Iamblichus: On the Mysteries · 75 of 218 · tr. Thomas Taylor
Chapter XXVIIb
It is requisite, however, not only to preassume this, but also to define what the inspiration of divine origin is, which produces divine divination.
For if this is not done, we shall not previously know what its peculiarity is, in consequence of not attributing to it its proper character, and adapting this to it as a certain seal.
And this, indeed, has been accurately done by us a little before.
191
Themes
◆Divine Hiddennesstheology
The supreme God's radical concealment beyond ordinary knowledge or perception; the Hidden Father.
The passage emphasizes defining the 'peculiarity' of divine divination to reveal its proper character, implying a hidden nature.
All passages →◆Gnosis Direct Knowledgesoteriology
Salvation through direct experiential knowledge of the divine nature, not through faith, ritual, or moral works alone.
The text focuses on defining the nature of 'divine divination' as a specific form of knowledge that requires proper definition and adaptation.
All passages →◆Hidden Sayingssoteriology
Esoteric teachings reserved for those ready to receive them; outer meaning conceals an inner liberating truth.
The instruction to define the peculiarity of inspiration suggests esoteric knowledge reserved for those who understand its proper character.
All passages →