Extrême humilité : la ἐξουδένωσις dans le monachisme primitif

Abstract

The article proposes to analyze a key term of the technical language of the first Christian monks. The goal is to highlight a fundamental concept of ancient monastic doctrine. This is about the Greek word ἐξουδένωσις, which normally indicates contempt but is translated as "annihilation" when used by monastic authors in certain contexts. The analysis of the sources shows that this word acquires a new meaning when it refers to an aspect of ascetic praxis. By assembling and comparing the passages where the ἐξουδένωσις appears, it is possible to clarify its meaning and thereby deepen our understanding of Christian spirituality.