Chapter XVII

Describing the divine only by negation—God transcends all positive categories and concepts; the via negativa.

The text describes the Gods as entirely exempt from human generation and incapable of receiving pure domination, negating positive categories like sterility or abundance.

The material body viewed as a prison, tomb, or source of error that hinders spiritual knowledge and return.

The passage argues that the immaterial Gods are incapable of receiving pure domination and that material sacrifice is necessary for human affairs.

Ontological opposition between two primal principles (light/darkness, truth/lie, spirit/matter) as the fundamental structure of reality.

A clear distinction is drawn between immaterial Gods and material life, bodies, and generation as separate realms of existence.

The supreme God's radical concealment beyond ordinary knowledge or perception; the Hidden Father.

The Gods are described as entirely exempt from human generation and transcendent, residing outside the sphere of mortal affairs.

A chain of divine beings or principles flowing downward from a single transcendent source (the One or the Father), each level less perfect than the one above.

The text mentions a 'first cause' through which material Gods contain their gifts, implying a downward flow from a higher source.

The maintenance of a state of cleanliness—physical, moral, or spiritual—required for encounter with the divine.

The text contrasts a pure mode of sacrifice with one that is mingled with bodies, emphasizing the requirement for purity in divine encounter.

Iamblichean ritual practice that engages the gods directly through consecrated material symbols and actions, on the premise that divine power descends into properly prepared matter — distinct from philosophical contemplation alone.

The passage centrally argues that sacrifices must be mingled with bodies and adhere to generation to properly engage human affairs and divine gifts.