AStudyofEnglishOrthodoxTheologicalTerms

ComparedtotheOriginalGreek
..
HolyMonasteryofSt.Gregoriou,Mt.Athos
July2004

Contents

Introduction

ListofBooks
Table1:Translationsofthetermsfoundinthebooksreviewed

Table2:Translationsoftheterms:GeneralSynopsis

:
Table3:Translationsofthetermsasusedwithintwoperiods

Table4:Classificationofthetranslations

Table5:Theimmaterialdimensionofthehumanperson
Semanticfields:(psyche)inGreekcomparedtoSoulandPsychein
English

:
soulpsyche
Table6:Sourcematerialforstudy:

:
(psyche)

(nous)

(dianoia)

(logos)

(theosis)

3
6
7
8
9
10

11
12
13
16
19
25

INTRODUCTION
TheoriginalobjectiveofthisstudywastoshowthatOrthodox
theology when translated into Western European languages
is: (1) linguistically not systematic, and therefore causes con
fusion; (2) that Western European word equivalents convey
only partially the concepts and processes of their Greek
prototypes.ThelanguageanalysedinthisstudywasEnglish,
butthesamecouldequallybeapplied,withsimilarresults,to
any Latin or Germanic language. Along with the above also
comes the proof that Western civilisation now distinguishes
the semantic field of Greek (psyche) into two distinct
fields,andtodaythishasseriousconsequencesforthewhole
planet.

,

.
,
, ,
.
,

,
.

.
,,,.,
Lampe Greek Patristic Lexicon,
(. Table 6).
.
,
. .., intellect
,reason
, .

.

This study took seven Greek books and compared them

with their English translations. Five Greek words were
selectedforcomparison:(psyche),(nous),
(dianoia), (logos) and (theosis). The meanings
giveninLampesGreekPatristicLexiconarealsoincludedin
the source material (cf. Table 6). What will be immediately
noticeablewillbethediversityoftranslatedequivalents.The
real problem appears when various translators use the same
wordfordifferentGreeklexicalitems.Forexample,intellect
is used to translate both nous and dianoia; reason to
translatedianoiaandlogos,etc.ThiscanonlyleadtheEnglish
reading public to misunderstanding and confusion of
Orthodoxtheology.

, ,
,

It will be seen that in the English language, Orthodox

Patristic terminology is in an embryonic stage, although

Introduction

20

.
,


.
.
,,
,
, ,

.

Englishtranslationsinthelast20yearshavemadesignificant
moves towards using the original Greek words. This has
primarily come about from within monastic circles who
attempt to live Orthodox theology, rather than merely
conceptualisingandreasoningawaytheexperiencesrevealed
to the Holy Fathers of the Church. In earlier translations,
many Latin and Germanic words were used. This is not
desirable,becausetheoriginalGreekwordscontainabreadth
andadepthofmeaningrepresentativeofspiritualstatesand
psychicfunctionsandexperiences,whichdonotexistintheir
Westernequivalents.
For example, Word and sacrament are poor equivalents for
Logosandmysteryrespectively.Also,theword(nous)has
been misleadingly translated by such words as mind or
intellectwhere in fact no Western concept exists which is
equivalent to the Patristic concept of (nous). Recent
monastic translations have begun to use the original Greek
words,bydoingsotheambiguitiesandmisunderstandsborn
oftheintellectareeliminated.

, Word sacrament
,

mindintellect,
.

The greatest and least understood fault lies in the Biblical

word (psyche). In English, the meaning of this word
overthelast150yearsorsohasconstellatedintotwodistinct
conceptual fields. On the one hand, we have the words soul,
life and breath, which form one field. On the other hand, we
havethewordspsyche(asinmodernpsychology)andmind(as
in the mindbody dichotomy), comprising the other field. For
example, in Greek it is patently clear that it is necessary to
cure the (psyche), so that it may be saved. In English,
onetalksofcuringthepsyche,butneverofsavingitsalvation

.150,

. , soul, life
breath,.,
psyche(psychology)mind(mindbody),
. .., ,
, ,

Introduction

, psyche,
soul.
,
psychic ()
,soul(.Table5).

beingreservedexclusivelyforthesoul.Thetwowordsremain
distinct;thereislittleornoconnectionbetweenpsychichealth
and the eternal animating principle known as soul (cf. Table
5).
Thisstudyineffectachievestwogoals.Thefirstobjectiveis
the wellknown (at least to the English speaking Orthodox
theologians)butneverspokenaimofdisclosingtheconfusion
presentinEnglishterms,andindoingsohelptoapproachan
agreed theological terminology, which will be faithful to the
Holy Fathers. The second objective is to highlight the dis
location of the psyche () in western civilisation. This
fragmentation is both systematic and indicative of a deep
spiritualmalady,whichshowslittleornosignofabating,and
whoseconsequencesreverberatethroughoutthewholeworld.
As George (Robin) Amis, who to our knowledge is the first
person to highlight this rift, says, this is indicative of the
dislocation of the psyche that Western civilisation is now
subjectto.ThispsychicdisfunctionalityofWesterncivilisation
has only been diagnosed recently, and has as yet had no
impactoneitherthehealthcaresystemortheology.

:
,
, . ,
,
.
.

,,
.
George (Robin) Amis,
,:
,
. psychic ()

.

.
. ,
.
,
,
.

Although this study primarily points to the shortcomings

of translations into English, there also appear inherent
directionsforimprovement.Onmustbearinmindthatthisis
intendedasabriefstudytoshowtheexistingproblems.Itis
far from comprehensive, and could be expanded to cover a
widerrangeoftermsfromalargernumberoftranslations.

ListofBooks
Listofbooks(Thetitlesareinchronologicalorderaccordingtothedateofthetranslation)
Lampe1961

APatristicGreekLexicon.Ed.byG.W.H.Lampe,D.D.,Oxford1961.

19571958

.,
,,,1957;,1958.
ThePhilokalia.TheCompleteText.Tr.byG.E.H.Palmer,PhilipSherrard,KallistosWare.London/Boston,Vol.
One,1979;Vol.Two,1981.

Philokalia19791981
1981
Nellas(Russell)1987

:..
,1981.
PanayiotisNellas:DeificationinChrist.TheNatureoftheHumanPerson.Tr.byNormanRussell.NewYork
1987.

Theoleptos(Sinkewicz)1992

TheoleptosofPhiladelphia:TheMonasticDiscourses.ACriticalEdition,TranslationandStudybyRobertE.
Sinkewicz,C.S.B.Toronto,PontificalInstituteofMediaevalStudies,1992.

1986
Mantzarides(Schram)1994

.:.1986.
GiorgiosI.Mantzarides:OrthodoxSpiritualLife.Tr.byKeithSchram.Brookline,HolyCrossOrthodoxPress,
1994.

1987

..:().,
1987.
BishopofNafpaktosHierotheos:OrthodoxPsychotherapy.ThescienceoftheFathers.Tr.byEstherWilliams.
Levadia1994.

Hierotheos(Williams)1994
1985
ElderJoseph1998
1957
Romanides(Gabriel)2002

:.,,
1985.
MonasticWisdom.TheLettersofElderJosephtheHesychast.St.AnthonysGreekOrthodoxMonastery,
Florence,Arizona,1998.
.:.1957.
JohnS.Romanides:TheAncestralSin.Tr.withanIntroductionbyGeorgeS.Gabriel(MADr.,Acadmiede
ParisSaintDenysInstitutdeThologieOrthodoxedeParis).Ridgewood,NJ,2002.

Table1:Translationsofthetermsfoundinthebooksreviewed
Translation

(psyche)

Note:[]denotetranslationsofderivedterms,{}translationswithdifferentsyntaxinEnglish.

Termstranslated
(dianoia)

(nous)
intellect(nous)Glossary
intellect
[intelligible]
[thoughts]
intellect(nous)
intellect
mind
[intelligible]

reason,mind(dianoia)
Glossary
mind
reason

soul

mind()Index
mind

Mantzarides(Schram)1994

soul

intellect
mind

discursivemind()Index
mind
discursiveintellect
mind
thought
understanding
[intellectual]

Hierotheos(Williams)1994

psyche
soul(psyche)
soul(psyche)
hisown(psyche)
himself(psyche)
histrueself(psyche)
soul
soul
soul

nous
understanding(nous)

mind(dianoia)
mind
reason

nous()Glossary
nous
mind
[noetically]
mind(nous)
intellect
mind
{understanding}

intellect()Glossary
intellect

Philokalia19791981

soul

Nellas(Russell)1987

soul

Theoleptos(Sinkewicz)1992

ElderJoseph1998

Romanides(Gabriel)2002

soul

intellectual

Intellect
[mentally]

(logos)
Logos(Logos)Glossary
Logos
intelligence
principle
Logos
reason(logos)
essence(logos)
reason
word
essences
principle
[rational(logikos)]
[intelligence]
reason
Word
word
Logos
Word(Logos)
innerprinciples(logoi)
Word
[rational(logiko)]
[logical]
[rationality]
Logos
intelligence
speech
Word
word
[intelligence]
[intelligent]
[word]
Word
words
[rational]
Logos
reason
[reasoning]
[rational]
[endowedwithreason]
[rationality]

(theosis)
deification
[divinize]

deification(theosis)
deification

[divinization]
[divinize]
[divinizing]
deification
[deified]

deification
[deified]

theosis()Glossary

theosis
theosis(divinization)

Table2:Translationsoftheterms:GeneralSynopsis

Note:[]denotetranslationsofderivedterms,{}translationswithdifferentsyntaxinEnglish.

Termstranslated
(psyche)
psyche

soul(psyche)
soul(psyche)
soul
soul

hisown(psyche)
himself(psyche)
histrueself(psyche)

(nous)
nous()Glossary
nous
[noetically]

mind()Index
mind(nous)
mind

intellect(nous)Glossary
intellect(nous)
intellect
[intelligible]

[thoughts]

understanding(nous)
{understanding}

(dianoia)
intellect()Glossary
intellect
intellectual
[intellectual]

discursiveintellect

discursivemind()
Index
mind(dianoia)
mind
[mentally]

reason,mind(
dianoia)Glossary
reason

thought

understanding

(logos)
Logos(Logos)Glossary
Logos
[logical]

reason(logos)
reason
[rational(logikos)]
[rational(logiko)]
[rational]
[rationality]
[reasoning]
[endowedwithreason]

innerprinciples(logoi)
principle

essence(logos)
essences

intelligence
[intelligence]
[intelligent]

Word(Logos)
Word
word
words
[word]

speech

(theosis)
theosis()Glossary
theosis
theosis(divinization)

deification(theosis)
deification
[deified]

[divinize]
[divinizing]
[divinization]

Table3:Translationsofthetermsasusedwithintwoperiods
Dates

Note:[]denotetranslationsofderivedterms,{}translationswithdifferentsyntaxinEnglish.

