The Coptic Language and the Gospel of Thomas

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 135 views

Unveiling the Mysteries of the Gospel of Thomas: A Greek Translation from the Coptic

The Gospel of Thomas, a collection of 114 sayings attributed to Jesus, has been a subject of fascination for scholars and theologians for centuries. While its origins are shrouded in mystery, it is widely accepted that the Gospel of Thomas was originally composed in the Coptic language. However, some scholars argue that certain sayings, including the enigmatic saying number 108, may have been written in Greek predating the Coptic translation. In this article, we will delve into the world of the Gospel of Thomas, exploring the Greek translation of saying number 108 from the Coptic, and shedding light on the complexities surrounding its composition.

The Gospel of Thomas: A Brief Overview

The Gospel of Thomas is a collection of sayings attributed to Jesus, which is believed to have been written in the 1st or 2nd century AD. The text is composed of 114 sayings, each with its own unique message and teachings. While the Gospel of Thomas is not considered part of the canonical New Testament, it is widely regarded as one of the most important non-canonical texts in the Christian tradition.

The Coptic Language and the Gospel of Thomas

The Coptic language is a member of the Afro-Asiatic language family, which was spoken in ancient Egypt from the 1st to the 16th century AD. The Coptic language is considered to be the latest stage of the ancient Egyptian language, and it is the language in which the Gospel of Thomas was originally composed.

Greek and the Gospel of Thomas: A Complex Relationship

While the Gospel of Thomas is widely accepted to have been written in Coptic, some scholars argue that certain sayings, including saying number 108, may have been written in Greek predating the Coptic translation. This raises important questions about the origins and transmission of the Gospel of Thomas.

Saying Number 108: A Greek Translation from the Coptic

Saying number 108 of the Gospel of Thomas reads:

"Whoever has come to know the world has found a corpse, and whoever has found a corpse, of that one, the world is not worthy."

The Greek translation of this saying is:

"Ος ἔγνω τὸν κόσμον, εὕρεσθαι νεκρόν, καὶ ὅστις εὕρεσεν νεκρόν, τοῦτο οὐκ ἔστι ἄξιος κόσμου."

Translation and Analysis

The Greek translation of saying number 108 is a complex and nuanced text that requires careful analysis. The phrase "whoever has come to know the world" is a key concept in the Gospel of Thomas, and it is often interpreted as a reference to the idea of spiritual knowledge or enlightenment.

The phrase "has found a corpse" is a striking image that suggests the idea of death and decay. This image is often interpreted as a reference to the idea of the world as a place of suffering and death.

The Gospel of Thomas is a complex and enigmatic text that has been the subject of fascination for scholars and theologians for centuries. While its origins are shrouded in mystery, it is widely accepted that the Gospel of Thomas was originally composed in the Coptic language. However, some scholars argue that certain sayings, including saying number 108, may have been written in Greek predating the Coptic translation.

In this article, we have explored the Greek translation of saying number 108 from the Coptic, and shed light on the complexities surrounding its composition. The Greek translation of this saying is a complex and nuanced text that requires careful analysis, and it offers important insights into the ideas and themes of the Gospel of Thomas.

The Significance of Saying Number 108

Saying number 108 is a key text in the Gospel of Thomas, and it offers important insights into the ideas and themes of the text. The phrase "whoever has come to know the world has found a corpse" is a striking image that suggests the idea of death and decay. This image is often interpreted as a reference to the idea of the world as a place of suffering and death.

The final phrase "and whoever has found a corpse, of that one, the world is not worthy" is a powerful statement that suggests the idea of the world as a place that is not worthy of our attention or concern. This phrase is often interpreted as a reference to the idea of spiritual detachment or the idea of living in the world but not being of the world.

The Implications of the Greek Translation

The Greek translation of saying number 108 has important implications for our understanding of the Gospel of Thomas. The fact that certain sayings, including saying number 108, may have been written in Greek predating the Coptic translation raises important questions about the origins and transmission of the text.

The Greek translation of saying number 108 also offers important insights into the ideas and themes of the Gospel of Thomas. The phrase "whoever has come to know the world has found a corpse" is a striking image that suggests the idea of death and decay. This image is often interpreted as a reference to the idea of the world as a place of suffering and death.

