Was Πάνταινον a Cryptic Reference to the Secret Gospel?

The idea that Πάνταινον (Pantainos) might be a cryptic reference to the Secret Gospel has intrigued scholars for years. The name Πάνταινον can be broken down into two parts: "πάντα" (panta) meaning "all" and "αἶνον" (ainon) meaning "praise" or "tale." This combination suggests a phrase akin to "the whole tale" or "all praise," which resonates deeply with the notion of hidden or coded messages often found in early Christian texts.

The Homeric Connection

In Homeric Greek, the definite article often drops, leading to constructions like "πάντ' αἶνον" (pant' ainon) which translates to "all the praise." This form appears in the Iliad (23.652), where Achilles hears "the whole tale" of Neleus's son. The term "αἶνος" (ainos) here implies not just a tale but a coded message or speech, which aligns with the practice of using hidden meanings, a technique familiar in the context of early Christian writings.

Isopsephy and Symbolism

Isopsephy, the Greek equivalent of Hebrew gematria, involves adding the numerical values of letters in a word. For "πάντ' αἶνον," the values are as follows:

• Π (Pi) = 80
• ά (alpha) = 1
• ν (Nu) = 50
• τ (Tau) = 300
• α (alpha) = 1
• ι (Iota) = 10
• ν (Nu) = 50
• ο (Omicron) = 70
• ν (Nu) = 50

Adding these values together, we get 612. Interestingly, this is a number that appears frequently in Jewish mystical literature, associated with concepts like the 613 laws of Moses. This numerical significance suggests a deeper, mystical layer to the phrase, potentially linking it to secret or hidden knowledge.

Irenaeus and the Alexandrian Tradition

Irenaeus, in his writings, particularly criticizes what he sees as heretical interpretations that deviate from established Christian orthodoxy. He acknowledges the use of "αἶνος" in the context of praising God, as seen in his references to the phrase "Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings Thou hast perfected praise" (Paed 1.5.13.2).

The importance of "αἶνος" in the daily life of the Alexandrian Church is highlighted in their hymns and praises, where it signifies more than just verbal praise but also a deeper, coded message of faith and devotion.

The Secret Gospel and Pantainos

The connection between Pantainos and the Secret Gospel becomes clearer when we consider Clement of Alexandria’s writings. Clement often uses phrases and concepts that suggest hidden or esoteric meanings. In the Stromata, he mentions encountering a teacher in Egypt who revealed hidden teachings, possibly alluding to secret traditions like those found in the Secret Gospel of Mark.

Alexander of Jerusalem, in his letter to Origen, also refers to Pantainos as a master and a figure of great wisdom, further solidifying the notion that Pantainos might represent a source of hidden or secret knowledge.

Conclusion

The exploration of the term Πάνταινον and its potential link to the Secret Gospel reveals a rich tapestry of coded messages, numerical symbolism, and mystical teachings within early Christianity. Whether Pantainos was indeed a cryptic reference to a secret gospel remains a topic of scholarly debate, but the linguistic and historical evidence provides compelling food for thought. The connections drawn from Homeric Greek, isopsephy, and early Christian writings underscore the complexity and depth of early Christian theological and mystical traditions.