouraged be encouraged in the presence of the different forms of
nature.
32) He who has ears to hear, let him hear.
33) When the Blessed One had said this, He greeted them
all,saying, Peace be with you. Receive my peace unto yourselves.
34) Beware that no one lead you astray saying Lo here
or lo there! For the Son of Man is within you.
35) Follow after Him!
36) Those who seek Him will find Him.
37) Go then and preach the gospel of the Kingdom.
38) Do not lay down any rules beyond what I appointed
you, and do not give a law like the lawgiver lest you be constrained by it.
39) When He said this He departed.
Chapter 5
1) But they were grieved. They wept greatly, saying,
How shall we go to the Gentiles and preach the gospel of the Kingdom of the Son
of Man? If they did not spare Him, how will they spare us?
2) Then Mary stood up, greeted them all, and said to
her brethren, Do not weep and do not grieve nor be irresolute, for His grace
will be entirely with you and will protect you.
3) But rather, let us praise His greatness, for He has
prepared us and made us into Men.
4) When Mary said this, she turned their hearts to the
Good, and they began to discuss the words of the Savior.
5) Peter said to Mary, Sister we know that the Savior
loved you more than the rest of woman.
6) Tell us the words of the Savior which you remember
which you know, but we do not, nor have we heard them.
7) Mary answered and said, What is hidden from you I
will proclaim to you.
8) And she began to speak to them these words: I, she
said, I saw the Lord in a vision and I said to Him, Lord I saw you today in a
vision. He answered and said to me,
9) Blessed are you that you did not waver at the sight
of Me. For where the mind is there is the treasure.
10) I said to Him, Lord, how does he who sees the
vision see it, through the soul or through the spirit?
11) The Savior answered and said, He does not see
through the soul nor through the spirit, but the mind that is between the two
that is what sees the vision and it is [...]
(pages 11 - 14 are missing from the manuscript)
Chapter 8:
. . . it.
10) And desire said, I did not see you descending, but
now I see you ascending. Why do you lie since you belong to me?
11) The soul answered and said, I saw you. You did not
see me nor recognize me. I served you as a garment and you did not know me.
12) When it said this, it (the soul) went away
rejoicing greatly.
13) Again it came to the third power, which is called
ignorance.
14) The power questioned the soul, saying, Where are
you going? In wickedness are you bound. But you are bound; do not judge!
15) And the soul said, Why do you judge me, although I
have not judged?
16) I was bound, though I have not bound.
17) I was not recognized. But I have recognized that
the All is being dissolved, both the earthly things and the heavenly.
18) When the soul had overcome the third power, it went
upwards and saw the fourth power, which took seven forms.
19) The first form is darkness, the second desire, the
third ignorance, the fourth is the excitement of death, the fifth is the
kingdom of the flesh, the sixth is the foolish wisdom of flesh, the seventh is
the wrathful wisdom. These are the seven powers of wrath.
20) They asked the soul, Whence do you come slayer of
men, or where are you going, conqueror of space?
21) The soul answered and said, What binds me has been
slain, and what turns me about has been overcome,
22) and my desire has been ended, and ignorance has
died.
23) In a aeon I was released from a world, and in a
Type from a type, and from the fetter of oblivion which is transient.
24) From this time on will I attain to the rest of the
time, of the season, of the aeon, in silence.
Chapter 9
1) When Mary had said this, she fell silent, since it
was to this point that the Savior had spoken with her.
2) But Andrew answered and said to the brethren, Say
what you wish to say about what she has said. I at least do not believe that
the Savior said this. For certainly these teachings are strange ideas.
3) Peter answered and spoke concerning these same
things.
4) He questioned them about the Savior: Did He really
speak privately with a woman and not openly to us? Are we to turn about and all
listen to her? Did He prefer her to us?
5) Then Mary wept and said to Peter, My brother Peter,
what do you think? Do you think that I have thought this up myself in my heart,
or that I am lying about the Savior?
6) Levi answered and said to Peter, Peter you have
always been hot tempered.
7) Now I see you contending against the woman like the
adversaries.
8) But if the Savior made her worthy, who are you
indeed to reject her? Surely the Savior knows her very well.
9) That is why He loved her more than us. Rather let us
be ashamed and put on the perfect Man, and separate as He commanded us and
preach the gospel, not laying down any other rule or other law beyond what the
Savior said.
10) And when they heard this they began to go forth to
proclaim and to preach.
Gospel
of Mary of Magdala
Text from the Papyrus Berolinensis
Text from the Papyrus Berolinensis
Note: Square brackets in the translation indicate that
a gap exists in the manuscript where writing once existed; the text within the
brackets has been restored by scholars.
Pages 1-6 are missing.
"… Will m[a]tter then be utterly [destr]oyed or
not?"
The Savior replied, "Every nature, every modeled form, every creature, exists in and with each other. They will dissolve again into their own proper root. For the nature of matter is dissolved into what belongs to its nature. Anyone with two ears able to hear should listen!"
Then Peter said to him, "You have been explaining every topic to us; tell us one other thing. What is the sin of the world?"
The Savior replied, "There is no such thing as sin; rather you yourselves are what produces sin when you act in accordance with the nature of adultery, which is called 'sin.' For this reason, the Good came among you, pursuing (the good) which belongs to every nature. It will set it within its root."
Then he continued. He said, "This is why you get si[c]k and die: because [you love] what de[c]ei[ve]s [you]. [Anyone who] thinks should consider (these matters)!
"[Ma]tter gav[e bi]rth to a passion which has no Image because it derives from what is contrary to nature. A disturbing confusion then occurred in the whole body. That is why I told you, 'Become content at heart, while also remaining discontent and disobedient; indeed become contented and agreeable (only) in the presence of that other Image of nature.' Anyone with two ears capable of hearing should listen!"
When the Blessed One had said these things, he greeted them all. "Peace be with you!" he said. "Acquire my peace within yourselves!
"Be on your guard so that no one deceives you by saying, 'Look over here!' or 'Look over there!' For the child of true Humanity exists within you. Follow it! Those who search for it will find it.
"Go then, preac[h] the good news about the Realm. [Do] not lay down any rule beyond what I determined for you, nor promulgate law like the lawgiver, or else you might be dominated by it."
After he had said these things, he departed from them.
But they were distressed and wept greatly. "How are we going to go out to the rest of the world to announce the good news about the Realm of the child of true Humanity?" they said. "If they did not spare him, how will they spare us?"
Then Mary stood up. She greeted them all, addressing her brothers and sisters, "Do not weep and be distressed nor let your hearts be irresolute. For his grace will be with you all and will shelter you. Rather we should praise his greatness, for he has prepared us and made us true Human beings."
When Mary had said these things, she turned their heart [to]ward the Good, and they began to deba[t]e about the wor[d]s of [the Savior].
Peter said to Mary, "Sister, we know that the Savior loved you more than all other women. Tell us the words of the Savior that you remember, the things which you know that we don't because we haven't heard them."
Mary responded, "I will teach you about what is hidden from you." And she began to speak these words to them.
She said, "I saw the Lord in a vision and I said to him, 'Lord, I saw you today in a vision.'
He answered me, 'How wonderful you are for not wavering at seeing me! For where the mind is, there is the treasure.'
I said to him, 'So now, Lord, does a person who sees a vision see it the soul with the spirit?'
The Savior answered, 'A person does not see with the soul or with the spirit. 'Rather the mind, which exists between these two, sees the vision an[d] that is w[hat … ]'
The Savior replied, "Every nature, every modeled form, every creature, exists in and with each other. They will dissolve again into their own proper root. For the nature of matter is dissolved into what belongs to its nature. Anyone with two ears able to hear should listen!"
Then Peter said to him, "You have been explaining every topic to us; tell us one other thing. What is the sin of the world?"
The Savior replied, "There is no such thing as sin; rather you yourselves are what produces sin when you act in accordance with the nature of adultery, which is called 'sin.' For this reason, the Good came among you, pursuing (the good) which belongs to every nature. It will set it within its root."
Then he continued. He said, "This is why you get si[c]k and die: because [you love] what de[c]ei[ve]s [you]. [Anyone who] thinks should consider (these matters)!
"[Ma]tter gav[e bi]rth to a passion which has no Image because it derives from what is contrary to nature. A disturbing confusion then occurred in the whole body. That is why I told you, 'Become content at heart, while also remaining discontent and disobedient; indeed become contented and agreeable (only) in the presence of that other Image of nature.' Anyone with two ears capable of hearing should listen!"
When the Blessed One had said these things, he greeted them all. "Peace be with you!" he said. "Acquire my peace within yourselves!
"Be on your guard so that no one deceives you by saying, 'Look over here!' or 'Look over there!' For the child of true Humanity exists within you. Follow it! Those who search for it will find it.
"Go then, preac[h] the good news about the Realm. [Do] not lay down any rule beyond what I determined for you, nor promulgate law like the lawgiver, or else you might be dominated by it."
After he had said these things, he departed from them.
But they were distressed and wept greatly. "How are we going to go out to the rest of the world to announce the good news about the Realm of the child of true Humanity?" they said. "If they did not spare him, how will they spare us?"
Then Mary stood up. She greeted them all, addressing her brothers and sisters, "Do not weep and be distressed nor let your hearts be irresolute. For his grace will be with you all and will shelter you. Rather we should praise his greatness, for he has prepared us and made us true Human beings."
When Mary had said these things, she turned their heart [to]ward the Good, and they began to deba[t]e about the wor[d]s of [the Savior].
Peter said to Mary, "Sister, we know that the Savior loved you more than all other women. Tell us the words of the Savior that you remember, the things which you know that we don't because we haven't heard them."
Mary responded, "I will teach you about what is hidden from you." And she began to speak these words to them.
She said, "I saw the Lord in a vision and I said to him, 'Lord, I saw you today in a vision.'
He answered me, 'How wonderful you are for not wavering at seeing me! For where the mind is, there is the treasure.'
I said to him, 'So now, Lord, does a person who sees a vision see it
The Savior answered, 'A person does not see with the soul or with the spirit. 'Rather the mind, which exists between these two, sees the vision an[d] that is w[hat … ]'
(Pages 11-14 are missing.)
" '… it.'
"And Desire said, 'I did not see you go down, yet now I see you go up. So why do you lie since you belong to me?'
"The soul answered, 'I saw you. You did not see me nor did you know me. You (mis)took the garment (I wore) for my (true) self. And you did not recognize me.'
"After it had said these things, it left rejoicing greatly.
"Again, it came to the third Power, which is called 'Ignorance.' [It] examined the soul closely, saying, 'Where are you going? You are bound by wickedness. Indeed you are bound! Do not judge!'
"And the soul said, 'Why do you judge me, since I have not passed judgement? I have been bound, but I have not bound (anything). They did not recognize me, but I have recognized that the universe is to be dissolved, both the things of earth and those of heaven.'
"When the soul had brought the third Power to naught, it went upward and saw the fourth Power. It had seven forms. The first form is darkness; the second is desire; the third is ignorance; the fourth is zeal for death; the fifth is the realm of the flesh; the sixth is the foolish wisdom of the flesh; the seventh is the wisdom of the wrathful person. These are the seven Powers of Wrath.
"They interrogated the soul, 'Where are you coming from, human-killer, and where are you going, space-conqueror?'
"The soul replied, saying, 'What binds me has been slain, and what surrounds me has been destroyed, and my desire has been brought to an end, and ignorance has died. In a [wor]ld, I was set loose from a world [an]d in a type, from a type which is above, and (from) the chain of forgetfulness which exists in time. From this hour on, for the time of the due season of the aeon, I will receive rest i[n] silence.' "
After Mary had said these things, she was silent, since it was up to this point that the Savior had spoken to her.
Andrew responded, addressing the brothers and sisters, "Say what you will about the things she has said, but I do not believe that the S[a]vior said these things, f[or] indeed these teachings are strange ideas."
Peter responded, bringing up similar concerns. He questioned them about the Savior: "Did he, then, speak with a woman in private without our knowing about it? Are we to turn around and listen to her? Did he choose her over us?"
Then [M]ary wept and said to Peter, "My brother Peter, what are you imagining? Do you think that I have thought up these things by myself in my heart or that I am telling lies about the Savior?"
Levi answered, speaking to Peter, "Peter, you have always been a wrathful person. Now I see you contending against the woman like the Adversaries. For if the Savior made her worthy, who are you then for your part to reject her? Assuredly the Savior's knowledge of her is completely reliable. That is why he loved her more than us.
"Rather we should be ashamed. We should clothe ourselves with the perfect Human, acquire it for ourselves as he commanded us, and announce the good news, not laying down any other rule or law that differs from what the Savior said."
After [he had said these] things, they started going out [to] teach and to preach.
"And Desire said, 'I did not see you go down, yet now I see you go up. So why do you lie since you belong to me?'
"The soul answered, 'I saw you. You did not see me nor did you know me. You (mis)took the garment (I wore) for my (true) self. And you did not recognize me.'
"After it had said these things, it left rejoicing greatly.
"Again, it came to the third Power, which is called 'Ignorance.' [It] examined the soul closely, saying, 'Where are you going? You are bound by wickedness. Indeed you are bound! Do not judge!'
"And the soul said, 'Why do you judge me, since I have not passed judgement? I have been bound, but I have not bound (anything). They did not recognize me, but I have recognized that the universe is to be dissolved, both the things of earth and those of heaven.'
"When the soul had brought the third Power to naught, it went upward and saw the fourth Power. It had seven forms. The first form is darkness; the second is desire; the third is ignorance; the fourth is zeal for death; the fifth is the realm of the flesh; the sixth is the foolish wisdom of the flesh; the seventh is the wisdom of the wrathful person. These are the seven Powers of Wrath.
"They interrogated the soul, 'Where are you coming from, human-killer, and where are you going, space-conqueror?'
"The soul replied, saying, 'What binds me has been slain, and what surrounds me has been destroyed, and my desire has been brought to an end, and ignorance has died. In a [wor]ld, I was set loose from a world [an]d in a type, from a type which is above, and (from) the chain of forgetfulness which exists in time. From this hour on, for the time of the due season of the aeon, I will receive rest i[n] silence.' "
After Mary had said these things, she was silent, since it was up to this point that the Savior had spoken to her.
Andrew responded, addressing the brothers and sisters, "Say what you will about the things she has said, but I do not believe that the S[a]vior said these things, f[or] indeed these teachings are strange ideas."
Peter responded, bringing up similar concerns. He questioned them about the Savior: "Did he, then, speak with a woman in private without our knowing about it? Are we to turn around and listen to her? Did he choose her over us?"
Then [M]ary wept and said to Peter, "My brother Peter, what are you imagining? Do you think that I have thought up these things by myself in my heart or that I am telling lies about the Savior?"
Levi answered, speaking to Peter, "Peter, you have always been a wrathful person. Now I see you contending against the woman like the Adversaries. For if the Savior made her worthy, who are you then for your part to reject her? Assuredly the Savior's knowledge of her is completely reliable. That is why he loved her more than us.
"Rather we should be ashamed. We should clothe ourselves with the perfect Human, acquire it for ourselves as he commanded us, and announce the good news, not laying down any other rule or law that differs from what the Savior said."
After [he had said these] things, they started going out [to] teach and to preach.
The
Nag Hammadi Library
The
Sophia of Jesus Christ
Translated
by Douglas M. Parrott
Archive
Note
The translation of "The Sophia of Jesus
Christ" (also sometimes titled, "The Wisdom of Jesus Christ") is
derived from two separately preserved copies of the text. The first copy is in
Nag Hammadi Codex III (NHC III); a second copy of this text was preserved in
the Berlin
Gnostic Codex. A third fragment of the text in Greek was also found
among the Oxyrhynchus papyrus documents. Thus we have
three distinct copies of this scripture attested from three separate ancient
sources, two in Coptic, one in Greek. In the translator's comments below,
sections of the text supplied from the Berlin Gnostic Codex are identified with
the notation, "BG".
The Sophia (Wisdom) of Jesus Christ
After he rose from the dead, his twelve disciples and
seven women continued to be his followers, and went to Galilee onto the
mountain called "Divination and Joy". When they gathered together and
were perplexed about the underlying reality of the universe and the plan, and
the holy providence, and the power of the authorities, and about everything the
Savior is doing with them in the secret of the holy plan, the Savior appeared -
not in his previous form, but in the invisible spirit. And his likeness
resembles a great angel of light. But his resemblance I must not describe. No
mortal flesh could endure it, but only pure, perfect flesh, like that which he
taught us about on the mountain called "Of the Olives" in Galilee.
And he said: "Peace be to you, My peace I give
you!" And they all marveled and were afraid. The Savior laughed and said
to them: "What are you thinking about? Are you perplexed? What are you
searching for?"
Philip said: "For the underlying reality of the
universe and the plan."
The Savior said to them: "I want you to know that
all men are born on earth from the foundation of the world until now, being
dust, while they have inquired about God, who he is and what he is like, have
not found him. Now the wisest among them have speculated from the ordering of
the world and (its) movement. But their speculation has not reached the truth.
For it is said that the ordering is directed in three ways, by all the
philosophers, (and) hence they do not agree. For some of them say about the
world that it is directed by itself. Others, that it is providence (that
directs it). Others, that it is fate. But it is none of these. Again, of the
three voices I have just mentioned, none is close to the truth, and (they are)
from man. But I, who came from Infinite Light, I am here - for I know him
(Light) - that I might speak to you about the precise nature of the truth. For
whatever is from itself is a polluted life; it is self-made. Providence has no
wisdom in it. And fate does not discern. But to you it is given to know; and
whoever is worthy of knowledge will receive (it), whoever has not been begotten
by the sowing of unclean rubbing but by First Who Was Sent, for he is an
immortal in the midst of mortal men."
Matthew said to him: "Lord, no one can find the
truth except through you. Therefore teach us the truth."
