2 Clement (complete)
Traditional ascription rejected: An anonymous sermon, transmitted in the manuscripts after 1 Clement as Clement's “second letter to the Corinthians.” The text itself names no author and is not a letter; the ascription to Clement of Rome is traditional and not accepted by modern scholars.
Greek text: Lake, LCL 24 (Greek text: K. Lake, The Apostolic Fathers (LCL, 1912-1913), digitized by the First Thousand Years of Greek project (Open Greek and Latin), CC BY-SA 4.0).English: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), public domain (CC0). Compare: Ante-Nicene Fathers, vol. 9 (1896).
Chapter 1
1.1Lake, LCL 24:128
Ἀδελφοί, οὕτως δεῖ ἡμᾶς φρονεῖν περὶ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, ὡς περὶ θεοῦ, ὡς περὶ κριτοῦ ζώντων καὶ νεκρῶν· καὶ οὐ δεῖ ἡμᾶς μικρὰ φρονεῖν περὶ τῆς σωτηρίας ἡμῶν.
Adelphoi, houtōs dei hēmas phronein peri Iēsou Christou, hōs peri theou, hōs peri kritou zōntōn kai nekrōn; kai ou dei hēmas mikra phronein peri tēs sōtērias hēmōn.
Brothers, we must think of Jesus Christ as we think of God, as of the judge of the living and the dead; and we must not think little of our salvation.
Acts 10:42 (allusion, medium confidence) · 2 Tim 4:1 (allusion, medium confidence) · 1 Pet 4:5 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Think of Christ as of God, the judge of all, and do not think lightly of salvation.
- 2 Clement is not a letter but the oldest surviving Christian sermon after the New Testament. It was transmitted with 1 Clement under Clement's name, but its author is unknown.
- “As we think of God” (ὡς περὶ θεοῦ): an early and plain statement of Christ's divinity.
Topics: Christology
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 1.1 (Lake, LCL 24:128; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-1-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
1.2Lake, LCL 24:128
ἐν τῷ γὰρ φρονεῖν ἡμᾶς μικρὰ περὶ αὐτοῦ, μικρὰ καὶ ἐλπίζομεν λαβεῖν· καὶ οἱ ἀκούοντες ὡς περὶ μικρῶν ἁμαρτάνουσιν, καὶ ἡμεῖς ἁμαρτάνομεν οὐκ εἰδότες, πόθεν ἐκλήθημεν καὶ ὑπὸ τίνος καὶ εἰς ὃν τόπον, καὶ ὅσα ὑπέμεινεν Ἰησοῦς Χριστὸς παθεῖν ἕνεκα ἡμῶν.
en tǭ gar phronein hēmas mikra peri autou, mikra kai elpizomen labein; kai hoi akouontes hōs peri mikrōn hamartanousin, kai hēmeis hamartanomen ouk eidotes, pothen eklēthēmen kai hypo tinos kai eis hon topon, kai hosa hypemeinen Iēsous Christos pathein heneka hēmōn.
For when we think little of him, we also hope to receive little. And those who listen as though these were small matters sin, and we ourselves sin, not knowing from where we were called, and by whom, and to what place, and how much Jesus Christ endured to suffer for our sake.
Notes and citation
Summary: Thinking little of Christ is itself a sin; remember what he suffered for us.
Topics: Christology
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 1.2 (Lake, LCL 24:128; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-1-2).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
1.3Lake, LCL 24:128
τίνα οὖν ἡμεῖς αὐτῷ δώσομεν ἀντιμισθίαν, ἢ τίνα καρπὸν ἄξιον οὗ ἡμῖν αὐτὸς ἔδωκεν; πόσα δὲ αὐτῷ ὀφείλομεν ὅσια;
tina oun hēmeis autǭ dōsomen antimisthian, ē tina karpon axion hou hēmin autos edōken? posa de autǭ opheilomen hosia?
What repayment, then, shall we give him, or what fruit worthy of what he himself has given us? And how many holy duties do we owe him?
Notes and citation
Summary: What can we give Christ in return for all he has given?
- “Holy duties” (ὅσια): literally “holy things”; perhaps “benefits”, the things he has done for us, which we owe in return.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (digitization slip against Lake's printed text (wrong breathing and accent)): ἄξιον οὖ ἡμῖν → ἄξιον οὗ ἡμῖν.
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 1.3 (Lake, LCL 24:128; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-1-3).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
1.4Lake, LCL 24:128
τὸ φῶς γὰρ ἡμῖν ἐχαρίσατο, ὡς πατὴρ υἱοὺς ἡμᾶς προσηγόρευσεν, ἀπολλυμένους ἡμᾶς ἔσωσεν.
to phōs gar hēmin echarisato, hōs patēr huious hēmas prosēgoreusen, apollymenous hēmas esōsen.
For he graciously gave us the light; as a father he called us sons; when we were perishing, he saved us.
Notes and citation
Summary: Christ gave light, made us sons, and saved us.
- “As a father”: the sermon speaks of Christ here in fatherly terms; compare 1.6–8.
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 1.4 (Lake, LCL 24:128; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-1-4).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
1.5Lake, LCL 24:128
ποῖον οὖν αἶνον αὐτῷ δώσομεν ἢ μισθὸν ἀντιμισθίας ὧν ἐλάβομεν;
poion oun ainon autǭ dōsomen ē misthon antimisthias hōn elabomen?
What praise, then, shall we give him, or what payment in return for what we have received?
Notes and citation
Summary: How can we repay him?
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (digitization slip against Lake's printed text (wrong accents and breathing)): ἡ μισθὸν ἀντιμισθίας ὦν → ἢ μισθὸν ἀντιμισθίας ὧν.
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 1.5 (Lake, LCL 24:128; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-1-5).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
1.6Lake, LCL 24:128–130
πηροὶ ὄντες τῇ διανοίᾳ, προσκυνοῦντες λίθους καὶ ξύλα καὶ χρυσὸν καὶ ἄργυρον καὶ χαλκόν, ἔργα ἀνθρώπων· καὶ ὁ βίος ἡμῶν ὅλος ἄλλο οὐδὲν ἦν εἰ μὴ θάνατος. ἀμαύρωσιν οὖν περικείμενοι καὶ τοιαύτης ἀχλύος γέμοντες ἐν τῇ ὁράσει, ἀνεβλέψαμεν ἀποθέμενοι ἐκεῖνο ὃ περικείμεθα νέφος τῇ αὐτοῦ θελήσει.
pēroi ontes tę̄ dianoią, proskynountes lithous kai xyla kai chryson kai argyron kai chalkon, erga anthrōpōn; kai ho bios hēmōn holos allo ouden ēn ei mē thanatos. amaurōsin oun perikeimenoi kai toiautēs achlyos gemontes en tę̄ horasei, aneblepsamen apothemenoi ekeino ho perikeimetha nephos tę̄ autou thelēsei.
We were maimed in understanding, worshiping stones and wood and gold and silver and bronze, the works of men; and our whole life was nothing but death. So then, wrapped in darkness and our sight full of such a mist, we recovered our sight, laying aside by his will the cloud that surrounded us.
Ps 115:4 (113:12 LXX) (echo, medium confidence) · Rev 9:20 (echo, low confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Once blind idol-worshipers, we have been given sight.
- The hearers were former pagans, Gentile converts.
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 1.6 (Lake, LCL 24:128–130; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-1-6).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
1.7Lake, LCL 24:130
ἠλέησεν γὰρ ἡμᾶς καὶ σπλαγχνισθεὶς ἔσωσεν, θεασάμενος ἐν ἡμῖν πολλὴν πλάνην καὶ ἀπώλειαν, καὶ μηδεμίαν ἐλπίδα ἔχοντας σωτηρίας, εἰ μὴ τὴν παρʼ αὐτοῦ.
ēleēsen gar hēmas kai splanchnistheis esōsen, theasamenos en hēmin pollēn planēn kai apōleian, kai mēdemian elpida echontas sōtērias, ei mē tēn parʼ autou.
For he had mercy on us and in compassion saved us, when he saw in us much error and destruction, and that we had no hope of salvation except that which comes from him.
Eph 2:12 (echo, low confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: God saved us out of mercy when we had no hope.
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 1.7 (Lake, LCL 24:130; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-1-7).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
1.8Lake, LCL 24:130
ἐκάλεσεν γὰρ ἡμᾶς οὐκ ὄντας καὶ ἠθέλησεν ἐκ μὴ ὄντος εἶναι ἡμᾶς.
ekalesen gar hēmas ouk ontas kai ēthelēsen ek mē ontos einai hēmas.
For he called us when we were not, and willed that out of what was not we should come to be.
Rom 4:17 (allusion, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: God called us into being from nothing.
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 1.8 (Lake, LCL 24:130; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-1-8).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 2
2.1Lake, LCL 24:130
Εὐφράνθητι, στεῖρα ἡ οὐ τίκτουσα, ῥῆξον καὶ βόησον, ἡ οὐκ ὠδίνουσα, ὅτι πολλὰ τὰ τέκνα τῆς ἐρήμου μᾶλλον ἢ τῆς ἐχούσης τὸν ἄνδρα. ὃ εἶπεν· Εὐφράνθητι, στεῖρα ἡ οὐ τίκτουσα, ἡμᾶς εἶπεν· στεῖρα γὰρ ἦν ἡ ἐκκλησία ἡμῶν πρὸ τοῦ δοθῆναι αὐτῇ τέκνα.
Euphranthēti, steira hē ou tiktousa, rhēxon kai boēson, hē ouk ōdinousa, hoti polla ta tekna tēs erēmou mallon ē tēs echousēs ton andra. ho eipen; Euphranthēti, steira hē ou tiktousa, hēmas eipen; steira gar ēn hē ekklēsia hēmōn pro tou dothēnai autę̄ tekna.
“Rejoice, O barren one who does not bear; break forth and cry out, you who are not in labor; for the children of the desolate are more than of her who has the husband.” When he said, “Rejoice, O barren one who does not bear,” he meant us: for our church was barren before children were given to it.
Isa 54:1 (quotation, high confidence) · Gal 4:27 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Isaiah's barren woman is the church, once childless, now fruitful.
- The sermon's first scripture text; the preacher explains it phrase by phrase (2.1–3).
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (digitization slip against Lake's printed text (wrong accents)): στείρα ἦ οὐ τίκτουσα → στεῖρα ἡ οὐ τίκτουσα.
Topics: Scripture and canon
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 2.1 (Lake, LCL 24:130; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-2-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
2.2Lake, LCL 24:130
ὃ δὲ εἶπεν· Βόησον, ἡ οὐκ ὠδίνουσα, τοῦτο λέγει· τὰς προσευχὰς ἡμῶν ἁπλῶς ἀναφέρειν πρὸς τὸν θεόν. μὴ ὡς αἱ ὠδίνουσαι ἐγκακῶμεν,
ho de eipen; Boēson, hē ouk ōdinousa, touto legei; tas proseuchas hēmōn haplōs anapherein pros ton theon. mē hōs hai ōdinousai enkakōmen,
And when he said, “Cry out, you who are not in labor,” he means this: that we should offer our prayers to God sincerely, and not grow weary like women in labor.
Notes and citation
Summary: Pray to God sincerely and without growing weary.
- “Not grow weary like women in labor”: the sense is uncertain; perhaps “not lose heart, as women in labor do.”
Topics: Prayer
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 2.2 (Lake, LCL 24:130; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-2-2).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
2.3Lake, LCL 24:130
ὃ δὲ εἶπεν· Ὅτι πολλὰ τὰ τέκνα τῆς ἐρήμου μᾶλλον ἢ τῆς ἐχούσης τὸν ἄνδρα· ἐπεὶ ἔρημος ἐδόκει εἶναι ἀπὸ τοῦ θεοῦ ὁ λαὸς ἡμῶν. νυνὶ δὲ πιστεύσαντες πλείονες ἐγενόμεθα τῶν δοκούντων ἔχειν θεόν.
ho de eipen; Hoti polla ta tekna tēs erēmou mallon ē tēs echousēs ton andra; epei erēmos edokei einai apo tou theou ho laos hēmōn. nyni de pisteusantes pleiones egenometha tōn dokountōn echein theon.
And when he said, “For the children of the desolate are more than of her who has the husband,” he meant that our people seemed to be deserted by God, but now that we have believed we have become more numerous than those who seem to have God.
Notes and citation
Summary: The Gentile believers now outnumber those who seemed to have God.
- “Those who seem to have God”: probably the Jewish people.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (digitization slip against Lake's printed text (dropped letter)): δ δὲ εἶπεν → ὃ δὲ εἶπεν.
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 2.3 (Lake, LCL 24:130; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-2-3).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
2.4Lake, LCL 24:130
καὶ ἑτέρα δὲ γραφὴ λέγει, ὅτι οὐκ ἦλθον καλέσαι δικαίους, ἀλλὰ ἁμαρτωλούς·
kai hetera de graphē legei, hoti ouk ēlthon kalesai dikaious, alla hamartōlous;
And another scripture also says, “I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Matt 9:13 (quotation, high confidence) · Mark 2:17 (quotation, high confidence) · Luke 5:32 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Another scripture: Christ came to call sinners.
- A saying of Jesus is cited as “scripture” (γραφή), one of the earliest such uses for a Gospel.
Topics: Scripture and canon
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 2.4 (Lake, LCL 24:130; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-2-4).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
2.5Lake, LCL 24:130
τοῦτο λέγει, ὅτι δεῖ τοὺς ἀπολλυμένους σώζειν.
touto legei, hoti dei tous apollymenous sōzein.
He means this: that those who are perishing must be saved.
Notes and citation
Summary: The perishing must be saved.
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 2.5 (Lake, LCL 24:130; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-2-5).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
2.6Lake, LCL 24:130
ἐκεῖνο γάρ ἐστιν μέγα καὶ θαυμαστὸν οὐ τὰ ἑστῶτα στηρίζειν, ἀλλὰ τὰ πίπτοντα.
ekeino gar estin mega kai thaumaston ou ta hestōta stērizein, alla ta piptonta.
For that is great and marvelous: not to support what is standing, but what is falling.
Notes and citation
Summary: The greatness of saving what is falling.
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 2.6 (Lake, LCL 24:130; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-2-6).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
2.7Lake, LCL 24:130–132
οὕτως καὶ ὁ Χριστὸς ἠθέλησεν σῶσαι τὰ ἀπολλύμενα, καὶ ἔσωσεν πολλούς, ἐλθὼν καὶ καλέσας ἡμᾶς ἤδη ἀπολλυμένους.
houtōs kai ho Christos ēthelēsen sōsai ta apollymena, kai esōsen pollous, elthōn kai kalesas hēmas ēdē apollymenous.
