The Orige.net project, conceived and managed by Dr. Giovanni Hermanin de Reichenfeld, aims to provide visual NA graphs of Origen’s use of biblical quotations in his works. A biblical quotation refers to a passage deliberately drawn from any of the biblical texts that Origen considered "canonical," regardless of the version or translation of the Bible he is using. For the purposes of this project, the term “quotation” is understood as follows:
A quotation is a statement that maintains a degree of "otherness," indicating its origin in a text perceived as external to the author’s own work. As Gary Saul Morson defines it, "a quotation repeats the words of another as the words of another" (Morson 2011, 78). In other words, a quotation is distinguished by its reproduction of an original source – the biblical texts – with the clear intention of presenting it as a reenactment. Thus, the defining criterion for determining when Origen is quoting a biblical text is intentionality. Regardless of the length of the quotation, any set of words spoken by Origen that is clearly intended to reference a specific biblical passage qualifies as a quotation. This also includes also the so-called "misquotations" – cases in which the biblical texts are misspelled – and the "indirect quotations" – cases where a passage is quoted indirectly, without using its exact wording, e.g. reference to the "prodigal son" without a specific reference to Luke 15:11-32. No distinction has been made between quotations and allusions. This implies that, for a passage to be recognised as a quotation, it must be identifiable as such. For example, not every mention of the doctrine of the "Logos" in Origen’s writings is a quotation of the prologue to John's Gospel. However, when Origen refers to the "Logos-in-the-beginning," he is clearly referring to John 1:1, because his language deliberately mirrors that of the biblical text. Although discerning an author's intent is not always possible, Origen’s philological precision in quoting the biblical text suggests that, in nearly all instances of his use of Scripture, his intentionality can be reasonably identified. In order to facilitate it, critical editions of Origen’s work (together with the SC volumes and several translations) have been consulted during the data collection to verify any discrepancies in the identification of biblical quotations.
Doctrine glossary
Adam: References to the first man, his story, and his significance for humanity.
Adoptionism: References to the perceived heresy of adoptionism and its theological doctrines.
Ages/ Aeon: References to the present and future ages of the world, including the final age.
Angel of the Nations: References to the Origenian doctrine of the angels of the nations, their meaning and moral authority.
Angel: References to the bodiless rational beings known as angels, their ontological status, and their cosmic and salvific roles.
Antichrist: References to the doctrine and interpretations concerning the figure of the Antichrist.
Apokatastasis/Restoration: References to the specific doctrine of restoration of all rational beings into communion with God.
Apostles/Disciples: References to the first followers of Jesus, their exemplary value and foundational role for the Christian church.
Baptism: References to the sacrament of baptism, both in its liturgical practice and symbolic fashion.
Body and corporeality: References to the corporeal body of creatures, its ontological status, transformations, and the natural laws governing it in both the present and future ages.
Bride: References to the symbolic concept of bride.
Bridegroom: References to the symbolic concept of bridegroom.
Celestial Beings/Stars /Powers: References o rational beings superior to humans in holiness and function, including stars, powers, thrones, dominions, and other celestial entities.
Christ/Saviour: References to the person of Jesus Christ as the saviour of all rational creatures.
Christians in Progress: References to Christians who are still growing in their faith, making gradual and steady progress.
Christians: References to the Christians scattered throughout the earth as opposed to their pagan counterparts.
Church: References to the Christian Church—its organization, structure, salvific role, mystical union with Christ, and both its present and eschatological function.
Circumcision: References to the physical practice of circumcision and to its spiritual meaning and transformation.
Confession: References to the practice of confessing one’s sin.
Contemplation/Seeing/Vision: References to the spiritual contemplation or vision of the divine realities.
Continence/Self-control: References to the ability to restrain oneself from sinful passions and exercise control over one’s person, especially – but not exclusively – in matters of sexual desire.
Conversion: References to both the conversion from paganism to Christianity and to the inner transformation from sin to holiness.
Creation/Nature: References both to the act of creation by God and to the natural laws governing the physical world.
Death: References to the theological significance of death, both as a physical event and in its symbolic meaning.
Deification: References to the doctrine that rational beings may become increasingly like God through participation in divinity.
Demons: References to the nature, identity and works of the demons.
Desire: References to the nature of desire in all its forms.
Devil: References to the nature, identity and works of the devil.
Docetism: References to the perceived heresy of Docetism and its theological doctrines.
Doctrine: References to the authentic Christian teaching as understood by Origen.
Easter/Passover: References to the Christian celebration of Easter, its theological meaning, and its relationship to the Jewish Passover.