Termstranslated

19791993

(psyche)
soul

(nous)
mind()Index
intellect(nous)
Glossary
intellect(nous)
mind
intellect
[intelligible]
[thoughts]

(dianoia)
discursivemind
()Index
reason,mind(
dianoia)Glossary
mind
reason
discursiveintellect
intellectual

19942002

psyche
soul(psyche)
soul(psyche)
hisown(psyche)
himself(psyche)
histrueself(psyche)
soul
soul

nous()Glossary
nous
mind(nous)
understanding(nous)
mind
intellect
[noetically]
{understanding}

intellect()
Glossary
mind(dianoia)
mind
intellect
reason
understanding
thought
[mentally]
[intellectual]

(logos)
Logos(Logos)
Glossary
Logos
reason(logos)
essence(logos)
intelligence
reason
Word
word
essences
principle
[rational(logikos)]
[intelligence]
Logos
Word(Logos)
innerprinciples(logoi)
intelligence
reason
speech
Word
word
words
[intelligence]
[intelligent]
[logical]
[rational(logiko)]
[rational]
[rationality]
[reasoning]
[endowedwithreason]
[word]

(theosis)
deification(theosis)
deification
[divinize]
[divinization]
[divinizing]

theosis()
Glossary
theosis
theosis(divinization)
deification
[deified]

Table4:Classificationofthetranslations(derivationsnotincludedexceptfor)

(derivations)

psyche

nous

Logos

[logical]

theosis
theosis(divinisation)

soul(psyche)
soul(psyche)

mind(nous)
intellect(nous)

mind(dianoia)

Word(Logos)
reason(logos)

deification(theosis)

hisown(psyche)
histrueself(psyche)
himself(psyche)

understanding(nous)

essence(logos)
innerprinciples(logoi)

soul
soul

mind
intellect

mind
intellect
intellectual
reason

intelligence

reason

[intelligence]
[intelligent]

deification

discursiveintellect
understanding
thought

principle
essences
Word
word
words
speech

[word]

[rational(logikos)]
[rational(logiko)]

A
B
C
D

Greekterms
TranslationsbytransliteratedGreekterms
TranslationsbyEnglishtermswithtransliteratedGreekinbrackets
TranslationsbyEnglishtermsonly

10

[reasoning]
[endowedwithreason]
[rational],[rationality]

Table5:TheimmaterialdimensionofthehumanpersonLexicalfields:(psyche)inGreekvs.SoulandPsycheinEnglish

Greek

English

Life

Soul
Subjectofour
salvation

Psyche

Soul

Soul

Lifeprocesses
Birthtodeath

Subjectofour
salvation

Breath
Essenceofour
Life

Mind

Psyche

Mentalfaculty

Subjectof
modern
psychology

Psyche
Subjectof
modern
psychology

Life
Lifeprocesses
Birthtodeath

Mind
Mentalfaculty

Breath
Essenceofour
Life

1field

2fields
11

Table6:Sourcematerialforstudy:(psyche)

Note:[]denotetranslationsofderivedterms,{}translationswithdifferentsyntaxinEnglish.

OriginalBook
19571958

1981

Theoleptos(Sinkewicz)1992

1986

1987
.91...

.92....
.92...
...
.93...

:
,

,(.,25).

.93..
1985

1957

Translation
Philokalia19791981
soul
Nellas(Russell)1987
soul
Theoleptos(Sinkewicz)1992
soul
Mantzarides(Schram)1994
soul
Hierotheos(Williams)1994
p.97TheSoul(Psyche)...Whatthesoul
is
p.98...thetermusedforlifeispsyche.
p.98Soulisthelife...Sincethetermsoul
hasmanymeanings...
p.99Thedifferencebetweensoul
(psyche)...andlife(psyche)...appears
alsoinanotherofChriststeachings:
Whoevercaresforhisownsafety
(psyche)islost;butifamanwilllet
himself(psyche)belostformysake,he
willfindhistrueself(psyche)(Matt.
16,25,NEB).
p.99Thewordsoulisalsoused...
ElderJoseph1998
soul
Romanides(Gabriel)2002
soul

Translation

Definition

Lampe1961

Lampe1961

p.1542bsoul,...vitalprinciple

p.1542bi.e.vitalprincipleincreatures

12

Termstranslated

soul

soul

soul

soul

soul
soul(psyche)
psyche
soul

soul(psyche)

hisown(psyche)

himself(psyche)
histrueself
(psyche)

Definition

soul

soul

Table6:Sourcematerialforstudy:(nous)

Note:[]denotetranslationsofderivedterms,{}translationswithdifferentsyntaxinEnglish.

OriginalBook
19571958
A30
A31
...
A199

127
,...
,......

A199

53,

Translation
Philokalia19791981
1,22OnGuardingtheIntellect
1,25Whentheintellectresuesthesouls
sensesfromthedesiresoftheflesh...
1,210everythinginmanisasleep:the
intellect,thesoulandthesenses
2,210Andthehumanintellect,...
occupied...withthedivineprinciplesof
thenoeticworld,isaheavenitself.