So also Christ willed to save what was perishing, and he saved many, coming and calling us who were already perishing.
Luke 19:10 (allusion, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Christ came to save the perishing, and called us.
Topics: Christology
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 2.7 (Lake, LCL 24:130–132; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-2-7).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 3
3.1Lake, LCL 24:132
Τοσοῦτον οὖν ἔλεος ποιήσαντος αὐτοῦ εἰς ἡμᾶς, πρῶτον μέν, ὅτι ἡμεῖς οἱ ζῶντες τοῖς νεκροῖς θεοῖς οὐ θύομεν καὶ οὐ προσκυνοῦμεν αὐτοῖς, ἀλλὰ ἔγνωμεν διʼ αὐτοῦ τὸν πατέρα τῆς ἀληθείας· τίς ἡ γνῶσις ἡ πρὸς αὐτόν, ἢ τὸ μὴ ἀρνεῖσθαι διʼ οὗ ἔγνωμεν αὐτόν;
Tosouton oun eleos poiēsantos autou eis hēmas, prōton men, hoti hēmeis hoi zōntes tois nekrois theois ou thyomen kai ou proskynoumen autois, alla egnōmen diʼ autou ton patera tēs alētheias; tis hē gnōsis hē pros auton, ē to mē arneisthai diʼ hou egnōmen auton?
Since, then, he has shown us such mercy, first of all that we who are living do not sacrifice to dead gods or worship them, but through him have come to know the Father of truth: what is knowledge of him, except not to deny him through whom we have known him?
Notes and citation
Summary: To know the Father is not to deny Christ, through whom we know him.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (digitization slip against Lake's printed text (wrong breathing and accent)): διʼ οὖ ἔγνωμεν → διʼ οὗ ἔγνωμεν.
Topics: Christology
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 3.1 (Lake, LCL 24:132; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-3-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
3.2Lake, LCL 24:132
λέγει δὲ καὶ αὐτός· Τὸν ὁμολογήσαντά με ἐνώπιον τῶν ἀνθρώπων, ὁμολογήσω αὐτὸν ἐνώπιον τοῦ πατρός μου.
legei de kai autos; Ton homologēsanta me enōpion tōn anthrōpōn, homologēsō auton enōpion tou patros mou.
And he himself also says, “Whoever confesses me before men, I will confess him before my Father.”
Matt 10:32 (quotation, high confidence) · Luke 12:8 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Christ will confess those who confess him.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (punctuation slip in the digital text (the sentence continues)): ἀνθρώπων. ὁμολογήσω → ἀνθρώπων, ὁμολογήσω.
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 3.2 (Lake, LCL 24:132; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-3-2).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
3.3Lake, LCL 24:132
οὗτος οὖν ἐστὶν ὁ μισθὸς ἡμῶν, ἐὰν οὖν ὁμολογήσωμεν διʼ οὗ ἐσώθημεν.
houtos oun estin ho misthos hēmōn, ean oun homologēsōmen diʼ hou esōthēmen.
This, then, is our reward, if we confess him through whom we were saved.
Notes and citation
Summary: Our reward is to confess the one who saved us.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (digitization slip against Lake's printed text (wrong breathing and accent)): διʼ οὖ ἐσώθημεν → διʼ οὗ ἐσώθημεν.
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 3.3 (Lake, LCL 24:132; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-3-3).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
3.4Lake, LCL 24:132
ἐν τίνι δὲ αὐτὸν ὁμολογοῦμεν; ἐν τῷ ποιεῖν ἃ λέγει καὶ μὴ παρακούειν αὐτοῦ τῶν ἐντολῶν, καὶ μὴ μόνον χείλεσιν αὐτὸν τιμᾶν, ἀλλὰ ἐξ ὅλης καρδίας καὶ ἐξ ὅλης τῆς διανοίας.
en tini de auton homologoumen? en tǭ poiein ha legei kai mē parakouein autou tōn entolōn, kai mē monon cheilesin auton timan, alla ex holēs kardias kai ex holēs tēs dianoias.
But how do we confess him? By doing what he says and not disobeying his commandments, and by honoring him not only with our lips but with our whole heart and our whole mind.
Mark 12:30 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: We confess Christ by obeying him wholeheartedly.
Topics: Ethics
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 3.4 (Lake, LCL 24:132; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-3-4).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
3.5Lake, LCL 24:132
λέγει δὲ καὶ ἐν τῷ Ἡσαΐᾳ· Ὁ λαὸς οὗτος τοῖς χείλεσίν με τιμᾷ, ἡ δὲ καρδία αὐτῶν πόρρω ἄπεστιν ἀπʼ ἐμοῦ.
legei de kai en tǭ Hēsaïą; Ho laos houtos tois cheilesin me timą, hē de kardia autōn porrō apestin apʼ emou.
And he says also in Isaiah, “This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.”
Isa 29:13 (quotation, high confidence) · Matt 15:8 (echo, medium confidence) · Mark 7:6 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Isaiah: honoring God with the lips alone.
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 3.5 (Lake, LCL 24:132; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-3-5).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 4
4.1Lake, LCL 24:132
Μὴ μόνον οὖν αὐτὸν καλῶμεν κύριον· οὐ γὰρ τοῦτο σώσει ἡμᾶς.
Mē monon oun auton kalōmen kyrion; ou gar touto sōsei hēmas.
Let us, then, not merely call him Lord, for this will not save us.
Notes and citation
Summary: Calling Christ “Lord” is not enough.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (a marginal reference (“Mt. 7, 21”) was run into the text in the digital edition; it is not part of the Greek): Mt. 7, 21Μὴ μόνον → Μὴ μόνον.
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 4.1 (Lake, LCL 24:132; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-4-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
4.2Lake, LCL 24:132
λέγει γάρ· Οὐ πᾶς ὁ λέγων μοι· Κύριε, κύριε, σωθήσεται, ἀλλʼ ὁ ποιῶν τὴν δικαιοσύνην.
legei gar; Ou pas ho legōn moi; Kyrie, kyrie, sōthēsetai, allʼ ho poiōn tēn dikaiosynēn.
For he says, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will be saved, but the one who does righteousness.”
Matt 7:21 (quotation, high confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Not all who say “Lord, Lord” will be saved.
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 4.2 (Lake, LCL 24:132; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-4-2).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
4.3Lake, LCL 24:132–134
ὥστε οὖν, ἀδελφοί, ἐν τοῖς ἔργοις αὐτὸν ὁμολογῶμεν, ἐν τῷ ἀγαπᾶν ἑαυτούς, ἐν τῷ μὴ μοιχᾶσθαι μηδὲ καταλαλεῖν ἀλλήλων μηδὲ ζηλοῦν, ἀλλʼ ἐγκρατεῖς εἶναι, ἐλεήμονας, ἀγαθούς· καὶ συμπάσχειν ἀλλήλοις ὀφείλομεν, καὶ μὴ φιλαργυρεῖν. ἐν τούτοις τοῖς ἔργοις ὁμολογῶμεν αὐτὸν καὶ μὴ ἐν τοῖς ἐναντίοις·
hōste oun, adelphoi, en tois ergois auton homologōmen, en tǭ agapan heautous, en tǭ mē moichasthai mēde katalalein allēlōn mēde zēloun, allʼ enkrateis einai, eleēmonas, agathous; kai sympaschein allēlois opheilomen, kai mē philargyrein. en toutois tois ergois homologōmen auton kai mē en tois enantiois;
So then, brothers, let us confess him in our works, by loving one another, by not committing adultery, nor speaking against one another, nor being jealous, but by being self-controlled, merciful, and good. And we ought to sympathize with one another and not love money. By these works let us confess him, and not by their opposites.
Notes and citation
Summary: Confess Christ by works of love, purity, and generosity.
Topics: Ethics
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 4.3 (Lake, LCL 24:132–134; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-4-3).
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4.4Lake, LCL 24:134
καὶ οὐ δεῖ ἡμᾶς φοβεῖσθαι τοὺς ἀνθρώπους μᾶλλον, ἀλλὰ τὸν θεόν.
kai ou dei hēmas phobeisthai tous anthrōpous mallon, alla ton theon.
And we must not fear men rather than God.
Notes and citation
Summary: Fear God, not people.
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 4.4 (Lake, LCL 24:134; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-4-4).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
4.5Lake, LCL 24:134
διὰ τοῦτο, ταῦτα ὑμῶν πρασσόντων, εἶπεν ὁ κύριος· Ἐὰν ἦτε μετʼ ἐμοῦ συνηγμένοι ἐν τῷ κόλπῳ μου καὶ μὴ ποιῆτε τὰς ἐντολάς μου, ἀποβαλῶ ὑμᾶς καὶ ἐρῶ ὑμῖν· Ὑπάγετε ἀπʼ ἐμοῦ, οὐκ οἶδα ὑμᾶς, πόθεν ἐστέ, ἐργάται ἀνομίας.
dia touto, tauta hymōn prassontōn, eipen ho kyrios; Ean ēte metʼ emou synēgmenoi en tǭ kolpǭ mou kai mē poiēte tas entolas mou, apobalō hymas kai erō hymin; Hypagete apʼ emou, ouk oida hymas, pothen este, ergatai anomias.
For this reason, if you do these things, the Lord said, “Even if you are gathered with me in my bosom and do not do my commandments, I will cast you out and say to you, ‘Depart from me; I do not know you, where you are from, you workers of lawlessness.’”
Matt 7:23 (allusion, medium confidence) · Luke 13:27 (allusion, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: A saying of the Lord: those who do not obey will be cast out.
- “If you do these things”: that is, the opposite works just mentioned.
- This saying is not found in this form in the canonical Gospels; its end is close to Matt 7:23 and Luke 13:27. Its source is unknown.
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 4.5 (Lake, LCL 24:134; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-4-5).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 5
5.1Lake, LCL 24:134
Ὅθεν, ἀδελφοί, καταλείψαντες τὴν παροικίαν τοῦ κόσμου τούτου ποιήσωμεν τὸ θέλημα τοῦ καλέσαντος ἡμᾶς, καὶ μὴ φοβηθῶμεν ἐξελθεῖν ἐκ τοῦ κόσμου τούτου.
Hothen, adelphoi, kataleipsantes tēn paroikian tou kosmou toutou poiēsōmen to thelēma tou kalesantos hēmas, kai mē phobēthōmen exelthein ek tou kosmou toutou.
Therefore, brothers, let us leave our sojourn in this world and do the will of him who called us, and let us not be afraid to depart from this world.
1 Pet 1:17 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: We are only sojourners; do God's will and do not fear leaving this world.
- “Sojourn” (παροικία): living as a resident foreigner; compare the greeting of 1 Clement and 1 Pet 1:17.
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 5.1 (Lake, LCL 24:134; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-5-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
5.2Lake, LCL 24:134
λέγει γὰρ ὁ κύριος Ἔσεσθε ὡς ἀρνία ἐν μέσῳ λύκων.
legei gar ho kyrios Esesthe hōs arnia en mesǭ lykōn.
For the Lord says, “You will be like lambs in the midst of wolves.”
Luke 10:3 (quotation, high confidence) · Matt 10:16 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: The Lord: you will be like lambs among wolves.
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 5.2 (Lake, LCL 24:134; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-5-2).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
5.3Lake, LCL 24:134
ἀποκριθεὶς δὲ ὁ Πέτρος αὐτῷ λέγει· Ἐὰν οὖν διασπαράξωσιν οἱ λύκοι τὰ ἀρνία;
apokritheis de ho Petros autǭ legei; Ean oun diasparaxōsin hoi lykoi ta arnia?
And Peter answered and said to him, “What if the wolves tear the lambs to pieces?”
Notes and citation
Summary: Peter asks what if the wolves tear the lambs apart.
- This dialogue between Jesus and Peter (5.2–4) is not in the canonical Gospels; its source is unknown.
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 5.3 (Lake, LCL 24:134; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-5-3).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
5.4Lake, LCL 24:134
εἶπεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς τῷ Πέτρῳ· Μὴ φοβείσθωσαν τὰ ἀρνία τοὺς λύκους μετὰ τὸ ἀποθανεῖν αὐτά· καὶ ὑμεῖς μὴ φοβεῖσθε τοὺς ἀποκτέννοντας ὑμᾶς καὶ μηδὲν ὑμῖν δυναμένους ποιεῖν, ἀλλὰ φοβεῖσθε τὸν μετὰ τὸ ἀποθανεῖν ὑμᾶς ἔχοντα ἐξουσίαν ψυχῆς καὶ σώματος τοῦ βαλεῖν εἰς γέενναν πυρός.
eipen ho Iēsous tǭ Petrǭ; Mē phobeisthōsan ta arnia tous lykous meta to apothanein auta; kai hymeis mē phobeisthe tous apoktennontas hymas kai mēden hymin dynamenous poiein, alla phobeisthe ton meta to apothanein hymas echonta exousian psychēs kai sōmatos tou balein eis geennan pyros.
Jesus said to Peter, “Let the lambs not fear the wolves after they are dead. And you, do not fear those who kill you and can do nothing more to you, but fear him who after you are dead has power over soul and body to cast them into the Gehenna of fire.”
Matt 10:28 (allusion, high confidence) · Luke 12:4 (allusion, high confidence) · Luke 12:5 (allusion, high confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Jesus: do not fear those who kill the body, but God who judges.
Topics: Persecution, Eschatology
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 5.4 (Lake, LCL 24:134; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-5-4).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
5.5Lake, LCL 24:134–136
καὶ γινώσκετε, ἀδελφοί, ὅτι ἡ ἐπιδημία ἡ ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ τούτῳ τῆς σαρκὸς ταύτης μικρά ἐστιν καὶ ὀλιγοχρόνιος, ἡ δὲ ἐπαγγελία τοῦ Χριστοῦ μεγάλη καὶ θαυμαστή ἐστιν, καὶ ἀνάπαυσις τῆς μελλούσης βασιλείας καὶ ζωῆς αἰωνίου.
kai ginōskete, adelphoi, hoti hē epidēmia hē en tǭ kosmǭ toutǭ tēs sarkos tautēs mikra estin kai oligochronios, hē de epangelia tou Christou megalē kai thaumastē estin, kai anapausis tēs mellousēs basileias kai zōēs aiōniou.
And know, brothers, that the stay of this flesh in this world is short and brief, but the promise of Christ is great and marvelous: rest in the kingdom to come and in eternal life.