Ecclesiastical Ministers: References to all ministerial roles within the Church, especially the various ranks and functions of the clergy.
Ecclesiastical Tradition: References to teachings transmitted by apostolic succession and preserved within the life of the Church.
Economy/Salvific Plan: References to God’s overarching plan of salvation and the divine strategies employed to enact it.
Emotions/Passions: References to human emotions, both in their physiological dimension and in their theological evaluation as “passions”.
Epicureanism: References to the philosophy of Epicurus, its doctrines and beliefs.
Epinoiai (Aspects): References to the different aspects (epinoiai) of Christ, both as an expression of his own nature and as a soteriological means.
Eschatology: References to the end of times and the future condition of rational beings after the end of this world.
Eucharist: References to the sacrament of Eucharist, both in its liturgical practice and symbolic fashion.
Eve: References to the first woman, her story, and her significance for humanity.
Evil: References to the nature, origin, and manifestations of evil.
Exhortation: References to Origen’s pastoral appeals encouraging readers and listeners to emulate scriptural examples.
Faith: References to faith in Christ and the Church, understood both as a form of knowledge and as a means of salvation.
Fall/Original Sin: References to the original sin, both as the transgression of Adam and Eve and as the primordial fall of rational creatures from God.
Fate: References to the idea that there is an immutable destiny.
Feminine: References to femininity as a conceptual metaphor for expressing theological concepts.
Fire: References to the symbolic meaning of fire, both its redemptive and punitive dimensions.
Food/Nourishment: References to the physical and symbolic significance of food, including the spiritual nourishment.
Foreknowledge: References to the doctrine that God possesses complete knowledge of all future events and human choices without imposing upon them.
Forgiveness: References to the doctrine of forgiveness, both as God’s forgiveness of human sins and as the human capacity to forgive others.
Free will: References to the doctrine that every human being possesses the ability to choose and determine their own destiny.
Freedom: References to the theological concept of true freedom and reflections on its nature.
Furta graecorum: References to the idea that truths in pagan philosophy were originally borrowed from Moses and the prophets.
Glory: References to the concept of glory, its positive and negative implications.
Gnosticism: References to the perceived heresy of Gnosticism in its manifold manifestations, dimensions, and theological doctrines.
God the Father: References to the nature and activity of the supreme and only God insofar as he is understood as the Father.
God the Son: References to the hypostasis of the Son as a divine agent, its nature, ontological status, and soteriological agency.
God’s Will: References to the divine will, both toward creation and as enacted by the Son and the Spirit.
Good/Goodness: References to the nature, definition, and ontological foundation of goodness.
Gospel: References to the structure, composition and spiritual value of the four gospels, also in relation to the eternal gospel written in heaven.
Grace: References to the divine grace granted by God to aid rational creatures in attaining salvation.
Greek Paideia: References to pagan education and cultural formation.
Heaven/Paradise: References to heaven both in the sense of the earthly paradise and as the eternal place where saints will enjoy perfect communion with God.
Hell/Ades: References both to the underworld in general and to hell specifically.
Heresies: References to heresy as a theological and moral deviation from the true faith.
History/Historical Events: References to history and the factual occurrence of historical events narrated in Scripture.
Holy Spirit: References to the hypostasis of the Holy Spirit as a divine agent, its nature, ontological status, and soteriological agency.
Hope: References to the significance and meaning of Christian hope.
Human being: References to the ontological status of human beings, including their components, uniqueness, and ultimate destiny.
Human Spirit: References to the higher aspects of the human being identified with the human spirit.
Humility: References to the Christian virtue of humility.
Hypostasis: References to the three hypostases of God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) and their distinct attributes.
Idolatry: References to the sin of worshipping deities other than the one true God.
Image and likeness: References both to the doctrine of image (in the sense of humans as image of God and of the Son as image of the Father) and to the human creation according to God’s likeness.
Immateriality: References to entities lacking matter as an ontological constituent, both in God and in creatures.
Immutability: References to God's unchangeable nature.
Incarnation: References to the incarnation of Christ and its significance for the salvation of all rational beings.
Intelligence: References to the ontological nature and capacity of the human intellect, mind, and reasoning faculties.
Invocation: References to passages used by Origen in prayer to God.
Israel: References to the people chosen by God, their history, and the concept of the 'new Israel' as fulfilled in Christianity.
Jesus as a man/Jesus’ soul: References to the human aspects of Jesus Christ, including his soul.
Jews: References to the Jewish people, their past and current history, their destiny and specificities.
