Ephrem

The Holy Mar Ephrem (✝ 373), the Harp of the Holy Spirit and Deacon of the church of Nisibis, served for most of his life in Nisibis until he and the other inhabitants were compelled to go west as a result of Emporer Jovian's cession of Nisibis to Persia in 363. St. Ephrem ultimately settled in Edessa where he spent the final decade of his life. Ephrem's influence on successive generations of Syriac Christendom cannot be overstated. For more information on his life and works, see S. P. Brock, “St. Ephrem: A Brief Guide to the Main Editions and Translations”. 2012.. St. Ephrem's popularity has resulted in several misattributions of works from various authors and time periods. The works below which likely have been misattributed will be indicated with an *. Some of St. Ephrem's genuine works only remain preserved in Armenian translation.1 

Dr. Kristian Heal (BYU) has compiled an index of Scripture quotations from St. Ephrem (along with Aphrahat and the Liber Graduum). We are grateful to him for graciously making this invaluable resource available here: K. Heal, “Scripture Citations in the Works of Ephrem the Syrian”. 2018.2

Works Cited

Instrumenta

• Syriac

  • J. S. Assemani, Sancti patris nostri Ephraem Syri Opera omnia quae exstant Graece, Syriace, Latine, in sex tomos distributa (1), vol. 1, 6 vol. Rome: Vatican, 1732.
  • J. S. Assemani, Sancti patris nostri Ephraem Syri Opera omnia quae exstant Graece, Syriace, Latine, in sex tomos distributa (2), vol. 2, 6 vol. Rome: Vatican , 1743. 
  • J. S. Assemani, Sancti patris nostri Ephraem Syri Opera omnia quae exstant Graece, Syriace, Latine, in sex tomos distributa (3), vol. 3, 6 vol. Rome: Vatican, 1746.
  • J. S. Assemani, Sancti patris nostri Ephraem Syri Opera omnia quae exstant Graece, Syriace, Latine, in sex tomos distributa (4), vol. 4, 6 vol. Rome: Vatican , 1737.
  • J. S. Assemani, Sancti patris nostri Ephraem Syri Opera omnia quae exstant Graece, Syriace, Latine, in sex tomos distributa (5), vol. 5, 6 vol. Rome: Vatican, 1740.
  • J. S. Assemani, Sancti patris nostri Ephraem Syri Opera omnia quae exstant Graece, Syriace, Latine, in sex tomos distributa (6), vol. 6, 6 vol. Rome: Vatican, 1743.
    • All 6 volumes are available here
  • P. Bedjan, Histoire complète de Joseph; poème en douze livres. Nouvelle éd., revue, corrigée, enrichie, de variantes et d'un discours sur la translation du corps de Joseph par un auteur anonyme qui a abrégé celui de Banni. Leipzig: Harrassowitz, 1891. 
  • T. J. Lamy, Sancti Ephraem Syri hymni et sermones quos e codicibus Londinensibus, Parisiensibus et Oxoniensibus descriptos edidit, Latinitate donavit, variis lectionibus instruxit, notis et prolegomenis illustravit (1), vol. 1, 4 vol. Mechliniae: H. Dessain, 1882.
  • T. J. Lamy, Sancti Ephraem Syri hymni et sermones quos e codicibus Londinensibus, Parisiensibus et Oxoniensibus descriptos edidit, Latinitate donavit, variis lectionibus instruxit, notis et prolegomenis illustravit (2), vol. 2, 4 vol. Mechliniae: H. Dessain, 1890.
  • T. J. Lamy, Sancti Ephraem Syri hymni et sermones quos e codicibus Londinensibus, Parisiensibus et Oxoniensibus descriptos edidit, Latinitate donavit, variis lectionibus instruxit, notis et prolegomenis illustravit (3), vol. 3, 4 vol. Mechliniae: H. Dessain, 1889.
  • T. J. Lamy, Sancti Ephraem Syri hymni et sermones quos e codicibus Londinensibus, Parisiensibus et Oxoniensibus descriptos edidit, Latinitate donavit, variis lectionibus instruxit, notis et prolegomenis illustravit (4), vol. 4, 4 vol. Mechliniae: R. Dessain, 1902.
  • J. Melki, “Saint Éphrem le Syrien, un bilan de l'edition critique”, Parole de l'Orient, vol. 11, pp. 3-88, 1983. 
  • C. W. Mitchell, S. Ephraim's Prose Refutations of Mani, Marcion, and Bardaisan of which the Greater Part has been Transcribed from the Palimpsest B.M. Add 14623 and is now First Published. Volume 1: The Discourses Addressed to Hypatius, vol. 1, 2 vol. Oxford: Williams and Norgate, 1912.
  • C. W. Mitchell, S. Ephraim's Prose Refutations of Mani, Marcion, and Bardaisan of which the Greater Part has been Transcribed from the Palimpsest B.M. Add 14623 and is now First Published. Volume 2: The Discourse Called 'Of Domnus' and Six other Writings, vol. 2, 2 vol. Oxford: Williams and Norgate, 1921. 
  • J. J. Overbeck, Ed., Ephraemi Syri, Rabulae episcopli Edesseni, Balaei aliorumque Opera selecta: E codicibus syriacis manuscriptis in museo Britannico et bibliotheca Bodleiana asservatis primus editit. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1865.
  • G. Mösinger and Zingerle, P., Eds., Monumenta Syriaca ex Romanis codicibus collecta (I), vol. 1, 2 vol. Paris; London: Maisonneuve; Williams and Norgate, 1869.
  • G. Mösinger and Zingerle, P., Eds., Monumenta Syriaca ex Romanis codicibus collecta (II), vol. 2, 2 vol. Oeneponti: Academic Library of Wagnerianis, 1878.

• Armenian

  • N. Akinean, Srboyn Efremi Asorwoy Meknutiwn Gorcoc' Araqeloc' , vol. 2.1. Vienna: Mxit'arean tparan, 1921. 
  • Srboyn Ep'remi matenagrowt'iwnk' 1: Meknowt'iwn araracoc' elic' ġewtac'woc' t'owoc' ôrinac' Yesoway dataworac' t'agaworowt'eanc' ew mnac'ordac', vol. 1, 4 vol. Venetik: Ġazar, 1836.
  • Srboyn Ep'remi matenagrowt'iwnk' 2: Meknowt'iwn hamabarbaṙ or ẹst č'oric' awetarančac' ew t'argmanowt'iwn aṙakawor banic' ew awetaranakan čark', vol. 2, 4 vol. Venetik: Ġazar, 1836.
  • Srboyn Ep'remi matenagrowt'iwnk'. 3, Meknowt'iwn čorek'tasan t'ġt'oyn Pawġosi, vol. 3, 4 vol. Venetik: Ġazar, 1836.
  • Srboyn Ep'remi matenagrowt'iwnk'. 4, Čark' ew aġôt'k', vol. 4, 4 vol. Venetik: Ġazar, 1836.

For more information regarding modern editions, see S. P. Brock, “St. Ephrem: A Brief Guide to the Main Editions and Translations”. 2012.. The works found below contain the following information: 1) an English translation of the title, 2) a title from the the edition, 3) if falsely attributed, a note concerning other attributions, 4) a hyperlink to other editions available in the Public Domain, and 4) corresponding modern editions according to S. P. Brock, “St. Ephrem: A Brief Guide to the Main Editions and Translations”. 2012.

[Go to Obverbeck] [Go to Lamy] [Go to Zingerle & Mösinger]

Assemani, Sancti Patris Nostri Ephraem Syri

(For all of Assemani's entries, the Syriac text contains parallel Latin translation)

• Commentary on Genesis (1.1-115) 

  • Explanatio in Genesim
  • R. M. Tonneau, Sancti Ephraem Syri In Genesim Et In Exodum Commentarii [Textus], vol. 1, 2 vol. Louvain: Durbecq, 1955.
  • R. M. Tonneau, Sancti Ephraem Syri In Genesim et in Exodum Commentarii [Versio], vol. 2, 2 vol. Louvain: Durbecq, 1955.

• Commentary on Exodus (1.194-235) 

  • Explanatio in Exodum
  • R. M. Tonneau, Sancti Ephraem Syri In Genesim Et In Exodum Commentarii [Textus], vol. 1, 2 vol. Louvain: Durbecq, 1955.
  • R. M. Tonneau, Sancti Ephraem Syri In Genesim et in Exodum Commentarii [Versio], vol. 2, 2 vol. Louvain: Durbecq, 1955.

• *Scholia on the Old Testament Extracted from the Catenae Severi (I.116-93; I.236-315; II.1-315)

  • Sancti Patris Nostri et Jacobi Episcopi Edesseni, Interpretationum in Genesim Collectanea
  • Lamy II.103-310
  • Brock says in his handout that much of this material is not genuine Ephrem.
  • Books of the Bible listed individually
    • Genesis
    • Exodus
    • Leviticus
    • Numbers
    • Deuteronomy
    • Joshua
    • Judges
    • Samuel
    • 1 Kings
    • 2 Kings
    • Job
    • Isaiah
    • Jeremiah
    • Lamentations
    • Ezekiel
    • Daniel
    • Hosea
    • Joel
    • Amos
    • Obadiah
    • Micah
    • Zechariah
    • Malachi