Notes and citation
Summary: Life here is short; Christ's promise of rest and eternal life is great.
Topics: Eschatology
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 5.5 (Lake, LCL 24:134–136; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-5-5).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
5.6Lake, LCL 24:136
τί οὖν ἐστὶν ποιήσαντας ἐπιτυχεῖν αὐτῶν, εἰ μὴ τὸ ὁσίως καὶ δικαίως ἀναστρέφεσθαι καὶ τὰ κοσμικὰ ταῦτα ὡς ἀλλότρια ἡγεῖσθαι καὶ μὴ ἐπιθυμεῖν αὐτῶν;
ti oun estin poiēsantas epitychein autōn, ei mē to hosiōs kai dikaiōs anastrephesthai kai ta kosmika tauta hōs allotria hēgeisthai kai mē epithymein autōn?
What, then, must we do to obtain these things, except to live in holiness and righteousness, and to regard these worldly things as not our own, and not to desire them?
Notes and citation
Summary: Live holy lives and do not desire worldly things.
Topics: Ethics
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 5.6 (Lake, LCL 24:136; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-5-6).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
5.7Lake, LCL 24:136
ἐν γὰρ τῷ ἐπιθυμεῖν ἡμᾶς κτήσασθαι ταῦτα ἀποπίπτομεν τῆς ὁδοῦ τῆς δικαίας.
en gar tǭ epithymein hēmas ktēsasthai tauta apopiptomen tēs hodou tēs dikaias.
For in desiring to gain these things we fall away from the righteous way.
Notes and citation
Summary: Desire for worldly goods turns us from the right way.
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 5.7 (Lake, LCL 24:136; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-5-7).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 6
6.1Lake, LCL 24:136
Λέγει δὲ ὁ κύριος· Οὐδεὶς οἰκέτης δύναται δυσὶ κυρίοις δουλεύειν. ἐὰν ἡμεῖς θέλωμεν καὶ θεῷ δουλεύειν καὶ μαμωνᾷ, ἀσύμφορον ἡμῖν ἐστίν.
Legei de ho kyrios; Oudeis oiketēs dynatai dysi kyriois douleuein. ean hēmeis thelōmen kai theǭ douleuein kai mamōną, asymphoron hēmin estin.
And the Lord says, “No servant can serve two masters.” If we wish to serve both God and mammon, it is of no profit to us.
Luke 16:13 (quotation, high confidence) · Matt 6:24 (quotation, high confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: No one can serve God and money.
- “Mammon”: wealth.
Topics: Ethics
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 6.1 (Lake, LCL 24:136; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-6-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
6.2Lake, LCL 24:136
τί γὰρ τὸ ὄφελος, ἐάν τις τὸν κόσμον ὅλον κερδήσῃ, τὴν δὲ ψυχὴν ζημιωθῇ;
ti gar to ophelos, ean tis ton kosmon holon kerdēsę̄, tēn de psychēn zēmiōthę̄?
“For what is the profit if someone gains the whole world but forfeits his soul?”
Matt 16:26 (quotation, high confidence) · Mark 8:36 (echo, medium confidence) · Luke 9:25 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: What profit is the whole world if the soul is lost?
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 6.2 (Lake, LCL 24:136; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-6-2).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
6.3Lake, LCL 24:136
ἔστιν δὲ οὗτος ὁ αἰὼν καὶ ὁ μέλλων δύο ἐχθροί.
estin de houtos ho aiōn kai ho mellōn dyo echthroi.
And this age and the one to come are two enemies.
Notes and citation
Summary: This age and the age to come are enemies.
Topics: Eschatology
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 6.3 (Lake, LCL 24:136; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-6-3).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
6.4Lake, LCL 24:136
οὗτος λέγει μοιχείαν καὶ φθορὰν καὶ φιλαργυρίαν καὶ ἀπάτην, ἐκεῖνος δὲ τούτοις ἀποτάσσεται.
houtos legei moicheian kai phthoran kai philargyrian kai apatēn, ekeinos de toutois apotassetai.
This one speaks of adultery and corruption and love of money and deceit, but that one renounces these things.
Textual problem in this passage: see the notes.
Notes and citation
Summary: This age urges vice; the coming age renounces it.
- “Corruption” (φθορά): moral corruption, often sexual.
Topics: Ethics
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 6.4 (Lake, LCL 24:136; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-6-4).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
6.5Lake, LCL 24:136
οὐ δυνάμεθα οὖν τῶν δύο φίλοι εἶναι· δεῖ δὲ ἡμᾶς τούτῳ ἀποταξαμένους ἐκείνῳ χρᾶσθαι
ou dynametha oun tōn dyo philoi einai; dei de hēmas toutǭ apotaxamenous ekeinǭ chrasthai
We cannot, then, be friends of both; we must renounce this one and make use of that one.
Notes and citation
Summary: We cannot befriend both ages; renounce this one.
Topics: Eschatology
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 6.5 (Lake, LCL 24:136; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-6-5).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
6.6Lake, LCL 24:136
οἰόμεθα ὅτι βέλτιόν ἐστιν τὰ ἐνθάδε μισῆσαι, ὅτι μικρὰ καὶ ὀλιγοχρόνια καὶ φθαρτά, ἐκεῖνα δὲ ἀγαπῆσαι, τὰ ἀγαθὰ τὰ ἄφθαρτα.
oiometha hoti beltion estin ta enthade misēsai, hoti mikra kai oligochronia kai phtharta, ekeina de agapēsai, ta agatha ta aphtharta.
We think that it is better to hate the things here, because they are small and brief and perishable, and to love those, the good things that are imperishable.
Notes and citation
Summary: Hate what perishes here; love the imperishable goods to come.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (punctuation slip in the digital text (the sentence continues)): οἰόμεθα. ὅτι → οἰόμεθα ὅτι.
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 6.6 (Lake, LCL 24:136; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-6-6).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
6.7Lake, LCL 24:136
ποιοῦντες γὰρ τὸ θέλημα τοῦ Χριστοῦ εὑρήσομεν ἀνάπαυσιν· εἰ δὲ μήγε, οὐδὲν ἡμᾶς ῥύσεται ἐκ τῆς αἰωνίου κολάσεως, ἐὰν παρακούσωμεν τῶν ἐντολῶν αὐτοῦ.
poiountes gar to thelēma tou Christou heurēsomen anapausin; ei de mēge, ouden hēmas rhysetai ek tēs aiōniou kolaseōs, ean parakousōmen tōn entolōn autou.
For if we do the will of Christ we shall find rest; but if not, nothing will rescue us from eternal punishment, if we disobey his commandments.
Notes and citation
Summary: Doing Christ's will brings rest; disobedience, eternal punishment.
Topics: Eschatology
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 6.7 (Lake, LCL 24:136; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-6-7).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
6.8Lake, LCL 24:136
λέγει δὲ καὶ ἡ γραφὴ ἐν τῷ Ἰεζεκιήλ, ὅτι ἐὰν ἀναστῇ Νῶε καὶ Ἰὼβ καὶ Δανιήλ, οὐ ῥύσονται τὰ τέκνα αὐτῶν ἐν τῇ αἰχμαλωσίᾳ.
legei de kai hē graphē en tǭ Iezekiēl, hoti ean anastę̄ Nōe kai Iōb kai Daniēl, ou rhysontai ta tekna autōn en tę̄ aichmalōsią.
And the scripture also says in Ezekiel that “if Noah and Job and Daniel should arise, they will not rescue their children in the captivity.”
Ezek 14:14 (allusion, high confidence) · Ezek 14:20 (allusion, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Ezekiel: even Noah, Job, and Daniel cannot save their children.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (punctuation slip in the digital text (the sentence continues)): Ἰεζεκιήλ. ὅτι → Ἰεζεκιήλ, ὅτι.
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 6.8 (Lake, LCL 24:136; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-6-8).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
6.9Lake, LCL 24:136–138
εἰ δὲ καὶ οἱ τοιοῦτοι δίκαιοι οὐ δύνανται ταῖς ἑαυτῶν δικαιοσύναις ῥύσασθαι τὰ τέκνα αὐτῶν, ἡμεῖς, ἐὰν μὴ τηρήσωμεν τὸ βάπτισμα ἁγνὸν καὶ ἀμίαντον, ποίᾳ πεποιθήσει εἰσελευσόμεθα εἰς τὸ βασίλειον τοῦ θεοῦ; ἢ τίς ἡμῶν παράκλητος ἔσται, ἐὰν μὴ εὑρεθῶμεν ἔργα ἔχοντες ὅσια καὶ δίκαια;
ei de kai hoi toioutoi dikaioi ou dynantai tais heautōn dikaiosynais rhysasthai ta tekna autōn, hēmeis, ean mē tērēsōmen to baptisma hagnon kai amianton, poią pepoithēsei eiseleusometha eis to basileion tou theou? ē tis hēmōn paraklētos estai, ean mē heurethōmen erga echontes hosia kai dikaia?
But if even such righteous men as these cannot by their own righteous deeds rescue their children, with what confidence shall we enter the kingdom of God if we do not keep our baptism pure and undefiled? Or who will be our advocate if we are not found to have holy and righteous works?
Notes and citation
Summary: If even the righteous cannot save others, we must keep our baptism pure.
- “Advocate” (παράκλητος): one who pleads for another.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (digitization slip against Lake's printed text (wrong accent)): ἣ τίς ἡμῶν → ἢ τίς ἡμῶν.
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 6.9 (Lake, LCL 24:136–138; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-6-9).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 7
7.1Lake, LCL 24:138
Ὥστε οὖν, ἀδελφοί μου, ἀγωνισώμεθα εἰδότες, ὅτι ἐν χερσὶν ὁ ἀγὼν καὶ ὅτι εἰς τοὺς φθαρτοὺς ἀγῶνας καταπλέουσιν πολλοί, ἀλλʼ οὐ πάντες στεφανοῦνται, εἰ μὴ οἱ πολλὰ κοπιάσαντες καὶ καλῶς ἀγωνισάμενοι.
Hōste oun, adelphoi mou, agōnisōmetha eidotes, hoti en chersin ho agōn kai hoti eis tous phthartous agōnas katapleousin polloi, allʼ ou pantes stephanountai, ei mē hoi polla kopiasantes kai kalōs agōnisamenoi.
So then, my brothers, let us compete, knowing that the contest is at hand, and that many sail in to the perishable contests, but not all are crowned, only those who have toiled hard and competed well.
1 Cor 9:24 (echo, medium confidence) · 1 Cor 9:25 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Like athletes, let us compete for the crown.
- The image is the athletic games, such as the Isthmian Games held near Corinth, to which competitors “sailed in.” Some have taken this as a hint that the sermon was preached at Corinth.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (digitization slip against Lake's printed text (garbled verb ending and stray punctuation); digitization slip against Lake's printed text (missing accent)): ἀδελφοι μου → ἀδελφοί μου; καταπλέουσα· πολλοί → καταπλέουσιν πολλοί.
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 7.1 (Lake, LCL 24:138; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-7-1).
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7.2Lake, LCL 24:138
ἡμεῖς οὖν ἀγωνισώμεθα, ἵνα πάντες στεφανωθῶμεν.
hēmeis oun agōnisōmetha, hina pantes stephanōthōmen.
Let us, then, compete, so that we may all be crowned.
Notes and citation
Summary: Compete so that all may be crowned.
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 7.2 (Lake, LCL 24:138; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-7-2).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
7.3Lake, LCL 24:138
ὥστε θέωμεν τὴν ὁδὸν τὴν εὐθείαν, ἀγῶνα τὸν ἄφθαρτον, καὶ πολλοὶ εἰς αὐτὸν καταπλεύσωμεν καὶ ἀγωνισώμεθα, ἵνα καὶ στεφανωθῶμεν· καὶ εἰ μὴ δυνάμεθα πάντες στεφανωθῆναι, κἂν ἐγγὺς τοῦ στεφάνου γενώμεθα.
hōste theōmen tēn hodon tēn eutheian, agōna ton aphtharton, kai polloi eis auton katapleusōmen kai agōnisōmetha, hina kai stephanōthōmen; kai ei mē dynametha pantes stephanōthēnai, kan engys tou stephanou genōmetha.
So let us run the straight course, the imperishable contest, and let many of us sail in to it and compete, so that we may also be crowned. And if we cannot all be crowned, let us at least come near the crown.
Notes and citation
Summary: Run the imperishable race; at least come near the crown.
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 7.3 (Lake, LCL 24:138; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-7-3).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
7.4Lake, LCL 24:138
εἰδέναι ἡμᾶς δεῖ, ὅτι ὁ τὸν φθαρτὸν ἀγῶνα ἀγωνιζόμενος, ἐὰν εὑρεθῇ φθείρων, μαστιγωθεὶς αἴρεται καὶ ἔξω βάλλεται τοῦ σταδίου.
eidenai hēmas dei, hoti ho ton phtharton agōna agōnizomenos, ean heurethę̄ phtheirōn, mastigōtheis airetai kai exō balletai tou stadiou.
We must know that the one who competes in the perishable contest, if he is found cheating, is flogged, removed, and thrown out of the stadium.
Textual problem in this passage: see the notes.
Notes and citation
Summary: Cheaters in the games are flogged and thrown out.
- “Cheating” (φθείρων): literally “corrupting” the contest, breaking its rules.
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 7.4 (Lake, LCL 24:138; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-7-4).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
7.5Lake, LCL 24:138
τί δοκεῖτε; ὁ τὸν τῆς ἀφθαρσίας ἀγῶνα φθείρας τί παθεῖται;
ti dokeite? ho ton tēs aphtharsias agōna phtheiras ti patheitai?
What do you think? The one who cheats in the contest of incorruption, what will he suffer?
Notes and citation
Summary: What will happen to one who cheats in the contest for eternal life?
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 7.5 (Lake, LCL 24:138; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-7-5).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
7.6Lake, LCL 24:138–140
τῶν γὰρ μὴ τηρησάντων, φησίν, τὴν σφραγῖδα ὁ σκώληξ αὐτῶν οὐ τελευτήσει καὶ τὸ πῦρ αὐτῶν οὐ σβεσθήσεται, καὶ ἔσονται εἰς ὅρασιν πάσῃ σαρκί.
tōn gar mē tērēsantōn, phēsin, tēn sphragida ho skōlēx autōn ou teleutēsei kai to pyr autōn ou sbesthēsetai, kai esontai eis horasin pasę̄ sarki.
For of those who have not kept the seal, he says, “Their worm will not die and their fire will not be quenched, and they will be a spectacle to all flesh.”