The Savior said: "He Who Is is ineffable. No
principle knew him, no authority, no subjection, nor any creature from the
foundation of the world until now, except he alone, and anyone to whom he wants
to make revelation through him who is from First Light. From now on, I am the
Great Savior. For he is immortal and eternal. Now he is eternal, having no
birth; for everyone who has birth will perish. He is unbegotten, having no
beginning; for everyone who has a beginning has an end. Since no one rules over
him, he has no name; for whoever has a name is the creation of another."
(BG 84, 13-17 adds: He is unnameable. He has no human
form; for whoever has human form is the creation of another).
"And he has a semblance of his own - not like what
you have seen and received, but a strange semblance that surpasses all things
and is better than the universe. It looks to every side and sees itself from
itself. Since it is infinite, he is ever incomprehensible. He is imperishable
and has no likeness (to anything). He is unchanging good. He is faultless. He
is eternal. He is blessed. While he is not known, he ever knows himself. He is
immeasurable. He is untraceable. He is perfect, having no defect. He is
imperishability blessed. He is called 'Father of the Universe'".
Philip said: "Lord, how, then, did he appear to
the perfect ones?"
The perfect Savior said to him: "Before anything
is visible of those that are visible, the majesty and the authority are in him,
since he embraces the whole of the totalities, while nothing embraces him. For
he is all mind. And he is thought and considering and reflecting and
rationality and power. They all are equal powers. They are the sources of the
totalities. And their whole race from first to last was in his foreknowledge,
(that of) the infinite, unbegotten Father."
Thomas said to him: "Lord, Savior, why did these
come to be, and why were these revealed?"
The perfect Savior said: "I came from the Infinite
that I might tell you all things. Spirit-Who-Is was the begetter, who had the
power a begetter and a form-giver`s nature, that the great wealth
that was hidden in him might be revealed. Because of his mercy and his love, he
wished to bring forth fruit by himself, that he might not his
goodness alone, but (that) other spirits of the Unwavering Generation might
bring forth body and fruit, glory and honor, in imperishableness and his
infinite grace, that his treasure might be revealed by Self-begotten God, the
father of every imperishableness and those that came to be afterward. But they
had not yet come to visibility. Now a great difference exists among the
imperishables."
He called out, saying: "Whoever has ears to hear
about the infinities, let him hear!"; and "I have addressed those who
are awake." Still he continued and said: "Everything that came from
the perishable will perish, since it came from the perishable. But whatever
came from imperishableness does not perish but becomes imperishable. So, many
men went astray because they had not known this difference and they died."
Mary said to him: "Lord, then how will we know
that?"
The perfect Savior said: "Come (you) from
invisible things to the end of those that are visible, and the very emanation
of Thought will reveal to you how faith in those things that are not visible
was found in those that are visible, those that belong to Unbegotten Father.
Whoever has ears to hear, let him hear!
"The Lord of the Universe is not called 'Father',
but 'Forefather', the beginning of those that will appear, but he (the Lord) is
the beginningless Forefather. Seeing himself within himself in a mirror, he
appeared resembling himself, but his likeness appeared as Divine Self-Father,
and Confronter over the Confronted ones, First Existent Unbegotten
Father. He is indeed of equal age the Light that is before him,
but he is not equal to him in power.
"And afterward was revealed a whole multitude of
confronting, self-begotten ones, equal in age and power, being in glory (and)
without number, whose race is called 'The Generation over Whom There Is No
Kingdom' from the one in whom you yourselves have appeared from these men. And
that whole multitude over which there is no kingdom is called 'Sons of
Unbegotten Father, God, Savior, Son of God,' whose likeness is with you. Now he
is the unknowable, who is full of ever-imperishable glory and ineffable joy.
They all are at rest in him, ever rejoicing in ineffable joy in his unchanging
glory and measureless jubilation; this was never heard or known among all the
aeons and their worlds until now."
Matthew said to him: "Lord, Savior, how was Man
revealed?"
The perfect Savior said: "I want you to know that
he who appeared before the universe in infinity, Self-grown, Self-constructed
Father, being full of shining light and ineffable, in the beginning, when he
decided to have his likeness become a great power, immediately the principle
(or beginning) of that Light appeared as Immortal Androgynous Man, that through
that Immortal Androgynous Man they might attain their salvation and awake from forgetfulness
through the interpreter who was sent, who is with you until the end of the
poverty of the robbers.
"And his consort is the Great Sophia, who from the
first was destined in him for union by Self-begotten Father, from Immortal Man,
who appeared as First and divinity and kingdom, for the Father, who is called
'Man, Self-Father', revealed this. And he created a great aeon, whose name is
'Ogdoad', for his own majesty.
"He was given great authority, and he ruled over
the creation of poverty. He created gods and angels, archangels,
myriads without number for retinue, from that Light and the tri-male Spirit,
which is that of Sophia, his consort. For from this, God originated divinity
and kingdom. Therefore he was called 'God of gods' and 'King of kings'.
"First Man has his unique mind, within, and
thought - just as he is it (thought) - (and) considering, reflecting,
rationality, power. All the attributes that exist are perfect and immortal. In
respect to imperishableness, they are indeed equal. (But) in respect to power,
they are different, like the difference between father and son <, and
son> and thought, and the thought and the remainder. As I said earlier,
among the things that were created, the monad is first.
"And after everything, all that was revealed
appeared from his power. And from what was created, all that was fashioned
appeared; from what was fashioned appeared what was formed; from what was
formed, what was named. Thus came the difference among the unbegotten ones from
beginning to end."
Then Bartholomew said to him: "How (is it that)
was designated in the Gospel 'Man' and 'Son of Man'? To which of
them, then, is this Son related?"
The Holy One said to him: "I want you to know that
First Man is called 'Begetter, Self-perfected Mind'. He reflected with Great
Sophia, his consort, and revealed his first-begotten, androgynous son. His male
name is designated 'First Begetter, Son of God', his female name, 'First
Begettress Sophia, Mother of the Universe'. Some call her 'Love'. Now First-begotten
is called 'Christ'. Since he has authority from his father, he created a
multitude of angels without number for retinue from Spirit and Light."
His disciples said to him: "Lord, reveal to us
about the one called 'Man', that we also may know his glory exactly."
The perfect Savior said: "Whoever has ears to
hear, let him hear. First Begetter Father is called 'Adam, Eye of Light,'
because he came from shining Light, and his holy angels, who are ineffable
(and) shadowless, ever rejoice with joy in their reflecting, which they
received from their Father. The whole Kingdom of Son of Man, who is called 'Son
of God,' is full of ineffable and shadowless joy, and unchanging jubilation,
(they) rejoicing over his imperishable glory, which has never been heard until
now, nor has it been revealed in the aeons that came afterward, and their
worlds. I came from Self-begotten and First Infinite Light, that I might reveal
everything to you."
Again, his disciples said: "Tell us clearly how
they came down from the invisibilities, from the immortal to the world that
dies?"
The perfect Savior said: "Son of Man consented
with Sophia, his consort, and revealed a great androgynous light. His male name
is designated 'Savior, Begetter of All Things'. His female name is designated
'All-Begettress Sophia'. Some call her 'Pistis'.
"All who come into the world, like a drop from the
Light, are sent by him to the world of Almighty, that they might be guarded by
him. And the bond of his forgetfulness bound him by the will of Sophia, that
the matter might be through it to the whole world in poverty,
concerning his (Almighty's) arrogance and blindness and the ignorance that he
was named. But I came from the places above by the will of the great Light, (I)
who escaped from that bond; I have cut off the work of the robbers; I have
awakened that drop that was sent from Sophia, that it might bear much fruit
through me, and be perfected and not again be defective, but be
through me, the Great Savior, that his glory might be revealed, so that Sophia
might also be justified in regard to that defect, that her sons might not again
become defective but might attain honor and glory and go up to their Father,
and know the words of the masculine Light. And you were sent by the Son, who
was sent that you might receive Light, and remove yourselves from the
forgetfulness of the authorities, and that it might not again come to
appearance because of you, namely, the unclean rubbing that is from the fearful
fire that came from their fleshly part. Tread upon their malicious
intent."
Then Thomas said to him: "Lord, Savior, how many
are the aeons of those who surpass the heavens?"
The perfect Savior said: "I praise you (pl.)
because you ask about the great aeons, for your roots are in the infinities.
Now when those whom I have discussed earlier were revealed, he provided ....
[pages 109 and 110 are missing in NHC III, replaced
here by the corresponding section in the Berlin Gnostic Codex, the beginning of
which is somewhat different from the final partial sentence of NHC III 108 (the
broken off sentence)]
[BG 107]: "Now when those whom I have discussed
earlier were revealed, Self-begetter Father very soon created twelve aeons for
retinue for the twelve angels. All these are perfect and good. Thus the defect
in the female appeared."
And said to him: "How many are the
aeons of the immortals, starting from the infinities?"
The perfect Savior said: "Whoever has ears to
hear, let him hear. The first aeon is that of Son of Man, who is called 'First
Begetter', who is called 'Savior', who has appeared. The second aeon (is) that
of Man, who is called 'Adam, Eye of Light'. That which embraces these is the
aeon over which there is no kingdom, (the aeon) of the Eternal Infinite God,
the Self-begotten aeon of the aeons that are in it, (the aeon) of the
immortals, whom I described earlier, (the aeon) above the Seventh, that
appeared from Sophia, which is the first aeon.
"Now Immortal Man revealed aeons and powers and
kingdoms, and gave authority to all who appear in him, that they might exercise
their desires until the last things that are above chaos. For these consented
with each other and revealed every magnificence, even from spirit,
multitudinous lights that are glorious and without number. These were called in
the beginning, that is, the first aeon and and . The first called 'Unity and Rest'. Each one has its (own)
name; for the aeon was designated 'Assembly' from the great
multitude that appeared: in one, a multitude revealed themselves. Now because
the multitudes gather and come to a unity we call them 'Assembly of the
Eighth.'It appeared as androgynous and was name partly as male and partly as
female. The male is called 'Assembly', while the female is called 'Life', that
it might be shown that from a female came the life for all the aeons. And every
name was received, starting from the beginning.
"For from his concurrence with his thought, the
powers very soon appeared who were called 'gods'; and the gods of the gods from
their wisdom revealed gods; from their wisdom revealed
lords; and the lords of the lords from their thinkings revealed lords; and the
lords from their power revealed archangels; the archangels from their words
revealed angels; from them, semblances appeared, with structure and form and
name for all the aeons and their worlds.
"And the immortals, whom I have just described,
all have authority from Immortal Man, who is called 'Silence', because by
reflecting without speech all her own majesty was perfected. For since the
imperishabilities had the authority, each created a great kingdom in the
Eighth, (and) also thrones and temples (and) firmaments for their own
majesties. For these all came by the will of the Mother of the Universe."
Then the Holy Apostles said to him: "Lord, Savior,
tell us about those who are in the aeons, since it is necessary for us to ask
about them."
The perfect Savior said: "If you ask about
anything, I will tell you. They created hosts of angels, myriads without
number, for retinue and their glory. They created virgin spirits, the ineffable
and unchangeable lights. For they have no sickness nor weakness, but it is
will. [BG 115,14 adds here: And they came to be in an instant.]
"Thus the aeons were completed quickly in the
heavens and the firmaments in the glory of Immortal Man and Sophia, his
consort: the area from which every aeon and the world and those that came
afterward took (their) pattern for their creation of likenesses in the heavens
of chaos and their worlds. And all natures, starting from the revelation of
chaos, are in the Light that shines without shadow, and joy that cannot be
described, and unutterable jubilation. They ever delight themselves on account
of their unchanging glory and the immeasurable rest, which cannot be described
among all the aeons that came to be afterward, and all their powers. Now all
that I have just said to you, I said that you might shine in Light more than
these."
Mary said to him: "Holy Lord, where did your disciples
come from, and where are they going, and (what) should they do here?"
The Perfect Savior said to them: "I want you to
know that Sophia, the Mother of the Universe and the consort, desired by
herself to bring these to existence without her male (consort). But by the will
of the Father of the Universe, that his unimaginable goodness might be
revealed, he created that curtain between the immortals and those that came
afterward, that the consequence might follow ... [BG 118:] ... every aeon and
chaos - that the defect of the female might , and it might come
about that Error would contend with her. And these became the curtain of
spirit. From aeons above the emanations of Light, as I have said
already, a drop from Light and Spirit came down to the lower regions of
Almighty in chaos, that their molded forms might appear from that drop, for it
is a judgment on him, Arch-Begetter, who is called 'Yaldabaoth'. That drop
revealed their molded forms through the breath, as a living soul. It was withered
and it slumbered in the ignorance of the soul. When it became hot from the
breath of the Great Light of the Male, and it took thought, (then) names were
received by all who are in the world of chaos, and all things that are in it
through that Immortal One, when the breath blew into him. But when this came
about by the will of Mother Sophia - so that Immortal Man might piece together
the garments there for a judgment on the robbers - then welcomed the
blowing of that breath; but since he was soul-like, he was not able to take
that power for himself until the number of chaos should be complete, (that is,)
when the time determined by the great angel is complete.
"Now I have taught you about Immortal Man and have
loosed the bonds of the robbers from him. I have broken the gates of the
pitiless ones in their presence. I have humiliated their malicious intent, and
they all have been shamed and have risen from their ignorance. Because of this,
then, I came here, that they might be joined with that Spirit and Breath, [NHC
III continues:] and might from two become one, just as from the first, that you
might yield much fruit and go up to Him Who Is from the Beginning, in ineffable
joy and glory and honor and grace of the Father of the Universe.
"Whoever, then, knows the Father in pure knowledge
will depart to the Father and repose in Unbegotten Father. But whoever knows
him defectively will depart to the defect and the rest of the Eighth. Now
whoever knows Immortal Spirit of Light in silence, through reflecting and
consent in the truth, let him bring me signs of the Invisible One, and he will
become a light in the Spirit of Silence. Whoever knows Son of Man in knowledge
and love, let him bring me a sign of Son of Man, that he might depart to the
dwelling-places with those in the Eighth.
"Behold, I have revealed to you the name of the
Perfect One, the whole will of the Mother of the Holy Angels, that the
masculine multitude may be completed here, that there might appear in the
aeons, the infinities and those that came to be in the untraceable wealth of
the Great Invisible Spirit, that they all might take from his goodness, even
the wealth of their rest that has no kingdom over it. I came from First Who Was
Sent, that I might reveal to you Him Who Is from the Beginning, because of the
arrogance of Arch-Begetter and his angels, since they say about themselves that
they are gods. And I came to remove them from their blindness, that I might
tell everyone about the God who is above the universe. Therefore, tread upon their
graves, humiliate their malicious intent, and break their yoke and arouse my
own. I have given you authority over all things as Sons of Light, that you
might tread upon their power with your feet."
These are the things the blessed Savior said, and he disappeared
from them. Then all the disciples were in great, ineffable joy in the spirit
from that day on. And his disciples began to preach the Gospel of God, the
eternal, imperishable Spirit. Amen.
The Sophia of Jesus
Selection made from James M. Robinson, ed., The Nag
Hammadi Library, revised edition. HarperCollins, San Francisco, 1990.
The
Gospel of Thomas Collection
The
Greek Oxyrhynchus Fragments
Archive
Notes
In 1897 and 1903 three ancient fragments from Greek
versions of the Gospel of Thomas were discovered during archeological
excavations on the site of an ancient town at Oxyrhynchus, Egypt -- a project
that eventually recovered over 5000 fragments of ancient Greek texts, and also
included fragments from
the
Gospel
of Mary. (Oxyrhynchus was the chief town of its district and the
seat of a local governor. In the Roman period it was a flourishing place with
about twenty temples, colonnaded streets, and an open air theatre. When
Christianity came, it was famous for the numbers of its monks and nuns. Most of
the papyrus documents found had been discarded in the ancient town's garbage
sites.)
The three papyrus fragments of Thomas found at
Oxyrhynchus apparently date to between 130 - 250 CE, and each probably
represents a separate unique copy of the Gospel. The textual source of the
sayings contained in the fragments was initially unclear; based on the logion
found in pOxy 654 – now identified as containing the prologue and first saying
– it was speculated they might represent remains of the lost Gospel of Thomas.
The Nag Hammadi discovery in 1945 which unearthed a complete and well-preserved
version of Thomas in Coptic made it possible to definitely identify the
Oxyrhynchus texts as fragments from a lost Greek edition of the Gospel.
The three Oxyrhynchus fragments preserve 20 of the 114 sayings
(or, in Greek, logion) found in the complete Coptic version of the Gospel of
Thomas: pOxy 1 (the abbreviation indicates "Oxyrhynchus papyrus fragment
1") contains logion 26 to 30, 77, and 30 to 31; pOxy 654 contains logion 1
to 7; pOxy 655 preserves logion 36 to 40. These texts allow careful comparisons
to be made between the Coptic text found at Nag Hammadi and the original Greek
version (the Gospel was almost certainly written in Greek originally, the Nag
Hammadi version is a Coptic translation of this original Greek text). The
reader will note close correlation between the two versions – a fact that helps
verify the textual integrity of the Coptic Gospel of Thomas.
Translations of the Greek fragments are followed by
versions of the same sayings as they appear in the Coptic text of the Gospel of
Thomas found at Nag Hammadi (the Lambdin
translation is used here).
For further research, these are the standard academic translations and commentaries on the Oxyrhynchus Papyri:
Bernard P. Grenfell and Arthur S. Hunt, eds. "1.
Logia Iesou." Pages 1-3 in vol. 1 of The Oxyrhynchus Papyri. London: Egypt
Exploration Fund, 1898.
Hugh Evelyn-White, The Sayings of Jesus From
Oxyrhynchus. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1920.
Joseph A. Fitzmeyer, "The Oxyrhynchus Logoi of
Jesus and the Coptic Gospel According to Thomas." Pages 355-433 in Essays
on the Semitic Background of the New Testam ent. London: Geoffrey Chapman,
1971.