• Exegetical Sermons (II.316-395)

  • Sermones Exegetici
  • E. Beck, Ed., Des Heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Hymnen de Ecclesia [Textus], vol. 1, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1960.
  • E. Beck, Ed., Des Heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Hymnen de Ecclesia [Versio], vol. 2, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretáriat du Corpus scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1960.
  • E. Beck, Ed., Des heiligen Ephraem des Syrers, Sermones I [Textus], vol. 1, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1969. (Sermones 1.4, 1.6, 1.5); 311-312 (Sermones 2.1).
  • E. Beck, Ed., Des heiligen Ephraem des Syrers, Sermones II [Versio], vol. 2, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1969. (Sermones 1.4, 1.6, 1.5); 311-312 (Sermones 2.1).

• Sermons on the Nativity (II.396-436)

  • De Nativitate Sermones
  • E. Beck, Ed., Des heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Hymnen De Nativitate (Epiphania) [Textus], vol. 1, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1959.
  • E. Beck, Des heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Hymnen De Nativitate (Epiphania) [Versio], vol. 2, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1959. 

• Hymns against the Heresies (II.437-560)

  • Sermones Polemici adversus Haereses
  • E. Beck, Ed., Des heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Hymnen contra haereses [Textus], vol. 1, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1957.
  • E. Beck, Ed., Des heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Hymnen contra haereses [Versio], vol. 2, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1957.

• Hymns on Faith (III.1-164)

  • De Fide, adversus Scrutatores Hymni
  • E. Beck, Ed., Des heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Hymnen de Fide [Textus], vol. 1, 4 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1955.
  • E. Beck, Ed., Des heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Hymnen de Fide [Versio], vol. 2, 4 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1955. 

• Memre on Faith (III.164-208)

  • De Fide
  • E. Beck, Ed., Des heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Sermones de Fide [Textus], vol. 3, 4 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1961.
  • E. Beck, Ed., Des heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Sermones de Fide [Versio], vol. 4, 4 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1961.

• Against the Jews (III.209-224)

  • Adversus Judaeos
  • E. Beck, Ed., Des heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Sermones II [Textus], vol. 1, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1970.
  • E. Beck, Ed., Des heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Sermones II [Versio], vol. 2, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1970.

• *Madrashe on the Departed (III.225-359)

  • Necrosima
  • See S. P. Brock, “St. Ephrem: A Brief Guide to the Main Editions and Translations”. 2012. which shows how these have been attribued to various authors. Memra 61 of this collection is attributed to Jacob of Sarug and was collected by Bedjan in Jacob of Sarug's works. See M. Reed, Ed., “Jacob of Sarug”. 2016. Memra in Bedjan II "Consolation for Departed Priests, Attributed to St. Ephrem". 
  • E. Beck, Ed., Des Heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Hymnen de Ecclesia [Textus], vol. 1, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1960.
  • E. Beck, Ed., Des Heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Hymnen de Ecclesia [Versio], vol. 2, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretáriat du Corpus scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1960.
  • E. Beck, Ed., Des Heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Sermones III [Textus], vol. 1, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1972. (Sermones 3.3)
  • E. Beck, Ed., Des Heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Sermones III [Versio], vol. 2, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1972. (Sermones 3.3)

• On Free Will (III.359-366)

  • De Libero Arbitrio
  • E. Beck, Ed., Des Heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Hymnen de Ecclesia [Textus], vol. 1, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1960. (Hymns on the Church 2-3, 13, 6)
  • E. Beck, Ed., Des Heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Hymnen de Ecclesia [Versio], vol. 2, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretáriat du Corpus scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1960. (Hymns on the Church 2-3, 13, 6)
  • E. Beck, Ed., Des Heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Sermones III [Textus], vol. 1, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1972. (Hymns on the Church 2-3, 13, 6)
  • E. Beck, Ed., Des Heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Sermones III [Versio], vol. 2, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1972. (Hymns on the Church 2-3, 13, 6)

• Admonitions (III.367-561)

  • Paraenetica
  • See Brock's Handout on St. Ephrem which shows how these have been re-edited in current works. 
    • no.1 = E. Beck, Ed., Des Heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Hymnen de Ecclesia [Textus], vol. 1, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1960.; E. Beck, Ed., Des Heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Hymnen de Ecclesia [Versio], vol. 2, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretáriat du Corpus scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1960. (Hymns on the Church 34)
    • nos. 2-3 = E. Beck, Ed., Des heiligen Ephraem des Syrers, Sermones I [Textus], vol. 1, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1969.; E. Beck, Ed., Des heiligen Ephraem des Syrers, Sermones II [Versio], vol. 2, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1969. (Sermones I.vii-viii)
    • nos. 17, 20 = E. Beck, Ed., Des Heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Hymnen de Ecclesia [Textus], vol. 1, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1960.; E. Beck, Ed., Des Heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Hymnen de Ecclesia [Versio], vol. 2, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretáriat du Corpus scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1960. (Hymns on the Church 15, 23)
    • nos. 75-76 = E. Beck, Ed., Des Heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Hymnen de Ecclesia [Textus], vol. 1, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1960.; E. Beck, Ed., Des Heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Hymnen de Ecclesia [Versio], vol. 2, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretáriat du Corpus scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1960. (Hymns on the Church 29-30)