Judgement: References to the final judgment enacted by God, including its nature and consequences.
Kingdom of God: References to the theological notion of God’s kingdom, both present and eschatological.
Knowledge: References to the nature of knowledge, its acquisition, and its various degrees.
Law: References to the Mosaic Law, its continued observance by the Jewish people, and its spiritual interpretation by Christians.
Life: References to the epinoia of life, its ontological significance and meaning.
Light: References to the epinoia of light, its ontological significance and meaning.
Literal Exegesis: References to exegetical approaches that interpret Scripture according to its plain, surface-level, or carnal meaning.
Liturgy: References to the Christian liturgy, including sacraments, communal prayers, and rituals.
Logos: References to the epinoia of Logos, its ontological significance and the gift of rationality acquired through participating in it.
Love: References to the nature, significance, and multifaceted dimensions of Christian love.
Magic/Divination: References to any form of magic or of divination.
Marcionism: References to the perceived heresy of Marcionism and its doctrinal and exegetical positions.
Marriage: References to the institution of marriage, its spiritual and social benefits, and its theological limitations.
Martyrdom: References to the act of bearing witness through death for faith in Christ, and its theological, moral, and redemptive importance.
Mary: References to the mother of Jesus, her story, her role, her characteristics.
Matter: References to the concept of matter and its ontological significance.
Medicine/Physiology: References to medical and physiological knowledge concerning the human and the animal body.
Merit: References to the merits acquired by rational creatures through their choices, allowing their progress in the spiritual world.
Miracle: References to the salvific value of miracles and their function in Christ’s redemptive works.
Modalism/Monarchianism: References to Monarchianism, that is, the belief that the Father alone is truly God, with the Son and Spirit not fully divine.
Monotheism: References to the doctrine of the existence of only one real and supreme God.
Music: References to music and instruments, both in their literal and symbolic dimensions.
Mysteries: References to God’s mysteries that are not possible to comprehend without a spiritual understanding of God’s reality.
Mysticism: References to the mystical union of the soul with God.
Myth: References to Pagan myths and their meaning.
Names: References to the theology of names, including their etymology and correspondence with ontological realities.
Numbers: References to the symbolic and theological significance of numbers and numerology.
Paganism/Pagan Gods: References to pagan religions as systems opposed to Christianity and to the status of pagan gods and superhuman beings.
Participation: References to the concept of participation through which rational creatures gain a share in divine attributes.
Passion/Cross: References to the salvific role of Christ’s passion and of the cross as a means to salvation.
Patriarchs: References to one or more of the patriarchs, their history and their knowledge of the mysteries later revealed by Christ.
Peace: References to peace as a moral, theological, and political ideal.
Perfection: References to the nature of spiritual perfection and the means by which it may be attained.
Persecution: References to the suffering endured for faith in Christ, its spiritual value, endurance, and salvific significance.
Philology: References to Origen’s analysis and comparison of different biblical textual variants.
Philosophy: References to philosophy in general, the philosophers, the epistemological value of the discipline, its ability to convey both true and false knowledge, its existence as a form of knowledge distinct from that acquired through Christian faith and theological investigation.
Platonism: References to the philosophy of Plato and his followers, their doctrines and beliefs.
Political theology: References to the theological reflection on the nature of political power and its role in the present world.
Poverty: References to Origen’s reflection of real and symbolic poverty.
Power of God: References to Origen’s expression of “God’s power” both as referred to Christ and as a means to express God’s agency in the world.
Prayer: References to the act of prayer, its value, necessity, effectiveness, and the variety of its forms in Christian practice.
Preaching: References to the mission and responsibility of proclaiming the Christian faith, including the role and character of the preacher as a minister.
Predestination: References to the doctrine that God predetermines the salvation of certain individuals, independent of their personal merits.
Principle/Beginning: References to the concept of principle and beginning both in its chronological and ontological significance.
Progress: References to the concept that all creatures are engaged in a movement toward good or evil based on free will, which determines their ontological status and ultimate destiny.
Prophets/Prophecy: References to the value and reality of prophecies, the divine inspiration of the prophets, the kind of knowledge prophets had of the events they prophesised, their knowledge of the mysteries later revealed by Christ.
Protology/Double Creation: References both to Origen’s doctrine of double creation and the protological state of rational beings prior to the fall.
Providence: References to the existence of a universal providence that runs the world according to God’s plans.
Punishment: References to the nature and forms of divine punishment administered by God, both in this age and in the ages to come.
Rational Creatures/Logikoi: References to all rational beings, their ontological status, role, and destiny in the divine economy.
Redemption/Justification: References to the doctrine of justification of sins, to the way of attaining salvation, the works of redemption operated by God.
Reincarnation/Metempsychosis/Metemsomatosis: References to the Greek doctrine of reincarnation, involving the transmigration of souls.
Religious Pluralism/Tolerance: References to the concept of religious pluralism and tolerance, intended both as the necessity of coexisting with other religions and as the idea that other religions might possess a limited share of truth.
Repentance: References to regrets, sorrow, remorse, penitence and atonement.
Resurrection: References both to Christ’s resurrection and to the resurrection of all human beings, their ontological status and composition.
Rule of faith: References to the foundational beliefs handed down by the apostles, considered the indispensable backbone of the Christian faith.
Sacred Scriptures: References to the composition, structure and spiritual value of the Sacred Scriptures.
Sacrifice: References to Christ’s sacrifice or those offered by his ministers for the salvation of rational beings.
Saints/Sanctification: References both to those who have reached sainthood by living in perfect communion with God and to the process by which such holiness is achieved.
Senses (Spiritual and Human): References to the bodily senses and the spiritual senses of the soul, particularly their role in salvation.
Sensible World: References to the material world perceived through the senses and theologically understood as the domain of sin and darkness.
Sex: References to sex and sexual acts.
Simple Christians: References to Christians who have a very basic understanding of Christian faith and a very literal reading of Scriptures.
Sin/Transgression: References to Origen’s understanding of sin, encompassing both its nature and the classification of different types of sins.
Soul: References to the human soul, its ontological status, composition, destiny and capacities.
Spiritual Christians: References to Christians who have advanced to such a degree that they are regarded as spiritual beings, possessing a profound spiritual understanding and interpretation of the Scriptures.
Spiritual exegesis (Allegory, Psychology, typology, Analogy, Anagogy): References to the exegetical methods that interpret Scripture according to deeper, spiritual meanings.
Spiritual Geography: References to the doctrine that geographic locations mentioned in Scripture have spiritual meanings.
Spiritual World/Noetic World: References to the noetic or intelligible world, both as the realm of the Son’s epinoiai and the immaterial, perfect reality in contrast to the fallen world of sins.
Stoicism: References to the philosophy of stoicism and its doctrines.
Substance/Ousia: References to the concept of substance or essence and its theological implications.
Supersessionism: References to the doctrine that the Christian Church has replaced Israel as God's chosen people under the New Covenant.
Teaching: References to the act and responsibility of transmitting knowledge, including the roles and moral character of both good and bad teachers.
Temple: References to the temple as both a historical structure and a theological symbol.
Temptation: References to the nature of temptations and the means by which it can be resisted.
Time: References to the nature and existence of time.
Trinity: References to God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and to His triune nature and substance.
Truth: References to the epinoia of Truth, its ontological significance and the gift of truthfulness acquired through participating in it.
Universal Salvation: References to the soteriological doctrine that all rational creatures will ultimately be saved, including but not limited to the concept of apokatastasis.
Vices: References to the concept of vice, including their nature and the diverse forms they may take.
Violence: References to all forms of violence, whether real or symbolic.
Virginity: References to the meaning and value of virginity.
Virtue: References to the concept of virtue, its various aspects, and the unity among different virtues.
Wealth (Riches): References to the symbolic and actual possession of wealth and its moral implications.
Wisdom: References to the epinoia of Wisdom, its ontological significance and the gift of wiseness acquired through participating in it.
Woman: References to both historical women and the theological category of “woman” in contrast to “man”.
Biblical books and abbreviations
Biblical Books
Abbreviations
Genesis
Gen
Exodus
Exod
Leviticus
Lev
Numbers
Num
Deuteronomy
Deut
Joshua
Josh
Judges
Judg
Ruth
Ruth
1–2 Samuel
1–2Sam
1–2 Kings
1–2Kgs
1–2 Chronicles
1–2Chr
Ezra
Ezra
Nehemiah
Neh
Esther
Esth
Job
Job
Psalms
Ps
Proverbs
Prov
Ecclesiastes (or Qoheleth)
Eccl
Song of Songs
Song
Isaia
Is
Jeremiah
Jer
Lamentations
Lam
Ezekiel
Ezek
Daniel
Dan
Hosea
Hos
Joel
Joel
Amos
Amos
Obadiah
Obad
Jonah
Jonah
Micah
Mic
Nahum
Nah
Habakkuk
Hab
Zephaniah
Zeph
Haggai
Hag
Zechariah
Zech
Malachi
Mal
Tobit
Tob
Judith
Jdt
Wisdom of Solomon
Wis
Sirach/Ecclesiasticus
Sir
Baruch
Bar
Susanna
Sus
1–2 Maccabees
1–2Macc
1–2 Esdras
1–2Esd
Matthew
Matt
Mark
Mark
Luke
Luke
John
John
Acts
Acts
Romans
Rom
1–2 Corinthians
1–2Cor
Galatians
Gal
Ephesians
Eph
Philippians
Phil
Colossians
Col
1–2 Thessalonians
1–2Thess
1–2 Timothy
1–2Tim
Titus
Titus
Philemon
Phlm
Hebrews
Heb
James
Jas
1–2 Peter
1–2Pet
1–2–3 John
1–2–3John
Jude
Jude
Revelation
Rev
Shepherd of Hermas, Mandate(s)
Herm.Mand.
Shepherd of Hermas, Vision(s)
Herm.Vis.
1–2 Clement
1–2Clem
Barnabas
Barn
1–2 Enoch
1–2En
Gospel of the Hebrews
Gos.Heb.
Origen's works and abbreviations
Origen’s works
Abbreviations
Adnotationes in Deuteronomium
Adnot.Deut.
Adnotationes in Exodum
Adnot.Exod.
Adnotationes in Genesim
Adnot.Gen.
Adnotationes in Jesum filium Nave
Adnot.Jes.Nav.
Adnotationes in Judices
Adnot.Judic.
Adnotationes in Leviticum
Adnot.Lev.
Adnotationes in Numeros
Adnot.Num.
In Canticum canticorum (libri duo quos scripsit in adulescentia)
Cant.(Adulesc.)
Contra Celsum
Cels.
Commentarius in Canticum
Comm.Cant.
Commentarii in Genesim
Comm.Gen.
Commentarii in evangelium Joannis
Comm.Jo.
Commentarium in evangelium Matthaei
Comm.Matt.
Commentarii in Romanos
Comm.Rom.
Commentarium series in evangelium Matthaei
Comm.ser.Matt.
Diologus cum Heraclide
Dial.
Enarrationes in Job
Enarrat.Job
De engastrimytho
Engastr.
Epistula ad Africanum
Ep.Afr.
Epistula ad Gregorium Thaumaturgum
Ep.Greg.
Epistula ad ignotum (Fabianum Romanum)
Ep.ign.
Excerpta in Psalmos
Exc.Ps.
Expositio in Proverbia
Exp.Prov.
Fragmentum ex homiliis in Acta apostolorum
Fr.Act.
Libri x in Canticum canticorum
Fr.Cant.
Fragmenta ex commentariis in epistulam i ad Corinthios
Fr.1Cor.
Fragmenta ex commentariis in epistulam ad Ephesios
Fr.Eph.
Fragmenta ex commentariis in Exodum
Fr.Exod.
Fragmenta ex commentariis in Ezechielem
Fr.Ezech.
Fragmenta ex homiliis in epistulam ad Hebraeos
Fr.Heb.
Fragmenta in Jeremiam
Fr.Jer.
Fragmenta in evangelium Joannis
Fr.Jo.
Fragmenta in Lamentationes
Fr.Lam.
Fragmenta in Lucam
Fr.Luc.
Fragmenta ex commentariis in evangelium Matthaei
Fr.Matt.
Fragmentum ex commentariis in Osee
Fr.Os.
Fragmenta de principiis
Fr.Prin.
Fragmenta ex commentariis in Proverbia
Fr.Prov.
Fragmenta in Psalmos 1–150
Fr.Ps.
Fragmenta in librum primum Regnorum
Fr.1Reg.
Fragmentum in Ruth
Fr.Ruth
Hexapla
Hex.
Homiliae in Canticum
Hom.Cant.
Homiliae in Exodum
Hom.Exod.
Homiliae in Ezechielem
Hom.Ezech.
Homiliae in Genesim
Hom.Gen.
Homiliae in Isaiam
Hom.Isa.
Homiliae in Jeremiam
Hom.Jer.
In Jesu Nave homiliae xxvi
Hom.Jes.Nav.
Homiliae in Job
Hom.Job
Homiliae in Judices
Hom.Judic.
Homiliae in Leviticum
Hom.Lev.
Homiliae in Lucam
Hom.Luc.
Homiliae in Numeros
Hom.Num.
Homiliae in Psalmos
H.Ps.
Homiliae in Psalmos (Codex Monacensis Graecus 314)