1,210allowingfreeentrytodivine
thoughts
2,115Createdbeingsaretermed
intelligible

Termstranslated

intellect

[thoughts]

[intelligible]

1981
.35
.206,...
.208

.217

.217
()

.242,
(..)
.240(.
.)
Theoleptos(Sinkewicz)1992
p.901,10...

Nellas(Russell)1987
p.35intellectanddesire
p.180Theintellect(nous)...
p.181eventheintellectismixedwith
clay
p.189Awakenmymindandturnme
back
p.189thetaskofpurifyingthethoughts
bywhichthemindfunctions

p.216totheintellectivefaculty,thatis,
themind
p.215thingssensibleandintelligible

intellect
intellect(nous)

mind

[intelligible]

Theoleptos(Sinkewicz)1992
p.911,10thenthemindawakens...

mind

Theoleptos(Sinkewicz)1992
p.411(GeneralIndex):mind()

13

Definition
Philokalia19791981
p.362(Glossary):
Intellect(nous):thehighestfacultyinman,
throughwhichprovideditispurifiedheknows
Godortheinneressencesorprinciples(q.v.)ofcreated
thingsbymeansofdirectapprehensionorspiritual
perception.Unlikethedianoiaorreason(q.v.),from
whichitmustbecarefullydistinguished,theintellect
doesnotfunctionbyformulatingabstractconceptsand
thenarguingonthisbasistoaconclusionreached
throughdeductivereasoning,butitunderstands
divinetruthbymeansofimmediateexperience,
intuitionorsimplecognition(thetermusedbySt
IsaactheSyrian).Theintellectdwellsinthedepthsof
thesoul;itconstituestheinnermostaspectoftheheart
(StDiadochos...).Theintellectistheorganof
contemplation(q.v.),theeyeoftheheart(Makarian
Homilies).

Table6:Sourcematerialforstudy:(nous)
OriginalBook
p.881,7,
,...
1986
.39...
.100,
...
.101
,...
,...
,

(.
.11,.53,41.312314)
1987
.91...,
()
.114(.
24,45)
.115...,
(.,14
15)
1985
.58
.

.95,
.
.125;

.165.

Note:[]denotetranslationsofderivedterms,{}translationswithdifferentsyntaxinEnglish.

Translation
p.891,7distractionsofthediscursive
intellect,captivityofmind,...
Mantzarides(Schram)1994
p.27Themindofman
p.116Theintellect,whichisthehighest
powerofthesoul...
p.116Whilethemanshouldhavehis
intellectfixedonGod,...
p.159OholyVirgin,...Onlyincliningto
youhasmademymindmoreclear,
raisingitstraighttothedivineheight.The
eyeofmyunderstandingismadeclearin
you.
Hierotheos(Williams)1994
p.97hownous,heartandmind
(thoughts)arehealed
p.122heopenedtheirunderstanding
(nous)
p.123IwillpraywiththespiritandIwill
praywiththenousalso

Termstranslated

Definition

mind
intellect

mind

nous

understanding
(nous)
nous

MonasticWisdom1998
p.58Thenousshouldhuntoutthe
meaningofthehymn.Theintellect
shouldbesweetenedbythethoughtsof
thenousandshouldbeleduptotheir
contemplation.
p.89Thusthenousbecomesalllight,all
clarity.
p.115Forwhohathknownthemindof
theRulerofAll?
p.148...whilemymindtheologized
unceasingly,...

nous

mind

MonasticWisdom1998

14

p.404(Glossary):
Nous():TheChurchFathersemploytheterm
nouswithseveralmeanings.Theymainlyrefertothe
nousasthesoul(thespiritualnatureofamanSt.
IsaactheSyrian)andtheheart(ortheessenceofthe
soulvid.Philokalia,vol.II,p.109,73).More
specifically,itconstitutestheinnermostaspectofthe
heart(St.Diadochos79,88).However,theyalsorefer
toitastheeyeofthesoul(TheOrthodoxFaith,St.John
ofDamascus,FCvol.37,p.236)ortheorganof
theoria(MakarianHomilies)whichisengagedinpure
prayer(St.IsaactheSyrain).Whenreferringtothe
energyofthenous,theycallitapowerofthesoul
(OntheHolySpirit,St.GregoryPalamas,2,9)

Table6:Sourcematerialforstudy:(nous)

Note:[]denotetranslationsofderivedterms,{}translationswithdifferentsyntaxinEnglish.

OriginalBook
.416
,...

Translation
p.354Ifheisprayingnoetically,he
noeticallyperceivestheradiantcloud,...

Termstranslated
[noetically]

Definition

1957
.95...

.
.136

.
.154...
,...
.99

,...
.135......
.
(.)
.99...,,
...(.
.,...,.
PG59,3334)

Romanides(Gabriel)2002
p.106Thisissupposedtocausecessation
ofallmovementsofthemindandwill
towardanyotherpersonorthingsince
thereisnothingmoredesirableforthe
humanintellectthanthedivineessence.
p.149f.Indeedhestatesthatbetweenthe
divineandhumanmindsnocomparison
canexist.
p.168Hiswholemind(nous)was
continuouslybeholdingGod;...
p.111Therefore,itisnotpossibleto
defineGodasmindinHisessence...

p.148...Manisnot...merelyarational
animalcapableofunderstandingand
receivingknowledge,
p.110...and,unlikePlato,hedoesnot
saythatsometimesHeisintellectand
sometimesHeissoul.

mind

mind(nous)

{understanding}

intellect

Translation

Definition

Lampe1961

Lampe1961

p.923aI.mind

p.927aIIsense,meaning

p.927aIIsense,meaningofscripture,esp.ofnonliteral
sense

consistingofthoughtsandconceptualimages(Onthe
Hesychasts,St.GregoryPalamas,p.410,3).However,it
ismorecommonlyknownastheenergyofthesoul,
whereastheheartisknownastheessenceofthesoul.

