The phrase identifies the rendering of sacred texts originally written in the Coptic language into English. Coptic, the final stage of the ancient Egyptian language written with the Greek alphabet, preserves a rich religious tradition. An instance would be the rendering of a Gospel account or a Pauline Epistle, initially written in Coptic, into the English language for wider accessibility.
The existence of these versions enables scholars, theologians, and individuals with an interest in early Christian history to access and understand texts from a significant branch of Christianity. Such translations facilitate research into early Christian doctrines, liturgical practices, and the cultural context of Coptic Christianity. Furthermore, they serve as a valuable resource for comparing different textual traditions and understanding the development of Christian scripture.
