Canon Status
Not canonical in any tradition. Gnostic in orientation.
Date & Provenance
Composed in the 3rd century CE.
Language & Manuscripts
Coptic text in Nag Hammadi Codex XI.
Why It Matters for Study
Presents a discourse on the nature of knowledge and the interpretation of Scripture, emphasizing the importance of spiritual understanding. Important for understanding Gnostic hermeneutics.
" The knowledge of the truth is not found in words, but in the spirit." — Interpretation of Knowledge (paraphrase)
Read the Text & External Resources
Public-domain translations and scholarly databases where the text can be read online or downloaded.
- Interpretation of Knowledge — Gnostic Society Full translation with introduction.
- Early Christian Writings — Interpretation of Knowledge 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.
Pagels, E. " The Interpretation of Knowledge." In The Nag Hammadi Library in English.
Pagels, E. " The Interpretation of Knowledge." In Nag Hammadi Codices XI, XII, XIII. Brill, 1990.