15

Table6:Sourcematerialforstudy:(dianoia)

Note:[]denotetranslationsofderivedterms,{}translationswithdifferentsyntaxinEnglish.

OriginalBook
19571958
A166
,
.
A199,
,,

137,
,
,...
232,...
,,,
.
1981
.242(.
.)
Theoleptos(Sinkewicz)1992
p.861,5...,...

p.881,7,
,...
p.921,11
...
,...
1986
.57.7
,...(,.74)
.103.17...

,...(,.)
.40
,...

Translation
Philokalia19791981
1,190ButagainChristwillresolvethis
doubtifwealwaysbaseourmindfirmly
onHim.
1,210Thustheintellectineachofus
resideswithinlikeaking,whilethe
reasonactsasdoorkeeperofthesenses.
2,223Intelligenceandreason...They
labourlikeaservantandahandmaidfor
everyonewhopractisesthevirtues,...
2,334Thesensesofthesoul,...,are
intellect,reason,opinion,fantasyand
senseperception.
Nellas(Russell)1987
p.216theintellectualworld

Termstranslated

mind

reason

intellectual

Theoleptos(Sinkewicz)1992
p.871,5turmoiluponthediscursive
intellect...
p.891,7distractionsofthediscursive
intellect,captivityofmind,...
p.931,11Christrisesinthefirmamentof
themindatprayer...andthemindgoes
aboutitswork,...
Mantzarides(Schram)1994
p.74fn.1Amindthathasfoundspiritual
wisdom...(St.IsaactheSyrian)
p.117fn.16...Asitiseasiertosinin
thoughtthanindeed,...(Evagrios
Pontikos)
p.29Butthisreturnisnotsomesimple
intellectualmatter,...

discursive
intellect

mind

Theoleptos(Sinkewicz)1992
p.406(GeneralIndex):
discursivemind()

mind

thought

[intellectual]

16

Definition
Philokalia19791981
p.364(Glossary):
Reason,mind(dianoia):thediscursive,
conceptualizingandlogicalfacultyofman,the
functionofwhichistodrawconclusionsorformulate
conceptsderivingfromdataprovidedeitherby
revelationorspiritualknowledge(q.v.)orbysense
observation.Theknowledgeofthereasonis
consequentlyofalowerorderthanspiritual
knowledge(q.v.)anddoesnotimplyprinciples(q.v.)
ofcreatedbeings,stilllessofdivinetruthitself.Indeed,
suchapprehensionorperception,whichisthefunction
oftheintellect(q.v.),isbeyondthescopeofthereason.

Table6:Sourcematerialforstudy:(dianoia)
OriginalBook
,...
,

(.
.11,.53,41.312314)
1987
.91...,
()
.111...,
,
.115
.115
,.
.115
,
.
1985
.58
.

Note:[]denotetranslationsofderivedterms,{}translationswithdifferentsyntaxinEnglish.

Translation
p.159OholyVirgin,...Onlyincliningto
youhasmademymindmoreclear,
raisingitstraighttothedivineheight.The
eyeofmyunderstandingismadeclearin
you.
Hierotheos(Williams)1994
p.97hownous,heartandmind
(thoughts)arehealed
p.118distinction,amongthetermssoul,
nous,heart,andmind(dianoia)
p.122Nousandreason
p.123Soherenousisidentifiedwith
reason,intelligence.
p.123OtherFathersusethetermnousto
defineattention,whichismoresubtle
thanreason.
ElderJoseph1998
p.58Thenousshouldhuntoutthe
meaningofthehymn.Theintellect
shouldbesweetenedbythethoughtsof
thenousandshouldbeleduptotheir
contemplation.

Termstranslated
understanding

Definition

mind

mind(dianoia)

reason

intellect

ElderJoseph1998
p.402(Glossary):
Intellect():Thewordmeansthereason
ofman,thatis,hisdiscursive,conceptualizing,and
logicalfacultyofconsciousthinkingandcognition.It
drawsconclusionsandformulatesconceptsfrominfor
mationeitherobtainedbyrevelationorbythesenses.*