Isa 66:24 (quotation, high confidence) · Mark 9:48 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Those who break the seal of baptism face unending punishment.
- “The seal” (σφραγίς): baptism, as in 8.6.
Topics: Baptism, Eschatology
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 7.6 (Lake, LCL 24:138–140; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-7-6).
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Chapter 8
8.1Lake, LCL 24:140
Ὡς οὖν ἐσμὲν ἐπὶ γῆς, μετανοήσωμεν.
Hōs oun esmen epi gēs, metanoēsōmen.
While, then, we are on earth, let us repent.
Notes and citation
Summary: Repent while on earth.
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 8.1 (Lake, LCL 24:140; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-8-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
8.2Lake, LCL 24:140
πηλὸς γάρ ἐσμεν εἰς τὴν χεῖρα τοῦ τεχνίτου· ὃν τρόπον γὰρ ὁ κεραμεύς, ἐὰν ποιῇ σκεῦος καὶ ἐν ταῖς χερσὶν αὐτοῦ διαστραφῇ ἣ συντριβῇ, πάλιν αὐτὸ ἀναπλάσσει, ἐὰν δὲ προφθάσῃ εἰς τὴν κάμινον τοῦ πυρὸς αὐτὸ βαλεῖν, οὐκέτι βοηθήσει αὐτῷ· οὕτως καὶ ἡμεῖς, ἕως ἐσμὲν ἐν τούτῳ τῷ κόσμῳ, ἐν τῇ σαρκὶ ἃ ἐπράξαμεν πονηρὰ μετανοήσωμεν ἐξ ὅλης τῆς καρδίας, ἵνα σωθῶμεν ὑπὸ τοῦ κυρίου, ἕως ἔχομεν καιρὸν μετανοίας.
pēlos gar esmen eis tēn cheira tou technitou; hon tropon gar ho kerameus, ean poię̄ skeuos kai en tais chersin autou diastraphę̄ hē syntribę̄, palin auto anaplassei, ean de prophthasę̄ eis tēn kaminon tou pyros auto balein, ouketi boēthēsei autǭ; houtōs kai hēmeis, heōs esmen en toutǭ tǭ kosmǭ, en tę̄ sarki ha epraxamen ponēra metanoēsōmen ex holēs tēs kardias, hina sōthōmen hypo tou kyriou, heōs echomen kairon metanoias.
For we are clay in the hand of the craftsman. Just as the potter, if he makes a vessel and it is twisted or broken in his hands, shapes it again, but if he has already put it into the fiery kiln, he can no longer help it: so also we, while we are in this world, let us repent with our whole heart of the evil things we have done in the flesh, so that we may be saved by the Lord while we have an opportunity for repentance.
Jer 18:4 (allusion, medium confidence) · Jer 18:6 (allusion, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Like clay before firing, we can still be reshaped: repent now.
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 8.2 (Lake, LCL 24:140; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-8-2).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
8.3Lake, LCL 24:140
μετὰ γὰρ τὸ ἐξελθεῖν ἡμᾶς ἐκ τοῦ κόσμου οὐκέτι δυνάμεθα ἐκεῖ ἐξομολογήσασθαι ἢ μετανοεῖν ἔτι.
meta gar to exelthein hēmas ek tou kosmou ouketi dynametha ekei exomologēsasthai ē metanoein eti.
For after we have departed from the world we can no longer confess or repent there.
Notes and citation
Summary: After death there is no more repentance.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (digitization slip against Lake's printed text (wrong ending)): τοῦ κόσμον → τοῦ κόσμου.
Topics: Eschatology
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 8.3 (Lake, LCL 24:140; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-8-3).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
8.4Lake, LCL 24:140
ὥστε, ἀδελφοί, ποιήσαντες τὸ θέλημα τοῦ πατρὸς καὶ τὴν σάρκα ἁγνὴν τηρήσαντες καὶ τὰς ἐντολὰς τοῦ κυρίου φυλάξαντες ληψόμεθα ζωὴν αἰώνιον.
hōste, adelphoi, poiēsantes to thelēma tou patros kai tēn sarka hagnēn tērēsantes kai tas entolas tou kyriou phylaxantes lēpsometha zōēn aiōnion.
So, brothers, if we do the will of the Father and keep the flesh pure and guard the commandments of the Lord, we shall receive eternal life.
Notes and citation
Summary: Do God's will, keep the flesh pure, and receive eternal life.
Topics: Ethics
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 8.4 (Lake, LCL 24:140; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-8-4).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
8.5Lake, LCL 24:140
λέγει γὰρ ὁ κύριος ἐν τῷ εὐαγγελίῳ· Εἰ τὸ μικρὸν οὐκ ἐτηρήσατε, τὸ μέγα τίς ὑμῖν δώσει; λέγω γὰρ ὑμῖν, ὅτι ὁ πιστὸς ἐν ἐλαχίστῳ καὶ ἐν πολλῷ πιστός ἐστιν.
legei gar ho kyrios en tǭ euangeliǭ; Ei to mikron ouk etērēsate, to mega tis hymin dōsei? legō gar hymin, hoti ho pistos en elachistǭ kai en pollǭ pistos estin.
For the Lord says in the gospel, “If you did not keep what is small, who will give you what is great? For I tell you that whoever is faithful in very little is faithful also in much.”
Luke 16:10 (quotation, high confidence) · Luke 16:11 (allusion, medium confidence) · Luke 16:12 (allusion, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: The gospel: faithful in little, faithful in much.
- “In the gospel”: one of the earliest uses of the word for a written Gospel. The first sentence is not found in the canonical Gospels; the second is close to Luke 16:10.
Topics: Scripture and canon
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 8.5 (Lake, LCL 24:140; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-8-5).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
8.6Lake, LCL 24:140
ἆρα οὖν τοῦτο λέγει· τηρήσατε τὴν σάρκα ἁγνὴν καὶ τὴν σφραγῖδα ἄσπιλον, ἵνα τὴν αἰώνιον ζωὴν ἀπολάβωμεν.
ara oun touto legei; tērēsate tēn sarka hagnēn kai tēn sphragida aspilon, hina tēn aiōnion zōēn apolabōmen.
So he means this: keep the flesh pure and the seal unstained, so that we may receive eternal life.
Notes and citation
Summary: Keep the flesh pure and the seal of baptism unstained.
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 8.6 (Lake, LCL 24:140; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-8-6).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 9
9.1Lake, LCL 24:140
Καὶ μὴ λεγέτω τις ὑμῶν, ὅτι αὕτη ἡ σὰρξ οὐ κρίνεται οὐδὲ ἀνίσταται.
Kai mē legetō tis hymōn, hoti hautē hē sarx ou krinetai oude anistatai.
And let none of you say that this flesh is not judged and does not rise again.
Notes and citation
Summary: The flesh will be judged and will rise.
- Aimed at those who denied the resurrection of the body.
Topics: Eschatology, Heresy
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 9.1 (Lake, LCL 24:140; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-9-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
9.2Lake, LCL 24:140
γνῶτε· ἐν τίνι ἐσώθητε, ἐν τίνι ἀνεβλέψατε, εἰ μὴ ἐν τῇ σαρκὶ ταύτῃ ὄντες;
gnōte; en tini esōthēte, en tini aneblepsate, ei mē en tę̄ sarki tautę̄ ontes?
Understand: in what were you saved, in what did you recover your sight, if not while you were in this flesh?
Notes and citation
Summary: We were saved in the flesh.
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 9.2 (Lake, LCL 24:140; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-9-2).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
9.3Lake, LCL 24:140–142
δεῖ οὖν ἡμᾶς ὡς ναὸν θεοῦ φυλάσσειν τὴν σάρκα·
dei oun hēmas hōs naon theou phylassein tēn sarka;
We must, then, guard the flesh as a temple of God.
1 Cor 6:19 (allusion, medium confidence) · 1 Cor 3:16 (allusion, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Guard the flesh as God's temple.
Topics: Ethics
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 9.3 (Lake, LCL 24:140–142; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-9-3).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
9.4Lake, LCL 24:142
ὃν τρόπον γὰρ ἐν τῇ σαρκὶ ἐκλήθητε, καὶ ἐν τῇ σαρκὶ ἐλεύσεσθε.
hon tropon gar en tę̄ sarki eklēthēte, kai en tę̄ sarki eleusesthe.
For just as you were called in the flesh, you will also come in the flesh.
Notes and citation
Summary: Called in the flesh, we will come to judgment in the flesh.
Topics: Eschatology
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 9.4 (Lake, LCL 24:142; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-9-4).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
9.5Lake, LCL 24:142
εἰ Χριστός, ὁ κύριος ὁ σώσας ἡμᾶς, ὢν μὲν τὸ πρῶτον πνεῦμα, ἐγένετο σὰρξ καὶ οὕτως ἡμᾶς ἐκάλεσεν· οὕτως καὶ ἡμεῖς ἐν ταύτῃ τῇ σαρκὶ ἀποληψόμεθα τὸν μισθόν.
ei Christos, ho kyrios ho sōsas hēmas, ōn men to prōton pneuma, egeneto sarx kai houtōs hēmas ekalesen; houtōs kai hēmeis en tautę̄ tę̄ sarki apolēpsometha ton misthon.
If Christ, the Lord who saved us, being first spirit, became flesh and so called us, so also we shall receive our reward in this flesh.
John 1:14 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Christ became flesh; so we will be rewarded in the flesh.
- “Being first spirit, became flesh”: the preacher's way of speaking of the incarnation; compare John 1:14.
Topics: Christology, Eschatology
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 9.5 (Lake, LCL 24:142; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-9-5).
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9.6Lake, LCL 24:142
ἀγαπῶμεν οὖν ἀλλήλους, ὅπως ἔλθωμεν πάντες εἰς τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ θεοῦ.
agapōmen oun allēlous, hopōs elthōmen pantes eis tēn basileian tou theou.
Let us, then, love one another, so that we may all come into the kingdom of God.
Notes and citation
Summary: Love one another, to enter God's kingdom together.
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 9.6 (Lake, LCL 24:142; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-9-6).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
9.7Lake, LCL 24:142
ὡς ἔχομεν καιρὸν τοῦ ἰαθῆναι, ἐπιδῶμεν ἑαυτοὺς τῷ θεραπεύοντι θεῷ, ἀντιμισθίαν αὐτῷ διδόντες.
hōs echomen kairon tou iathēnai, epidōmen heautous tǭ therapeuonti theǭ, antimisthian autǭ didontes.
While we have opportunity to be healed, let us give ourselves over to God who heals us, giving him a repayment.
Notes and citation
Summary: Give yourselves to God the healer while there is time.
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 9.7 (Lake, LCL 24:142; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-9-7).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
9.8Lake, LCL 24:142
ποίαν; τὸ μετανοῆσαι ἐξ εἰλικρινοῦς καρδίας.
poian? to metanoēsai ex eilikrinous kardias.
What repayment? To repent from a sincere heart.
Notes and citation
Summary: The repayment God wants is sincere repentance.
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 9.8 (Lake, LCL 24:142; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-9-8).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
9.9Lake, LCL 24:142
προγνώστης γάρ ἐστιν τῶν πάντων καὶ εἰδὼς ἡμῶν τὰ ἐν καρδίᾳ.
prognōstēs gar estin tōn pantōn kai eidōs hēmōn ta en kardią.
For he knows all things beforehand and knows what is in our hearts.
Notes and citation
Summary: God knows our hearts.
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 9.9 (Lake, LCL 24:142; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-9-9).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
9.10Lake, LCL 24:142
δῶμεν οὖν αὐτῷ αἶνον, μὴ ἀπὸ στόματος μόνον, ἀλλὰ καὶ ἀπὸ καρδίας, ἵνα ἡμᾶς προσδέξηται ὡς υἱούς.
dōmen oun autǭ ainon, mē apo stomatos monon, alla kai apo kardias, hina hēmas prosdexētai hōs huious.
Let us, then, give him praise, not from the mouth only but also from the heart, so that he may receive us as sons.
Notes and citation
Summary: Praise God from the heart, not only the lips.
Topics: Prayer
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 9.10 (Lake, LCL 24:142; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-9-10).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
9.11Lake, LCL 24:142
καὶ γὰρ εἶπεν ὁ κύριος· Ἀδελφοί μου οὗτοί εἰσιν οἱ ποιοῦντες τὸ θέλημα τοῦ πατρός μου.
kai gar eipen ho kyrios; Adelphoi mou houtoi eisin hoi poiountes to thelēma tou patros mou.
For the Lord said, “My brothers are these who do the will of my Father.”
Matt 12:50 (quotation, high confidence) · Mark 3:35 (echo, medium confidence) · Luke 8:21 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Christ's brothers are those who do the Father's will.
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 9.11 (Lake, LCL 24:142; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-9-11).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 10
10.1Lake, LCL 24:142
Ὥστε, ἀδελφοί μου, ποιήσωμεν τὸ θέλημα τοῦ πατρὸς τοῦ καλέσαντος ἡμᾶς, ἵνα ζήσωμεν, καὶ διώξωμεν μᾶλλον τὴν ἀρετήν, τὴν δὲ κακίαν καταλείψωμεν ὡς προοδοιπόρον τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν ἡμῶν, καὶ φύγωμεν τὴν ἀσέβειαν, μὴ ἡμᾶς καταλάβῃ κακά.
Hōste, adelphoi mou, poiēsōmen to thelēma tou patros tou kalesantos hēmas, hina zēsōmen, kai diōxōmen mallon tēn aretēn, tēn de kakian kataleipsōmen hōs proodoiporon tōn hamartiōn hēmōn, kai phygōmen tēn asebeian, mē hēmas katalabę̄ kaka.
So, my brothers, let us do the will of the Father who called us, so that we may live; and let us rather pursue virtue, and abandon vice as the forerunner of our sins, and flee ungodliness, so that evils may not overtake us.
Notes and citation
Summary: Pursue virtue and flee vice and ungodliness.
Topics: Ethics
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 10.1 (Lake, LCL 24:142; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-10-1).
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10.2Lake, LCL 24:142
ἐὰν γὰρ σπουδάσωμεν ἀγαθοποιεῖν, διώξεται ἡμᾶς εἰρήνη.
ean gar spoudasōmen agathopoiein, diōxetai hēmas eirēnē.
For if we are eager to do good, peace will pursue us.
Ps 34:14 (33:15 LXX) (echo, low confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Doing good brings peace.