• On Paradise (III.562-598)

  • De Paradiso Eden
  • E. Beck, Des heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Hymnen de Paradiso und Contra Julianum [Textus], vol. 1, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1957.
  • E. Beck, Des heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Hymnen de Paradiso und Contra Julianum [Versio], vol. 2, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1957.

• *On Various Sermons (III.599-687)

  • De Diversis Sermones
  • For more information on these homilies, see Brock's Handout. Some of these have been attributed to other authors.
    • no. 1 = E. Beck, Ed., Des heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Hymnen De Nativitate (Epiphania) [Textus], vol. 1, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1959.; E. Beck, Des heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Hymnen De Nativitate (Epiphania) [Versio], vol. 2, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1959. (Hymns on the Nativity 2)
    • nos. 2, 4-12 = E. Beck, Ed., Des Heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Hymnen de Ecclesia [Textus], vol. 1, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1960.; E. Beck, Ed., Des Heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Hymnen de Ecclesia [Versio], vol. 2, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretáriat du Corpus scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1960.  (Hymns on the Church 51, 26-27, 5, 25, 52, 31-32, 28, 33)
    • no. 3 = E. Beck, Ed., Nachträge zu Ephraem Syrus, vol. 1, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1975.; E. Beck, Nachträge zu Ephraem Syrus [Versio], vol. 2, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1975. (Nachträge, 39-42)
    • no. 13 = E. Beck, Ed., Des Heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Sermones III [Textus], vol. 1, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1972.; E. Beck, Ed., Des Heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Sermones III [Versio], vol. 2, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1972. (Sermones 3.1)
    • no. 16 re-edited in A. Haffner, “Die Homilie des Heiligen Ephräm von Syrien über das Pilgerleben”, Sitzungsberichte / kais. Akademie der Wissenschaften in Wien. Philosophisch-historische Klasse, vol. 135.9, 1896. Link to article.
    • no. 17 = T. J. Lamy, Sancti Ephraem Syri hymni et sermones quos e codicibus Londinensibus, Parisiensibus et Oxoniensibus descriptos edidit, Latinitate donavit, variis lectionibus instruxit, notis et prolegomenis illustravit (4), vol. 4, 4 vol. Mechliniae: R. Dessain, 1902. Pp. 147-186; Attributed to Isaac of Antioch in Bedjan's collection. See P. Bedjan, Homiliae S. Isaaci Syri Antiocheni. Leipzig: Harrassowitz, 1903. I.49-70.
    • no. 18 = E. Beck, Ed., Des heiligen Ephraem des Syrers, Sermones I [Textus], vol. 1, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1969.; E. Beck, Ed., Des heiligen Ephraem des Syrers, Sermones II [Versio], vol. 2, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1969. (Sermones 1.2); T. J. Lamy, Sancti Ephraem Syri hymni et sermones quos e codicibus Londinensibus, Parisiensibus et Oxoniensibus descriptos edidit, Latinitate donavit, variis lectionibus instruxit, notis et prolegomenis illustravit (4), vol. 4, 4 vol. Mechliniae: R. Dessain, 1902. Pp.265-356

Overbeck [Back to Top]

• Hymns against Julian (3-20)

  • Carmina adversus Julianum
  • E. Beck, Des heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Hymnen de Paradiso und Contra Julianum [Textus], vol. 1, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1957.
  • E. Beck, Des heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Hymnen de Paradiso und Contra Julianum [Versio], vol. 2, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1957.