*(p.410,footnotetoGossary)Wechosetotranslate(dianoia)asintellect,becauseitisthewordclosestinmeaningtotheGreekterm.For,accordingtotheOxfordDictionaryoftheEnglish
Language,theintellectis:thatfacultyorsumoffacultiesofthemindorsoulbywhichoneknowsandreasons(excludingsensation,andsometimesimagination;distinguishedfromfeelingandwill);
powerofthought;understanding.Rarelyinreferencetotheloweranimals.(vol.IX,p.369)
Thewordmindcouldbeusedtotranslatedianoiabecauseoneofthemeaningsofthewordmind,accordingtothesamedictionary,is:thecognitiveorintellectualpowers,asdistinguishedfromthe
willandemotions.Oftencontrastedwithheart.(vol.XIII,p.461)However,thiswordalsohasothermeaningswhichrenderitambiguous.Inparticular,theprimarysenseofthewordis:theseatofa
personsconsciousness,thoughts,volitions,andfeelings;thesystemofcognitiveandemotionalphenomenaandpowersthatconstitutesthesubjectivebeingofaperson;also,theincorporealsubjectsof
psychicalfaculties,thespiritualpartsofahumanbeing;thesoulasdistinguishedfromthebody.(Ibid)Thismeaningofthewordmindisnotonlydifferentthanthemeaningoftheworddianoia,but
itisalsoremarkablysimilartothemeaningoftheword(nous).Furthermore,thewordmindisneededtotranslatethetermnousinphrasessuchaskeepinmind,themindwanders,etc.Thus,if
thewordmindwereemployedtotranslatethetermdianoia,itwouldbeunclearwhetherdianoiaornousismeant.Therefore,inordertoavoidthisconfusion,wedecidedtousetheclearerword
intellect.
Unfortunately,though,thewordintellecthasbeenusedwithanewmeaninginrecentyears.SomeOrthodoxbookspublishedtodayhavetranslatedthewordnousasintellectandtheworddianoia
asmind.Asexplainedabove,itisnotwrongtousethewordmindfortheworddianoia,giventhatthereaderunderstandsthatitisthelimitedmeaningofthewordmindwhichisintended.
However,tousethewordintellectforthetermnousisinaccurateoratbest,innovative(ifonebearsinmindthatthemeaningofawordinalanguageisnotstatic,butdevelopsaccordingtousage).

17

Table6:Sourcematerialforstudy:(dianoia)
OriginalBook
.74,,
,,,
,.

.293...
.
1957
.95...

.
.139......
(,

...
).

Note:[]denotetranslationsofderivedterms,{}translationswithdifferentsyntaxinEnglish.

Translation
p.72Andinthismanneroneisexercised,
tried,andperfected,assuchasour
nature,nous,intellect,andsoulsvessel
canhold.
p.252...Iturnedmyintellecttoprayer
oncemore.
Romanides(Gabriel)2002
p.106Thisissupposedtocausecessation
ofallmovementsofthemindandwill
towardanyotherpersonorthingsince
thereisnothingmoredesirableforthe
humanintellectthanthedivineessence.
p.152...Christ...wasperfected(notfrom
sintoperfection,butfromaninfance
conditiontoamentallyandphysically
matureman,...).

Termstranslated

Definition

intellect

[mentally]

Translation

Definition

Lampe1961

Lampe1961

noentry

noentry

18

Table6:Sourcematerialforstudy:(logos)

Note:[]denotetranslationsofderivedterms,{}translationswithdifferentsyntaxinEnglish.

OriginalBook
19571958
98...
...
B27,97,
.,

137,
,
,...
127
,...
,......
53,

,...
1981
.24
...(.)

.27
,,...(.
)
.35
,
.
.34......
(.)
.50

.218

.242......

Translation
Philokalia19791981
2,173...letusstrugglenottobetraythe
Logostothepassions...
2,82Apureintellectseesthingscorrectly.
Atrainedintelligenceputstheminorder.

2,223Intelligenceandreason...They
labourlikeaservantandahandmaidfor
everyonewhopractisesthevirtues,...
2,210Andthehumanintellect,...
occupied...withthedivineprinciplesof
thenoeticworld,isaheavenitself.
2,115Createdbeingscanbeknown
rationallybymeansoftheinner
principles...
Nellas(Russell)1987
p.25...cleavingtotheLogoslikea
shadowandhavingbecomerational
(logikoi)...
p.28Forasourownreason(logos)isan
imageofthetrueLogosoftheSonofGod
...
p.35Mansarchetypeisthereforenot
simplytheLogosbuttheincarnateLogos.

p.34withlifeandreasonandwisdom

p.47derivedfromthenatureofbeings
lackingintelligence
p.190itcanbenourishedbythelife
givingtruthofthedivineword
p.216Andthebodilysensesthemselves,

19

Termstranslated

Logos

intelligence

principle

Logos
[rational(logikos)]

reason(logos)
Logos

reason

[intelligence]

word

essences

Definition
Philokalia19791981
p.363(Glossary):
Logos(Logos):theSecondPersonoftheHoly
Trinity,ortheIntellect,WisdomandProvidenceof
Godinwhomandthroughwhomallthingsare
created.Astheunitarycosmicprinciple,theLogos
containsinHimselfthemultiplelogoi(innerprinciples
orinneressences,thoughtsofGod)inaccordancewith
whichallthingscomeintoexistenceatthetimesand
places,andtheforms,appointedtothem,eachsingle
thingtherebycontaininginitselftheprincipleofits
owndevelopment.Itistheselogoi,contained
principallyintheLogosandmanifestintheformsof
thecreateduniverse,thatconstitutethefirstorlower
stageofcontemplation(q.v.).

Table6:Sourcematerialforstudy:(logos)

Note:[]denotetranslationsofderivedterms,{}translationswithdifferentsyntaxinEnglish.

OriginalBook
...
(..)
...
(..)

...

(.
.)
...
,,
,,,
,...(..)

