Demiurge vs. Yaldabaoth — What's the Difference?

In the Platonic, Neopythagorean, Middle Platonic, and Neoplatonic schools of philosophy, the demiurge () is an artisan-like figure responsible for fashioning and maintaining the physical universe. The Gnostics adopted the term demiurge.

Yaldabaoth (English: /ˌjɑːldəˈbeɪɒθ/; Coptic: ⲒⲀⲖⲦⲀⲂⲀⲰⲐ, Latin: Ialdabaoth) is an evil deity and creator of the material world in various Gnostic sects and movements, sometimes represented as a theriomorphic, lion-headed serpent. He is identified as the Demiurge and false god who keeps the souls trapped in physical bodies, imprisoned in the material universe.

A powerful creative force or personality.

A public magistrate in some ancient Greek states.

Demiurge A deity in Gnosticism, Manichaeism, and other religions who creates the material world and is often viewed as the originator of evil.

Demiurge A Platonic deity who orders or fashions the material world out of chaos.

The (usually benevolent) being that created the universe out of primal matter.

(Gnosticism) A (usually jealous or outright malevolent) being who is inferior to the supreme being, and sometimes seen as the creator of evil.

(figuratively) Something (such as an idea, individual or institution) conceived as an autonomous creative force or decisive power.

The title of a magistrate in a number of states of Ancient Greece, and in the city states (poleis) of the Achaean League.

The chief magistrate in some of the Greek states.

God, as the Maker of the world.

According to the Gnostics, an agent or one employed by the Supreme Being to create the material universe and man.

A subordinate deity, in some philosophies the creator of the universe