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 10.2 (Lake, LCL 24:142; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-10-2).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
10.3Lake, LCL 24:142–144
διὰ ταύτην γὰρ τὴν αἰτίαν οὐκ ἔστιν εὑρεῖν ἄνθρωπον, οἵτινες παράγουσι φόβους ἀνθρωπίνους, προῃρημένοι μᾶλλον τὴν ἐνθάδε ἀπόλαυσιν ἢ τὴν μέλλουσαν ἐπαγγελίαν.
dia tautēn gar tēn aitian ouk estin heurein anthrōpon, hoitines paragousi phobous anthrōpinous, proę̄rēmenoi mallon tēn enthade apolausin ē tēn mellousan epangelian.
For this reason it is not possible for a man to find it: they bring in human fears, preferring the enjoyment here to the promise to come.
Notes and citation
Summary: Those who prefer present pleasure cannot find peace.
- The Greek of this sentence is difficult and probably damaged (“a man… they”); editors propose various corrections. The sense seems to be that those who spread fear and love present pleasure cannot find peace.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (digitization slip against Lake's printed text (wrong accent)): ἀπόλαυσιν ἡ τὴν μέλλουσαν → ἀπόλαυσιν ἢ τὴν μέλλουσαν.
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 10.3 (Lake, LCL 24:142–144; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-10-3).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
10.4Lake, LCL 24:144
ἀγνοοῦσιν γὰρ ἡλίκην ἔχει βάσανον ἡ ἐνθάδε ἀπόλαυσις, καὶ οἵαν τρυφὴν ἔχει ἡ μέλλουσα ἐπαγγελία.
agnoousin gar hēlikēn echei basanon hē enthade apolausis, kai hoian tryphēn echei hē mellousa epangelia.
For they do not know how great a torment the enjoyment here brings, and what delight the promise to come holds.
Notes and citation
Summary: Present pleasure brings torment; the promise brings delight.
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 10.4 (Lake, LCL 24:144; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-10-4).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
10.5Lake, LCL 24:144
καὶ εἰ μὲν αὐτοὶ μόνοι ταῦτα ἔπρασσον, ἀνεκτὸν ἦν· νῦν δὲ ἐπιμένουσιν κακοδιδασκαλοῦντες τὰς ἀναιτίους ψυχάς, οὐκ εἰδότες, ὅτι δισσὴν ἕξουσιν τὴν κρίσιν, αὐτοί τε καὶ οἱ ἀκούοντες αὐτῶν.
kai ei men autoi monoi tauta eprasson, anekton ēn; nyn de epimenousin kakodidaskalountes tas anaitious psychas, ouk eidotes, hoti dissēn hexousin tēn krisin, autoi te kai hoi akouontes autōn.
And if they did these things by themselves alone, it would be bearable; but as it is, they persist in teaching evil to innocent souls, not knowing that they will receive a double judgment, both they and those who listen to them.
Notes and citation
Summary: False teachers and their hearers will face double judgment.
Topics: Heresy
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 10.5 (Lake, LCL 24:144; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-10-5).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 11
11.1Lake, LCL 24:144
Ἡμεῖς οὖν ἐν καθαρᾷ καρδίᾳ δουλεύσωμεν τῷ θεῷ, καὶ ἐσόμεθα δίκαιοι· ἐὰν δὲ μὴ δουλεύσωμεν διὰ τὸ μὴ πιστεύειν ἡμᾶς τῇ ἐπαγγελίᾳ τοῦ θεοῦ, ταλαίπωροι ἐσόμεθα.
Hēmeis oun en katharą kardią douleusōmen tǭ theǭ, kai esometha dikaioi; ean de mē douleusōmen dia to mē pisteuein hēmas tę̄ epangelią tou theou, talaipōroi esometha.
Let us, then, serve God with a pure heart, and we shall be righteous; but if we do not serve him because we do not believe the promise of God, we shall be wretched.
Notes and citation
Summary: Serve God with a pure heart and trust his promise.
Topics: Ethics
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 11.1 (Lake, LCL 24:144; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-11-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
11.2Lake, LCL 24:144
λέγει γὰρ καὶ ὁ προφητικὸς λόγος· Ταλαίπωροί εἰσιν οἱ δίψυχοι, οἱ διστάζοντες τῇ καρδίᾳ, οἱ λέγοντες· Ταῦτα πάλαι ἠκούσαμεν καὶ ἐπὶ τῶν πατέρων ἡμῶν, ἡμεῖς δὲ ἡμέραν ἐξ ἡμέρας προσδεχόμενοι οὐδὲν τούτων ἑωράκαμεν.
legei gar kai ho prophētikos logos; Talaipōroi eisin hoi dipsychoi, hoi distazontes tę̄ kardią, hoi legontes; Tauta palai ēkousamen kai epi tōn paterōn hēmōn, hēmeis de hēmeran ex hēmeras prosdechomenoi ouden toutōn heōrakamen.
For the prophetic word also says, “Wretched are the double-minded, who doubt in their heart, who say, ‘We heard these things long ago, even in our fathers' time, but we, waiting day after day, have seen none of them.’
Notes and citation
Summary: The prophetic word warns the doubters who say the promises never come.
- The same unidentified quotation appears in 1 Clem. 23.3–4, where it is called “scripture”; its source is unknown (perhaps a lost apocryphal book).
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 11.2 (Lake, LCL 24:144; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-11-2).
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11.3Lake, LCL 24:144
ἀνόητοι, συμβάλετε ἑαυτοὺς ξύλῳ· λάβετε ἄμπελον· πρῶτον μὲν φυλλοροεῖ, εἶτα βλαστὸς γίνεται, μετὰ ταῦτα ὄμφαξ, εἶτα σταφυλὴ παρεστηκυῖα.
anoētoi, symbalete heautous xylǭ; labete ampelon; prōton men phylloroei, eita blastos ginetai, meta tauta omphax, eita staphylē parestēkuia.
You fools, compare yourselves to a tree; take a vine: first it sheds its leaves, then comes a shoot, after this a sour grape, then a ripe cluster.
Notes and citation
Summary: The vine ripens in stages; so do God's promises.
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 11.3 (Lake, LCL 24:144; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-11-3).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
11.4Lake, LCL 24:144
οὕτως καὶ ὁ λαός μου ἀκαταστασίας καὶ θλίψεις ἔσχεν· ἔπειτα ἀπολήψεται τὰ ἀγαθά.
houtōs kai ho laos mou akatastasias kai thlipseis eschen; epeita apolēpsetai ta agatha.
So also my people has had turmoil and afflictions; afterward it will receive the good things.”
Notes and citation
Summary: After affliction, God's people will receive good things.
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 11.4 (Lake, LCL 24:144; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-11-4).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
11.5Lake, LCL 24:144
ὥστε, ἀδελφοί μου, μὴ διψυχῶμεν, ἀλλὰ ἐλπίσαντες ὑπομείνωμεν, ἵνα καὶ τὸν μισθὸν κομισώμεθα.
hōste, adelphoi mou, mē dipsychōmen, alla elpisantes hypomeinōmen, hina kai ton misthon komisōmetha.
So, my brothers, let us not be double-minded, but let us hope and endure, so that we may also obtain the reward.
Notes and citation
Summary: Do not doubt; hope and endure for the reward.
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 11.5 (Lake, LCL 24:144; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-11-5).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
11.6Lake, LCL 24:144
πιστὸς γάρ ἐστιν ὁ ἐπαγγειλάμενος τὰς ἀντιμισθίας ἀποδιδόναι ἐκάστῳ τῶν ἔργων αὐτοῦ.
pistos gar estin ho epangeilamenos tas antimisthias apodidonai ekastǭ tōn ergōn autou.
For faithful is he who promised to pay back to each the reward of his works.
Heb 10:23 (echo, medium confidence) · Matt 16:27 (echo, medium confidence) · Rom 2:6 (echo, low confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: God is faithful to reward each one's works.
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 11.6 (Lake, LCL 24:144; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-11-6).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
11.7Lake, LCL 24:144–146
ἐὰν οὖν ποιήσωμεν τὴν δικαιοσύνην ἐναντίον τοῦ θεοῦ, εἰσήξομεν εἰς τὴν βασιλείαν αὐτοῦ καὶ ληψόμεθα τὰς ἐπαγγελίας, ἅς οὖς οὐκ ἤκουσεν οὐδὲ ὀφθαλμὸς εἶδεν, οὐδὲ ἐπὶ καρδίαν ἀνθρώπου ἀνέβη.
ean oun poiēsōmen tēn dikaiosynēn enantion tou theou, eisēxomen eis tēn basileian autou kai lēpsometha tas epangelias, has ous ouk ēkousen oude ophthalmos eiden, oude epi kardian anthrōpou anebē.
If, then, we do righteousness before God, we shall enter his kingdom and receive the promises, “which ear has not heard, nor eye seen, nor has it entered into the heart of man.”
1 Cor 2:9 (quotation, high confidence) · Isa 64:4 (64:3 LXX) (allusion, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: The righteous will receive promises beyond imagining.
Topics: Eschatology
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 11.7 (Lake, LCL 24:144–146; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-11-7).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 12
12.1Lake, LCL 24:146
Ἐκδεχώμεθα οὖν καθʼ ὥραν τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ θεοῦ ἐν ἀγάπῃ καὶ δικαιοσύνῃ, ἐπειδὴ οὐκ οἴδαμεν τὴν ἡμέραν τῆς ἐπιφανείας τοῦ θεοῦ.
Ekdechōmetha oun kathʼ hōran tēn basileian tou theou en agapę̄ kai dikaiosynę̄, epeidē ouk oidamen tēn hēmeran tēs epiphaneias tou theou.
Let us, then, wait hour by hour for the kingdom of God in love and righteousness, since we do not know the day of God's appearing.
Notes and citation
Summary: Wait for God's kingdom hour by hour, for the day is unknown.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (digitization slip against Lake's printed text (wrong breathing and accent)): καθʼ ῶραν → καθʼ ὥραν.
Topics: Eschatology
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 12.1 (Lake, LCL 24:146; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-12-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
12.2Lake, LCL 24:146
ἐπερωτηθεὶς γὰρ αὐτὸς ὁ κύριος ὑπό τινος, πότε ἥξει αὐτοῦ ἡ βασιλεία, εἶπεν· Ὅταν ἔσται τὰ δύο ἕν, καὶ τὸ ἔξω ὡς τὸ ἔσω, καὶ τὸ ἄρσεν μετὰ τῆς θηλείας οὔτε ἅρσεν οὔτε θῆλυ.
eperōtētheis gar autos ho kyrios hypo tinos, pote hēxei autou hē basileia, eipen; Hotan estai ta dyo hen, kai to exō hōs to esō, kai to arsen meta tēs thēleias oute harsen oute thēly.
For when the Lord himself was asked by someone when his kingdom would come, he said, “When the two are one, and the outside as the inside, and the male with the female neither male nor female.”
Gal 3:28 (echo, low confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: A saying of the Lord: the kingdom comes when the two are one.
- This saying is not in the canonical Gospels. Similar sayings appear in the Gospel of Thomas (22) and, according to Clement of Alexandria, in the Gospel of the Egyptians. The preacher gives it a moral sense (12.3–5).
Topics: Eschatology
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 12.2 (Lake, LCL 24:146; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-12-2).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
12.3Lake, LCL 24:146
τὰ δύο δὲ ἕν ἐστιν, ὅταν λαλῶμεν ἑαυτοῖς ἀλήθειαν καὶ ἐν δυσὶ σώμασιν ἀνυποκρίτως εἴη μία ψυχή.
ta dyo de hen estin, hotan lalōmen heautois alētheian kai en dysi sōmasin anypokritōs eiē mia psychē.
Now “the two are one” when we speak truth to one another, and there is one soul in two bodies without hypocrisy.
Notes and citation
Summary: “Two are one” means truthfulness and oneness of soul.
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 12.3 (Lake, LCL 24:146; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-12-3).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
12.4Lake, LCL 24:146
καὶ τὸ ἔξω ὡς τὸ ἔσω, τοῦτο λέγει· τὴν ψυχὴν λέγει τὸ ἔσω, τὸ δὲ ἔξω τὸ σῶμα λέγει. ὃν τρόπον οὖν σου τὸ σῶμα φαίνεται, οὕτως καὶ ἡ ψυχή σου δῆλος ἔστω ἐν τοῖς καλοῖς ἔργοις.
kai to exō hōs to esō, touto legei; tēn psychēn legei to esō, to de exō to sōma legei. hon tropon oun sou to sōma phainetai, houtōs kai hē psychē sou dēlos estō en tois kalois ergois.
And “the outside as the inside” means this: by “the inside” he means the soul, and by “the outside” he means the body. As your body is visible, so let your soul also be evident in good works.
Notes and citation
Summary: “Outside as inside”: let the soul show itself in good works.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (digitization slip against Lake's printed text (wrong breathing)): λέγει τὸ ἕσω → λέγει τὸ ἔσω.
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 12.4 (Lake, LCL 24:146; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-12-4).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
12.5Lake, LCL 24:146–148
καὶ τὸ ἄρσεν μετὰ τῆς θηλείας, οὔτε ἄρσεν οὔτε θῆλυ, τοῦτο λέγει· ἵνα ἀδελφὸς ἰδὼν ἀδελφὴν οὐδὲν φρονῇ περὶ αὐτῆς θηλυκόν, μηδὲ φρονῇ τι περὶ αὐτοῦ ἀρσενικόν.
kai to arsen meta tēs thēleias, oute arsen oute thēly, touto legei; hina adelphos idōn adelphēn ouden phronę̄ peri autēs thēlykon, mēde phronę̄ ti peri autou arsenikon.
And “the male with the female neither male nor female” means this: that a brother seeing a sister should have no thought of her as a woman, and she should have no thought of him as a man.
Notes and citation
Summary: “Neither male nor female”: brothers and sisters without lustful thoughts.
- That is, without sexual desire; the preacher applies the saying to purity in the church.
Topics: Ethics
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 12.5 (Lake, LCL 24:146–148; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-12-5).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
12.6Lake, LCL 24:148
ταῦτα ὑμῶν ποιούντων, φησίν, ἐλεύσεται ἡ βασιλεία τοῦ πατρός μου.
tauta hymōn poiountōn, phēsin, eleusetai hē basileia tou patros mou.
When you do these things, he says, the kingdom of my Father will come.
Notes and citation
Summary: Doing these things brings the Father's kingdom.
