Encyclopedia of The Bible – Gospel of Eve
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Gospel of Eve

EVE, GOSPEL OF. A Gospel of Eve is mentioned only by Epiphanius (Pan XXVI. 2. 6), who also gives the only certain quotation (ibid.). On a high mountain the narrator (unidentified) sees two figures, and is thus addressed: “I am thou and thou art I, and where thou art there am I, and I am sown in all things; and whence thou wilt thou gatherest me, and when thou gatherest me, then gatherest thou thyself.” The mountain setting recalls some Gnostic gospels, as does the formula, “I am thou and thou art I,” often found in Gnostic, Hermetic, and magical texts. The first reference in Epiphanius suggests a link with the Ophite interpretation of the Genesis story of the Fall (Iren. I. 28. 4, p. 234 Harvey). See further NTAp. I. 241ff.