• Discourses to Hypatius (21-58)

  • Ad Hypatium–adversus Haereses Tractus Primus
  • C. W. Mitchell, S. Ephraim's Prose Refutations of Mani, Marcion, and Bardaisan of which the Greater Part has been Transcribed from the Palimpsest B.M. Add 14623 and is now First Published. Volume 1: The Discourses Addressed to Hypatius, vol. 1, 2 vol. Oxford: Williams and Norgate, 1912. (Syriac) (ET)

• Discourse to Hypatius II (59-73)

  • Ad Hypatium, Manetem, Marcionem et Bardaianem Tractus Secundus
  • C. W. Mitchell, S. Ephraim's Prose Refutations of Mani, Marcion, and Bardaisan of which the Greater Part has been Transcribed from the Palimpsest B.M. Add 14623 and is now First Published. Volume 2: The Discourse Called 'Of Domnus' and Six other Writings, vol. 2, 2 vol. Oxford: Williams and Norgate, 1921. (Syriac) (ET)

• *Commentaries (74-104)

  • According to Brock's Handout, T. Jansma in a series of articles in L'orient syrien 5-6 (1960-1961) considered only the third (Moses) to be possibly genuine Ephrem.
  • Commentarii (Turgame)
    • Genesis
    • A Memra on the Transgression of Adam, and that he was Created Mortal and that Satan was not Created Evil by God
    • The First Memra on the Signs which Moses did in Egypt 
    • On the Coming of the Spirit and on the Division of Tongues Above
    • On Fasting 

• On the Love of God I-II (105-12)

  • De Misericordia Divina Tractus Primus et Secundus

• Letter to Montanos (113-31)

  • Epistula ad Montanos
  • E. Beck, Ed., Des heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Sermones IV [Textus], vol. 1, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1973. (Sermones 4.3).
  • E. Beck, Ed., Des heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Sermones IV [Versio], vol. 2, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1973. (Sermones 4.3).

• Memra against Bardaisan (132-36)

  • Argumentum e Tractatu contra Bardesanem

• The Testament of Ephrem (137-58)

  • Testamentum S. Ephraemi
  • E. Beck, Ed., Des heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Sermones IV [Textus], vol. 1, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1973. (Sermones 4.4).
  • E. Beck, Ed., Des heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Sermones IV [Versio], vol. 2, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1973. (Sermones 4.4).

• Hymns on Paradise [Supplements Assemani's edition] (339-350)

  • Hymni de Paradiso
  • E. Beck, Des heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Hymnen de Paradiso und Contra Julianum [Textus], vol. 1, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1957.
  • E. Beck, Des heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Hymnen de Paradiso und Contra Julianum [Versio], vol. 2, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1957.

• Anonymous Hymns (351-54)

  • Anonymi Hymnus
  • E. Beck, Des heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Hymnen de Paradiso und Contra Julianum [Textus], vol. 1, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1957.
  • E. Beck, Des heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Hymnen de Paradiso und Contra Julianum [Versio], vol. 2, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1957.

• *Homily on the Baptism of Constantine (355-61)

  • S. Ephraemi Homilia de Regis Victoris Constantini Baptismo
  • This homily actually belongs to Jacob of Sarug. See Brock's Handout and the text of A. L. Frothingham, Jr., L'omelia di Giacomo di Sarûg sul battesimo di Costantino imperatore, 2 vol. Rome: Salviucci, 1882. Syriac text here. 

Lamy [Vol. 1; Vol. 2; Vol. 3; Vol. 4] [Back to Top]

(For all of Lamy's entries, the Syriac text contains parallel Latin translation)

• Hymns on Epiphany (I.1-144)

  • Hymni de Epiphania
  • E. Beck, Ed., Des heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Hymnen De Nativitate (Epiphania) [Textus], vol. 1, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1959. (including three soghyatha)
  • E. Beck, Des heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Hymnen De Nativitate (Epiphania) [Versio], vol. 2, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1959. (including three soghyatha)

• Sermon on our Lord (I.145-274; see also II.xxi-xxiii)

  • Sermo de Domino Nostro
  • E. Beck, Ed., Des heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Sermo de Domino Nostro [Textus], vol. 1, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1966.
  • E. Beck, Ed., Des heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Sermo de Domino Nostro [Versio], vol. 2, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1966. 

• Sermon on Admonition and Penitence (I.275-310)

  • Sermo de Admonitione et Poenitentia
  • English Translation
    • J. Gwynn and Barmby, J., A Select Library of Nicene and post-Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church (XIII.2): Gregory the Great, Ephraim Syrus, Aphrahat, vol. 2. Oxford: James Parker & Company, 1898, pp. 305-341.
      • See pp. 330-336 

• Sermon on the Sinful Woman (I.311-338)

  • Sermo de Peccatrice
  • E. Beck, Ed., Des heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Sermones II [Textus], vol. 1, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1970.
  • E. Beck, Ed., Des heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Sermones II [Versio], vol. 2, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1970.

• Sermons for Holy Week (I.339-566)

  • Sermones in Hebdomadam Sanctam
  • E. Beck, Ed., Ephraem Syrus. Sermones in Hebdomadam Sanctam [Textus], vol. 1, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1979.
  • E. Beck, Ed., Ephraem Syrus. Sermones in Hebdomadam Sanctam [Versio], vol. 2, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1979.