Harold W. Attridge, "Appendix: The Greek
Fragments." Nag Hammadi Codex II,2-7 Together With XIII,2*, BRIT. LIB. OR.
4926(1), and pOxy. 1, 654, 655. Edited by Bentley Layton. Vol. 1. New York:
Brill, 1989.
The Gospel of Thomas Fragments from
Oxyrhynchus
Prologue and Saying 1 (pOxy 654.1-5)
These are the [hidden] sayings [that] the living Jesus
[sp]oke a[nd Judas who] is also Thomas [recorded.] And he said, "[Whoever
finds the interpretat]ion of the[se] sayings will not taste [death]."
Coptic version of same saying as found in the Nag
Hammadi manuscript:
These are the secret sayings which the living Jesus spoke and which Didymos Judas Thomas wrote down. And he said, "Whoever finds the interpretation of these sayings will not experience death."
These are the secret sayings which the living Jesus spoke and which Didymos Judas Thomas wrote down. And he said, "Whoever finds the interpretation of these sayings will not experience death."
Saying 2 (pOxy. 654.5-9)
[Jesus said,] "Let the one seek[ing] not stop
[seeking until] he finds. And when he find[s he will marvel, and mar]veling he
will reign, an[d reigning] he will [rest.]”
Coptic version:
Jesus said, "Let him who seeks continue seeking until he finds. When he finds, he will become troubled. When he becomes troubled, he will be astonished, and he will rule over the All."
Jesus said, "Let him who seeks continue seeking until he finds. When he finds, he will become troubled. When he becomes troubled, he will be astonished, and he will rule over the All."
Saying 3 (pOxy. 654.9-21)
J[esus] said, "[If] those pulling you [say to you,
'Look,] the kingdom is in the sk[y,]' the birds of the sk[y will go before you.
Or if they say t]hat it [is] beneath the ground, the fish of the se[a will go
in, preced]ing you. And the king[dom of God] [i]s within you [and outside you.
Whoever] knows [himself will] find this [and when you] know yourselves [you
will know that] you are [children] of the l[iving] father. [But if] you will
[not] know yourselves, [you are] in [poverty] and you are the pov[erty.]"
Coptic version:
Jesus said, "If those who lead you say to you, 'See, the kingdom is in the sky,' then the birds of the sky will precede you. If they say to you, 'It is in the sea,' then the fish will precede you. Rather, the kingdom is inside of you, and it is outside of you. When you come to know yourselves, then you will become known, and you will realize that it is you who are the sons of the living father. But if you will not know yourselves, you dwell in poverty and it is you who are that poverty."
Jesus said, "If those who lead you say to you, 'See, the kingdom is in the sky,' then the birds of the sky will precede you. If they say to you, 'It is in the sea,' then the fish will precede you. Rather, the kingdom is inside of you, and it is outside of you. When you come to know yourselves, then you will become known, and you will realize that it is you who are the sons of the living father. But if you will not know yourselves, you dwell in poverty and it is you who are that poverty."
Saying 4 (pOxy. 654.21-27)
[Jesus said,] "A per[son old in day]s will not
hesitate to ask a ch[ild seven day]s old about his place in [life and] he will
[live.] For many of the f[irst] will be [last and] many of the last will be
first and they [will become one]."
Coptic version:
Jesus said, "The man old in days will not hesitate to ask a small child seven days old about the place of life, and he will live. For many who are first will become last, and they will become one and the same."
Jesus said, "The man old in days will not hesitate to ask a small child seven days old about the place of life, and he will live. For many who are first will become last, and they will become one and the same."
Saying 5 (pOxy. 654.27-31)
Jesus said, "K[now what is in fr]ont of your face
and [what has been hidden] from you [will be] revealed [to you. For there] is
[nothing] hidden that [will] not [be made] cl[ear] and n[othing] buried that
[will] n[ot be raised]."
Coptic version:
Jesus said, "Recognize what is in your sight, and that which is hidden from you will become plain to you . For there is nothing hidden which will not become manifest."
Jesus said, "Recognize what is in your sight, and that which is hidden from you will become plain to you . For there is nothing hidden which will not become manifest."
Saying 6 (pOxy. 654.32-40)
[His disciples qu]estioned him [and s]aid, "How
[should we] fast [and how] should we [pray,] and how [should we do charitable
deeds a]nd what [food law should we] observe?"
Jesus said, "[Do not lie and that which] you [hate], do not do [because everything is evident before t]he tru[t]h. [For there is nothing hi]dd[en that will not be made clear.]"
Jesus said, "[Do not lie and that which] you [hate], do not do [because everything is evident before t]he tru[t]h. [For there is nothing hi]dd[en that will not be made clear.]"
Coptic version:
His disciples questioned him and said to him, "Do you want us to fast? How shall we pray? Shall we give alms? What diet shall we observe?"
Jesus said, "Do not tell lies, and do not do what you hate, for all things are plain in the sight of heaven. For nothing hidden will not become manifest, and nothing covered will remain without being uncovered."
His disciples questioned him and said to him, "Do you want us to fast? How shall we pray? Shall we give alms? What diet shall we observe?"
Jesus said, "Do not tell lies, and do not do what you hate, for all things are plain in the sight of heaven. For nothing hidden will not become manifest, and nothing covered will remain without being uncovered."
Saying 7? (pOxy. 654.40-42)
[bl]esse[d] is [ . . . ]
Coptic version:
Jesus said, "Blessed is the lion which becomes man when consumed by man; and cursed is the man whom the lion consumes, and the lion becomes man."
Jesus said, "Blessed is the lion which becomes man when consumed by man; and cursed is the man whom the lion consumes, and the lion becomes man."
Saying 24? (pOxy. 655d.1-5)
[it] is [ . . . l]ight [ . . . w]orld [ . . . i]t is [ .
. . ]
Coptic version:
His disciples said to him, "Show us the place where you are, since it is necessary for us to seek it."
He said to them, "Whoever has ears, let him hear. There is light within a man of light, and he lights up the whole world. If he does not shine, he is darkness."
His disciples said to him, "Show us the place where you are, since it is necessary for us to seek it."
He said to them, "Whoever has ears, let him hear. There is light within a man of light, and he lights up the whole world. If he does not shine, he is darkness."
Saying 26 (pOxy. 1.1-4)
". . . and then you will see clearly to cast out
the speck that is in your brother’s eye."
Coptic version:
Jesus said, "You see the mote in your brother's eye, but you do not see the beam in your own eye. When you cast the beam out of your own eye, then you will see clearly to cast the mote from your brother's eye."
Jesus said, "You see the mote in your brother's eye, but you do not see the beam in your own eye. When you cast the beam out of your own eye, then you will see clearly to cast the mote from your brother's eye."
Saying 27 (pOxy. 1.4-11)
Jesus said, "If you do not fast from the world,
you will not find the kingdom of God. And if you do not keep the sabbath a
sabbath, you will not see the father."
Coptic version:
"If you do not fast as regards the world, you will not
find the kingdom. If you do not observe the Sabbath as a Sabbath, you will not
see the father."
Saying 28 (pOxy. 1.11-21)
Jesus said, "I s[t]ood in the midst of the world
and in the flesh I appeared to them. I found everyone drunk and none thirsty
among them. My soul worries about the children of humanity because they are
blind in thei[r] hearts and [they] do [not] see."
Coptic version:
Jesus said, "I took my place in the midst of the world, and I appeared to them in flesh. I found all of them intoxicated; I found none of them thirsty. And my soul became afflicted for the sons of men, because they are blind in their hearts and do not have sight; for empty they came into the world, and empty too they seek to leave the world. But for the moment they are intoxicated. When they shake off their wine, then they will repent."
Jesus said, "I took my place in the midst of the world, and I appeared to them in flesh. I found all of them intoxicated; I found none of them thirsty. And my soul became afflicted for the sons of men, because they are blind in their hearts and do not have sight; for empty they came into the world, and empty too they seek to leave the world. But for the moment they are intoxicated. When they shake off their wine, then they will repent."
Saying 29 (pOxy. 1.22)
"[. . .he dwells in th]i[s] poverty."
Coptic version:
Jesus said, "If the flesh came into being because of spirit, it is a wonder. But if spirit came into being because of the body, it is a wonder of wonders. Indeed, I am amazed at how this great wealth has made its home in this poverty."
Jesus said, "If the flesh came into being because of spirit, it is a wonder. But if spirit came into being because of the body, it is a wonder of wonders. Indeed, I am amazed at how this great wealth has made its home in this poverty."
Saying 30 + 77b (pOxy. 1.23-30)
[Jesus sa]id, ["Wh]ere there are [th]r[ee] t[hey
ar]e [without] God. And [w]here there is only o[ne], I say, I am with hi[m].
Li[f]t the stone and there you will find me. Split the wood and I am
there."
Coptic version:
(30) Jesus said, "Where there are three gods, they are gods. Where there are two or one, I am with him."
(77b) ...Split a piece of wood, and I am there. Lift up the stone, and you will find me there."
(30) Jesus said, "Where there are three gods, they are gods. Where there are two or one, I am with him."
(77b) ...Split a piece of wood, and I am there. Lift up the stone, and you will find me there."
Saying 31 (pOxy. 1.30-35)
Jesus said, "A prophet is not acceptable in h[i]s
homeland. Nor does a physican perform healings for those who know him."
Coptic version:
Jesus said, "No prophet is accepted in his own village; no physician heals those who know him."
Jesus said, "No prophet is accepted in his own village; no physician heals those who know him."
Saying 32 (pOxy. 1.36-41)
Jesus said, "A city that has been built and
established on the summit of a high [m]ountain can neither fa[l]l nor be
hi[d]den."
Coptic version:
Jesus said, "A city being built on a high mountain and fortified cannot fall, nor can it be hidden."
Jesus said, "A city being built on a high mountain and fortified cannot fall, nor can it be hidden."
Saying 33 (pOxy. 1.41-42)
Jesus said, “What you hear [i]n your one ear . .
."
Coptic version:
Jesus said, "Preach from your housetops that which you will hear in your ear. For no one lights a lamp and puts it under a bushel, nor does he put it in a hidden place, but rather he sets it on a lampstand so that everyone who enters and leaves will see its light."
Jesus said, "Preach from your housetops that which you will hear in your ear. For no one lights a lamp and puts it under a bushel, nor does he put it in a hidden place, but rather he sets it on a lampstand so that everyone who enters and leaves will see its light."
Saying 36 (pOxy. 655i.1-17)
[Jesus said, "Do not worry f]rom early u[ntil late
no]r from ev[ening until m]orning. Worry neither [for y]our [food,] what [you]
will eat, [nor] for [your] c[lothes,] what you will wear. [You are] [mu]ch
gr[ea]ter than the [lil]lies wh[ich n]either ca[r]d nor s[pi]n. When you have
n[o c]lo[thing], what do [you wear]? Who can add to your time of life? H[e it
is who w]ill give you your clothing."
Coptic version:
Jesus said, "Do not be concerned from morning until evening and from evening until morning about what you will wear."
Jesus said, "Do not be concerned from morning until evening and from evening until morning about what you will wear."
Saying 37 (pOxy. 655i.17-23)
His disciples said to him, "When will you be
visible to us? And when will we see you?"
He said, "When you undress and are not ashamed."
He said, "When you undress and are not ashamed."
Coptic version:
His disciples said, "When will you become revealed to us and when shall we see you?"
Jesus said, "When you disrobe without being ashamed and take up your garments and place them under your feet like little children and tread on them, then will you see the son of the living one, and you will not be afraid"
His disciples said, "When will you become revealed to us and when shall we see you?"
Jesus said, "When you disrobe without being ashamed and take up your garments and place them under your feet like little children and tread on them, then will you see the son of the living one, and you will not be afraid"
Saying 39 (pOxy. 655ii.11-23)
[Jesus said, "The Pharisees and the scribes] to[ok
the keys] of [knowledge. They] hi[d them. They did not] go in, [nor did] they
[allow those] trying to go [in to do so. You,] however, b[e wi]se a[s snakes
and i]nnocen[t as do]v[es.]"
Coptic version:
Jesus said, "The pharisees and the scribes have taken the keys of knowledge (gnosis) and hidden them. They themselves have not entered, nor have they allowed to enter those who wish to. You, however, be as wise as serpents and as innocent as doves."
Jesus said, "The pharisees and the scribes have taken the keys of knowledge (gnosis) and hidden them. They themselves have not entered, nor have they allowed to enter those who wish to. You, however, be as wise as serpents and as innocent as doves."
The
Nag Hammadi Library
The
Gospel of Thomas
Translated
by Thomas O. Lambdin
(Visit the Gospel
of Thomas Collection for additional information)
These are the secret sayings which the living Jesus
spoke and which Didymos Judas Thomas wrote down.
(1) And he said, "Whoever finds the interpretation
of these sayings will not experience death."
(2) Jesus said, "Let him who seeks continue
seeking until he finds. When he finds, he will become troubled. When he becomes
troubled, he will be astonished, and he will rule over the All."
(3) Jesus said, "If those who lead you say to you,
'See, the kingdom is in the sky,' then the birds of the sky will precede you.
If they say to you, 'It is in the sea,' then the fish will precede you. Rather,
the kingdom is inside of you, and it is outside of you. When you come to know yourselves,
then you will become known, and you will realize that it is you who are the
sons of the living father. But if you will not know yourselves, you dwell in
poverty and it is you who are that poverty."
(4) Jesus said, "The man old in days will not hesitate
to ask a small child seven days old about the place of life, and he will live.
For many who are first will become last, and they will become one and the
same."
(5) Jesus said, "Recognize what is in your sight,
and that which is hidden from you will become plain to you . For there is
nothing hidden which will not become manifest."
(6) His disciples questioned him and said to him,
"Do you want us to fast? How shall we pray? Shall we give alms? What diet
shall we observe?"
Jesus said, "Do not tell lies, and do not do what you hate, for all things are plain in the sight of heaven. For nothing hidden will not become manifest, and nothing covered will remain without being uncovered."
Jesus said, "Do not tell lies, and do not do what you hate, for all things are plain in the sight of heaven. For nothing hidden will not become manifest, and nothing covered will remain without being uncovered."
(7) Jesus said, "Blessed is the lion which becomes
man when consumed by man; and cursed is the man whom the lion consumes, and the
lion becomes man."
(8) And he said, "The man is like a wise fisherman
who cast his net into the sea and drew it up from the sea full of small fish.
Among them the wise fisherman found a fine large fish. He threw all the small
fish back into the sea and chose the large fish without difficulty. Whoever has
ears to hear, let him hear."
(9) Jesus said, "Now the sower went out, took a
handful (of seeds), and scattered them. Some fell on the road; the birds came
and gathered them up. Others fell on the rock, did not take root in the soil,
and did not produce ears. And others fell on thorns; they choked the seed(s)
and worms ate them. And others fell on the good soil and it produced good
fruit: it bore sixty per measure and a hundred and twenty per measure."
(10) Jesus said, "I have cast fire upon the world,
and see, I am guarding it until it blazes."
(11) Jesus said, "This heaven will pass away, and
the one above it will pass away. The dead are not alive, and the living will
not die. In the days when you consumed what is dead, you made it what is alive.
When you come to dwell in the light, what will you do? On the day when you were
one you became two. But when you become two, what will you do?"
(12) The disciples said to Jesus, "We know that
you will depart from us. Who is to be our leader?"
Jesus said to them, "Wherever you are, you are to go to James the righteous, for whose sake heaven and earth came into being."
Jesus said to them, "Wherever you are, you are to go to James the righteous, for whose sake heaven and earth came into being."
(13) Jesus said to his disciples, "Compare me to
someone and tell me whom I am like."
Simon Peter said to him, "You are like a righteous angel."
Matthew said to him, "You are like a wise philosopher."
Thomas said to him, "Master, my mouth is wholly incapable of saying whom you are like."
Jesus said, "I am not your master. Because you have drunk, you have become intoxicated from the bubbling spring which I have measured out."
And he took him and withdrew and told him three things. When Thomas returned to his companions, they asked him, "What did Jesus say to you?"
Thomas said to them, "If I tell you one of the things which he told me, you will pick up stones and throw them at me; a fire will come out of the stones and burn you up."
Simon Peter said to him, "You are like a righteous angel."
Matthew said to him, "You are like a wise philosopher."
Thomas said to him, "Master, my mouth is wholly incapable of saying whom you are like."
Jesus said, "I am not your master. Because you have drunk, you have become intoxicated from the bubbling spring which I have measured out."
And he took him and withdrew and told him three things. When Thomas returned to his companions, they asked him, "What did Jesus say to you?"
Thomas said to them, "If I tell you one of the things which he told me, you will pick up stones and throw them at me; a fire will come out of the stones and burn you up."
(14) Jesus said to them, "If you fast, you will
give rise to sin for yourselves; and if you pray, you will be condemned; and if
you give alms, you will do harm to your spirits. When you go into any land and
walk about in the districts, if they receive you, eat what they will set before
you, and heal the sick among them. For what goes into your mouth will not
defile you, but that which issues from your mouth - it is that which will
defile you."
(15) Jesus said, "When you see one who was not
born of woman, prostrate yourselves on your faces and worship him. That one is
your father."
(16) Jesus said, "Men think, perhaps, that it is
peace which I have come to cast upon the world. They do not know that it is
dissension which I have come to cast upon the earth: fire, sword, and war. For
there will be five in a house: three will be against two, and two against
three, the father against the son, and the son against the father. And they
will stand solitary."
(17) Jesus said, "I shall give you what no eye has
seen and what no ear has heard and what no hand has touched and what has never
occurred to the human mind."
(18) The disciples said to Jesus, "Tell us how our
end will be."
Jesus said, "Have you discovered, then, the beginning, that you look for the end? For where the beginning is, there will the end be. Blessed is he who will take his place in the beginning; he will know the end and will not experience death."
Jesus said, "Have you discovered, then, the beginning, that you look for the end? For where the beginning is, there will the end be. Blessed is he who will take his place in the beginning; he will know the end and will not experience death."
