Canon Status
Not canonical in any tradition. Gnostic in orientation.
Date & Provenance
Composed in the 3rd or 4th century CE.
Language & Manuscripts
Coptic text in Nag Hammadi Codex VI.
Why It Matters for Study
Presents a revelation concerning the nature of the great power, the origin of the world, and the destiny of the soul. Important for understanding Gnostic cosmology and soteriology.
" The great power is the source of all things, and it is the one who is without beginning." — Concept of Our Great Power (paraphrase)
Read the Text & External Resources
Public-domain translations and scholarly databases where the text can be read online or downloaded.
- Concept of Our Great Power — Gnostic Society Full translation with introduction.
- Early Christian Writings — Concept of Our Great Power Indexed text and scholarly resources.
External links open in a new tab. Sources are chosen for public-domain or open-access availability; always verify edition and translation when citing in academic work.
Further Reading
Robinson, J. M., ed. The Nag Hammadi Library in English. Harper & Row, 1988.
Wisse, F., & Williams, F. E. " The Concept of Our Great Power." In The Nag Hammadi Library in English.
Williams, F. Mental Perception: A Commentary on NHC VI, 4. Brill, 2001.