• Hymns on Unleavened Bread (I.567-636)

  • Hymni Azymorum
  • E. Beck, Ed., Des heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Paschahymnen (De azymis, de crucifixione, de resurrectione) [Textus], vol. 1, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum , 1964.
  • E. Beck, Ed., Des heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Paschahymnen (De azymis, de crucifixione, de resurrectione) [Versio], vol. 2, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum , 1964. 

• Hymns on the Crucifixion (I.637-714)

  • Hymni de Crucifixione
  • E. Beck, Ed., Des heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Paschahymnen (De azymis, de crucifixione, de resurrectione) [Textus], vol. 1, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum , 1964.
  • E. Beck, Ed., Des heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Paschahymnen (De azymis, de crucifixione, de resurrectione) [Versio], vol. 2, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum , 1964. 

• The Life of St. Ephrem (II.1-90)

  • Vita Sancti Ephraemi
  • J. P. Amar, Ed., The Syriac «Vita» Tradition of Ephrem the Syrian [Text], vol. 1, 2 vol. Louvain: Peeters, 2011.
  • J. P. Amar, Ed., The Syriac «Vita» Tradition of Ephrem the Syrian [Versio], vol. 2, 2 vol. Louvain: Peeters, 2011.

• *A Complement to the Roman Edition of the Catenae of Severus (II.203-310)

  • Commenatia in Isaiam, Lamentationes, Jonam, Nahum, Habacuc, Sophoniam Aggaeum
  • Brock says in his handout that much of this material is not genuine Ephrem.
  • By Book:
    • Isaiah
    • Lamentations
    • Jonah
    • Nahum
    • Habakkuk
    • Zephaniah
    • Haggai

• *Sermon on Admonition (II.311-34)

  • Sermo de Admonitione
  • Brock shows in his handout that this is also attributed to Isaac of Antioch.
  • Attributed to Isaac of Antioch; P. Bedjan, Homiliae S. Isaaci Syri Antiocheni. Leipzig: Harrassowitz, 1903. See pp. I.408-420

• Sermon on Reprehension (II.335-62)

  • Sermo de Admonitione
  • E. Beck, Ed., Des heiligen Ephraem des Syrers, Sermones I [Textus], vol. 1, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1969. (Sermones 1.1)
  • E. Beck, Ed., Des heiligen Ephraem des Syrers, Sermones II [Versio], vol. 2, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1969. (Sermones 1.1)

• Sermon on Reprehension (II.363-92)

  • Sermo de Admonitione
  • E. Beck, Ed., Des heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Sermones II [Textus], vol. 1, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1970. (Sermones 2.2)
  • E. Beck, Ed., Des heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Sermones II [Versio], vol. 2, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1970. (Sermones 2.2)

• *Sermon on Astrologers, Soothsayers and Diviners, and on the Final End (II.393-426)

  • Sermo de Magis, Incantatoribus et Divinis, et de Fine et Consummatione
  • Brock thinks this is likely from Isaac of Antioch in S. P. Brock, “St. Ephrem: A Brief Guide to the Main Editions and Translations”. 2012..
  • E. Beck, Ed., Des Heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Sermones III [Textus], vol. 1, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1972.
  • E. Beck, Ed., Des Heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Sermones III [Versio], vol. 2, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1972.

• Hymns on the Nativity (II.427-510)

  • Hymni de Nativitate
  • E. Beck, Ed., Des heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Hymnen De Nativitate (Epiphania) [Textus], vol. 1, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1959.
  • E. Beck, Des heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Hymnen De Nativitate (Epiphania) [Versio], vol. 2, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1959. 

• Extracts from an otherwise lost prose homily on the Prologue to St. John's Gospel (II.511-16)

  • Sermo super illud "In Principio"

• *Hymns on Mary (II.517-642)

  • Hymni de Maria
  • Brock says in his handout that this material is not genuine Ephrem.
  • This collection of 20 hymns are not by Ephrem, though three have been edited by Beck.
    • nos. 18-20 = E. Beck, Ed., Des heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Hymnen De Nativitate (Epiphania) [Textus], vol. 1, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1959.; E. Beck, Des heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Hymnen De Nativitate (Epiphania) [Versio], vol. 2, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1959. (Soghyatha 1-3); no. 17 edited in S. P. Brock, Sughyotho mgabyotho. Losser: St. Ephrem Kloster, 1982.