(19) Jesus said, "Blessed is he who came into
being before he came into being. If you become my disciples and listen to my
words, these stones will minister to you. For there are five trees for you in
Paradise which remain undisturbed summer and winter and whose leaves do not
fall. Whoever becomes acquainted with them will not experience death."
(20) The disciples said to Jesus, "Tell us what
the kingdom of heaven is like."
He said to them, "It is like a mustard seed. It is the smallest of all seeds. But when it falls on tilled soil, it produces a great plant and becomes a shelter for birds of the sky."
He said to them, "It is like a mustard seed. It is the smallest of all seeds. But when it falls on tilled soil, it produces a great plant and becomes a shelter for birds of the sky."
(21) Mary said to Jesus, "Whom are your disciples
like?"
He said, "They are like children who have settled in a field which is not theirs. When the owners of the field come, they will say, 'Let us have back our field.' They (will) undress in their presence in order to let them have back their field and to give it back to them. Therefore I say, if the owner of a house knows that the thief is coming, he will begin his vigil before he comes and will not let him dig through into his house of his domain to carry away his goods. You, then, be on your guard against the world. Arm yourselves with great strength lest the robbers find a way to come to you, for the difficulty which you expect will (surely) materialize. Let there be among you a man of understanding. When the grain ripened, he came quickly with his sickle in his hand and reaped it. Whoever has ears to hear, let him hear."
He said, "They are like children who have settled in a field which is not theirs. When the owners of the field come, they will say, 'Let us have back our field.' They (will) undress in their presence in order to let them have back their field and to give it back to them. Therefore I say, if the owner of a house knows that the thief is coming, he will begin his vigil before he comes and will not let him dig through into his house of his domain to carry away his goods. You, then, be on your guard against the world. Arm yourselves with great strength lest the robbers find a way to come to you, for the difficulty which you expect will (surely) materialize. Let there be among you a man of understanding. When the grain ripened, he came quickly with his sickle in his hand and reaped it. Whoever has ears to hear, let him hear."
(22) Jesus saw infants being suckled. He said to his
disciples, "These infants being suckled are like those who enter the
kingdom."
They said to him, "Shall we then, as children, enter the kingdom?"
Jesus said to them, "When you make the two one, and when you make the inside like the outside and the outside like the inside, and the above like the below, and when you make the male and the female one and the same, so that the male not be male nor the female female; and when you fashion eyes in the place of an eye, and a hand in place of a hand, and a foot in place of a foot, and a likeness in place of a likeness; then will you enter the kingdom."
They said to him, "Shall we then, as children, enter the kingdom?"
Jesus said to them, "When you make the two one, and when you make the inside like the outside and the outside like the inside, and the above like the below, and when you make the male and the female one and the same, so that the male not be male nor the female female; and when you fashion eyes in the place of an eye, and a hand in place of a hand, and a foot in place of a foot, and a likeness in place of a likeness; then will you enter the kingdom."
(23) Jesus said, "I shall choose you, one out of a
thousand, and two out of ten thousand, and they shall stand as a single
one."
(24) His disciples said to him, "Show us the place
where you are, since it is necessary for us to seek it."
He said to them, "Whoever has ears, let him hear. There is light within a man of light, and he lights up the whole world. If he does not shine, he is darkness."
He said to them, "Whoever has ears, let him hear. There is light within a man of light, and he lights up the whole world. If he does not shine, he is darkness."
(25) Jesus said, "Love your brother like your
soul, guard him like the pupil of your eye."
(26) Jesus said, "You see the mote in your
brother's eye, but you do not see the beam in your own eye. When you cast the
beam out of your own eye, then you will see clearly to cast the mote from your
brother's eye."
(27) "If you do not fast as
regards the world, you will not find the kingdom. If you do not observe the
Sabbath as a Sabbath, you will not see the father."
(28) Jesus said, "I took my place in the midst of
the world, and I appeared to them in flesh. I found all of them intoxicated; I
found none of them thirsty. And my soul became afflicted for the sons of men,
because they are blind in their hearts and do not have sight; for empty they
came into the world, and empty too they seek to leave the world. But for the
moment they are intoxicated. When they shake off their wine, then they will repent."
(29) Jesus said, "If the flesh came into being
because of spirit, it is a wonder. But if spirit came into being because of the
body, it is a wonder of wonders. Indeed, I am amazed at how this great wealth
has made its home in this poverty."
(30) Jesus said, "Where there are three gods, they
are gods. Where there are two or one, I am with him."
(31) Jesus said, "No prophet is accepted in his
own village; no physician heals those who know him."
(32) Jesus said, "A city being built on a high
mountain and fortified cannot fall, nor can it be hidden."
(33) Jesus said, "Preach from your housetops that
which you will hear in your ear. For no one lights a lamp and puts it under a
bushel, nor does he put it in a hidden place, but rather he sets it on a lampstand
so that everyone who enters and leaves will see its light."
(34) Jesus said, "If a blind man leads a blind
man, they will both fall into a pit."
(35) Jesus said, "It is not possible for anyone to
enter the house of a strong man and take it by force unless he binds his hands;
then he will (be able to) ransack his house."
(36) Jesus said, "Do not be concerned from morning
until evening and from evening until morning about what you will wear."
(37) His disciples said, "When will you become
revealed to us and when shall we see you?"
Jesus said, "When you disrobe without being ashamed and take up your garments and place them under your feet like little children and tread on them, then will you see the son of the living one, and you will not be afraid"
Jesus said, "When you disrobe without being ashamed and take up your garments and place them under your feet like little children and tread on them, then will you see the son of the living one, and you will not be afraid"
(38) Jesus said, "Many times have you desired to
hear these words which I am saying to you, and you have no one else to hear
them from. There will be days when you will look for me and will not find
me."
(39) Jesus said, "The pharisees and the scribes have
taken the keys of knowledge (gnosis) and hidden them. They themselves have not
entered, nor have they allowed to enter those who wish to. You, however, be as
wise as serpents and as innocent as doves."
(40) Jesus said, "A grapevine has been planted outside
of the father, but being unsound, it will be pulled up by its roots and
destroyed."
(41) Jesus said, "Whoever has something in his
hand will receive more, and whoever has nothing will be deprived of even the
little he has."
(42) Jesus said, "Become passers-by."
(43) His disciples said to him, "Who are you, that
you should say these things to us?"
"You do not realize who I am from what I say
to you, but you have become like the Jews, for they (either) love the tree and
hate its fruit (or) love the fruit and hate the tree."
(44) Jesus said, "Whoever blasphemes against the
father will be forgiven, and whoever blasphemes against the son will be
forgiven, but whoever blasphemes against the holy spirit will not be forgiven
either on earth or in heaven."
(45) Jesus said, "Grapes are not harvested from
thorns, nor are figs gathered from thistles, for they do not produce fruit. A
good man brings forth good from his storehouse; an evil man brings forth evil
things from his evil storehouse, which is in his heart, and says evil things.
For out of the abundance of the heart he brings forth evil things."
(46) Jesus said, "Among those born of women, from
Adam until John the Baptist, there is no one so superior to John the Baptist
that his eyes should not be lowered (before him). Yet I have said, whichever
one of you comes to be a child will be acquainted with the kingdom and will
become superior to John."
(47) Jesus said, "It is impossible for a man to
mount two horses or to stretch two bows. And it is impossible for a servant to
serve two masters; otherwise, he will honor the one and treat the other
contemptuously. No man drinks old wine and immediately desires to drink new
wine. And new wine is not put into old wineskins, lest they burst; nor is old
wine put into a new wineskin, lest it spoil it. An old patch is not sewn onto a
new garment, because a tear would result."
(48) Jesus said, "If two make peace with each
other in this one house, they will say to the mountain, 'Move Away,' and it
will move away."
(49) Jesus said, "Blessed are the solitary and
elect, for you will find the kingdom. For you are from it, and to it you will
return."
(50) Jesus said, "If they say to you, 'Where did
you come from?', say to them, 'We came from the light, the place where the
light came into being on its own accord and established itself and became
manifest through their image.' If they say to you, 'Is it you?', say, 'We are
its children, we are the elect of the living father.' If they ask you, 'What is
the sign of your father in you?', say to them, 'It is movement and
repose.'"
(51) His disciples said to him, "When will the
repose of the dead come about, and when will the new world come?"
He said to them, "What you look forward to has already come, but you do not recognize it."
He said to them, "What you look forward to has already come, but you do not recognize it."
(52) His disciples said to him, "Twenty-four
prophets spoke in Israel, and all of them spoke in you."
He said to them, "You have omitted the one living in your presence and have spoken (only) of the dead."
He said to them, "You have omitted the one living in your presence and have spoken (only) of the dead."
(53) His disciples said to him, "Is circumcision
beneficial or not?"
He said to them, "If it were beneficial, their father would beget them already circumcised from their mother. Rather, the true circumcision in spirit has become completely profitable."
He said to them, "If it were beneficial, their father would beget them already circumcised from their mother. Rather, the true circumcision in spirit has become completely profitable."
(54) Jesus said, "Blessed are the poor, for yours
is the kingdom of heaven."
(55) Jesus said, "Whoever does not hate his father
and his mother cannot become a disciple to me. And whoever does not hate his
brothers and sisters and take up his cross in my way will not be worthy of
me."
(56) Jesus said, "Whoever has come to understand
the world has found (only) a corpse, and whoever has found a corpse is superior
to the world."
(57) Jesus said, "The kingdom of the father is
like a man who had good seed. His enemy came by night and sowed weeds among the
good seed. The man did not allow them to pull up the weeds; he said to them, 'I
am afraid that you will go intending to pull up the weeds and pull up the wheat
along with them.' For on the day of the harvest the weeds will be plainly
visible, and they will be pulled up and burned."
(58) Jesus said, "Blessed is the man who has
suffered and found life."
(59) Jesus said, "Take heed of the living one
while you are alive, lest you die and seek to see him and be unable to do
so."
(60) a Samaritan carrying a lamb on
his way to Judea. He said to his disciples, "That man is round about the
lamb."
They said to him, "So that he may kill it and eat it."
He said to them, "While it is alive, he will not eat it, but only when he has killed it and it has become a corpse."
They said to him, "He cannot do so otherwise."
He said to them, "You too, look for a place for yourself within repose, lest you become a corpse and be eaten."
They said to him, "So that he may kill it and eat it."
He said to them, "While it is alive, he will not eat it, but only when he has killed it and it has become a corpse."
They said to him, "He cannot do so otherwise."
He said to them, "You too, look for a place for yourself within repose, lest you become a corpse and be eaten."
(61) Jesus said, "Two will rest on a bed: the one
will die, and the other will live."
Salome said, "Who are you, man, that you ... have come up on my couch and eaten from my table?"
Jesus said to her, "I am he who exists from the undivided. I was given some of the things of my father."
<...> "I am your disciple."
<...> "Therefore I say, if he is destroyed, he will be filled with light, but if he is divided, he will be filled with darkness."
Salome said, "Who are you, man, that you ... have come up on my couch and eaten from my table?"
Jesus said to her, "I am he who exists from the undivided. I was given some of the things of my father."
<...> "I am your disciple."
<...> "Therefore I say, if he is destroyed, he will be filled with light, but if he is divided, he will be filled with darkness."
(62) Jesus said, "It is to those who are worthy of
my mysteries that I tell my mysteries. Do not let your left (hand) know what
your right (hand) is doing."
(63) Jesus said, "There was a rich man who had
much money. He said, 'I shall put my money to use so that I may sow, reap,
plant, and fill my storehouse with produce, with the result that I shall lack
nothing.' Such were his intentions, but that same night he died. Let him who
has ears hear."
(64) Jesus said, "A man had received visitors. And
when he had prepared the dinner, he sent his servant to invite the guests.
He went to the first one and said to him, 'My master invites you.' He said, 'I have claims against some merchants. They are coming to me this evening. I must go and give them my orders. I ask to be excused from the dinner.'
He went to another and said to him, 'My master has invited you.' He said to him, 'I have just bought a house and am required for the day. I shall not have any spare time.'
He went to another and said to him, 'My master invites you.' He said to him, 'My friend is going to get married, and I am to prepare the banquet. I shall not be able to come. I ask to be excused from the dinner.'
He went to another and said to him, 'My master invites you.' He said to him, 'I have just bought a farm, and I am on my way to collect the rent. I shall not be able to come. I ask to be excused.'
The servant returned and said to his master, 'Those whom you invited to the dinner have asked to be excused.' The master said to his servant, 'Go outside to the streets and bring back those whom you happen to meet, so that they may dine.' Businessmen and merchants will not enter the places of my father."
He went to the first one and said to him, 'My master invites you.' He said, 'I have claims against some merchants. They are coming to me this evening. I must go and give them my orders. I ask to be excused from the dinner.'
He went to another and said to him, 'My master has invited you.' He said to him, 'I have just bought a house and am required for the day. I shall not have any spare time.'
He went to another and said to him, 'My master invites you.' He said to him, 'My friend is going to get married, and I am to prepare the banquet. I shall not be able to come. I ask to be excused from the dinner.'
He went to another and said to him, 'My master invites you.' He said to him, 'I have just bought a farm, and I am on my way to collect the rent. I shall not be able to come. I ask to be excused.'
The servant returned and said to his master, 'Those whom you invited to the dinner have asked to be excused.' The master said to his servant, 'Go outside to the streets and bring back those whom you happen to meet, so that they may dine.' Businessmen and merchants will not enter the places of my father."
(65) He said, "There was a good man who owned a
vineyard. He leased it to tenant farmers so that they might work it and he
might collect the produce from them. He sent his servant so that the tenants
might give him the produce of the vineyard. They seized his servant and beat
him, all but killing him. The servant went back and told his master. The master
said, 'Perhaps he did not recognize them.' He sent another servant. The tenants
beat this one as well. Then the owner sent his son and said, 'Perhaps they will
show respect to my son.' Because the tenants knew that it was he who was the
heir to the vineyard, they seized him and killed him. Let him who has ears
hear."
(66) Jesus said, "Show me the stone which the builders
have rejected. That one is the cornerstone."
(67) Jesus said, "If one who knows the all still
feels a personal deficiency, he is completely deficient."
(68) Jesus said, "Blessed are you when you are
hated and persecuted. Wherever you have been persecuted they will find no
place."
(69) Jesus said, "Blessed are they who have been
persecuted within themselves. It is they who have truly come to know the
father. Blessed are the hungry, for the belly of him who desires will be
filled."
(70) Jesus said, "That which you have will save
you if you bring it forth from yourselves. That which you do not have within
you will kill you if you do not have it within you."
(71) Jesus said, "I shall destroy this house, and
no one will be able to build it [...]."
(72) A man said to him, "Tell my brothers to
divide my father's possessions with me."
He said to him, "O man, who has made me a divider?"
He turned to his disciples and said to them, "I am not a divider, am I?"
He said to him, "O man, who has made me a divider?"
He turned to his disciples and said to them, "I am not a divider, am I?"
(73) Jesus said, "The harvest is great but the
laborers are few. Beseech the Lord, therefore, to send out laborers to the
harvest."
(74) He said, "O Lord, there are many around the
drinking trough, but there is nothing in the cistern."
(75) Jesus said, "Many are standing at the door,
but it is the solitary who will enter the bridal chamber."
(76) Jesus said, "The kingdom of the father is
like a merchant who had a consignment of merchandise and who discovered a
pearl. That merchant was shrewd. He sold the merchandise and bought the pearl
alone for himself. You too, seek his unfailing and enduring treasure where no
moth comes near to devour and no worm destroys."
(77) Jesus said, "It is I who am the light which
is above them all. It is I who am the all. From me did the all come forth, and
unto me did the all extend. Split a piece of wood, and I am there. Lift up the
stone, and you will find me there."
(78) Jesus said, "Why have you come out into the
desert? To see a reed shaken by the wind? And to see a man clothed in fine
garments like your kings and your great men? Upon them are the fine garments,
and they are unable to discern the truth."
(79) A woman from the crowd said to him, "Blessed
are the womb which bore you and the breasts which nourished you."
He said to her, "Blessed are those who have heard the word of the father and have truly kept it. For there will be days when you will say, 'Blessed are the womb which has not conceived and the breasts which have not given milk.'"
He said to her, "Blessed are those who have heard the word of the father and have truly kept it. For there will be days when you will say, 'Blessed are the womb which has not conceived and the breasts which have not given milk.'"
(80) Jesus said, "He who has recognized the world
has found the body, but he who has found the body is superior to the
world."
(81) Jesus said, "Let him who has grown rich be
king, and let him who possesses power renounce it."
(82) Jesus said, "He who is near me is near the
fire, and he who is far from me is far from the kingdom."
(83) Jesus said, "The images are manifest to man,
but the light in them remains concealed in the image of the light of the
father. He will become manifest, but his image will remain concealed by his
light."
(84) Jesus said, "When you see your likeness, you
rejoice. But when you see your images which came into being before you, and
which neither die not become manifest, how much you will have to bear!"
(85) Jesus said, "Adam came into being from a
great power and a great wealth, but he did not become worthy of you. For had he
been worthy, he would not have experienced death."
(86) Jesus said, "The foxes have their holes and
the birds have their nests, but the son of man has no place to lay his head and
rest."
(87) Jesus said, "Wretched is the body that is
dependant upon a body, and wretched is the soul that is dependent on these
two."
(88) Jesus said, "The angels and the prophets will
come to you and give to you those things you (already) have. And you too, give
them those things which you have, and say to yourselves, 'When will they come
and take what is theirs?'"
(89) Jesus said, "Why do you wash the outside of
the cup? Do you not realize that he who made the inside is the same one who
made the outside?"
(90) Jesus said, "Come unto me, for my yoke is
easy and my lordship is mild, and you will find repose for yourselves."
(91) They said to him, "Tell us who you are so
that we may believe in you."