Translation
inaccordancewiththemoredivine
inwardessencesbefittingthem,...
ibid.throughtheirownapprehensionof
theinwardessences(logoi)ofcreated
things
ibid.hasnaturallybeassigned
beforehandtoeachofthesoulsfaculties
inananalogousmannerandbyacertain
hiddenprinciple
ibid.Itissaidthatthesenseofsight
belongstotheintellectivefaculty,thatis,
tothemind,thesenseofhearingtothe
rationalfaculty,thatis,toreason,...
Theoleptos(Sinkewicz)1992
Theoleptos(Sinkewicz)1992
p.1011,23theharmonyandunionof
p.1001,23
mind,wordandsoul...

p.1704,5 p.1714,5Byhiswordhehealedher
rationalsoul

p.26513,4...thenyougivebodily
p.26413,4...
existencetothewordofvirtue...
...
p.26413,4... p.26513,4...andstraightawayyouwill
...
conceivetheWordofGod...
p.1182,14...
p.1192,14slippingintothedarknessof
,
loveforthesenses,heabandonslovefor

thedivinelight,isseparatedfromreason,
... exiledfromknowledge...
1986
Mantzarides(Schram)1994
.35, p.23AsacreatureofGod,madewithhis
,...
Wordasthearchetype,...
.42,...(..)
p.29ThedivineLogos...(St.Maximus

theConfessor)
.38,
p.28WhensomeonedeniesGod,heisnot
.
makingsomelogicalmistake.
.35.
p.23Mansummarizestheinner

principles(logoi)ofallbeingsintheimage

20

Termstranslated

essence(logos)

principle

reason

Definition

word

Word

reason

Word

Logos

[logical]

innerprinciples
(logoi)

Table6:Sourcematerialforstudy:(logos)
OriginalBook
.
o
,

.
.
,
.
1987
.100...,

.100...,
(.)
.193194,...
.
.
,
.
.
,
,

,
.

,.

Note:[]denotetranslationsofderivedterms,{}translationswithdifferentsyntaxinEnglish.

Translation
ofGodtheWord(Logos).Thatis,asthe
innerprinciplesofbeingsreferbackto
andaresummarizedintheWordofGod,
soalsotheinnerprinciplesofbeingsare
concentratedandsummarizedinmanin
theimageofGodtheWord.Here
moreover,therationalityofmanreaches
itspeak.Inotherwords,manisarational
(logiko)being,becauseheistheimageof
GodtheWord.
Hierotheos(Williams)1994
p.106...thattheHolyTrinityisNous,
WordandSpirit
p.106thesoul...isendowedwithnous,
wordandspirit
p.205InmanyFathers,...thewordisalso
calledthelogistikon,intelligence.The
wordinmanissaidinwardlybutalso
expressedoutwardly.Outwardsilence
doesnotmeanthatthereisnotaninner
word.Butafterastudyoftheworksof
theFathersitcanbeassertedwithsome
cautionthatthewordisinwardand
outwardandisunitedwiththenous,
whiletheintelligencewhichisconnected
withthemind,istheorganthrough
whichthewordisexpressed.Thusitcan
bestatedthatthereisasubtledifference
betweenthewordandintelligence,justas
thereisbetweenthewordandmind.St.
Thalassiosteachesthattheintelligence
bynaturesubmitstotheLogos.The
intelligentmanmustsubmittotheWord.

21

Termstranslated
Word(Logos)

[rationality]
[rational(logiko)]

Definition

Word

[word]

word

[intelligence]

Logos
[intelligent]
Word

Table6:Sourcematerialforstudy:(logos)
OriginalBook
.115,
.,
(B27,
97,.)
.115...,,
.

.115...,

.
1985
.339,

,...
.295
;
.61
,...
.312...
...
1957
.135...
,...
.64...
...,
...
.50...

,,,
...

.65
...
.135......

Note:[]denotetranslationsofderivedterms,{}translationswithdifferentsyntaxinEnglish.

Translation
p.123Apurenousseesthingscorrectly.
Atrainedintelligenceputstheminorder.
(cf.abovePhilokalia2,82)

p.123...andtheintelligenceisthatwhich
formulatesandexpresseswhathasbeen
seen.
p.123butalsoexpression,thatistrained
speech,inordertoexpressthese
supernaturalrealitiesasfarasispossible.

ElderJoseph1998
p.291ThenChrist,WhoistheWordwith
theFatherandtheSpirit,willcomewithin
you,...
p.253WithwhatwordsshallIrebukemy
wretchedsoul?
p.62Sincemanwascreatedrationaland
gentle,...
p.267...everyshepherdofrationalsheep
...
Romanides(Gabriel)2002
p.149Notasinglething...caneverbeen
comparedtotheLogosofGod,...
p.73...ThisiswhyJohndoesnotbegin...
butwithInthebeginningwastheLogos
...
p.57BasiltheGreat...says,Indeed,the
divinenature,despitethenuancesofall
theappellationsbywhichitiscalled,
remansasindiscernableasourown
reason....
p.74ReasoningcreaturesmadebyGod...

p.148...Manisnot...merelyarational

22

Termstranslated
intelligence

speech

Definition

Word

words

[rational]

Logos

reason

[reasoning]

[rational]

Table6:Sourcematerialforstudy:(logos)
OriginalBook
.
(.)
.136()...
...
.

.134
.

Note:[]denotetranslationsofderivedterms,{}translationswithdifferentsyntaxinEnglish.