• Hymns on Fasting and on the Miracles and Mysteries of Christ (II.643-824)

  • Hymni de jejunio et de Christi Miraculis ac Mysteriis
  • nos. 1-12 = E. Beck, Ed., Des heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Hymnen de Ieiunio [Textus], vol. 1, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1964.; E. Beck, Des heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Hymnen de Ieiunio [Versio], vol. 2, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1964. (Hymns on the Fast)
  • nos. 13-17 = E. Beck, Ed., Des Heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Hymnen de Ecclesia [Textus], vol. 1, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1960.; E. Beck, Ed., Des Heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Hymnen de Ecclesia [Versio], vol. 2, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretáriat du Corpus scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1960. (Hymns on the Church, 40-44) 
  • nos. 18-21 = E. Beck, Ed., Des heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Paschahymnen (De azymis, de crucifixione, de resurrectione) [Textus], vol. 1, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum , 1964.; E. Beck, Ed., Des heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Paschahymnen (De azymis, de crucifixione, de resurrectione) [Versio], vol. 2, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum , 1964. (Hymns on the Resurrection, 1-4) 
  • nos. 22-34 = E. Beck, Ed., Des heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Hymnen de Virginitate [Textus], vol. 1, 2 vol. 1962.; E. Beck, Ed., Des heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Hymnen de Virginitate [Versio], vol. 2, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1962. (Hymns on Virginity, 1-10, 14, 19, 33)

• Hymns on Rogation (III.1-126; supplemented by IV.357-454)

  • Hymni de Rogationibus

• Sermon on the End and on Admonition (III.127-88)

  • Sermo de Fine et Admonitione
  • E. Beck, Ed., Des Heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Sermones III [Textus], vol. 1, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1972.
  • E. Beck, Ed., Des Heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Sermones III [Versio], vol. 2, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1972. 

• Sermon on the Final End (III.187-212)

  • Sermo de Fine et Admonitione
  • E. Beck, Ed., Des Heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Sermones III [Textus], vol. 1, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1972.
  • E. Beck, Ed., Des Heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Sermones III [Versio], vol. 2, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1972. 

• *A Prayer for Future Life (III.211-230)

  • Oratio pro Vita Futura
  • Brock says this is not likely Ephrem in his handout.

• *A Prayer (Sedra) for the Righeous and the Just (III.231-38)

  • Sedra de Probis et Justis
  • Brock says this is not likely Ephrem in his handout.

• *A Hymn on the Departed and the Holy Trinity (III.239-48)

  • Hymni de Defunctis et Sancta Trinitate
  • Brock says this is not likely Ephrem in his handout.

• *Sermons on Joseph (III.251-640); Supplemented by IV.791-844

  • Sermones de Joseph
  • Brock says in his handout that this series is probably not Ephrem. It has been attributed possibly to Balai.
  • P. Bedjan, Histoire complète de Joseph; poème en douze livres. Nouvelle éd., revue, corrigée, enrichie, de variantes et d'un discours sur la translation du corps de Joseph par un auteur anonyme qui a abrégé celui de Banni. Leipzig: Harrassowitz, 1891.
    • [Syriac Text] 
  • Homilies 1, 8 in J. J. Overbeck, Ed., Ephraemi Syri, Rabulae episcopli Edesseni, Balaei aliorumque Opera selecta: E codicibus syriacis manuscriptis in museo Britannico et bibliotheca Bodleiana asservatis primus editit. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1865.

• Hymns on the Confessors (III.641-750)

  • Hymni de Confessoribus
  • E. Beck, Ed., Nachträge zu Ephraem Syrus, vol. 1, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1975.; E. Beck, Nachträge zu Ephraem Syrus [Versio], vol. 2, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1975.  
  • E. Beck, Ed., Des Heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Hymnen de Ecclesia [Textus], vol. 1, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1960.; E. Beck, Ed., Des Heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Hymnen de Ecclesia [Versio], vol. 2, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretáriat du Corpus scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1960.

• Hymns on Abraham Qidunoyo and Julian Saba (III.749-936)

  • Hymni de Abraham Kidunaia et Juliano Saba
  • E. Beck, Ed., Des heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Hymnen auf Abraham Kidunaya und Julianos Saba [Textus], vol. 1, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1972.
  • E. Beck, Ed., Des heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Hymnen auf Abraham Kidunaya und Julianos Saba [Versio], vol. 2, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1972.

• *Hymns on the 40 Martyrs (III.937-58)

  • Hymni de XL Martyribus
  • Brock says this is not likely Ephrem in his handout.

• Hymns on the Establishment of the Church (III.959-90)

  • Hymni de Instauratione Ecclesiae

• *The Acts of Mar Abraham Qidunaye (IV.1-84)

  • Acta Mar Abrahae Kidunaiae
  • Brock says this is not likely Ephrem in his handout.

