«Change» (μεταβολή) of Substances in the Teachings of Clement of Alexandria
https://doi.org/10.31802/BCA.2021.9.1.003
Abstract
This article analyzes the use of the noun μεταβολή, the verb μεταβάλλω and their derivatives by Clement of Alexandria. This analysis is preceded by a reference to the biblical passages containing these words. It turns out in what meanings Clement used them. As a rule, they designated changes that do not affect the nature (φύσις) or the essence (οὐσία) of a substance, face, etc. However, in single cases, Clement forms of μεταβολή and μεταβάλλω describe changes in elements (στοιχεῖα) (Ecl. 18, 2, cf. Protr. 11, 114, 4). In Exc. 4, 77, 2, and 4, 82, 1, the words studied characterize a cardinal spiritual transformation, testifying to the existence of a semantic shift that had an occasional character and consisted in their acquiring the meaning of a “substantial” transformation. It is suggested that these circumstances prompted early Christian authors to choose these lexemes to describe the Eucharist.
About the Author
A. Ju. Bratukhin
Perm State National Research University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Alexander Ju. Bratukhin, Doctor of Philology Associate Professor at the Department of World Literature and Culture
15 Bukireva street, Perm region, Perm 614990
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Review
For citations:
Bratukhin A.J. «Change» (μεταβολή) of Substances in the Teachings of Clement of Alexandria. Bible and Christian Antiquity. 2021;(1):71-91. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.31802/BCA.2021.9.1.003
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