He said to them, "You read the face of the sky and of the earth, but you have not recognized the one who is before you, and you do not know how to read this moment."
He said to them, "You read the face of the sky and of the earth, but you have not recognized the one who is before you, and you do not know how to read this moment."
(92) Jesus said, "Seek and you will find. Yet,
what you asked me about in former times and which I did not tell you then, now
I do desire to tell, but you do not inquire after it."
(93) "Do not give what is holy
to dogs, lest they throw them on the dung-heap. Do not throw the pearls to
swine, lest they [...] it [...]."
(94) Jesus said, "He who seeks will find, and he
who knocks will be let in."
(95) Jesus said, "If you have money, do not lend
it at interest, but give it to one from whom you will not get it back."
(96) Jesus said, "The kingdom of the father is
like a certain woman. She took a little leaven, concealed it in some dough, and
made it into large loaves. Let him who has ears hear."
(97) Jesus said, "The kingdom of the father is
like a certain woman who was carrying a jar full of meal. While she was walking
on the road, still some distance from home, the handle of the jar broke and the
meal emptied out behind her on the road. She did not realize it; she had
noticed no accident. When she reached her house, she set the jar down and found
it empty."
(98) Jesus said, "The kingdom of the father is
like a certain man who wanted to kill a powerful man. In his own house he drew
his sword and stuck it into the wall in order to find out whether his hand
could carry through. Then he slew the powerful man."
(99) The disciples said to him, "Your brothers and
your mother are standing outside."
He said to them, "Those here who do the will of my father are my brothers and my mother. It is they who will enter the kingdom of my father."
He said to them, "Those here who do the will of my father are my brothers and my mother. It is they who will enter the kingdom of my father."
(100) They showed Jesus a gold coin and said to him,
"Caesar's men demand taxes from us."
He said to them, "Give Caesar what belongs to Caesar, give God what belongs to God, and give me what is mine."
He said to them, "Give Caesar what belongs to Caesar, give God what belongs to God, and give me what is mine."
(101) "Whoever does not hate
his father and his mother as I do cannot become a disciple to me. And whoever
does not love his father and his mother as I do cannot become a disciple to me.
For my mother [...], but my true mother gave me life."
(102) Jesus said, "Woe to the pharisees, for they
are like a dog sleeping in the manger of oxen, for neither does he eat nor does
he let the oxen eat."
(103) Jesus said, "Fortunate is the man who knows
where the brigands will enter, so that he may get up, muster his domain, and
arm himself before they invade."
(104) They said to Jesus, "Come, let us pray today
and let us fast."
Jesus said, "What is the sin that I have committed, or wherein have I been defeated? But when the bridegroom leaves the bridal chamber, then let them fast and pray."
Jesus said, "What is the sin that I have committed, or wherein have I been defeated? But when the bridegroom leaves the bridal chamber, then let them fast and pray."
(105) Jesus said, "He who knows the father and the
mother will be called the son of a harlot."
(106) Jesus said, "When you make the two one, you
will become the sons of man, and when you say, 'Mountain, move away,' it will
move away."
(107) Jesus said, "The kingdom is like a shepherd
who had a hundred sheep. One of them, the largest, went astray. He left the
ninety-nine sheep and looked for that one until he found it. When he had gone
to such trouble, he said to the sheep, 'I care for you more than the
ninety-nine.'"
(108) Jesus said, "He who will drink from my mouth
will become like me. I myself shall become he, and the things that are hidden
will be revealed to him."
(109) Jesus said, "The kingdom is like a man who
had a hidden treasure in his field without knowing it. And after he died, he
left it to his son. The son did not know (about the treasure). He inherited the
field and sold it. And the one who bought it went plowing and found the
treasure. He began to lend money at interest to whomever he wished."
(110) Jesus said, "Whoever finds the world and
becomes rich, let him renounce the world."
(111) Jesus said, "The heavens and the earth will
be rolled up in your presence. And the one who lives from the living one will
not see death." Does not Jesus say, "Whoever finds himself is
superior to the world?"
(112) Jesus said, "Woe to the flesh that depends
on the soul; woe to the soul that depends on the flesh."
(113) His disciples said to him, "When will the
kingdom come?"
"It will not come by waiting for it. It will not be a
matter of saying 'here it is' or 'there it is.' Rather, the kingdom of the
father is spread out upon the earth, and men do not see it."
(114) Simon Peter said to him, "Let Mary leave us,
for women are not worthy of life."
Jesus said, "I myself shall lead her in order to make her male, so that she too may become a living spirit resembling you males. For every woman who will make herself male will enter the kingdom of heaven."
Jesus said, "I myself shall lead her in order to make her male, so that she too may become a living spirit resembling you males. For every woman who will make herself male will enter the kingdom of heaven."
The Gospel
According to Thomas
According to Thomas
The
Nag Hammadi Library
The
Gospel of Thomas
Translated
by Stephen Patterson and Marvin Meyer
(Visit the Gospel
of Thomas Collection for additional information)
These are the secret sayings that the living Jesus
spoke and Didymos Judas Thomas recorded.
1. And he said, "Whoever discovers the
interpretation of these sayings will not taste death."
2. Jesus said, "Those who seek should not stop
seeking until they find. When they find, they will be disturbed. When they are
disturbed, they will marvel, and will reign over all. [And after they have
reigned they will rest.]"
3. Jesus said, "If your leaders say to you, 'Look,
the (Father's) kingdom is in the sky,' then the birds of the sky will precede
you. If they say to you, 'It is in the sea,' then the fish will precede you.
Rather, the (Father's) kingdom is within you and it is outside you.
When you know yourselves, then you will be known, and
you will understand that you are children of the living Father. But if you do
not know yourselves, then you live in poverty, and you are the poverty."
4. Jesus said, "The person old in days won't
hesitate to ask a little child seven days old about the place of life, and that
person will live.
For many of the first will be last, and will become a
single one."
5. Jesus said, "Know what is in front of your
face, and what is hidden from you will be disclosed to you.
For there is nothing hidden that will not be revealed.
[And there is nothing buried that will not be raised.]"
6. His disciples asked him and said to him, "Do
you want us to fast? How should we pray? Should we give to charity? What diet
should we observe?"
Jesus said, "Don't lie, and don't do what you
hate, because all things are disclosed before heaven. After all, there is
nothing hidden that will not be revealed, and there is nothing covered up that
will remain undisclosed."
7. Jesus said, "Lucky is the lion that the human
will eat, so that the lion becomes human. And foul is the human that the lion
will eat, and the lion still will become human."
8. And he said, "The person is like a wise
fisherman who cast his net into the sea and drew it up from the sea full of
little fish. Among them the wise fisherman discovered a fine large fish. He
threw all the little fish back into the sea, and easily chose the large fish.
Anyone here with two good ears had better listen!"
9. Jesus said, "Look, the sower went out, took a
handful (of seeds), and scattered (them). Some fell on the road, and the birds
came and gathered them. Others fell on rock, and they didn't take root in the
soil and didn't produce heads of grain. Others fell on thorns, and they choked
the seeds and worms ate them. And others fell on good soil, and it produced a
good crop: it yielded sixty per measure and one hundred twenty per
measure."
10. Jesus said, "I have cast fire upon the world,
and look, I'm guarding it until it blazes."
11. Jesus said, "This heaven will pass away, and
the one above it will pass away.
The dead are not alive, and the living will not die.
During the days when you ate what is dead, you made it come alive. When you are
in the light, what will you do? On the day when you were one, you became two.
But when you become two, what will you do?"
12. The disciples said to Jesus, "We know that you
are going to leave us. Who will be our leader?"
Jesus said to them, "No matter where you are you
are to go to James the Just, for whose sake heaven and earth came into
being."
13. Jesus said to his disciples, "Compare me to
something and tell me what I am like."
Simon Peter said to him, "You are like a just
messenger."
Matthew said to him, "You are like a wise
philosopher."
Thomas said to him, "Teacher, my mouth is utterly
unable to say what you are like."
Jesus said, "I am not your teacher. Because you
have drunk, you have become intoxicated from the bubbling spring that I have
tended."
And he took him, and withdrew, and spoke three sayings
to him. When Thomas came back to his friends they asked him, "What did
Jesus say to you?"
Thomas said to them, "If I tell you one of the
sayings he spoke to me, you will pick up rocks and stone me, and fire will come
from the rocks and devour you."
14. Jesus said to them, "If you fast, you will
bring sin upon yourselves, and if you pray, you will be condemned, and if you
give to charity, you will harm your spirits.
When you go into any region and walk about in the
countryside, when people take you in, eat what they serve you and heal the sick
among them.
After all, what goes into your mouth will not defile
you; rather, it's what comes out of your mouth that will defile you."
15. Jesus said, "When you see one who was not born
of woman, fall on your faces and worship. That one is your Father."
16. Jesus said, "Perhaps people think that I have
come to cast peace upon the world. They do not know that I have come to cast
conflicts upon the earth: fire, sword, war.
For there will be five in a house: there'll be three
against two and two against three, father against son and son against father,
and they will stand alone."
17. Jesus said, "I will give you what no eye has
seen, what no ear has heard, what no hand has touched, what has not arisen in
the human heart."
18. The disciples said to Jesus, "Tell us, how
will our end come?"
Jesus said, "Have you found the beginning, then,
that you are looking for the end? You see, the end will be where the beginning
is.
Congratulations to the one who stands at the beginning:
that one will know the end and will not taste death."
19. Jesus said, "Congratulations to the one who
came into being before coming into being.
If you become my disciples and pay attention to my
sayings, these stones will serve you.
For there are five trees in Paradise for you; they do
not change, summer or winter, and their leaves do not fall. Whoever knows them
will not taste death."
20. The disciples said to Jesus, "Tell us what
Heaven's kingdom is like."
He said to them, "It's like a mustard seed, the
smallest of all seeds, but when it falls on prepared soil, it produces a large
plant and becomes a shelter for birds of the sky."
21. Mary said to Jesus, "What are your disciples
like?"
He said, "They are like little children living in
a field that is not theirs. When the owners of the field come, they will say,
'Give us back our field.' They take off their clothes in front of them in order
to give it back to them, and they return their field to them.
For this reason I say, if the owners of a house know
that a thief is coming, they will be on guard before the thief arrives and will
not let the thief break into their house (their domain) and steal their
possessions.
As for you, then, be on guard against the world.
Prepare yourselves with great strength, so the robbers can't find a way to get
to you, for the trouble you expect will come.
Let there be among you a person who understands.
When the crop ripened, he came quickly carrying a
sickle and harvested it. Anyone here with two good ears had better
listen!"
22. Jesus saw some babies nursing. He said to his
disciples, "These nursing babies are like those who enter the (Father's)
kingdom."
They said to him, "Then shall we enter the
(Father's) kingdom as babies?"
Jesus said to them, "When you make the two into
one, and when you make the inner like the outer and the outer like the inner,
and the upper like the lower, and when you make male and female into a single
one, so that the male will not be male nor the female be female, when you make
eyes in place of an eye, a hand in place of a hand, a foot in place of a foot,
an image in place of an image, then you will enter [the kingdom]."
23. Jesus said, "I shall choose you, one from a
thousand and two from ten thousand, and they will stand as a single one."
24. His disciples said, "Show us the place where
you are, for we must seek it."
He said to them, "Anyone here with two ears had
better listen! There is light within a person of light, and it shines on the
whole world. If it does not shine, it is dark."
25. Jesus said, "Love your friends like your own
soul, protect them like the pupil of your eye."
26. Jesus said, "You see the sliver in your
friend's eye, but you don't see the timber in your own eye. When you take the
timber out of your own eye, then you will see well enough to remove the sliver
from your friend's eye."
27. "If you do not fast from the world, you will
not find the (Father's) kingdom. If you do not observe the sabbath as a sabbath
you will not see the Father."
28. Jesus said, "I took my stand in the midst of
the world, and in flesh I appeared to them. I found them all drunk, and I did
not find any of them thirsty. My soul ached for the children of humanity,
because they are blind in their hearts and do not see, for they came into the
world empty, and they also seek to depart from the world empty.
But meanwhile they are drunk. When they shake off their
wine, then they will change their ways."
29. Jesus said, "If the flesh came into being
because of spirit, that is a marvel, but if spirit came into being because of
the body, that is a marvel of marvels.
Yet I marvel at how this great wealth has come to dwell
in this poverty."
30. Jesus said, "Where there are three deities,
they are divine. Where there are two or one, I am with that one."
31. Jesus said, "No prophet is welcome on his home
turf; doctors don't cure those who know them."
32. Jesus said, "A city built on a high hill and
fortified cannot fall, nor can it be hidden."
33. Jesus said, "What you will hear in your ear,
in the other ear proclaim from your rooftops.
After all, no one lights a lamp and puts it under a
basket, nor does one put it in a hidden place. Rather, one puts it on a
lampstand so that all who come and go will see its light."
34. Jesus said, "If a blind person leads a blind
person, both of them will fall into a hole."
35. Jesus said, "One can't enter a strong person's
house and take it by force without tying his hands. Then one can loot his
house."
36. Jesus said, "Do not fret, from morning to
evening and from evening to morning, [about your food--what you're going to
eat, or about your clothing--] what you are going to wear. [You're much better
than the lilies, which neither card nor spin.
As for you, when you have no garment, what will you put
on? Who might add to your stature? That very one will give you your
garment.]"
37. His disciples said, "When will you appear to
us, and when will we see you?"
Jesus said, "When you strip without being ashamed,
and you take your clothes and put them under your feet like little children and
trample then, then [you] will see the son of the living one and you will not be
afraid."
38. Jesus said, "Often you have desired to hear
these sayings that I am speaking to you, and you have no one else from whom to
hear them. There will be days when you will seek me and you will not find
me."
39. Jesus said, "The Pharisees and the scholars
have taken the keys of knowledge and have hidden them. They have not entered
nor have they allowed those who want to enter to do so.
As for you, be as sly as snakes and as simple as
doves."
40. Jesus said, "A grapevine has been planted
apart from the Father. Since it is not strong, it will be pulled up by its root
and will perish."
41. Jesus said, "Whoever has something in hand
will be given more, and whoever has nothing will be deprived of even the little
they have."
42. Jesus said, "Be passersby."
43. His disciples said to him, "Who are you to say
these things to us?"
"You don't understand who I am from what I say to
you.
Rather, you have become like the Judeans, for they love
the tree but hate its fruit, or they love the fruit but hate the tree."
44. Jesus said, "Whoever blasphemes against the
Father will be forgiven, and whoever blasphemes against the son will be forgiven,
but whoever blasphemes against the holy spirit will not be forgiven, either on
earth or in heaven."
45. Jesus said, "Grapes are not harvested from
thorn trees, nor are figs gathered from thistles, for they yield no fruit.
Good persons produce good from what they've stored up;
bad persons produce evil from the wickedness they've stored up in their hearts,
and say evil things. For from the overflow of the heart they produce
evil."
46. Jesus said, "From Adam to John the Baptist,
among those born of women, no one is so much greater than John the Baptist that
his eyes should not be averted.
But I have said that whoever among you becomes a child
will recognize the (Father's) kingdom and will become greater than John."
47. Jesus said, "A person cannot mount two horses
or bend two bows.
And a slave cannot serve two masters, otherwise that
slave will honor the one and offend the other.
Nobody drinks aged wine and immediately wants to drink
young wine. Young wine is not poured into old wineskins, or they might break,
and aged wine is not poured into a new wineskin, or it might spoil.
An old patch is not sewn onto a new garment, since it
would create a tear."
48. Jesus said, "If two make peace with each other
in a single house, they will say to the mountain, 'Move from here!' and it will
move."
49. Jesus said, "Congratulations to those who are
alone and chosen, for you will find the kingdom. For you have come from it, and
you will return there again."
50. Jesus said, "If they say to you, 'Where have
you come from?' say to them, 'We have come from the light, from the place where
the light came into being by itself, established [itself], and appeared in
their image.'
If they say to you, 'Is it you?' say, 'We are its
children, and we are the chosen of the living Father.'
If they ask you, 'What is the evidence of your Father
in you?' say to them, 'It is motion and rest.'"
51. His disciples said to him, "When will the rest
for the dead take place, and when will the new world come?"
He said to them, "What you are looking forward to
has come, but you don't know it."
52. His disciples said to him, "Twenty-four
prophets have spoken in Israel, and they all spoke of you."
He said to them, "You have disregarded the living
one who is in your presence, and have spoken of the dead."
53. His disciples said to him, "Is circumcision
useful or not?"
He said to them, "If it were useful, their father
would produce children already circumcised from their mother. Rather, the true
circumcision in spirit has become profitable in every respect."
54. Jesus said, "Congratulations to the poor, for
to you belongs Heaven's kingdom."
55. Jesus said, "Whoever does not hate father and
mother cannot be my disciple, and whoever does not hate brothers and sisters,
and carry the cross as I do, will not be worthy of me."
56. Jesus said, "Whoever has come to know the
world has discovered a carcass, and whoever has discovered a carcass, of that
person the world is not worthy."
57 Jesus said, "The Father's kingdom is like a
person who has [good] seed. His enemy came during the night and sowed weeds
among the good seed. The person did not let the workers pull up the weeds, but
said to them, 'No, otherwise you might go to pull up the weeds and pull up the
wheat along with them.' For on the day of the harvest the weeds will be
conspicuous, and will be pulled up and burned."
58. Jesus said, "Congratulations to the person who
has toiled and has found life."
59. Jesus said, "Look to the living one as long as
you live, otherwise you might die and then try to see the living one, and you
will be unable to see."
60. He saw a Samaritan carrying a lamb and going to
Judea. He said to his disciples, "that person ... around the lamb."
They said to him, "So that he may kill it and eat it." He said to
them, "He will not eat it while it is alive, but only after he has killed
it and it has become a carcass."
They said, "Otherwise he can't do it."
He said to them, "So also with you, seek for
yourselves a place for rest, or you might become a carcass and be eaten."