• Sermons on Reprehension (IV.85-140)

  • Sermones de Reprehensione
  • E. Beck, Ed., Nachträge zu Ephraem Syrus, vol. 1, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1975. (pp. 53-59)
  • E. Beck, Nachträge zu Ephraem Syrus [Versio], vol. 2, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1975. (pp. 53-59)

• *Sermon on Monks, Ascetics, and Hermits (IV.141-86)

  • Sermo de Monachis, Ascetis et Eremitis
  • Brock attributes this to Isaac of Antioch in his handout.
  • P. Bedjan, Homiliae S. Isaaci Syri Antiocheni. Leipzig: Harrassowitz, 1903. I.49-70

• Sermon on Reprehension (IV.185-205)

  • Sermo de Reprehensione

• Exhortation to Monks (IV.207-216)

  • Cohortatio ad Monachos

• Sermon on Oppression and False Pretense (IV.217-26)

  • Sermo de Oppressione et Calumnia

• *Sermon on Gluttony (IV.225-42)

  • Sermo de Cupiditate
  • Brock attributes this to Isaac of Antioch in his handout.
  • P. Bedjan, Homiliae S. Isaaci Syri Antiocheni. Leipzig: Harrassowitz, 1903. I.36-44

• *Sermon on Reprehension (IV.241-62)

  • Sermo de Reprehensione
  • Brock attributes this to Isaac of Antioch in his handout.
  • P. Bedjan, Homiliae S. Isaaci Syri Antiocheni. Leipzig: Harrassowitz, 1903. I.13-24

• Sermon on Reprehension (IV.263-356)

  • Sermo de Reprehensione
  • E. Beck, Ed., Des heiligen Ephraem des Syrers, Sermones I [Textus], vol. 1, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1969. (Sermones 1.2)
  • E. Beck, Ed., Des heiligen Ephraem des Syrers, Sermones II [Versio], vol. 2, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1969. (Sermones 1.2)

• Sermons on Rogation (IV.357-454; A Supplement to III.1-125)

  • Sermones Rogationum

• *Sermon on Penitence (IV.453-62)

  • Sermo de Poenitentia
  • Brock attributes this to Isaac of Antioch in his handout.
  • “Isaac of Antioch”. 2015.. (Homily #78).

• Hymns on the Church and on Virginity (IV.463-670)

  • Hymni de Ecclesia et Virginitate
  • E. Beck, Ed., Des heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Hymnen de Virginitate [Textus], vol. 1, 2 vol. 1962. (Hymns on Virginity 9-38, 43, 45-47, 49, 50, 52)
  • E. Beck, Ed., Des heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Hymnen de Virginitate [Versio], vol. 2, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1962. (Hymns on Virginity 9-38, 43, 45-47, 49, 50, 52)

• *Scattered Hymns (IV.671-790)

  • Hymni Dispersi
  • Brock's handout has further information on this collection. The genuine hymns of Ephrem for this collection are as follows:
    • no. 1 is genuine. Re-edited by Beck in E. Beck, Ed., Des Heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Hymnen de Ecclesia [Textus], vol. 1, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1960.; E. Beck, Ed., Des Heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Hymnen de Ecclesia [Versio], vol. 2, 2 vol. Louvain: Secretáriat du Corpus scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1960. (De Ecclesia)
    • no. 19 is genuine. Re-edited by Beck in E. Beck, Ed., Des heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Sermones de Fide [Textus], vol. 3, 4 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1961.; E. Beck, Ed., Des heiligen Ephraem des Syrers Sermones de Fide [Versio], vol. 4, 4 vol. Louvain: Secretariat du Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, 1961. (De Fide 36)

• *Sermons on Joseph (IV.791-844); Supplements III.349-640.

  • Sermones de Joseph
  • Brock says in his handout that this series is probably not Ephrem. It has been attributed possibly to Balai.

P. Zingerle & G. Mösinger [Back to Top]

• Memra on Solitaries and Desert Dwellers and Monks (G. Mösinger and Zingerle, P., Eds., Monumenta Syriaca ex Romanis codicibus collecta (I), vol. 1, 2 vol. Paris; London: Maisonneuve; Williams and Norgate, 1869. Pp. 4-12)

  • This is not included in Brock's handout

• Fragments of Ephrem Contained in the florilegium of Philoxenos of Mabbug (G. Mösinger and Zingerle, P., Eds., Monumenta Syriaca ex Romanis codicibus collecta (II), vol. 2, 2 vol. Oeneponti: Academic Library of Wagnerianis, 1878. Pp. 33-51)

  • This is not included in Brock's handout

• 1. S. P. Brock, “Ephrem”, in The Gorgias Encyclopedic Dictionary of the Syriac Heritage, S. P. Brock, Butts, A. M., Kiraz, G. A., and Rompay, L. van, Eds. Piscataway: Gorgias Press, 2011, pp. 145-147.
• 2. Last updated 03/14/18