Plato Copticus, Republic 588B-589B : translation and commentary

Abstract

The present thesis compares a Coptic translation of Plato's Republic (588B-589B) , found in the Nag-Hammadi Library, Codex VI, with the corresponding Greek text.

The noted differences are discussed from philological and doctrinal points of view.

In addition, this study attempts to suggest possible reasons for the Gnostic interest in that particular passage.

A critical analysis of the Coptic treatise shows that this is a rather free translation of the Republic (588B-589B), and that it contains many the Greek text. The latter are probably due to misunderstandings and misreadings of the Greek manuscript to which the translator had access. Furthermore, there are some additions not found in the Greek text of the Republic. From a lexicographical point of view, some new Coptic renderings of Greek words were found, that are not listed in W. Crum's Coptic Dictionary.

Finally, it appears that the reason for the incorporation of this Platonic passage in a Gnostic collection, is related to the tripartite psychology of Plato, which supports certain Gnostic views.