An electron emission device and a method of driving the electron emission device are capable of preventing the deterioration of luminance in displaying moving images by inhibiting the emission delay. The electron emission device includes cathode electrodes, gate electrodes formed over the cathode electrodes, and an insulating layer disposed between the cathode electrodes and the gate electrodes. Electron emission regions are formed on the cathode electrodes to emit electrons under the application of electric fields generated due to a difference between voltages applied to the cathode electrodes and the gate electrodes. A driving unit applies voltages to the cathode electrodes and the gate electrodes. An anode electrode receives a positive voltage to accelerate the electrons emitted from the electron emission regions. A first voltage Vc applied to the cathode electrodes and a second voltage Vg applied to the gate electrodes satisfy the following condition: 0.4.ltoreq.Vc/Vg<0.8.