First page of "Gospel of Thomas" coptic manuscript. (Photo Courtesy of the Institute for Antiquity and Christianity, Claremont Graduate University)

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Codex Index


Introduction to the Collection:

Several of the major texts in the Nag Hammadi collection have more than one translation listed; where multiple translations are provided, we have listed the translators' names in parenthesis below the title of the text. Texts marked with {*} had more than one Coptic version extant within the Nag Hammadi codices; often these several versions were used conjointly by the translators to provide a single translation of the text. All of these ancient manuscripts had some areas of damage, some of the pages were very fragmentary. Sections of lost or unreadable text are usually indicated in the translations with ellipses [...].

All translations presented below have undergone modification, formatting, and minor revision for use in this internet edition. Many of the translations are based on original work done by members of the Coptic Gnostic Library Project of the Institute for Antiquity and Christianity, Claremont Graduate School. The Coptic Gnostic Library Project (CGLP) was funded by UNESCO, the National The leather-bound codices found at Nag Hammadi in 1945Endowment for the Humanities, and other Institutions.

Several scholars have granted us permission to present their original translations of Nag Hammadi texts here in the Gnostic Society Library. We are particular indebted to the assistance and contributions of Dr. Willis Barnstone, Dr. John Turner, Dr. Stevan Davies, and the late Dr. Marvin Meyer. Contributors to this collection retain all copyright to their works.

For academic citations, always read and reference standard print editions. The International Edition of The Nag Hammadi Scriptures, edited by Marvin Meyer, provides authoritative translations and extensive introductory notes on the Nag Hammadi texts. We also highly recommend The Gnostic Bible, edited by Willis Barnstone and Marvin Meyer; this comprehensive volume includes excellent introductory material and provides beautiful translations for the most important Nag Hammadi scriptures.

Digital images of the original Nag Hammadi Codices are now available online at the Claremont Colleges Digital Library.



Nag Hammadi Texts - Index by Codex Location

Codex I (The Jung Codex)

    1. The Prayer of the Apostle Paul
    2. The Apocryphon (Secret Book) of James
    3. The Gospel of Truth*
    4. The Treatise on the Resurrection
    5. The Tripartite Tractate


Codex II

    1. The Apocryphon (Secret Book) of John* – long version
    2. The Gospel of Thomas
    3. The Gospel of Philip
    4. The Hypostasis of the Archons – The Reality of the Rulers
    5. On the Origin of the World*
    6. The Exegesis on the Soul
    7. The Book of Thomas the Contender


Codex III

    1. The Apocryphon (Secret Book) of John* – short version
    2. The Gospel of the Egyptians*
    3. Eugnostos the Blessed*
    4. The Sophia of Jesus Christ
    5. The Dialogue of the Savior


Codex IV

    1. The Apocryphon (Secret Book) of John* – long version
    2. The Gospel of the Egyptians*


Codex V

    1. Eugnostos the Blessed*
    2. The Apocalypse (Revelation) of Paul
    3. The (First) Apocalypse (Revelation) of James
    4. The (Second) Apocalypse (Revelation) of James
    5. The Apocalypse (Revelation) of Adam


Codex VI

    1. The Acts of Peter and the Twelve Apostles
    2. The Thunder, Perfect Mind
    3. Authoritative Teaching
    4. The Concept of Our Great Power
    5. Plato, Republic 588A-589B
    6. The Discourse on the Eighth and Ninth
    7. The Prayer of Thanksgiving
    8. Asclepius 21-29


Codex VII

    1. The Paraphrase of Shem
    2. The Second Treatise of the Great Seth
    3. The Apocalypse (Revelation) of Peter
    4. The Teachings of Silvanus
    5. The Three Steles of Seth


Codex VIII

    1. Zostrianos
    2. The Letter of Peter to Philip


Codex IX

    1. Melchizedek
    2. The Thought of Norea
    3. The Testimony of Truth


Codex X

    1. Marsanes


Codex XI

    1. The Interpretation of Knowledge
    2. A Valentinian Exposition
      2a. On the Anointing
      2b. On the Baptism A
      2c. On the Baptism B
      2d. On the Eucharist A
      2e. On the Eucharist B
    3. Allogenes – The Foreigner
    4. Hypsiphrone


Codex XII

    1. The Sentences of Sextus
    2. The Gospel of Truth*
    3. Fragments (translation not provided here)


Codex XIII

    1. Trimorphic Protennoia – Three Forms of First Thought
    2. On the Origin of the World*

 

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