20 [It is impossible] to say that he has a quantity or that [he has a quality], because no one can [understand him]. (APJ)
Apocryphon of John 3:20
Semantically similar passages
Apocryphon of John 3:9–11
9 He is unfathomable, [given that there] exists before him no one who could [fathom him]. (APJ) 10 [He is] beyond measuring, given that no one [existed before him who could measure] him. (APJ) 11 [He is unseen, given that no] one has seen [him]. (APJ)
Apocryphon of John 3:13–15
13 He is [unspeakable, given that] no one existed who could conceive of him in order to speak [of him]. (APJ) 14 He cannot be named, given that [no one existed before him] who could name [him]. (APJ) 15 He is [light beyond measure], being pure, sacred, [unstained]. (APJ)
Apocryphon of John 3:2–4
2 [It is that which exists] as [God] and as Father of the All, [the unseen] one, who is higher than [the All, who exists as] indestructability, [as] pure light, at which no [eye] can gaze. (APJ) 3 He [is the] unseen [Spirit] of whom it is improper [to think of] as a god… (APJ)
Epistle to Diognetus 8:4–6
4 Nay, all this is the quackery and deceit of the magicians; (DIO) 5 and no man has either seen or recognised Him, but He revealed Himself. (DIO) 6 And He revealed (Himself) by faith, whereby alone it is given to see God. (DIO)
Sirach 16:19–21
19 The mountains and the foundations of the earth together are shaken with trembling when he looks at them. (WEB) 20 No heart will think about these things. Who could comprehend his ways? (WEB) 21 Like a tempest which no man can see, so, the majority of his works are hidden. (WEB)
Gospel of Truth 1:47–49
47 He gave a name to him alone. He alone sees him, he alone having the power to give him a name, because whoever doesn’t exist has no name. For what name will they give one who doesn’t exist? But the one who exists, exists also with his name, and he alone knows… (GTR) 48a … (GTR)
Sirach 43:30–32
30 Glorify the Lord and exalt him as much as you can! For even yet, he will surpass that. When you exalt him, summon your full strength. Don’t be weary, because you can’t praise him enough. (WEB) 31 Who has seen him, that he may describe him? Who can magnify him as he is? (WEB) 32 … (WEB)
Odes of Solomon 26:11–13
11 Who is able to interpret the wonders of the Lord? (ODE) 12 For he who could interpret would be dissolved and would become that which is interpreted. (ODE) 13 For it suffices to know and to rest: for in rest the singers stand, (ODE)
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