Topics: Eschatology
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 12.6 (Lake, LCL 24:148; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-12-6).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 13
13.1Lake, LCL 24:148
Ἀδελφοὶ οὖν, ἤδη ποτὲ μετανοήσωμεν, νήψωμεν ἐπὶ τὸ ἀγαθόν· μεστοὶ γάρ ἐσμεν πολλῆς ἀνοίας καὶ πονηρίας. ἐξαλείψωμεν ἀφʼ ἡμῶν τὰ πρότερα ἁμαρτήματα καὶ μετανοήσαντες ἐκ ψυχῆς σωθῶμεν, καὶ μὴ γινώμεθα ἀνθρωπάρεσκοι μηδὲ θέλωμεν μόνον ἑαυτοῖς ἀρέσκειν, ἀλλὰ καὶ τοῖς ἔξω ἀνθρώποις ἐπὶ τῇ δικαιοσύνῃ, ἵνα τὸ ὄνομα διʼ ἡμᾶς μὴ βλασφημῆται.
Adelphoi oun, ēdē pote metanoēsōmen, nēpsōmen epi to agathon; mestoi gar esmen pollēs anoias kai ponērias. exaleipsōmen aphʼ hēmōn ta protera hamartēmata kai metanoēsantes ek psychēs sōthōmen, kai mē ginōmetha anthrōpareskoi mēde thelōmen monon heautois areskein, alla kai tois exō anthrōpois epi tę̄ dikaiosynę̄, hina to onoma diʼ hēmas mē blasphēmētai.
Brothers, then, let us repent at last; let us be sober for what is good, for we are full of much folly and wickedness. Let us wipe away from ourselves our former sins, and repenting from the soul let us be saved. And let us not become people-pleasers, nor wish to please only ourselves, but also those outside, by our righteousness, so that the name may not be blasphemed because of us.
Notes and citation
Summary: Repent, and live so that outsiders do not blaspheme God's name.
- “The name”: God's name, or the name “Christian.”
Topics: Ethics
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 13.1 (Lake, LCL 24:148; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-13-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
13.2Lake, LCL 24:148
λέγει γὰρ ὁ κύριος· Διὰ παντὸς τὸ ὄνομά μου βλασφημεῖται ἐν πᾶσιν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν, καὶ πάλιν· Οὐαὶ διʼ ὃν βλασφημεῖται τὸ ὄνομά μου. ἐν τίνι βλασφημεῖται; ἐν τῷ μὴ ποιεῖν ὑμᾶς ἃ βούλομαι.
legei gar ho kyrios; Dia pantos to onoma mou blasphēmeitai en pasin tois ethnesin, kai palin; Ouai diʼ hon blasphēmeitai to onoma mou. en tini blasphēmeitai? en tǭ mē poiein hymas ha boulomai.
For the Lord says, “Continually my name is blasphemed among all the nations,” and again, “Woe to him because of whom my name is blasphemed.” In what is it blasphemed? In your not doing what I desire.
Isa 52:5 (quotation, high confidence) · Rom 2:24 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: God's name is blasphemed when his people do not obey.
- The second quotation is not found in scripture as such; it may be a free form of Isa 52:5.
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 13.2 (Lake, LCL 24:148; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-13-2).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
13.3Lake, LCL 24:148
τὰ ἔθνη γὰρ ἀκούοντα ἐκ τοῦ στόματος ἡμῶν τὰ λόγια τοῦ θεοῦ ὡς καλὰ καὶ μεγάλα θαυμάζει· ἔπειτα καταμαθόντα τὰ ἔργα ἡμῶν ὅτι οὐκ ἔστιν ἄξια τῶν ῥημάτων ὧν λέγομεν, ἔνθεν εἰς βλασφημίαν τρέπονται, λέγοντες εἶναι μῦθόν τινα καὶ πλάνην.
ta ethnē gar akouonta ek tou stomatos hēmōn ta logia tou theou hōs kala kai megala thaumazei; epeita katamathonta ta erga hēmōn hoti ouk estin axia tōn rhēmatōn hōn legomen, enthen eis blasphēmian trepontai, legontes einai mython tina kai planēn.
For the nations, when they hear from our mouth the oracles of God, marvel at them as beautiful and great; then, when they learn that our works are not worthy of the words we speak, they turn from this to blasphemy, saying it is some myth and delusion.
Notes and citation
Summary: Outsiders admire God's words but scoff when they see our deeds.
Topics: Scripture and canon
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 13.3 (Lake, LCL 24:148; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-13-3).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
13.4Lake, LCL 24:148–150
ὅταν γὰρ ἀκούσωσιν παρʼ ἡμῶν, ὅτι λέγει ὁ θεός· Οὐ χάρις ὑμῖν, εἰ ἀγαπᾶτε τοὺς ἀγαπῶντας ὑμᾶς, ἀλλὰ χάρις ὑμῖν, εἰ ἀγαπᾶτε τοὺς ἐχθροὺς καὶ τοὺς μισοῦντας ὑμᾶς· ταῦτα ὅταν ἀκούσωσιν, θαυμάζουσιν τὴν ὑπερβολὴν τῆς ἀγαθότητος· ὅταν δὲ ἴδωσιν, ὅτι οὐ μόνον τοὺς μισοῦντας οὐκ ἀγαπῶμεν, ἀλλʼ ὅτι οὐδὲ τοὺς ἀγαπῶντας, καταγελῶσιν ἡμῶν, καὶ βλασφημεῖται τὸ ὄνομα.
hotan gar akousōsin parʼ hēmōn, hoti legei ho theos; Ou charis hymin, ei agapate tous agapōntas hymas, alla charis hymin, ei agapate tous echthrous kai tous misountas hymas; tauta hotan akousōsin, thaumazousin tēn hyperbolēn tēs agathotētos; hotan de idōsin, hoti ou monon tous misountas ouk agapōmen, allʼ hoti oude tous agapōntas, katagelōsin hēmōn, kai blasphēmeitai to onoma.
For when they hear from us that God says, “It is no credit to you if you love those who love you, but it is a credit to you if you love your enemies and those who hate you,” when they hear these things, they marvel at the surpassing goodness; but when they see that we not only do not love those who hate us, but not even those who love us, they laugh us to scorn, and the name is blasphemed.
Luke 6:32 (allusion, high confidence) · Luke 6:35 (allusion, high confidence) · Matt 5:44 (echo, medium confidence) · Matt 5:46 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Outsiders laugh when Christians fail to love even their friends.
- The saying of Jesus is introduced as “God says.”
- “Credit” (χάρις): favor, thanks; compare Luke 6:32.
Topics: Ethics
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 13.4 (Lake, LCL 24:148–150; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-13-4).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 14
14.1Lake, LCL 24:150
Ὥστε, ἀδελφοί, ποιοῦντες τὸ θέλημα τοῦ πατρὸς ἡμῶν θεοῦ ἐσόμεθα ἐκ τῆς ἐκκλησίας τῆς πρώτης, τῆς πνευματικῆς, τῆς πρὸ ἡλίου καὶ σελήνης ἐκτισμένης. ἐὰν δὲ μὴ ποιήσωμεν τὸ θέλημα κυρίου, ἐσόμεθα ἐκ τῆς γραφῆς τῆς λεγούσης· Ἐγενήθη ὁ οἶκός μου σπήλαιον λῃστῶν. ὥστε οὖν αἱρετισώμεθα ἀπὸ τῆς ἐκκλησίας τῆς ζωῆς εἶναι, ἵνα σωθῶμεν.
Hōste, adelphoi, poiountes to thelēma tou patros hēmōn theou esometha ek tēs ekklēsias tēs prōtēs, tēs pneumatikēs, tēs pro hēliou kai selēnēs ektismenēs. ean de mē poiēsōmen to thelēma kyriou, esometha ek tēs graphēs tēs legousēs; Egenēthē ho oikos mou spēlaion lę̄stōn. hōste oun hairetisōmetha apo tēs ekklēsias tēs zōēs einai, hina sōthōmen.
So, brothers, if we do the will of God our Father, we shall belong to the first church, the spiritual one, which was created before the sun and moon; but if we do not do the will of the Lord, we shall be of the scripture that says, “My house has become a den of robbers.” So then let us choose to belong to the church of life, so that we may be saved.
Jer 7:11 (quotation, high confidence) · Matt 21:13 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Doing God's will places us in the first, spiritual church, created before the sun and moon.
- The preacher teaches that the church existed spiritually before creation (compare Hermas, Vis. 2.4.1) and was revealed in Christ's flesh (14.2–3).
Topics: Christology
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 14.1 (Lake, LCL 24:150; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-14-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
14.2Lake, LCL 24:150
οὐκ οἴομαι δὲ ὑμᾶς ἀγνοεῖν, ὅτι ἐκκλησία ζῶσα σῶμά ἐστιν Χριστοῦ· λέγει γὰρ ἡ γραφή· Ἐποίησεν ὁ θεὸς τὸν ἄνθρωπον ἅρσεν καὶ θῆλυ· τὸ ἄρσεν ἐστὶν ὁ Χριστός, τὸ θῆλυ ἡ ἐκκλησία· καὶ ἔτι τὰ βιβλία καὶ οἱ ἀπόστολοι τὴν ἐκκλησίαν οὐ νῦν εἶναι λέγουσιν ἀλλὰ ἄνωθεν. ἦν γὰρ πνευματική, ὡς καὶ ὁ Ἰησοῦς ἡμῶν, ἐφανερώθη δὲ ἐπʼ ἐσχάτων τῶν ἡμερῶν, ἵνα ἡμᾶς σώσῃ.
ouk oiomai de hymas agnoein, hoti ekklēsia zōsa sōma estin Christou; legei gar hē graphē; Epoiēsen ho theos ton anthrōpon harsen kai thēly; to arsen estin ho Christos, to thēly hē ekklēsia; kai eti ta biblia kai hoi apostoloi tēn ekklēsian ou nyn einai legousin alla anōthen. ēn gar pneumatikē, hōs kai ho Iēsous hēmōn, ephanerōthē de epʼ eschatōn tōn hēmerōn, hina hēmas sōsę̄.
And I do not suppose that you are ignorant that the living church is the body of Christ; for the scripture says, “God made man male and female”: the male is Christ, the female is the church. And moreover the books and the apostles say that the church is not of the present but from the beginning. For it was spiritual, as was our Jesus also, but was made manifest in the last days so that he might save us.
Gen 1:27 (quotation, high confidence) · Eph 1:22 (allusion, medium confidence) · Eph 1:23 (allusion, medium confidence) · Eph 5:23 (allusion, medium confidence) · Eph 5:32 (allusion, medium confidence) · 1 Pet 1:20 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: The church, Christ's body and bride, existed from the beginning.
- “The books and the apostles”: probably the Old Testament scriptures and the apostolic writings; an early witness to the two being named together.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (digitization slip against Lake's printed text (wrong breathing)): τὸν ἅνθρωπον → τὸν ἄνθρωπον.
Topics: Christology, Scripture and canon
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 14.2 (Lake, LCL 24:150; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-14-2).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
14.3Lake, LCL 24:150–152
ἡ ἐκκλησία δὲ πνευματικὴ οὖσα ἐφανερώθη ἐν τῇ σαρκὶ Χριστοῦ, δηλοῦσα ἡμῖν, ὅτι ἐάν τις ἡμῶν τηρήσῃ αὐτὴν ἐν τῇ σαρκὶ καὶ μὴ φθείρῃ, ἀπολήψεται αὐτὴν ἐν τῷ πνεύματι τῷ ἁγίῳ· ἡ γὰρ σὰρξ αὕτη ἀντίτυπός ἐστιν τοῦ πνεύματος· οὐδεὶς οὖν τὸ ἀντίτυπον φθείρας τὸ αὐθεντικὸν μεταλήψεται. ἄρα οὖν τοῦτο λέγει, ἀδελφοί· τηρήσατε τὴν σάρκα, ἵνα τοῦ πνεύματος μεταλάβητε.
hē ekklēsia de pneumatikē ousa ephanerōthē en tę̄ sarki Christou, dēlousa hēmin, hoti ean tis hēmōn tērēsę̄ autēn en tę̄ sarki kai mē phtheirę̄, apolēpsetai autēn en tǭ pneumati tǭ hagiǭ; hē gar sarx hautē antitypos estin tou pneumatos; oudeis oun to antitypon phtheiras to authentikon metalēpsetai. ara oun touto legei, adelphoi; tērēsate tēn sarka, hina tou pneumatos metalabēte.
Now the church, being spiritual, was made manifest in the flesh of Christ, showing us that if any of us keeps it in the flesh and does not corrupt it, he will receive it in the Holy Spirit. For this flesh is the copy of the spirit; no one, then, who corrupts the copy will share in the original. So he means this, brothers: keep the flesh, so that you may share in the Spirit.
Notes and citation
Summary: Keep the flesh pure, the copy, to share in the Spirit, the original.
- “Copy… original” (ἀντίτυπος… αὐθεντικόν): the flesh is the image of the spirit, as a copy is of an original.
Topics: Ethics
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 14.3 (Lake, LCL 24:150–152; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-14-3).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
14.4Lake, LCL 24:152
εἰ δὲ λέγομεν εἶναι τὴν σάρκα τὴν ἐκκλησίαν καὶ τὸ πνεῦμα Χριστόν, ἄρα οὖν ὁ ὑβρίσας τὴν σάρκα ὕβρισεν τὴν ἐκκλησίαν. ὁ τοιοῦτος οὖν οὐ μεταλήψεται τοῦ πνεύματος, ὅ ἐστιν ὁ Χριστός.
ei de legomen einai tēn sarka tēn ekklēsian kai to pneuma Christon, ara oun ho hybrisas tēn sarka hybrisen tēn ekklēsian. ho toioutos oun ou metalēpsetai tou pneumatos, ho estin ho Christos.
But if we say that the flesh is the church and the Spirit is Christ, then whoever has abused the flesh has abused the church. Such a person, then, will not share in the Spirit, which is Christ.
Notes and citation
Summary: To abuse the flesh is to abuse the church, and to lose the Spirit.
- “The Spirit, which is Christ”: the preacher's language about Christ and the Spirit is not yet precise; compare 9.5.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (punctuation slip in the digital text (the sentence continues)): Χριστόν. ἄρα οὖν → Χριστόν, ἄρα οὖν.
Topics: Christology
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 14.4 (Lake, LCL 24:152; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-14-4).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
14.5Lake, LCL 24:152
τοσαύτην δύναται ἡ σὰρξ αὕτη μεταλαβεῖν ζωὴν καὶ ἀφθαρσίαν κολληθέντος αὐτῇ τοῦ πνεύματος τοῦ ἁγίου, οὔτε ἐξειπεῖν τις δύναται οὔτε λαλῆσαι ἃ ἡτοίμασεν ὁ κύριος τοῖς ἐκλεκτοῖς αὐτοῦ.
tosautēn dynatai hē sarx hautē metalabein zōēn kai aphtharsian kollēthentos autę̄ tou pneumatos tou hagiou, oute exeipein tis dynatai oute lalēsai ha hētoimasen ho kyrios tois eklektois autou.
