Note 473 — Chapter X · THE SYSTEM OF THE PISTIS SOPHIA AND ITS RELATED TEXTS[459]

This idea of certain powers being the members or “limbs” of him from whom they issue recurs all through the Pistis Sophia. Cf. especially p. 224, Copt., where it is said that the χωρήματα or “receptacles” of the Ineffable go forth from his last limb. It is probably to be referred to the conception of the Supreme Being as the Man κατ’ ἐξοχήν, which we have seen current among the Ophites. See Chap. VIII, n. 2, p. 38 supra. That the ancient Egyptians used the same expression concerning their own gods and especially Ra, see Moret, “Le Verbe créateur et révélateur,” R.H.R., Mai-Juin, 1909, p. 257. Cf. Amélineau, Gnosticisme Égyptien, p. 288. So Naville, Old Egyptian Faith, p. 227.