The Pearl (Hymns of Ephraim)

Name: The Pearl (Hymns of Ephraim)
Author: St. Ephraim the Syrian

Ephraim the Syrian (c. 306–373) was a Syriac-speaking deacon, theologian, and hymnographer of the early church. Born at Nisibis in Mesopotamia, he spent his later years at Edessa teaching, writing biblical commentaries, and composing hymns against the heresies of his day. His poetic theology earned him the title “Harp of the Spirit.” The Pearl, in this library, gathers his hymns on faith, among the best known of his works.

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First published: 350
Category: Hymns & Poetry
Length: 5k words · about 1 hour
Chapters: 8

About this book

A cycle of hymns by Ephraim the Syrian, the fourth-century deacon and poet of Edessa, known as The Pearl. Taking the pearl as an image of Christ and of the faith once delivered, Ephraim weaves Scripture, nature, and paradox into dense, luminous verse. These hymns are among the masterpieces of early Syriac Christianity, here presented in English translation.