So great a life and immortality this flesh is able to share in, when the Holy Spirit is joined to it, that no one can declare or speak “what the Lord has prepared” for his elect.
1 Cor 2:9 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: The flesh joined to the Spirit will share in indescribable life.
Topics: Eschatology
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 14.5 (Lake, LCL 24:152; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-14-5).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 15
15.1Lake, LCL 24:152
Οὐκ οἴομαι δέ, ὅτι μικρὰν συμβουλίαν ἐποιησάμην περὶ ἐγκρατείας, ἣν ποιήσας τις οὐ μετανοήσει, ἀλλὰ καὶ ἑαυτὸν σώσει κἀμὲ τὸν συμβουλεύσαντα. μισθὸς γὰρ οὔκ ἐστιν μικρὸς πλανωμένην ψυχὴν καὶ ἀπολλυμένην ἀποστρέψαι εἰς τὸ σωθῆναι.
Ouk oiomai de, hoti mikran symboulian epoiēsamēn peri enkrateias, hēn poiēsas tis ou metanoēsei, alla kai heauton sōsei kame ton symbouleusanta. misthos gar ouk estin mikros planōmenēn psychēn kai apollymenēn apostrepsai eis to sōthēnai.
Now I do not think that I have given small advice concerning self-control; whoever follows it will not regret it, but will save both himself and me who advised him. For it is no small reward to turn back a wandering and perishing soul to be saved.
Jas 5:20 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Following this counsel on self-control saves both hearer and preacher.
- “Self-control” (ἐγκράτεια): here perhaps especially sexual self-control, as in 12.5 and 14.3.
Topics: Ethics
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 15.1 (Lake, LCL 24:152; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-15-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
15.2Lake, LCL 24:152
ταύτην γὰρ ἔχομεν τὴν ἀντιμισθίαν ἀποδοῦναι τῷ θεῷ τῷ κτίσαντι ἡμᾶς, ἐὰν ὁ λέγων καὶ ἀκούων μετὰ πίστεως καὶ ἀγάπης καὶ λέγῃ καὶ ἀκούῃ.
tautēn gar echomen tēn antimisthian apodounai tǭ theǭ tǭ ktisanti hēmas, ean ho legōn kai akouōn meta pisteōs kai agapēs kai legę̄ kai akouę̄.
For this is the repayment we can give to God who created us: if the one who speaks and the one who listens both speak and listen with faith and love.
Notes and citation
Summary: Speaking and hearing in faith and love is our return to God.
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 15.2 (Lake, LCL 24:152; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-15-2).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
15.3Lake, LCL 24:152
ἐμμείνωμεν οὖν ἐφʼ οἷς ἐπιστεύσαμεν δίκαιοι καὶ ὅσιοι, ἵνα μετὰ παρρησίας αἰτῶμεν τὸν θεὸν τὸν λέγοντα· Ἔτι λαλοῦντός σου ἐρῶ· ἰδοὺ πάρειμι.
emmeinōmen oun ephʼ hois episteusamen dikaioi kai hosioi, hina meta parrēsias aitōmen ton theon ton legonta; Eti lalountos sou erō; idou pareimi.
Let us, then, remain righteous and holy in what we have believed, so that we may ask with confidence of God, who says, “While you are still speaking I will say, ‘Behold, here I am.’”
Isa 58:9 (quotation, high confidence) · Isa 65:24 (echo, low confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: God promises: while you are still speaking, I am here.
Topics: Prayer
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 15.3 (Lake, LCL 24:152; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-15-3).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
15.4Lake, LCL 24:152
τοῦτο γὰρ τὸ ῥῆμα μεγάλης ἐστιν ἐπαγγελίας σημεῖον· ἑτοιμότερον γὰρ ἑαυτὸν λέγει ὁ κύριος εἰς τὸ διδόναι τοῦ αἰτοῦντος.
touto gar to rhēma megalēs estin epangelias sēmeion; hetoimoteron gar heauton legei ho kyrios eis to didonai tou aitountos.
For this word is the sign of a great promise; for the Lord says that he is more ready to give than the one who asks.
Notes and citation
Summary: God is readier to give than we are to ask.
Topics: Prayer
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 15.4 (Lake, LCL 24:152; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-15-4).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
15.5Lake, LCL 24:152–154
τοσαύτης οὖν χρηστότητος μεταλαμβάνοντες μὴ φθονήσωμεν ἑαυτοῖς τυχεῖν τοσούτων ἀγαθῶν. ὅσην γὰρ ἡδονὴν ἔχει τὰ ῥήματα ταῦτα τοῖς ποιήσασιν αὐτά, τοσαύτην κατάκρισιν ἔχει τοῖς παρακούσασιν.
tosautēs oun chrēstotētos metalambanontes mē phthonēsōmen heautois tychein tosoutōn agathōn. hosēn gar hēdonēn echei ta rhēmata tauta tois poiēsasin auta, tosautēn katakrisin echei tois parakousasin.
Since, then, we share in such great kindness, let us not begrudge ourselves the obtaining of such great good things. For as great as the pleasure these words bring to those who have done them, so great is the condemnation they bring to those who have disobeyed.
Notes and citation
Summary: Do not miss such good things; the same words bring joy or condemnation.
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 15.5 (Lake, LCL 24:152–154; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-15-5).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 16
16.1Lake, LCL 24:154
Ὥστε, ἀδελφοί, ἀφορμὴν λαβόντες οὐ μικρὰν εἰς τὸ μετανοῆσαι, καιρὸν ἔχοντες ἐπιστρέψωμεν ἐπὶ τὸν καλέσαντα ἡμᾶς θεόν, ἕως ἔτι ἔχομεν τὸν παραδεχόμενον ἡμᾶς.
Hōste, adelphoi, aphormēn labontes ou mikran eis to metanoēsai, kairon echontes epistrepsōmen epi ton kalesanta hēmas theon, heōs eti echomen ton paradechomenon hēmas.
So, brothers, since we have received no small occasion for repentance, while we have time let us turn back to God who called us, while we still have one who receives us.
Notes and citation
Summary: While there is time, turn back to God who receives us.
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 16.1 (Lake, LCL 24:154; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-16-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
16.2Lake, LCL 24:154
ἐὰν γὰρ ταῖς ἡδυπαθείαις ταύταις ἀποταξώμεθα καὶ τὴν ψυχὴν ἡμῶν νικήσωμεν ἐν τῷ μὴ ποιεῖν τὰς ἐπιθυμίας αὐτῆς τὰς πονηράς, μεταληψόμεθα τοῦ ἐλέους Ἰησοῦ.
ean gar tais hēdypatheiais tautais apotaxōmetha kai tēn psychēn hēmōn nikēsōmen en tǭ mē poiein tas epithymias autēs tas ponēras, metalēpsometha tou eleous Iēsou.
For if we renounce these pleasures and master our soul by not doing its evil desires, we shall share in the mercy of Jesus.
Notes and citation
Summary: Master evil desires, and share in the mercy of Jesus.
Topics: Ethics
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 16.2 (Lake, LCL 24:154; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-16-2).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
16.3Lake, LCL 24:154
γινώσκετε δέ, ὅτι ἔρχεται ἤδη ἡ ἡμέρα τῆς κρίσεως ὡς κλίβανος καιόμενος, καὶ τακήσονταί τινες τῶν οὐρανῶν καὶ πᾶσα ἡ γῆ ὡς μόλιβος ἐπὶ πυρὶ τηκόμενος· καὶ τότε φανήσεται τὰ κρύφια καὶ φανερὰ ἔργα τῶν ἀνθρώπων.
ginōskete de, hoti erchetai ēdē hē hēmera tēs kriseōs hōs klibanos kaiomenos, kai takēsontai tines tōn ouranōn kai pasa hē gē hōs molibos epi pyri tēkomenos; kai tote phanēsetai ta kryphia kai phanera erga tōn anthrōpōn.
But you know that the day of judgment is already coming like a burning oven, and some of the heavens will melt, and the whole earth like lead melting in fire; and then the secret and the open works of men will be made manifest.
Textual problem in this passage: see the notes.
Mal 4:1 (3:19 LXX) (allusion, high confidence) · Isa 34:4 (allusion, medium confidence) · 2 Pet 3:10 (echo, medium confidence) · 2 Pet 3:12 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: The day of judgment is coming like a furnace; every deed will be revealed.
- “Some of the heavens will melt”: so the text; some editors emend to “the powers of the heavens.”
Topics: Eschatology
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 16.3 (Lake, LCL 24:154; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-16-3).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
16.4Lake, LCL 24:154–156
καλὸν οὖν ἐλεημοσύνη ὡς μετάνοια ἁμαρτίας· κρείσσων νηστεία προσευχῆς, ἐλεημοσύνη δὲ ἀμφοτέρων· ἀγάπη δὲ καλύπτει πλῆθος ἁμαρτιῶν, προσευχὴ δὲ ἐκ καλῆς συνειδήσεως ἐκ θανάτου ῥύεται. μακάριος πᾶς ὁ εὑρεθεὶς ἐν τούτοις πλήρης· ἐλεημοσύνη γὰρ κούφισμα ἁμαρτίας γίνεται.
kalon oun eleēmosynē hōs metanoia hamartias; kreissōn nēsteia proseuchēs, eleēmosynē de amphoterōn; agapē de kalyptei plēthos hamartiōn, proseuchē de ek kalēs syneidēseōs ek thanatou rhyetai. makarios pas ho heuretheis en toutois plērēs; eleēmosynē gar kouphisma hamartias ginetai.
Almsgiving, then, is good, as repentance from sin. Fasting is better than prayer, and almsgiving than both; and “love covers a multitude of sins,” and prayer from a good conscience rescues from death. Blessed is everyone who is found full of these; for almsgiving lightens sin.
Textual problem in this passage: see the notes.
1 Pet 4:8 (quotation, high confidence) · Prov 10:12 (allusion, medium confidence) · Jas 5:20 (echo, low confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Almsgiving, fasting, prayer, and love: almsgiving lightens sin.
- The ranking of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving is unusual, and the sentence may be corrupt. The teaching that almsgiving lessens sin follows Jewish tradition (Tob 12:8–9).
Extrabiblical texts: Tob 12:8-9 (Tobit [in RC, EO, ETH canons]; allusion)
Topics: Fasting, Prayer, Ethics
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 16.4 (Lake, LCL 24:154–156; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-16-4).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 17
17.1Lake, LCL 24:156
Μετανοήσωμεν οὖν ἐξ ὅλης καρδίας, ἵνα μή τις ἡμῶν παραπόληται. εἰ γὰρ ἐντολὰς ἔχομεν ἵνα καὶ τοῦτο πράσσωμεν, ἀπὸ τῶν εἰδώλων ἀποσπᾶν καὶ κατηχεῖν, πόσῳ μᾶλλον ψυχὴν ἤδη γινώσκουσαν τὸν θεὸν οὐ δεῖ ἀπόλλυσθαι;
Metanoēsōmen oun ex holēs kardias, hina mē tis hēmōn parapolētai. ei gar entolas echomen hina kai touto prassōmen, apo tōn eidōlōn apospan kai katēchein, posǭ mallon psychēn ēdē ginōskousan ton theon ou dei apollysthai?
Let us, then, repent with our whole heart, so that none of us may perish needlessly. For if we have commandments to do this also, to draw people away from idols and instruct them, how much more ought a soul that already knows God not to perish?
Notes and citation
Summary: If we must win pagans, how much more must we not lose believers.
- “Perish needlessly” (παραπόληται): perish through neglect, when it could have been prevented.
- “Instruct” (κατηχεῖν): teach new converts, the root of “catechize.”
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 17.1 (Lake, LCL 24:156; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-17-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
17.2Lake, LCL 24:156
συλλάβωμεν οὖν ἑαυτοῖς καὶ τοὺς ἀσθενοῦντας ἀνάγειν περὶ τὸ ἀγαθόν, ὅπως σωθῶμεν ἅπαντες καὶ ἐπιστρέψωμεν ἀλλήλους καὶ νουθετήσωμεν.
syllabōmen oun heautois kai tous asthenountas anagein peri to agathon, hopōs sōthōmen hapantes kai epistrepsōmen allēlous kai nouthetēsōmen.
Let us, then, help one another to lead up the weak also in what is good, so that we may all be saved; and let us turn one another back and admonish one another.
Notes and citation
Summary: Help the weak and admonish one another so that all are saved.
Topics: Ethics
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 17.2 (Lake, LCL 24:156; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-17-2).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
17.3Lake, LCL 24:156
καὶ μὴ μόνον ἄρτι δοκῶμεν πιστεύειν καὶ προσέχειν ἐν τῷ νουθετεῖσθαι ἡμᾶς ὑπὸ τῶν πρεσβυτέρων, ἀλλὰ καὶ ὅταν εἰς οἶκον ἀπαλλαγῶμεν, μνημονεύωμεν τῶν τοῦ κυρίου ἐνταλμάτων καὶ μὴ ἀντιπαρελκώμεθα ἀπὸ τῶν κοσμικῶν ἐπιθυμιῶν, ἀλλὰ πυκνότερον προσερχόμενοι πειρώμεθα προκόπτειν ἐν ταῖς ἐντολαῖς τοῦ κυρίου, ἵνα πάντες τὸ αὐτὸ φρονοῦντες συνηγμένοι ὦμεν ἐπὶ τὴν ζωήν·
kai mē monon arti dokōmen pisteuein kai prosechein en tǭ noutheteisthai hēmas hypo tōn presbyterōn, alla kai hotan eis oikon apallagōmen, mnēmoneuōmen tōn tou kyriou entalmatōn kai mē antiparelkōmetha apo tōn kosmikōn epithymiōn, alla pyknoteron proserchomenoi peirōmetha prokoptein en tais entolais tou kyriou, hina pantes to auto phronountes synēgmenoi ōmen epi tēn zōēn;
And let us not seem to believe and pay attention only now, while we are being admonished by the presbyters; but also when we have gone home, let us remember the Lord's commandments, and not be dragged away by worldly desires, but coming together more often let us try to make progress in the commandments of the Lord, so that all of us, being of one mind, may be gathered together to life.
Notes and citation
Summary: Remember the teaching at home, and gather more often to grow in obedience.
