Divinity and Humanity: Some Remarks on Nonnus’ Christology in the Paraphrase

This paper provides some remarks on the main words related to Christ's divinity and humanity in the Paraphrase. The starting point is the need to comprehend Nonnus' Christology as an example of religious pluralism, highlighted by scholars. The analysis of some relevant passages shows Nonnus' concern to emphasize Jesus' divine nature, in the wake of Cyril's commentary. On the one hand, Christ's non-divine titles are placed in contexts connected with ignorant characters and his human features are attenuated by expressions of divinity or superiority. On the other, Son's inferiority to the Father can be considered a Neoplatonic suggestion, as Neoplatonic language, common to Late Antique authors, could have didactic aims towards the pagans.