61. Jesus said, "Two will recline on a couch; one
will die, one will live."
Salome said, "Who are you mister? You have climbed
onto my couch and eaten from my table as if you are from someone."
Jesus said to her, "I am the one who comes from
what is whole. I was granted from the things of my Father."
"I am your disciple."
"For this reason I say, if one is whole, one will
be filled with light, but if one is divided, one will be filled with
darkness."
62. Jesus said, "I disclose my mysteries to those
[who are worthy] of [my] mysteries.
63 Jesus said, "There was a rich person who had a
great deal of money. He said, 'I shall invest my money so that I may sow, reap,
plant, and fill my storehouses with produce, that I may lack nothing.' These
were the things he was thinking in his heart, but that very night he died.
Anyone here with two ears had better listen!"
64. Jesus said, "A person was receiving guests.
When he had prepared the dinner, he sent his slave to invite the guests.
The slave went to the first and said to that one, 'My
master invites you.' That one said, 'Some merchants owe me money; they are
coming to me tonight. I have to go and give them instructions. Please excuse me
from dinner.'
The slave went to another and said to that one, 'My master
has invited you.' That one said to the slave, 'I have bought a house, and I
have been called away for a day. I shall have no time.'
The slave went to another and said to that one, 'My
master invites you.' That one said to the slave, 'My friend is to be married,
and I am to arrange the banquet. I shall not be able to come. Please excuse me
from dinner.'
The slave went to another and said to that one, 'My
master invites you.' That one said to the slave, 'I have bought an estate, and
I am going to collect the rent. I shall not be able to come. Please excuse me.'
The slave returned and said to his master, 'Those whom
you invited to dinner have asked to be excused.' The master said to his slave,
'Go out on the streets and bring back whomever you find to have dinner.'
Buyers and merchants [will] not enter the places of my
Father."
65. He said, "A [...] person owned a vineyard and
rented it to some farmers, so they could work it and he could collect its crop
from them. He sent his slave so the farmers would give him the vineyard's crop.
They grabbed him, beat him, and almost killed him, and the slave returned and
told his master. His master said, 'Perhaps he didn't know them.' He sent
another slave, and the farmers beat that one as well. Then the master sent his
son and said, 'Perhaps they'll show my son some respect.' Because the farmers
knew that he was the heir to the vineyard, they grabbed him and killed him.
Anyone here with two ears had better listen!"
66. Jesus said, "Show me the stone that the builders
rejected: that is the keystone."
67. Jesus said, "Those who know all, but are
lacking in themselves, are utterly lacking."
68. Jesus said, "Congratulations to you when you
are hated and persecuted; and no place will be found, wherever you have been persecuted."
69. Jesus said, "Congratulations to those who have
been persecuted in their hearts: they are the ones who have truly come to know
the Father.
Congratulations to those who go hungry, so the stomach
of the one in want may be filled."
70. Jesus said, "If you bring forth what is within
you, what you have will save you. If you do not have that within you, what you
do not have within you [will] kill you."
71. Jesus said, "I will destroy [this] house, and
no one will be able to build it [...]."
72. A [person said] to him, "Tell my brothers to
divide my father's possessions with me."
He said to the person, "Mister, who made me a
divider?"
He turned to his disciples and said to them, "I'm
not a divider, am I?"
73. Jesus said, "The crop is huge but the workers
are few, so beg the harvest boss to dispatch workers to the fields."
74. He said, "Lord, there are many around the
drinking trough, but there is nothing in the well."
75. Jesus said, "There are many standing at the
door, but those who are alone will enter the bridal suite."
76. Jesus said, "The Father's kingdom is like a
merchant who had a supply of merchandise and found a pearl. That merchant was
prudent; he sold the merchandise and bought the single pearl for himself.
So also with you, seek his treasure that is unfailing,
that is enduring, where no moth comes to eat and no worm destroys."
77. Jesus said, "I am the light that is over all
things. I am all: from me all came forth, and to me all attained.
Split a piece of wood; I am there.
Lift up the stone, and you will find me there."
78. Jesus said, "Why have you come out to the
countryside? To see a reed shaken by the wind? And to see a person dressed in
soft clothes, [like your] rulers and your powerful ones? They are dressed in
soft clothes, and they cannot understand truth."
79. A woman in the crowd said to him, "Lucky are
the womb that bore you and the breasts that fed you."
He said to [her], "Lucky are those who have heard
the word of the Father and have truly kept it. For there will be days when you
will say, 'Lucky are the womb that has not conceived and the breasts that have
not given milk.'"
80. Jesus said, "Whoever has come to know the
world has discovered the body, and whoever has discovered the body, of that one
the world is not worthy."
81. Jesus said, "Let one who has become wealthy
reign, and let one who has power renounce ."
82. Jesus said, "Whoever is near me is near the
fire, and whoever is far from me is far from the (Father's) kingdom."
83. Jesus said, "Images are visible to people, but
the light within them is hidden in the image of the Father's light. He will be
disclosed, but his image is hidden by his light."
84. Jesus said, "When you see your likeness, you
are happy. But when you see your images that came into being before you and
that neither die nor become visible, how much you will have to bear!"
85. Jesus said, "Adam came from great power and
great wealth, but he was not worthy of you. For had he been worthy, [he would]
not [have tasted] death."
86. Jesus said, "[Foxes have] their dens and birds
have their nests, but human beings have no place to lay down and rest."
87. Jesus said, "How miserable is the body that
depends on a body, and how miserable is the soul that depends on these
two."
88. Jesus said, "The messengers and the prophets
will come to you and give you what belongs to you. You, in turn, give them what
you have, and say to yourselves, 'When will they come and take what belongs to
them?'"
89. Jesus said, "Why do you wash the outside of the
cup? Don't you understand that the one who made the inside is also the one who
made the outside?"
90. Jesus said, "Come to me, for my yoke is
comfortable and my lordship is gentle, and you will find rest for
yourselves."
91. They said to him, "Tell us who you are so that
we may believe in you."
He said to them, "You examine the face of heaven
and earth, but you have not come to know the one who is in your presence, and
you do not know how to examine the present moment."
92. Jesus said, "Seek and you will find.
In the past, however, I did not tell you the things
about which you asked me then. Now I am willing to tell them, but you are not
seeking them."
93. "Don't give what is holy to dogs, for they
might throw them upon the manure pile. Don't throw pearls [to] pigs, or they
might ... it [...]."
94. Jesus [said], "One who seeks will find, and
for [one who knocks] it will be opened."
95. [Jesus said], "If you have money, don't lend
it at interest. Rather, give [it] to someone from whom you won't get it
back."
96. Jesus [said], "The Father's kingdom is like
[a] woman. She took a little leaven, [hid] it in dough, and made it into large
loaves of bread. Anyone here with two ears had better listen!"
97. Jesus said, "The [Father's] kingdom is like a
woman who was carrying a [jar] full of meal. While she was walking along [a]
distant road, the handle of the jar broke and the meal spilled behind her
[along] the road. She didn't know it; she hadn't noticed a problem. When she
reached her house, she put the jar down and discovered that it was empty."
98. Jesus said, "The Father's kingdom is like a
person who wanted to kill someone powerful. While still at home he drew his
sword and thrust it into the wall to find out whether his hand would go in.
Then he killed the powerful one."
99. The disciples said to him, "Your brothers and
your mother are standing outside."
He said to them, "Those here who do what my Father
wants are my brothers and my mother. They are the ones who will enter my
Father's kingdom."
100. They showed Jesus a gold coin and said to him,
"The Roman emperor's people demand taxes from us."
He said to them, "Give the emperor what belongs to
the emperor, give God what belongs to God, and give me what is mine."
101. "Whoever does not hate [father] and mother as
I do cannot be my [disciple], and whoever does [not] love [father and] mother
as I do cannot be my [disciple]. For my mother [...], but my true [mother] gave
me life."
102. Jesus said, "Damn the Pharisees! They are
like a dog sleeping in the cattle manger: the dog neither eats nor [lets] the
cattle eat."
103. Jesus said, "Congratulations to those who
know where the rebels are going to attack. [They] can get going, collect their
imperial resources, and be prepared before the rebels arrive."
104. They said to Jesus, "Come, let us pray today,
and let us fast."
Jesus said, "What sin have I committed, or how
have I been undone? Rather, when the groom leaves the bridal suite, then let
people fast and pray."
105. Jesus said, "Whoever knows the father and the
mother will be called the child of a whore."
106. Jesus said, "When you make the two into one,
you will become children of Adam, and when you say, 'Mountain, move from here!'
it will move."
107. Jesus said, "The (Father's) kingdom is like a
shepherd who had a hundred sheep. One of them, the largest, went astray. He
left the ninety-nine and looked for the one until he found it. After he had
toiled, he said to the sheep, 'I love you more than the ninety-nine.'"
108. Jesus said, "Whoever drinks from my mouth
will become like me; I myself shall become that person, and the hidden things
will be revealed to him."
109. Jesus said, "The (Father's) kingdom is like a
person who had a treasure hidden in his field but did not know it. And [when]
he died he left it to his [son]. The son [did] not know about it either. He
took over the field and sold it. The buyer went plowing, [discovered] the
treasure, and began to lend money at interest to whomever he wished."
110. Jesus said, "Let one who has found the world,
and has become wealthy, renounce the world."
111. Jesus said, "The heavens and the earth will
roll up in your presence, and whoever is living from the living one will not
see death."
Does not Jesus say, "Those who have found
themselves, of them the world is not worthy"?
112. Jesus said, "Damn the flesh that depends on
the soul. Damn the soul that depends on the flesh."
113. His disciples said to him, "When will the
kingdom come?"
"It will not come by watching for it. It will not
be said, 'Look, here!' or 'Look, there!' Rather, the Father's kingdom is spread
out upon the earth, and people don't see it."
[Saying probably added to the original collection at a
later date:]
114. Simon Peter said to them, "Make Mary leave us, for females don't deserve life."
114. Simon Peter said to them, "Make Mary leave us, for females don't deserve life."
Jesus said, "Look, I will guide her to make her
male, so that she too may become a living spirit resembling you males. For
every female who makes herself male will enter the kingdom of Heaven."
Selection from Robert J. Miller, ed., The Complete
Gospels: Annotated Scholars Version. (Polebridge Press, 1992, 1994).
The
Nag Hammadi Library
The
Gospel of Thomas
Translated
by Stephen J. Patterson and James M. Robinson
(Visit the Gospel
of Thomas Collection for additional information)
These are the hidden words that the living Jesus spoke. And Didymos Judas Thomas wrote them down.
(1) And he said: "Whoever finds the meaning of
these words will not taste death."
(2) Jesus says:
(1) "The one who seeks should not cease seeking
until he finds.
(2) And when he finds, he will be dismayed.
(3) And when he is dismayed, he will be astonished.
(4) And he will be king over the All."
(2) And when he finds, he will be dismayed.
(3) And when he is dismayed, he will be astonished.
(4) And he will be king over the All."
(3) Jesus says:
(1) "If those who lead you say to you: ‘Look, the
kingdom is in the sky!’
then the birds of the sky will precede you.
(2) If they say to you: ‘It is in the sea,’ then the fishes will precede you.
(3) Rather, the kingdom is inside of you, and outside of you."
(4) "When you come to know yourselves, then you will be known,
and you will realize that you are the children of the living Father.
(5) But if you do not come to know yourselves, then you exist in poverty, and you are poverty."
then the birds of the sky will precede you.
(2) If they say to you: ‘It is in the sea,’ then the fishes will precede you.
(3) Rather, the kingdom is inside of you, and outside of you."
(4) "When you come to know yourselves, then you will be known,
and you will realize that you are the children of the living Father.
(5) But if you do not come to know yourselves, then you exist in poverty, and you are poverty."
(4) Jesus says:
(1) "The person old in his days will not hesitate
to ask a child seven days old about the place of life, and he will live.
(2) For many who are first will become last, (3) and they will become a single one."
(2) For many who are first will become last, (3) and they will become a single one."
(5) Jesus says:
(1) "Come to know what is in front of you,
and that which is hidden from you will become clear to you.
(2) For there is nothing hidden that will not become manifest."
and that which is hidden from you will become clear to you.
(2) For there is nothing hidden that will not become manifest."
(6)
(1) His disciples questioned him, (and) they said to
him:
" Do you want us to fast?
And how should we pray and give alms?
And what diet should we observe?"
(2) Jesus says: "Do not lie. (3) And do not do what you hate.
(4) For everything is disclosed in view of.
(5) For there is nothing hidden that will not become revealed.
(6) And there is nothing covered that will remain undisclosed."
" Do you want us to fast?
And how should we pray and give alms?
And what diet should we observe?"
(2) Jesus says: "Do not lie. (3) And do not do what you hate.
(4) For everything is disclosed in view of
(5) For there is nothing hidden that will not become revealed.
(6) And there is nothing covered that will remain undisclosed."
(7) Jesus says:
(1) "Blessed is the lion that a person will eat
and the lion will become human.
(2) And anathema is the person whom a lion will eat and the lion will become human."
(2) And anathema is the person whom a lion will eat and the lion will become human."
(8)
(1) And he says: "The human being is like a
sensible fisherman who cast his net
into the sea and drew it up from the sea filled with little fish.
(2) Among them the sensible fisherman found a large, fine fish.
(3) He threw all the little fish back into the sea, (and) he chose the large fish effortlessly.
(4) Whoever has ears to hear should hear."
into the sea and drew it up from the sea filled with little fish.
(2) Among them the sensible fisherman found a large, fine fish.
(3) He threw all the little fish back into the sea, (and) he chose the large fish effortlessly.
(4) Whoever has ears to hear should hear."
(9) Jesus says:
(1) "Look, a sower went out. He filled his hands
(with seeds), (and) he scattered (them).
(2) Some fell on the path, and the birds came and pecked them up.
(3) Others fell on the rock, and did not take root in the soil, and they did not put forth ears.
(4) And others fell among the thorns, they choked the seeds, and worms ate them.
(5) And others fell on good soil, and it produced good fruit.
It yielded sixty per measure and one hundred twenty per measure."
(2) Some fell on the path, and the birds came and pecked them up.
(3) Others fell on the rock, and did not take root in the soil, and they did not put forth ears.
(4) And others fell among the thorns, they choked the seeds, and worms ate them.
(5) And others fell on good soil, and it produced good fruit.
It yielded sixty per measure and one hundred twenty per measure."
(10) Jesus says:
"I have cast fire upon the world, and see, I am
guarding it until it blazes."
(11) Jesus says:
(1) "This heaven will pass away, and the (heaven)
above it will pass away.
(2) And the dead are not alive, and the living will not died.
(3) In the days when you consumed what was dead, you made it alive.
When you are in the light, what will you do?
(4) On the day when you were one, you became two.
But when you become two, what will you do?
(2) And the dead are not alive, and the living will not died.
(3) In the days when you consumed what was dead, you made it alive.
When you are in the light, what will you do?
(4) On the day when you were one, you became two.
But when you become two, what will you do?
(12)
(1) The disciples said to Jesus: "We know that you
will depart from us.
Who (then) will rule [lit., ‘be great’] over us?"
(2) Jesus said to them: "No matter where you came from, you should go to
James the Just, for whose sake heaven and earth came into being."
Who (then) will rule [lit., ‘be great’] over us?"
(2) Jesus said to them: "No matter where you came from, you should go to
James the Just, for whose sake heaven and earth came into being."
(13)
(1) Jesus said to his disciples: "Compare me, and
tell me whom I am like."
(2) Simon Peter said to him: "You are like a just messenger."
(3) Matthew said to him: "You are like an (especially) wise philosopher."
(4) Thomas said to him:
"Teacher, my mouth will not bear at all to say whom you are like."
(5) Jesus said: "I am not your teacher. For you have drunk, you have
become intoxicated at the bubbling spring that I have measured out."
(6) And he took him, (and) withdrew, (and) he said three words to him.
(7) But when Thomas came back to his companions, they asked him:
"What did Jesus say to you?"
(8) Thomas said to them: "If I tell you one of the words he said to me,
you will pick up stones and throw them at me,
and fire will come out of the stones (and) burn you up."
(2) Simon Peter said to him: "You are like a just messenger."
(3) Matthew said to him: "You are like an (especially) wise philosopher."
(4) Thomas said to him:
"Teacher, my mouth will not bear at all to say whom you are like."
(5) Jesus said: "I am not your teacher. For you have drunk, you have
become intoxicated at the bubbling spring that I have measured out."
(6) And he took him, (and) withdrew, (and) he said three words to him.
(7) But when Thomas came back to his companions, they asked him:
"What did Jesus say to you?"
(8) Thomas said to them: "If I tell you one of the words he said to me,
you will pick up stones and throw them at me,
and fire will come out of the stones (and) burn you up."
(14) Jesus said to them:
(1)‘If you fast, you will bring forth sin for
yourselves.
(2) And if you pray, you will be condemned.
(3) And if you give alms, you will do harm to your spirits.
(4) And if you go into any land and wander from place to place, (and) if they take you in,
(then) eat what they will set before you. Heal the sick among them!
(5) For what goes into your mouth will not defile you.
Rather, what comes out of your mouth will defile you."
(2) And if you pray, you will be condemned.
(3) And if you give alms, you will do harm to your spirits.
(4) And if you go into any land and wander from place to place, (and) if they take you in,
(then) eat what they will set before you. Heal the sick among them!
(5) For what goes into your mouth will not defile you.
Rather, what comes out of your mouth will defile you."
(15) Jesus says:
"When you see one who was not born of woman,
fall on your face (and) worship him. That one is your Father."
fall on your face (and) worship him. That one is your Father."
(16) Jesus says:
(1) "Perhaps people think that I have come to cast
peace upon the earth.
(2) But they do not know that I have come to cast dissension upon the earth: fire, sword, war.
(3) For there will be five in one house: there will be three against two and two against three,
father against son and son against father.
