As I understand it, in Orthodox theology, Christ is the Word, the Logos, Begotten of the Father "before all ages". Also in Biblical thought is the concept of Holy Wisdom, Sophia. Hence in Exodus and in the Wisdom of Solomon, Wisdom has or is called a "spirit". In Hebrew and Greek, Wisdom is a feminine term ("Sophia" being the Greek word).
Here is Exodus 28:3: "And thou shalt speak unto all that are wise hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom".
In Proverbs 8, Solomon describes wisdom as speaking and as saying that the Lord possessed her before the creation of the earth.:
Here is how the Epistle of Eugnostos talks about the relationship between the Begotten Perfect Mind who is full of light and Sophia, which reminds me of the question of the relationship between The Word - Logos and Wisdom - Sophia:
The Nag Hammadi Library in English
Maybe one can say that Proverbs was just using allegorical language when it talked about Wisdom as a Spirit. However, I think that some early mainstream Christian writings also identified Christ/the Logos with "Sophia"/"Wisdom". And so if it's true that Sophia or Wisdom is feminine and a "Spirit", then what becomes the relationship to Christ the Logos, which is masculine? Are they consorts that are united into one being, or is the whole "feminine" aspect really purely an issue of Hebrew and Greek grammar that the Epistle of Eugnostos and other Gnostic writings took too far?
Here is Exodus 28:3: "And thou shalt speak unto all that are wise hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom".
In Proverbs 8, Solomon describes wisdom as speaking and as saying that the Lord possessed her before the creation of the earth.:
In comparison, Gnostic writings taught that Sophia was a feminine Spirit united with Christ, thus forming an androgynous being. Philip Harland explained that according to the 1st-mid 2nd century Gnostic "Epistle of Eugnostos" and "Sophia of Jesus Christ", in the super-celestial realm,1 Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice?
2 She standeth in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths.
3 She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors.
4 Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man.
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22 The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.
23 I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.
24 When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water.
25 Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth:
SOURCE: Sophia’s mistake: The Sophia of Jesus Christ and Eugnostos (NT Apocrypha 16) | Religions of the Ancient Mediterraneanbeings include the “Self-Father” (the image of the Forefather as if viewed in a mirror), the “Immortal Androgynous Man” (who emerges in the beam of light as the Forefather views his/her image), the “Son of Man” (who is the first-begotten–the others were not begotten), and the “Saviour” (who is “revealed” as a “great androgynous light” by the Son of Man). Each of these figures are androgynous and have their corresponding “female” portion, usually called “Sophia” (Greek for Wisdom).
Here is how the Epistle of Eugnostos talks about the relationship between the Begotten Perfect Mind who is full of light and Sophia, which reminds me of the question of the relationship between The Word - Logos and Wisdom - Sophia:
You can read The Epistle of Eugnostos in The Nag Hammadi Library in English:The First who appeared before the universe in infinity is Self-grown, Self-constructed Father, and is full of shining, ineffable light. In the beginning, he decided to have his likeness become a great power. Immediately, the principle (or beginning) of that Light appeared as Immortal Androgynous Man. His male name is 'Begotten, Perfect Mind'. And his female name is 'All-wise Begettress Sophia'. It is also said that she resembles her brother and her consort. She is uncontested truth; for here below, error, which exists with truth, contests it.
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Afterward another principle came from Immortal Man, who is called 'Self-perfected Begetter.' When he received the consent of his consort, Great Sophia, he revealed that first-begotten androgyne, who is called, 'First-begotten Son of God'. His female aspect is 'First-begotten Sophia, Mother of the Universe,' whom some call 'Love'. Now, First-begotten, since he has his authority from his father, created angels, myriads without number, for retinue.
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Then Son of Man consented with Sophia, his consort, and revealed a great androgynous Light. His masculine name is designated 'Savior, Begetter of All things'. His feminine name is designated 'Sophia, All-Begettress'. Some call her 'Pistis' (faith).
The Nag Hammadi Library in English
Maybe one can say that Proverbs was just using allegorical language when it talked about Wisdom as a Spirit. However, I think that some early mainstream Christian writings also identified Christ/the Logos with "Sophia"/"Wisdom". And so if it's true that Sophia or Wisdom is feminine and a "Spirit", then what becomes the relationship to Christ the Logos, which is masculine? Are they consorts that are united into one being, or is the whole "feminine" aspect really purely an issue of Hebrew and Greek grammar that the Epistle of Eugnostos and other Gnostic writings took too far?