From the book
Stobaeus, Volume I
John Stobaeus · Diotimos Editions · 2026
Browse this book’s lexicon →Orientation
At a Glance
- The wordNomothetēs is one who establishes laws or rules.
- In StobaeusThe Hermetic narrative says that recipients of Hermes’s instruction became introducers and lawgivers of human arts, sciences, and pursuits.
- In this edition“Lawgiver” preserves the active establishment of order; “legislator” may sound narrower than this cultural role.
- A place to beginThe teachers of human practices also act as their lawgivers.
- English renderings
- lawgiver; legislator
Meaning
Nomothetēs is one who establishes laws or rules. Its application can include the ordering of arts and practices as well as civic statutes.
Use in the book
The Hermetic narrative says that recipients of Hermes’s instruction became introducers and lawgivers of human arts, sciences, and pursuits. Their authority arises from learning hidden divine ordinances. Lawgiving participates in a sacred account of cultural origins rather than an ordinary record of one city’s legislation.
Places to read
- I.49.44.79The teachers of human practices also act as their lawgivers.
Translation in this edition
“Lawgiver” preserves the active establishment of order; “legislator” may sound narrower than this cultural role.
Source note
Wachsmuth, volume I, printed pp. 406–407. The passage links earthly rites to heavenly mysteries through correspondence without detailing every rule or ceremony.