(4) And they will stand as solitary ones."
(2) But they do not know that I have come to cast dissension upon the earth: fire, sword, war.
(3) For there will be five in one house: there will be three against two and two against three,
father against son and son against father.
(4) And they will stand as solitary ones."
(17) Jesus says:
"I will give you what no eye has seen, and what no
ear has heard,
and what no hand has touched, and what has not occurred to the human mind."
and what no hand has touched, and what has not occurred to the human mind."
(18)
(1) The disciples said to Jesus: "Tell us how our
end will be."
(2) Jesus said: "Have you already discovered the beginning that you are now asking about the end?
For where the beginning is, there the end will be too.
(3) Blessed is he who will stand at the beginning.
And he will know the end, and he will not taste death."
(2) Jesus said: "Have you already discovered the beginning that you are now asking about the end?
For where the beginning is, there the end will be too.
(3) Blessed is he who will stand at the beginning.
And he will know the end, and he will not taste death."
(19) Jesus says:
(1)"Blessed is he who was, before he came into
being.
(2) If you become disciples of mine (and) listen to my words, these stones will serve you.
(3) For you have five trees in Paradise that do not change during summer (and) winter,
and their leaves do not fall. (4) Whoever comes to know them will not taste death."
(2) If you become disciples of mine (and) listen to my words, these stones will serve you.
(3) For you have five trees in Paradise that do not change during summer (and) winter,
and their leaves do not fall. (4) Whoever comes to know them will not taste death."
(20)
(1) The disciples said to Jesus: "Tell us whom the
kingdom of heaven is like!"
(2) He said to them: "It is like a mustard seed.
(3) is the smallest of all seeds.
(4) But when it falls on cultivated soil, it produces a large branch
(and) becomes shelter for the birds of the sky."
(2) He said to them: "It is like a mustard seed.
(3)
(4) But when it falls on cultivated soil, it produces a large branch
(and) becomes shelter for the birds of the sky."
(21)
(1) Mary said to Jesus: "Whom are your disciples
like?"
(2) He said: "They are like servants who are entrusted with a field that is not theirs.
(3) When the owners of the field arrive, they will say: ‘Let us have our field.’
(4) (But) they are naked in their presence so as to let them have it
(and thus) to give them their field."
(5) "That is why I say: ‘When the master of the house learns that the thief
is about to come, he will be on guard before he comes (and) will not let him
break into his house, his domain, to carry away his possessions.’
(6) (But) you, be on guard against the world!
(7) Gird your loins with great strength, so that the robbers will not find a way to get to you."
(8) "For the necessities for which you wait (with longing) will be found.
(9) There ought to be a wise person among you!
(10) When the fruit was ripe, he came quickly with his sickle in his hand, (and) he harvested it.
(11) Whoever has ears to hear should hear."
(2) He said: "They are like servants who are entrusted with a field that is not theirs.
(3) When the owners of the field arrive, they will say: ‘Let us have our field.’
(4) (But) they are naked in their presence so as to let them have it
(and thus) to give them their field."
(5) "That is why I say: ‘When the master of the house learns that the thief
is about to come, he will be on guard before he comes (and) will not let him
break into his house, his domain, to carry away his possessions.’
(6) (But) you, be on guard against the world!
(7) Gird your loins with great strength, so that the robbers will not find a way to get to you."
(8) "For the necessities for which you wait (with longing) will be found.
(9) There ought to be a wise person among you!
(10) When the fruit was ripe, he came quickly with his sickle in his hand, (and) he harvested it.
(11) Whoever has ears to hear should hear."
(22)
(1) Jesus saw infants being suckled.
(2) He said to his disciples:
"These little ones being suckled are like those who enter the kingdom."
(3) They said to him: "Then will we enter the kingdom as little ones?"
(4) Jesus said to them: "When you make the two into one,
and when you make the inside like the outside and the outside like the inside
and the above like the below –
(5) that is, to make the male and the female into a single one,
so that the male will not be male and the female will not be female –
(6) and when you make eyes instead of an eye
and a hand instead of a hand and a foot instead of a foot,
an image instead of an image, (7) then you will enter [the kingdom]."
(2) He said to his disciples:
"These little ones being suckled are like those who enter the kingdom."
(3) They said to him: "Then will we enter the kingdom as little ones?"
(4) Jesus said to them: "When you make the two into one,
and when you make the inside like the outside and the outside like the inside
and the above like the below –
(5) that is, to make the male and the female into a single one,
so that the male will not be male and the female will not be female –
(6) and when you make eyes instead of an eye
and a hand instead of a hand and a foot instead of a foot,
an image instead of an image, (7) then you will enter [the kingdom]."
(23) Jesus says:
(1) "I will choose you, one from a thousand and
two from ten thousand.
(2) And they will stand as a single one."
(2) And they will stand as a single one."
(24)
(1) His disciples said: "Show us the place where
you are,
because it is necessary for us to seek it.
(2) He said to them: "Whoever has ears should hear!
(3) Light exists inside a person of light, and he shines on the whole world.
If he does not shine, there is darkness."
because it is necessary for us to seek it.
(2) He said to them: "Whoever has ears should hear!
(3) Light exists inside a person of light, and he shines on the whole world.
If he does not shine, there is darkness."
(25) Jesus says:
(1) "Love your brother like your life!
(2) Protect him like the apple of your eye!"
(2) Protect him like the apple of your eye!"
(26) Jesus says:
(1) "You see the splinter that is in your
brother’s eye,
but you do not see the beam that is in your (own) eye.
(2) When you remove the beam from your (own) eye,
then you will see clearly (enough) to remove the splinter from your brother’s eye."
but you do not see the beam that is in your (own) eye.
(2) When you remove the beam from your (own) eye,
then you will see clearly (enough) to remove the splinter from your brother’s eye."
(27)
(1) "If you do not abstain from the world, you
will not find the kingdom.
(2) If you do not make the Sabbath into a Sabbath, you will not see the Father."
(2) If you do not make the Sabbath into a Sabbath, you will not see the Father."
(28) Jesus says:
(1) "I stood in the middle of the world, and in
flesh I appeared to them.
(2) I found all of them drunk. None of them did I find thirsty.
(3) And my soul ached for the children of humanity,
because they are blind in their heart, and they cannot see;
for they came into the world empty,
(and) they also seek to depart from the world empty.
(4) But now they are drunk.
(But) when they shake off their wine, then they will change their mind."
(2) I found all of them drunk. None of them did I find thirsty.
(3) And my soul ached for the children of humanity,
because they are blind in their heart, and they cannot see;
for they came into the world empty,
(and) they also seek to depart from the world empty.
(4) But now they are drunk.
(But) when they shake off their wine, then they will change their mind."
(29) Jesus says:
(1) "If the flesh came into being because of the
spirit, it is a wonder.
(2) But if the spirit (came into being) because of the body, it is a wonder of wonders.
(3) Yet I marvel at how this great wealth has taken up residence in this poverty."
(2) But if the spirit (came into being) because of the body, it is a wonder of wonders.
(3) Yet I marvel at how this great wealth has taken up residence in this poverty."
(30) Jesus says:
(1) "Where there are three gods, they are gods.
(2) Where there are two or one, I am with him."
(2) Where there are two or one, I am with him."
(31) Jesus says:
(1) "No prophet is accepted in his (own) village.
(2) A physician does not heal those who know him."
(2) A physician does not heal those who know him."
(32) Jesus says:
"A city built upon a high mountain (and) fortified
cannot fall, nor can it be hidden."
(33) Jesus says:
(1)"What you will hear with your ear {with the
other ear} proclaim from your rooftops.
(2) For no one lights a lamp (and) puts it under a bushel, nor does he put it in a hidden place.
(3) Rather, he puts it on a lampstand, so that everyone who comes in and goes out will see its light."
(2) For no one lights a lamp (and) puts it under a bushel, nor does he put it in a hidden place.
(3) Rather, he puts it on a lampstand, so that everyone who comes in and goes out will see its light."
(34) Jesus says:
"If a blind (person) leads a blind (person), both
will fall into a pit."
(35) Jesus says:
(1) "It is not possible for someone to enter the
house of a strong (person)
(and) take it by force unless he binds his hands.
(2) Then he will loot his house."
(and) take it by force unless he binds his hands.
(2) Then he will loot his house."
(36) Jesus says:
"Do not worry from morning to evening and from
evening to morning about what you will wear."
(37)
(1) His disciples said: "When will you appear to
us, and when will we see you?"
(2) Jesus said: "When you undress without being ashamed and take your clothes
(and) put them under your feet like little children (and) trample on them,
(3) then [you] will see the son of the Living One, and you will not be afraid."
(2) Jesus said: "When you undress without being ashamed and take your clothes
(and) put them under your feet like little children (and) trample on them,
(3) then [you] will see the son of the Living One, and you will not be afraid."
(38) Jesus says:
(1) "Many times have you desired to hear these
words,
these that I am speaking to you, and you have no one else from whom to hear them.
(2) There will be days when you will seek me (and) you will not find me."
these that I am speaking to you, and you have no one else from whom to hear them.
(2) There will be days when you will seek me (and) you will not find me."
(39) Jesus says:
(1) "The Pharisees and the scribes have received
the keys of knowledge, (but) they have hidden them.
(2) Neither have they entered, nor have they allowed to enter those who wish to.
(3) You, however, be as shrewd as serpents and as innocent as doves!"
(2) Neither have they entered, nor have they allowed to enter those who wish to.
(3) You, however, be as shrewd as serpents and as innocent as doves!"
(40) Jesus says:
(1) "A grapevine was planted outside (the
vineyard) of the Father.
(2) And since it is not supported, it will be pulled up by its roots (and) will perish."
(2) And since it is not supported, it will be pulled up by its roots (and) will perish."
(41) Jesus says:
(1) "Whoever has (something) in his hand,
(something more) will be given to him.
(2) And whoever has nothing, even the little he has will be taken from him."
(2) And whoever has nothing, even the little he has will be taken from him."
(42) Jesus says:
"Become passers-by."
(43)
(1) His disciples said to him: "Who are you to say
this to us?"
(2) "Do you not realized from what I say to you who I am?
(3) But you have become like the Jews!
They love the tree, (but) they hate its fruit.
Or they love the fruit, (but) they hate the tree."
(2) "Do you not realized from what I say to you who I am?
(3) But you have become like the Jews!
They love the tree, (but) they hate its fruit.
Or they love the fruit, (but) they hate the tree."
(44) Jesus says:
(1) "Whoever blasphemes against the Father, it
will be forgiven him.
(2) And whoever blasphemes against the Son, it will be forgiven him.
(3) But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, neither on earth nor in heaven."
(2) And whoever blasphemes against the Son, it will be forgiven him.
(3) But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, neither on earth nor in heaven."
(45) Jesus says:
(1) "Grapes are not harvested from thorns, nor are
figs picked from thistles, for they do not produce fruit. (2) A good person
brings forth good from his treasure. (3) A bad person brings (forth) evil from
the bad treasure that is in his heart, and (in fact) he speaks evil. (4) For
out of the abundance of the heart he brings forth evil."
(46) Jesus says:
(1) "From Adam to John the Baptist, among those
born of women there is no one who surpasses John the Baptist so that his (i.e.,
John’s) eyes need not be downcast.
(2) But I have also said: ‘Whoever among you becomes little will know the kingdom, and will surpass John.’"
(2) But I have also said: ‘Whoever among you becomes little will know the kingdom, and will surpass John.’"
(47) Jesus says:
(1) "It is impossible for a person to mount two
horses and to stretch two bows.
(2) And it is impossible for a servant to serve two masters. Else he will honor the one and insult the other. (3) No person drinks old wine and immediately desires to drink new wine.
(4) And new wine is not put into old wineskins, so that they do not burst; nor is old wine put into (a) new wineskin, so that it does not spoil it.
(5) An old patch is not sewn onto a new garment, because a tear will result."
(2) And it is impossible for a servant to serve two masters. Else he will honor the one and insult the other. (3) No person drinks old wine and immediately desires to drink new wine.
(4) And new wine is not put into old wineskins, so that they do not burst; nor is old wine put into (a) new wineskin, so that it does not spoil it.
(5) An old patch is not sewn onto a new garment, because a tear will result."
(48) Jesus says:
"If two make peace with one another in one and the
same house,
(then) they will say to the mountain: ‘Move away,’ and it will move away."
(then) they will say to the mountain: ‘Move away,’ and it will move away."
(49) Jesus says:
(1) "Blessed are the solitary ones, the elect. For
you will find the kingdom.
(2) For you come from it (and) will return to it."
(2) For you come from it (and) will return to it."
(50) Jesus says:
(1) If they say to you: ‘Where do you come from?’
(then) say to them: ‘We have come from the light, the place where the light has
come into being by itself, has established [itself] and has appeared in their
image.’
(2) If they say to you: ‘Is it you?’ (then) say: ‘We are his children, and we are the elect of the living Father.’
(3) If they ask you: ‘What is the sign of your Father among you?’ (then) say to them: ‘It is movement and repose.’"
(2) If they say to you: ‘Is it you?’ (then) say: ‘We are his children, and we are the elect of the living Father.’
(3) If they ask you: ‘What is the sign of your Father among you?’ (then) say to them: ‘It is movement and repose.’"
(51)
(1) His disciples said to him: When will the
of the dead take place, and when will the new world come?"
(2) He said to them: "That (resurrection) which you are awaiting has (already) come, but you do not recognize it."
(2) He said to them: "That (resurrection) which you are awaiting has (already) come, but you do not recognize it."
(52)
(1) His disciples said to him: "Twenty-four
prophets have spoken in Israel, and all (of them) have spoken through
you."
(2) He said to them: "You have pushed away the living (one) from yourselves, and you have begun to speak of those who are dead."
(2) He said to them: "You have pushed away the living (one) from yourselves, and you have begun to speak of those who are dead."
(53)
(1) His disciples said to him: "Is circumcision
beneficial, or not?"
(2) He said to them: "If it were beneficial, their father would beget them circumcized from their mother.
(3) But the true circumcision in the spirit has prevailed over everything."
(2) He said to them: "If it were beneficial, their father would beget them circumcized from their mother.
(3) But the true circumcision in the spirit has prevailed over everything."
(54) Jesus says:
"Blessed are the poor. For the kingdom of heaven
belongs to you."
(55) Jesus says:
(1)"Whoever does not hate his father and his
mother cannot become a disciple of mine.
(2) And whoever does not hate his brothers and his sisters (and) will not take up his cross as I do, will not be worthy of me."
(2) And whoever does not hate his brothers and his sisters (and) will not take up his cross as I do, will not be worthy of me."
(56) Jesus says:
"Whoever has come to know the world has found a
corpse.
And whoever has found (this) corpse, of him the world is not worthy."
And whoever has found (this) corpse, of him the world is not worthy."
(57) Jesus says:
(1) "The kingdom of the Father is like a person
who had (good) seed.
(2) His enemy came by night. He sowed darnel among the good seed.
(3) The person did not allow (the servants) to pull up the darnel.
He said to them: ‘Lest you go to pull up the darnel (and then) pull up the wheat along with it.’
(4) For on the day of the harvest, the darnel will be apparent and it will be pulled up (and) burned."
(2) His enemy came by night. He sowed darnel among the good seed.
(3) The person did not allow (the servants) to pull up the darnel.
He said to them: ‘Lest you go to pull up the darnel (and then) pull up the wheat along with it.’
(4) For on the day of the harvest, the darnel will be apparent and it will be pulled up (and) burned."
(58) Jesus says:
"Blessed is the person who has struggled. He has
found life."
(59) Jesus says:
"Look for the Living One while you are alive,
so that you will not die (and) then seek to see him.
And you will not be able to see (him)."
so that you will not die (and) then seek to see him.
And you will not be able to see (him)."
(60)
(1) a Samaritan who was trying to steal
a lamb while he was on his way to Judea.
(2) He said to his disciples: "That (person) is stalking the lamb."
(3) They said to him: "So that he may kill it (and) eat it."
(4) He said to them: "As long as it is alive he will not eat it, but (only) when he has killed it (and) it has become a corpse."
(5) They said to him: "Otherwise he cannot do it."
(6) He said to them: "You, too, look for a place for your repose so that you may not become a corpse (and) get eaten."
(2) He said to his disciples: "That (person) is stalking the lamb."
(3) They said to him: "So that he may kill it (and) eat it."
(4) He said to them: "As long as it is alive he will not eat it, but (only) when he has killed it (and) it has become a corpse."
(5) They said to him: "Otherwise he cannot do it."
(6) He said to them: "You, too, look for a place for your repose so that you may not become a corpse (and) get eaten."
(61)
(1) Jesus said: "Two will rest on a bed. The one
will die, the other will live."
(2) Salome said: "(So) who are you, man?
You have gotten a place on my couch as a and you have eaten
from my table."
(3) Jesus said to her: "I am he who comes from the one who is (always) the same.
I was given some of that which is my Father’s."
(4) "I am your disciple!"
(5) "Therefore I say: If someone becomes (God), he will
become full of light.
But if he becomes one, separated (from God), he will become full of darkness."
(2) Salome said: "(So) who are you, man?
You have gotten a place on my couch as a
(3) Jesus said to her: "I am he who comes from the one who is (always) the same.
I was given some of that which is my Father’s."
(4) "I am your disciple!"
(5) "Therefore I say: If someone becomes
But if he becomes one, separated (from God), he will become full of darkness."
(62) Jesus says:
(1) "I tell my mysteries to those who [are worthy]
of [my] mysteries."
(2) "Whatever you right hand does, your left hand should not know what it is doing."
(2) "Whatever you right hand does, your left hand should not know what it is doing."
(63) Jesus says:
(1) "There was a rich person who had many
possessions.
(2) He said: ‘I will use my possessions so that I might sow, reap, plant,
(and) fill my storehouses with fruit so that I will not lack anything.’
(3) This was what he was thinking in his heart. And in that night he died.
