Friday, March 22, 2024

The Last Difference Between Agamemnon Tselikas and Morton Smith's Transcription of the Letter to Theodore.

Τὸ δὲ γυμνοὶ γυμνῷ καὶ τἆλλα περὶ ὧν ἔγραψας οὐκ εὑρίσκεται. 

γυµνὸς[PV, MS] γυµνοὶ [AT]

Both options are grammatically correct, but they differ in the form of the word "γυμνός" (naked). In the first option: "Τὸ δὲ γυμνοὶ γυμνῷ καὶ τἆλλα περὶ ὧν ἔγραψας οὐκ εὑρίσκεται." The word "γυμνοὶ" is in the nominative plural, and it agrees with the subject of the sentence, implying that multiple naked people (or subjects) are involved. In the second option: "Τὸ δὲ γυμνὸς γυμνῷ καὶ τἆλλα περὶ ὧν ἔγραψας οὐκ εὑρίσκεται." The word "γυμνὸς" is in the nominative singular, and it refers to a singular naked person (or subject). Depending on the context, either option could be correct. If you're referring to multiple naked individuals, the first option would be more appropriate. If you're referring to a singular naked person, the second option would be more fitting. But since we are dealing simply with a document and should have no prejudices about whether it is a forgery or an authentic text clearly Clement speaks about the Carpocratians as γυμνοὶ γυμνῷ in their love feasts. Given several references in Stromateis 3 and especially "τὸ καταισχῦνον αὐτῶν τὴν πορνικὴν ταύτην δικαιοσύνην ἐκποδὼν ποιησαμένους φῶς τῇ τοῦ λύχνου περιτροπῇ" which suggests engaging in sexual activities in the light of a lamp's turning (a metaphorical or symbolic reference to sexual behavior), it would stand to reason that the Letter to Theodore is referencing Clement's known opinions about the Carpocratians rather than inventing something new. Given this context, the phrase "Τὸ δὲ γυμνοὶ γυμνῷ καὶ τἆλλα περὶ ὧν ἔγραψας οὐκ εὑρίσκεται" could indeed be interpreted as related to the same sexual activities, with "γυμνοὶ γυμνῷ" possibly implying naked individuals engaging in these activities. A forger knowing Stromateis 3 could still have invented Clement reference the Carpocratians speaking of γυμνοὶ γυμνῷ drawing on known references. But clearly γυμνοὶ γυμνῷ is the more likely reading irrespective of whether the Letter is authentic or a forgery.


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