Translation
animalcapableofunderstandingand
receivingknowledge,
p.149(Irenaeus)...hewrites,Being
endowedwithreason...Hewasmadea
rationalbeing,andhelostthetrue
rationality.
p.148Buthedidnotlosehisrationality
andsovereignty.

Termstranslated

[endowedwith
reason]
[rational]
[rationality]

Definition

Translation

Definition(s)

Lampe1961
p.807bword;
I.ingen.
A.spokenexpression;
1.word
2.statement,sentence
3.command
4.promise
5.story,conversation,discourse
6.report,tale
7.treatise
8.sermon,homily
9.passage
10.formofwords,mannerofspeaking
p.808a
11.meretalk
12.teaching,opinion,knowledge
13.learning,education
14.speech,language
B.immanentrationality
1.reason,understanding
2.ground,reason,motive
3.explanation
4.definition,description
5.principle;
a.ground
b.law,essentialdisposition

Lampe1961
p.807b

3.ofdivineauthorityingen.

7.dist.fromsermon

9.ofscripture
10.opp.literalsense
p.808a
11.opp.truthorfact
12.substanceofwhatissaid,...esp.ofdoctrine...
13.hence,plur.
14.ingen.

a.ofcosmicorder
b.formativeandregulativelawofbeing

23

Table6:Sourcematerialforstudy:(logos)

Note:[]denotetranslationsofderivedterms,{}translationswithdifferentsyntaxinEnglish.

Translation

Definition(s)

p.808b
c.principleorrule

6.
C.reckoning;
1.computation
2.account
3.account,creditaccount,credit
4.onaccountof,forthesakeof;inregardto,in
respectof
5.for,onbehalfof
D.matter,fact
E.regard,esteem
F.concern,interest
G.relation
H.manner,arrangement
I.condition,limitation
J.status
K.function
II.
(...)

p.808b
c.principleorruleembodyingtheresultof

6.for.,...

3.financialaccount;hencecreditaccount

II.theol.,ofsecondPersonofTrinity;
(...)

24

Table6:Sourcematerialforstudy:(theosis)

Note:[]denotetranslationsofderivedterms,{}translationswithdifferentsyntaxinEnglish.

OriginalBook
19571958
98,
...
.

22

1981
.40
.41
......
.243...(.
.)
Theoleptos(Sinkewicz)1992
p.861,3

...
p.26413,4...
...
p.34221,5...
...
p.35823,12......
,

.
1986
.132
.133
.
......
,,

Translation
Philokalia19791981
2,173Godmadeussothat...wemight
cometobelikeHimthroughdeification
bygrace.

1,349Thesoulisdivinizedthroughthe
intellect
Nellas(Russell)1987
p.39meaningofdeification
p.39TheFathersdescribedthePauline
lifeinChristasdeification(theosis)...
p.218love...productiveofdeification

Termstranslated

deification

[divinize]

Definition

deification
deification
(theosis)

Theoleptos(Sinkewicz)1992
p.871,3Itsfruitistheacquisitionofthe
virtues,divinizingloveandthejoywhich
cannotbeseveredfromthese.
p.26513,4mindfulnessforthedivinizing
commandments...
p.34321,5ButtheSunofGod...he
divinizedus...
p.35923,12...so,too,themind,...
undergoesadivinetransformation...
Thusthemindreceiveslifeand
divinizationfromknowingandloving
God.
Mantzarides(Schram)1994
p.149Deification
p.150Thelongingfordeficationisinnate
inman.
ibid....man...hecannotbefulfilledifhe
isnotledtowhathedesires,ifheisnot

[divinizing]

[divinize]

[divinization]

Theoleptos(Sinkewicz)1992
p.407(GeneralIndex):
divinization()

deification

[deified]

25

Table6:Sourcematerialforstudy:(theosis)
OriginalBook
.
.142
,.
.32

...,
61,.16,PG90,44D.
1987
.61...
.
.66...()
.69
,

.
.61
...
1985

Note:[]denotetranslationsofderivedterms,{}translationswithdifferentsyntaxinEnglish.

Translation
deified.
p.156Bygrace,deifiedmanreceives
anythingthattheuncreatedGodhas.
p.161fn.24Themandeifiedbygraceis
everythingthatGodisexceptforidentity
ofessence.St.Max.Confessor,To
Thalassios61.16,PG90.44D.
Hierotheos(Williams)1994
p.65Bycontrast,theProphetisonewho
hasattaineddeification.
p.70...mysticaltheology(deification)
p.75Thebishopisafruitofdeification,
and,havinghimselfbeendeified,by
gracehehelpshisfellowChristianalong
hisownjourneytowardsdeification.
p.66Thedeifiedapostlesandprophets
...
ElderJoseph1998

Termstranslated

Definition

deification

[deified]

ElderJoseph1998
p.409(Glossary):
Theosis():Connectedwiththetheoriaof
uncreatedLight,theosis,ordivinization,isa
participationintheuncreatedgraceofGod.Atthis
stageofperfection,onehasreacheddispassion.
ThroughthecooperationofGodwithman,theosisis
attainedthroughtheactionofthetransfigurativegrace
ofGod.

1957
.100...
...
...
.

Romanides(Gabriel)2002
p.112...thefailureofmantoattainto
perfectionandtheosis(divinization)...
ibid....throughtheperfectingandtheosis
ofman.

Translation

Definition

Lampe1961

p.649bdeification,divinization

26

theosis
(divinization)
theosis