(4) Whoever has ears should hear."
(2) He said: ‘I will use my possessions so that I might sow, reap, plant,
(and) fill my storehouses with fruit so that I will not lack anything.’
(3) This was what he was thinking in his heart. And in that night he died.
(4) Whoever has ears should hear."
(64) Jesus says:
(1) "A person had guests. And when he had prepared
the dinner,
he sent his servant, so that he might invite the guests.
(2) He came to the first (and) said to him: ‘My master invites you.’
(3) He said: ‘I have bills for some merchants. There are coming to me this evening. I will go (and) give instructions to them. Excuse me from the dinner.’
(4) He came to another (and) said to him: ‘My master has invited you.’
(5) He said to him: ‘I have bought a house, and I have been called (away) for a day. I will not have time.’
(6) He went to another (and) said to him: ‘My master invites you.’
(7) He said to him: ‘My friend is going to marry, and I am the one who is going to prepare the meal. I will not be able to come. Excuse me from the dinner.’
(8) He came up to another (and) said to him: ‘My master invites you.’
(9) He said to him: ‘I have bought a village. Since I am going to collect the rent, I will not be able to come. Excuse me.’
(10) The servant went away. He said to his master:
‘Those whom you invited to the dinner have asked to be excused.’
(11) The master said to his servant: ‘Go out on the roads.
Bring (back) whomever you find, so that they might have dinner.’
(12) Dealers and merchants (will) not enter the places of my Father."
he sent his servant, so that he might invite the guests.
(2) He came to the first (and) said to him: ‘My master invites you.’
(3) He said: ‘I have bills for some merchants. There are coming to me this evening. I will go (and) give instructions to them. Excuse me from the dinner.’
(4) He came to another (and) said to him: ‘My master has invited you.’
(5) He said to him: ‘I have bought a house, and I have been called (away) for a day. I will not have time.’
(6) He went to another (and) said to him: ‘My master invites you.’
(7) He said to him: ‘My friend is going to marry, and I am the one who is going to prepare the meal. I will not be able to come. Excuse me from the dinner.’
(8) He came up to another (and) said to him: ‘My master invites you.’
(9) He said to him: ‘I have bought a village. Since I am going to collect the rent, I will not be able to come. Excuse me.’
(10) The servant went away. He said to his master:
‘Those whom you invited to the dinner have asked to be excused.’
(11) The master said to his servant: ‘Go out on the roads.
Bring (back) whomever you find, so that they might have dinner.’
(12) Dealers and merchants (will) not enter the places of my Father."
(65) He said:
(1)"A [usurer] owned a vineyard. He gave it to
some farmers so that they would work it (and) he might receive its fruit from
them.
(2) He sent his servant so that the farmers might give him the fruit of the vineyard.
(3) They seized his servant, beat him, (and) almost killed him. The servant went (back and) told his master.
(4) His master said: ‘Perhaps did not recognize .’
(5) He sent another servant, (and) the farmers beat that other one as well.
(6) Then the master sent his son (and) said: ‘Perhaps they will show respect for my son.’
(7) (But) those farmers, since they knew that he was the heir of the vineyard, seized him (and) killed him.
(8) Whoever has ears should hear."
(2) He sent his servant so that the farmers might give him the fruit of the vineyard.
(3) They seized his servant, beat him, (and) almost killed him. The servant went (back and) told his master.
(4) His master said: ‘Perhaps
(5) He sent another servant, (and) the farmers beat that other one as well.
(6) Then the master sent his son (and) said: ‘Perhaps they will show respect for my son.’
(7) (But) those farmers, since they knew that he was the heir of the vineyard, seized him (and) killed him.
(8) Whoever has ears should hear."
(66) Jesus says:
"Show me the stone that the builders have
rejected. It is the cornerstone."
(67) Jesus says:
"Whoever knows all, if he is lacking one thing, he
is (already) lacking everything."
(68) Jesus says:
(1) "Blessed are you when(ever) they hate you
(and) persecute you.
(2) But they (themselves) will find no place there where they have persecuted you."
(2) But they (themselves) will find no place there where they have persecuted you."
(69) Jesus says:
(1) "Blessed are those who have been persecuted in
their heart.
They are the ones who have truly come to know the Father."
(2) "Blessed are those who suffer from hunger so that the belly of the one who wishes (it) will be satisfied."
They are the ones who have truly come to know the Father."
(2) "Blessed are those who suffer from hunger so that the belly of the one who wishes (it) will be satisfied."
(70) Jesus says:
(1) "If you bring it into being within you, (then)
that which you have will save you.
(2) If you do not have it within you, (then) that which you do not have within you [will] kill you."
(2) If you do not have it within you, (then) that which you do not have within you [will] kill you."
(71) Jesus says:
"I will [destroy this] house, and no one will be
able to build it [again]."
(72)
(1) A [person said] to him: "Tell my brothers that
they have to divide my father’s possessions with me."
(2) He said to him: "Man, who has made me a divider?"
(3) He turned to his disciples (and) said to them: "I am not a divider, am I?"
(2) He said to him: "Man, who has made me a divider?"
(3) He turned to his disciples (and) said to them: "I am not a divider, am I?"
(73) Jesus says:
(1) "The harvest is plentiful, but there are few
workers.
(2) But beg the Lord that he may send workers into the harvest."
(2) But beg the Lord that he may send workers into the harvest."
(74) He said:
"Lord, there are many around the well, but there
is nothing in the ."
(75) Jesus says:
"Many are standing before the door, but it is the
solitary ones who will enter the wedding hall."
(76) Jesus says:
(1) "The kingdom of the Father is like a merchant
who had merchandise and found a pearl.
(2) That merchant is prudent. He sold the goods (and) bought for himself the pearl alone.
(3) You too look for his treasure, which does not perish, (and) which stays where no moth can reach it to eat it, and no worm destroys it."
(2) That merchant is prudent. He sold the goods (and) bought for himself the pearl alone.
(3) You too look for his treasure, which does not perish, (and) which stays where no moth can reach it to eat it, and no worm destroys it."
(77) Jesus says:
(1) "I am the light that is over all. I am the
All.
The All came forth out of me. And to me the All has come."
(2) "Split a piece of wood – I am there.
(3) Lift the stone, and you will find me there."
The All came forth out of me. And to me the All has come."
(2) "Split a piece of wood – I am there.
(3) Lift the stone, and you will find me there."
(78) Jesus says:
(1) "Why did you go out to the countryside? To see
a reed shaken by the wind,
(2) and to see a person dressed in soft clothing [like your] kings and your great/powerful persons?
(3) They are dressed in soft clothing and will not be able to recognize the truth."
(2) and to see a person dressed in soft clothing [like your] kings and your great/powerful persons?
(3) They are dressed in soft clothing and will not be able to recognize the truth."
(79)
(1) A woman in the crowd said to him: "Hail to the
womb that carried you and to the breasts that fed you."
(2) He said to [her]: "Hail to those who have heard the word of the Father (and) have truly kept it.
(3) For there will be days when you will say: ‘Hail to the womb that has not conceived and to the breasts that have not given milk.’"
(2) He said to [her]: "Hail to those who have heard the word of the Father (and) have truly kept it.
(3) For there will be days when you will say: ‘Hail to the womb that has not conceived and to the breasts that have not given milk.’"
(80) Jesus says:
(1) "Whoever has come to know the world has found
the (dead) body.
(2) But whoever has found the (dead) body, of him the world is not worthy."
(2) But whoever has found the (dead) body, of him the world is not worthy."
(81) Jesus says:
(1) "Whoever has become rich should be king.
(2) And the one who has power should renounce (it)."
(2) And the one who has power should renounce (it)."
(82) Jesus says:
(1) "The person who is near me is near the fire.
(2) And the person who is far from me is far from the kingdom."
(2) And the person who is far from me is far from the kingdom."
(83) Jesus says:
(1) "The images are visible to humanity, but the
light within them is hidden in the image.
(2) {} The light of the Father will reveal itself, but his image is hidden by his light."
(2) {} The light of the Father will reveal itself, but his image is hidden by his light."
(84) Jesus says:
(1) "When you see your likeness you are full of
joy.
(2) But when you see your likenesses that came into existence before you – they neither die nor become manifest – how much will you bear?"
(2) But when you see your likenesses that came into existence before you – they neither die nor become manifest – how much will you bear?"
(85) Jesus says:
(1) "Adam came from a great power and a great
wealth. But he did not become worthy of you.
(2) For if he had been worthy, (then) [he would] not [have tasted] death."
(2) For if he had been worthy, (then) [he would] not [have tasted] death."
(86) Jesus says:
(1) "[Foxes have] their holes and birds have their
nest.
(2) But the son of man has no place to lay his head down (and) to rest."
(2) But the son of man has no place to lay his head down (and) to rest."
(87) Jesus says:
(1) "Wretched is the body that depends on a body.
(2) And wretched is the soul that depends on these two."
(2) And wretched is the soul that depends on these two."
(88) Jesus says:
(1) "The messengers and the prophets are coming to
you, and they will give you what belongs to you.
(2) And you, in turn, give to them what you have in your hands (and) say to yourselves:
‘When will they come (and) take what belongs to them?’"
(2) And you, in turn, give to them what you have in your hands (and) say to yourselves:
‘When will they come (and) take what belongs to them?’"
(89) Jesus says:
(1) "Why do you wash the outside of the cup?
(2) Do you not understand that the one who created the inside is also the one who created the outside?"
(2) Do you not understand that the one who created the inside is also the one who created the outside?"
(90) Jesus says:
(1) "Come to me, for my yoke is gentle and my
lordship is mild.
(2) And you will find repose for yourselves."
(2) And you will find repose for yourselves."
(91)
(1) They said to him: "Tell us who you are so that
we may believe in you."
(2) He said to them: "You examine the face of sky and earth,
but the one who is before you, you have not recognized,
and you do not know how to test this opportunity."
(2) He said to them: "You examine the face of sky and earth,
but the one who is before you, you have not recognized,
and you do not know how to test this opportunity."
(92) Jesus says:
(1) "Seek and you will find.
(2) But the things you asked me about in past times,
and what I did not tell you in that day,
now I am willing to tell you, but you do not seek them."
(2) But the things you asked me about in past times,
and what I did not tell you in that day,
now I am willing to tell you, but you do not seek them."
(93)
(1) "Do not give what is holy to the dogs, lest
they throw it upon the dunghill.
(2) Do not throw pearls to swine, lest they turn into [mud]."
(2) Do not throw pearls to swine, lest they turn
(94) Jesus [says]:
(1) "The one who seeks will find.
(2) [The one who knocks], to that one will it be opened."
(2) [The one who knocks], to that one will it be opened."
(95) [Jesus says:]
(1) "If you have money, do not lend (it) out at
interest.
(2) Rather, give [it] to the one from whom you will not get it (back)."
(2) Rather, give [it] to the one from whom you will not get it (back)."
(96) Jesus [says]:
(1) "The kingdom of the Father is like [a] woman.
(2) She took a little bit of yeast. [She] hid it in dough (and) made it into huge loaves of bread.
(3) Whoever has ears should hear.""
(2) She took a little bit of yeast. [She] hid it in dough (and) made it into huge loaves of bread.
(3) Whoever has ears should hear.""
(97) Jesus says:
(1) "The kingdom of the [Father] is like a woman
who is carrying a [jar] filled with flour.
(2) While she was walking on [the] way, very distant (from home),
the handle of the jar broke (and) the flour leaked out [on] the path.
(3) (But) she did not know (it); she had not noticed a problem.
(4) When she reached her house, she put the jar down on the floor (and) found it empty."
(2) While she was walking on [the] way, very distant (from home),
the handle of the jar broke (and) the flour leaked out [on] the path.
(3) (But) she did not know (it); she had not noticed a problem.
(4) When she reached her house, she put the jar down on the floor (and) found it empty."
(98) Jesus says:
(1) "The kingdom of the Father is like a person
who wanted to kill a powerful person.
(2) He drew the sword in his house (and) stabbed it into the wall to test whether his hand would be strong (enough).
(3) Then he killed the powerful one."
(2) He drew the sword in his house (and) stabbed it into the wall to test whether his hand would be strong (enough).
(3) Then he killed the powerful one."
(99)
(1) The disciples said to him: "Your brothers and
your mother are standing outside."
(2) He said to them: "Those here, who do the will of my Father, they are my brothers and my mother.
(3) They are the ones who will enter the kingdom of my Father."
(2) He said to them: "Those here, who do the will of my Father, they are my brothers and my mother.
(3) They are the ones who will enter the kingdom of my Father."
(100)
(1) They showed Jesus a gold coin and said to him:
"Caesar’s people demand taxes from us."
(2) He said to them: "Give Caesar (the things) that are Caesar’s.
(3) Give God (the things) that are God’s.
(4) And what is mine give me."
(2) He said to them: "Give Caesar (the things) that are Caesar’s.
(3) Give God (the things) that are God’s.
(4) And what is mine give me."
(101)
(1) "Whoever does not hate his [father] and his
mother as I do will not be able to be a [disciple] of mine.
(2) And whoever does [not] love [his father] and his mother as I do will not be able to be a [disciple] of mine.
(3) For my mother […], but my true [mother] gave me life."
(2) And whoever does [not] love [his father] and his mother as I do will not be able to be a [disciple] of mine.
(3) For my mother […], but my true [mother] gave me life."
(102) Jesus says:
"Woe to them, the Pharisees, for they are like a
dog sleeping in a cattle trough, for it neither eats nor [lets] the cattle
eat."
(103) Jesus says:
"Blessed is the person who knows at which point
(of the house) the robbers are going to enter, so that [he] may arise to gather
together his [domain] and gird his loins before they enter."
(104)
(1) They said to [Jesus]: "Come, let us pray and
fast today!"
(2) Jesus said: "What sin is it that I have committed, or wherein have I been overcome?
(3) But when the bridegroom comes out of the wedding chamber, then let (us) fast and pray."
(2) Jesus said: "What sin is it that I have committed, or wherein have I been overcome?
(3) But when the bridegroom comes out of the wedding chamber, then let (us) fast and pray."
(105) Jesus says:
"Whoever will come to know father and mother, he
will be called son of a whore."
(106) Jesus says:
(1) "When you make the two into one, you will
become sons of man.
(2) And when you say ‘Mountain, move away,’ it will move away."
(2) And when you say ‘Mountain, move away,’ it will move away."
(107) Jesus says:
(1) "The kingdom is like a shepherd who had a
hundred sheep.
(2) One of them went astray, the largest. He left the ninety-nine, (and) he sought the one until he found it.
(3) After he had toiled, he said to the sheep: ‘I love you more than the ninety-nine.’"
(2) One of them went astray, the largest. He left the ninety-nine, (and) he sought the one until he found it.
(3) After he had toiled, he said to the sheep: ‘I love you more than the ninety-nine.’"
(108) Jesus says:
(1) "Whoever will drink from my mouth will become
like me.
(2) I myself will become he,
(3) and what is hidden will be revealed to him."
(2) I myself will become he,
(3) and what is hidden will be revealed to him."
(109) Jesus says:
(1) "The kingdom is like a person who has a hidden
treasure in his field, (of which) he knows nothing.
(2) And [after] he had died, he left it to his [son]. (But) the son did not know (about it either).
He took over that field (and) sold [it].
(3) And the one who had bought it came, and while he was ploughing [he found] the treasure.
He began to lend money at interest to whom he wished."
(2) And [after] he had died, he left it to his [son]. (But) the son did not know (about it either).
He took over that field (and) sold [it].
(3) And the one who had bought it came, and while he was ploughing [he found] the treasure.
He began to lend money at interest to whom he wished."
(110) Jesus says:
"The one who has found the world (and) has become
wealthy should renounce the world."
(111) Jesus says:
(1) "The heavens will roll up before you, and the
earth.
(2) And whoever is living from the living one will not see death."
(3) Does not Jesus say: "Whoever has found himself, of him the world is not worthy"?
(2) And whoever is living from the living one will not see death."
(3) Does not Jesus say: "Whoever has found himself, of him the world is not worthy"?
(112) Jesus says:
(1) "Woe to the flesh that depends on the soul.
(2) Woe to the soul that depends on the flesh."
(2) Woe to the soul that depends on the flesh."
(113)
(1) His disciples said to him: "The kingdom – on
what day will it come?"
(2) "It will not come by watching (and waiting for) it.
(3) They will not say: ‘Look, here!’ or ‘Look, there!’
(4) Rather, the kingdom of the Father is spread out upon the earth, and people do not see it."
(2) "It will not come by watching (and waiting for) it.
(3) They will not say: ‘Look, here!’ or ‘Look, there!’
(4) Rather, the kingdom of the Father is spread out upon the earth, and people do not see it."
(114)
(1) Simon Peter said to them: "Let Mary go away
from us, for women are not worthy of life."
(2) Jesus said: "Look, I will draw her in so as to make her male,
so that she too may become a living male spirit, similar to you."
(3) (But I say to you): "Every woman who makes herself male will enter the kingdom of heaven."
(2) Jesus said: "Look, I will draw her in so as to make her male,
so that she too may become a living male spirit, similar to you."
(3) (But I say to you): "Every woman who makes herself male will enter the kingdom of heaven."
The Gospel
According to Thomas
According to Thomas
Original translation by the Berlin Working Group for
Coptic Gnostic Writings.
Taken from Synopsis Quattuor Evangelorium, 2nd corrected printing, 1997.
As modified by Stephen J. Patterson and James M. Robinson in:
Patterson, Robinson, and Bethge, The Fifth Gospel, Trinity Press International, 1998.
Taken from Synopsis Quattuor Evangelorium, 2nd corrected printing, 1997.
As modified by Stephen J. Patterson and James M. Robinson in:
Patterson, Robinson, and Bethge, The Fifth Gospel, Trinity Press International, 1998.
Prepared by Michael W. Grondin, July, 2000; Reformatted
by Lance Owens 2011
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