Tuesday, May 14, 2024

The use of ἀνταλλαγή in Epiphanius's Panarion

In section 39, "Against Sethians," of his Panarion, Epiphanius used the rare term ἀνταλλαγή:

 

5,4 Thus we can show—as you know, beloved—both that Seth was a real man and that he got no unusual endowment from above, but was the blood brother of Cain and Abel, from one father and one mother. (5) For scripture says, “Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bare Cain”; and she named him Cain, meaning “acquisition,” saying, “I have acquired a son through the Lord God.”16 (6) Again, in the case < of > Abel, “Adam knew Eve his wife and she conceived and bare a son and called his name Abel.”17 (7) And much farther on, after the death of Abel, “And Adam knew Eve, his wife, and she conceived and bare a son, and called his name Seth,” meaning “recompense.” (ἀνταλλαγή) “For,” she said, “God hath raised up for me a seed instead of Abel, whom Cain slew.”18 (8) But the expression, “I have acquired through God,” and “ God hath raised up for me,” show that the one God, the maker of all is also the giver of these offspring. (9) And that Cain and Seth, at least, took wives is plain—for Abel was killed in his early youth, not yet married. (The Panarion of Epiphanius of Salamis: Book 1 (Sects 1-46) [2d ed.; trans. Frank Williams; Nag Hammadi and Manichaean Studies 3; Leiden: Brill, 2009], 279-80)

 

Here is the relevant portion PG 41:672A: