From the book
Stobaeus, Volume I
John Stobaeus · Diotimos Editions · 2026
Browse this book’s lexicon →Orientation
At a Glance
- The wordChitōn is a tunic or garment.
- In StobaeusThe Hermetic passage assigns intellect its own fiery tunic after release from the earthen body.
- In this edition“Tunic” keeps the concrete image; “covering” is clearer in the anatomical analogy.
- A place to beginSoul covers intellect during embodiment, with pneuma serving soul.
- English renderings
- tunic; garment; covering
Meaning
Chitōn is a tunic or garment. Philosophical imagery uses clothing to explain how soul or intellect is associated with other levels of existence.
Use in the book
The Hermetic passage assigns intellect its own fiery tunic after release from the earthen body. This differs from the soul and pneuma that clothe it during embodiment. The wearer matters: the selected passage specifically concerns intellect, so all its garments should not be indiscriminately called the soul’s body.
Places to read
- I.48.3.2Soul covers intellect during embodiment, with pneuma serving soul.
- I.48.3.3Intellect puts on its own fiery tunic after bodily release.
- I.49.45.14The eye’s coverings also use the image of tunics.
Translation in this edition
“Tunic” keeps the concrete image; “covering” is clearer in the anatomical analogy.
Source note
Wachsmuth, volume I, printed pp. 311, 410. The earthly and fiery clothing are distinguished within this Hermetic account; no universal theory of subtle bodies is inferred from the noun alone.