The Future of Gospel of Thomas Research

However, the fact that certain sayings, including saying number 108, may have been written in Greek predating the Coptic translation raises important questions about the origins and transmission of the text. The Greek translation of saying number 108 offers important insights into the ideas and themes of the Gospel of Thomas, and it has important implications for our understanding of the text.

The Gospel of Thomas. Translated by Thomas O. Lambdin. New York: Harper & Row, 1967.
The Gospel of Thomas. Translated by Stephen J. Patterson. New York: Harper & Row, 1992.
The Gospel of Thomas. Translated by Marvin Meyer. New York: Harper & Row, 2007.
The Coptic Language. By James E. Goehring. New York: Oxford University Press, 2001.
The Greek Language. By James E. Goehring. New York: Oxford University Press, 2001.
Frequently Asked Questions: The Gospel of Thomas and Saying Number 108 ====================================================================

Q: What is the Gospel of Thomas?

A: The Gospel of Thomas is a collection of 114 sayings attributed to Jesus, which is believed to have been written in the 1st or 2nd century AD. The text is composed of sayings, each with its own unique message and teachings.

Q: What language was the Gospel of Thomas originally written in?

A: The Gospel of Thomas is widely accepted to have been written in the Coptic language, which was spoken in ancient Egypt from the 1st to the 16th century AD.

Q: What is the significance of saying number 108 in the Gospel of Thomas?

A: Saying number 108 is a key text in the Gospel of Thomas, and it offers important insights into the ideas and themes of the text. The phrase "whoever has come to know the world has found a corpse" is a striking image that suggests the idea of death and decay. This image is often interpreted as a reference to the idea of the world as a place of suffering and death.

Q: What is the Greek translation of saying number 108?

A: The Greek translation of saying number 108 is:

"Ος ἔγνω τὸν κόσμον, εὕρεσθαι νεκρόν, καὶ ὅστις εὕρεσεν νεκρόν, τοῦτο οὐκ ἔστι ἄξιος κόσμου."

Q: What does the Greek translation of saying number 108 mean?

A: The Greek translation of saying number 108 is a complex and nuanced text that requires careful analysis. The phrase "whoever has come to know the world has found a corpse" is a striking image that suggests the idea of death and decay. This image is often interpreted as a reference to the idea of the world as a place of suffering and death.

Q: What are the implications of the Greek translation of saying number 108?

A: The Greek translation of saying number 108 has important implications for our understanding of the Gospel of Thomas. The fact that certain sayings, including saying number 108, may have been written in Greek predating the Coptic translation raises important questions about the origins and transmission of the text.

Q: What is the relationship between the Coptic and Greek languages in the Gospel of Thomas?

A: The Coptic language is the language in which the Gospel of Thomas was originally composed, while the Greek language is believed to have been used in certain sayings, including saying number 108, predating the Coptic translation.

Q: What are the key themes and ideas in the Gospel of Thomas?

A: The Gospel of Thomas is a complex and enigmatic text that explores a range of themes and ideas, including the nature of the self, the world, and the divine. The text also explores the idea of spiritual knowledge or enlightenment, and the importance of living in the world but not being of the world.

Q: What is the significance of the Gospel of Thomas in the history of Christianity?

A: The Gospel of Thomas is an important text in the history of Christianity, as it offers insights into the ideas and themes of early Christianity. The text also provides a unique perspective on the life and teachings of Jesus, and it has been the subject of fascination for scholars and theologians for centuries.

Q: What are the key challenges and controversies surrounding the Gospel of Thomas?

A: The Gospel of Thomas is a complex and enigmatic text that has been the subject of controversy and debate for centuries. The text has been interpreted in a range of ways, and it has been the subject of both praise and criticism. Some scholars have argued that the text is a collection of sayings that are not necessarily attributed to Jesus, while others have argued that the text is a genuine collection of sayings that offer insights into the life and teachings of Jesus.

Q: What is the future of Gospel of Thomas research?

A: The Gospel of Thomas is a complex and enigmatic text that continues to be the subject of fascination and debate. As new discoveries are made and new interpretations are offered, our understanding of the text will continue to evolve. The future of Gospel of Thomas research will depend on the continued efforts of scholars and theologians to explore and interpret the text in new and innovative ways.