- The sermon was delivered in the assembly, where the presbyters admonished the congregation.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (digitization slip against Lake's printed text (wrong ending; punctuation)): τοῦ κυρίον. ἵνα → τοῦ κυρίου, ἵνα.
Topics: Church office
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 17.3 (Lake, LCL 24:156; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-17-3).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
17.4Lake, LCL 24:156
εἶπεν γὰρ ὁ κύριος· Ἔρχομαι συναγαγεῖν πάντα τὰ ἔθνη, φυλὰς καὶ γλώσσας· τοῦτο δὲ λέγει τὴν ἡμέραν τῆς ἐπιφανείας αὐτοῦ, ὅτε ἐλθὼν λυτρώσεται ἡμᾶς, ἕκαστον κατὰ τὰ ἔργα αὐτοῦ.
eipen gar ho kyrios; Erchomai synagagein panta ta ethnē, phylas kai glōssas; touto de legei tēn hēmeran tēs epiphaneias autou, hote elthōn lytrōsetai hēmas, hekaston kata ta erga autou.
For the Lord said, “I am coming to gather all the nations, tribes, and tongues.” By this he means the day of his appearing, when he will come and redeem us, each according to his works.
Isa 66:18 (quotation, high confidence) · Matt 16:27 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: The Lord will come to gather all nations and redeem each by his works.
Topics: Eschatology
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 17.4 (Lake, LCL 24:156; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-17-4).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
17.5Lake, LCL 24:156–158
καὶ ὄψονται τὴν δόξαν αὐτοῦ καὶ τὸ κράτος οἱ ἄπιστοι, καὶ ξενισθήσονται ἰδόντες τὸ βασίλειον τοῦ κόσμου ἐν τῷ Ἰησοῦ, λέγοντες· Οὐαὶ ἡμῖν, ὅτι σὺ ἦς, καὶ οὐκ ᾔδειμεν καὶ οὐκ ἐπιστεύομεν καὶ οὐκ ἐπειθόμεθα τοῖς πρεσβυτέροις τοῖς ἀναγγέλλουσιν ἡμῖν περὶ τῆς σωτηρίας ἡμῶν. καὶ ὁ σκώληξ αὐτῶν οὐ τελευτήσει καὶ τὸ πῦρ αὐτῶν οὐ σβεσθήσεται, καὶ ἔσονται εἰς ὅρασιν πάσῃ σαρκί,
kai opsontai tēn doxan autou kai to kratos hoi apistoi, kai xenisthēsontai idontes to basileion tou kosmou en tǭ Iēsou, legontes; Ouai hēmin, hoti sy ēs, kai ouk ę̄deimen kai ouk episteuomen kai ouk epeithometha tois presbyterois tois anangellousin hēmin peri tēs sōtērias hēmōn. kai ho skōlēx autōn ou teleutēsei kai to pyr autōn ou sbesthēsetai, kai esontai eis horasin pasę̄ sarki,
And the unbelievers “will see his glory” and power, and they will be astonished when they see the kingdom of the world in the hands of Jesus, saying, “Woe to us, because it was you, and we did not know, and did not believe, and did not obey the presbyters who told us about our salvation.” And “their worm will not die, and their fire will not be quenched, and they will be a spectacle to all flesh.”
Isa 66:18 (allusion, high confidence) · Isa 66:24 (quotation, high confidence) · Rev 11:15 (echo, low confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Unbelievers will see Christ's glory and lament; their punishment has no end.
- “In the hands of Jesus” (ἐν τῷ Ἰησοῦ): literally “in Jesus”, that is, belonging to him.
Topics: Eschatology, Church office
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 17.5 (Lake, LCL 24:156–158; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-17-5).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
17.6Lake, LCL 24:158
τὴν ἡμέραν ἐκείνην λέγει τῆς κρίσεως, ὅταν ὄψονται τοὺς ἐν ἡμῖν ἀσεβήσαντας καὶ παραλογισαμένους τὰς ἐντολὰς Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ.
tēn hēmeran ekeinēn legei tēs kriseōs, hotan opsontai tous en hēmin asebēsantas kai paralogisamenous tas entolas Iēsou Christou.
He speaks of that day of judgment, when they will see those among us who lived ungodly lives and perverted the commandments of Jesus Christ.
Notes and citation
Summary: The day of judgment will expose those who perverted Christ's commandments.
Topics: Eschatology
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 17.6 (Lake, LCL 24:158; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-17-6).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
17.7Lake, LCL 24:158
οἱ δὲ δίκαιοι εὐπραγήσαντες καὶ ὑπομείναντες τὰς βασάνους καὶ μισήσαντες τὰς ἡδυπαθείας τῆς ψυχῆς, ὅταν θεάσωνται τοὺς ἀστοχήσαντας καὶ ἀρνησαμένους διὰ τῶν λόγων ἢ διὰ τῶν ἔργων τὸν Ἰησοῦν, ὅπως κολάζονται δειναῖς βασάνοις πυρὶ ἀσβέστῳ, ἔσονται δόξαν διδόντες τῷ θεῷ αὐτῶν λέγοντες, ὅτι ἔσται ἐλπὶς τῷ δεδουλευκότι θεῷ ἐξ ὅλης καρδίας.
hoi de dikaioi eupragēsantes kai hypomeinantes tas basanous kai misēsantes tas hēdypatheias tēs psychēs, hotan theasōntai tous astochēsantas kai arnēsamenous dia tōn logōn ē dia tōn ergōn ton Iēsoun, hopōs kolazontai deinais basanois pyri asbestǭ, esontai doxan didontes tǭ theǭ autōn legontes, hoti estai elpis tǭ dedouleukoti theǭ ex holēs kardias.
But the righteous, who have done good and endured torments and hated the pleasures of the soul, when they see those who went astray and denied Jesus by their words or by their deeds being punished with terrible torments in unquenchable fire, will give glory to their God, saying, “There will be hope for the one who has served God with his whole heart.”
Notes and citation
Summary: The righteous will glorify God when they see the fate of those who denied Jesus.
Topics: Eschatology
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 17.7 (Lake, LCL 24:158; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-17-7).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 18
18.1Lake, LCL 24:158
Καὶ ἡμεῖς οὖν γενώμεθα ἐκ τῶν εὐχαριστούντων, δεδουλευκότων τῷ θεῷ, καὶ μὴ ἐκ τῶν κρινομένων ἀσεβῶν.
Kai hēmeis oun genōmetha ek tōn eucharistountōn, dedouleukotōn tǭ theǭ, kai mē ek tōn krinomenōn asebōn.
Let us, then, also be among those who give thanks, who have served God, and not among the ungodly who are judged.
Notes and citation
Summary: Be among the thankful servants of God, not the ungodly.
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 18.1 (Lake, LCL 24:158; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-18-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
18.2Lake, LCL 24:158
καὶ γὰρ αὐτὸς πανθαμαρτωλὸς ὢν καὶ μήπω φυγὼν τὸν πειρασμόν, ἀλλʼ ἔτι ὢν ἐν μέσοις τοῖς ὀργάνοις τοῦ διαβόλου σπουδάζω τὴν δικαιοσύνην διώκειν, ὅπως ἰσχύσω κἂν ἐγγὺς αὐτῆς γενέσθαι, φοβούμενος τὴν κρίσιν τὴν μέλλουσαν.
kai gar autos panthamartōlos ōn kai mēpō phygōn ton peirasmon, allʼ eti ōn en mesois tois organois tou diabolou spoudazō tēn dikaiosynēn diōkein, hopōs ischysō kan engys autēs genesthai, phoboumenos tēn krisin tēn mellousan.
For I myself, being an utter sinner and not yet having escaped temptation, but still being in the midst of the devil's instruments, am eager to pursue righteousness, so that I may be able at least to come near it, fearing the judgment to come.
Notes and citation
Summary: The preacher confesses he is a sinner still striving for righteousness.
- The preacher speaks of himself; a rare personal glimpse in the sermon.
Topics: Ethics
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 18.2 (Lake, LCL 24:158; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-18-2).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 19
19.1Lake, LCL 24:158–160
Ὥστε, ἀδελφοὶ καὶ ἀδελφαί, μετὰ τὸν θεὸν τῆς ἀληθείας ἀναγινώσκω ὑμῖν ἔντευξιν εἰς τὸ προσέχειν τοῖς γεγραμμένοις, ἵνα καὶ ἑαυτοὺς σώσητε καὶ τὸν ἀναγινώσκοντα ἐν ὑμῖν. μισθὸν γὰρ αἰτῶ ὑμᾶς τὸ μετανοῆσαι ἐξ ὅλης καρδίας, σωτηρίαν ἑαυτοῖς καὶ ζωὴν διδόντας. τοῦτο γὰρ ποιήσαντες σκοπὸν πᾶσιν τοῖς νέοις θήσομεν, τοῖς βουλομένοις περὶ τὴν εὐσέβειαν καὶ τὴν χρηστότητα τοῦ θεοῦ φιλοπονεῖν.
Hōste, adelphoi kai adelphai, meta ton theon tēs alētheias anaginōskō hymin enteuxin eis to prosechein tois gegrammenois, hina kai heautous sōsēte kai ton anaginōskonta en hymin. misthon gar aitō hymas to metanoēsai ex holēs kardias, sōtērian heautois kai zōēn didontas. touto gar poiēsantes skopon pasin tois neois thēsomen, tois boulomenois peri tēn eusebeian kai tēn chrēstotēta tou theou philoponein.
So, brothers and sisters, after the God of truth, I am reading you an appeal to pay attention to what has been written, so that you may save both yourselves and the one who reads among you. For as my reward I ask you to repent with your whole heart, giving yourselves salvation and life. For by doing this we shall set a goal for all the young who wish to labor for godliness and the goodness of God.
Notes and citation
Summary: The preacher reads an appeal after the scripture reading: repent with the whole heart.
- “After the God of truth”: probably after the scripture has been read (the voice of God); the sermon was read aloud after the reading in worship. Many scholars think chapters 19–20 were added by a later hand.
Topics: Scripture and canon
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 19.1 (Lake, LCL 24:158–160; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-19-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
19.2Lake, LCL 24:160
καὶ μὴ ἀηδῶς ἔχωμεν καὶ ἀγανακτῶμεν οἱ ἄσοφοι, ὅταν τις ἡμᾶς νουθετῇ καὶ ἐπιστρέφῃ ἀπὸ τῆς ἀδικίας εἰς τὴν δικαιοσύνην. ἐνίοτε γὰρ πονηρὰ πράσσοντες οὐ γινώσκομεν διὰ τὴν διψυχίαν καὶ ἀπιστίαν τὴν ἐνοῦσαν ἐν τοῖς στήθεσιν ἡμῶν, καὶ ἐσκοτίσμεθα τὴν διάνοιαν ὑπὸ τῶν ἐπιθυμιῶν τῶν ματαίων.
kai mē aēdōs echōmen kai aganaktōmen hoi asophoi, hotan tis hēmas nouthetę̄ kai epistrephę̄ apo tēs adikias eis tēn dikaiosynēn. eniote gar ponēra prassontes ou ginōskomen dia tēn dipsychian kai apistian tēn enousan en tois stēthesin hēmōn, kai eskotismetha tēn dianoian hypo tōn epithymiōn tōn mataiōn.
And let us not be displeased and indignant, fools that we are, when someone admonishes us and turns us from unrighteousness to righteousness. For sometimes when we do evil we do not know it, because of the double-mindedness and unbelief that is in our breasts, and we are darkened in our understanding by vain desires.
Notes and citation
Summary: Accept correction; doubt and desire blind us to our sins.
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 19.2 (Lake, LCL 24:160; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-19-2).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
19.3Lake, LCL 24:160
πράξωμεν οὖν τὴν δικαιοσύνην, ἵνα εἰς τέλος σωθῶμεν. μακάριοι οἱ τούτοις ὑπακούοντες τοῖς προστάγμασιν· κἂν ὀλίγον χρόνον κακοπαθήσωσιν ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ τούτῳ, τὸν ἀθάνατον τῆς ἀναστάσεως καρπὸν τρυγήσουσιν.
praxōmen oun tēn dikaiosynēn, hina eis telos sōthōmen. makarioi hoi toutois hypakouontes tois prostagmasin; kan oligon chronon kakopathēsōsin en tǭ kosmǭ toutǭ, ton athanaton tēs anastaseōs karpon trygēsousin.
Let us, then, do righteousness, so that we may be saved to the end. Blessed are those who obey these ordinances; even if they suffer evil for a short time in this world, they will gather the immortal fruit of the resurrection.
Notes and citation
Summary: The obedient may suffer briefly but will reap the fruit of the resurrection.
Topics: Eschatology
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 19.3 (Lake, LCL 24:160; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-19-3).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
19.4Lake, LCL 24:160
μὴ οὖν λυπείσθω ὁ εὐσεβής, ἐὰν ἐπὶ τοῖς νῦν χρόνοις ταλαιπωρῇ· μακάριος αὐτὸν ἀναμένει χρόνος· ἐκεῖνος ἄνω μετὰ τῶν πατέρων ἀναβιώσας εὐφρανθήσεται εἰς τὸν ἀλύπητον αἰῶνα.
mē oun lypeisthō ho eusebēs, ean epi tois nyn chronois talaipōrę̄; makarios auton anamenei chronos; ekeinos anō meta tōn paterōn anabiōsas euphranthēsetai eis ton alypēton aiōna.
Let not the godly, then, grieve if he is wretched in the present times; a blessed time awaits him. He will live again above with the fathers and will rejoice in an age without grief.
Notes and citation
Summary: The godly who suffer now will live again and rejoice forever.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (punctuation slip in the digital text (the sentence continues)): εὐσεβής. ἐὰν → εὐσεβής, ἐὰν.
Topics: Eschatology
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 19.4 (Lake, LCL 24:160; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-19-4).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 20
20.1Lake, LCL 24:160
Ἀλλὰ μηδὲ ἐκεῖνο τὴν διάνοιαν ὑμῶν ταρασσέτω, ὅτι βλέπομεν τοὺς ἀδίκους πλουτοῦντας καὶ στενοχωρουμένους τοὺς τοῦ θεοῦ δούλους.
Alla mēde ekeino tēn dianoian hymōn tarassetō, hoti blepomen tous adikous ploutountas kai stenochōroumenous tous tou theou doulous.
But do not let it trouble your minds either, that we see the unrighteous growing rich and the servants of God in hardship.
Notes and citation
Summary: Do not be troubled that the wicked prosper and God's servants suffer.
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 20.1 (Lake, LCL 24:160; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-20-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
20.2Lake, LCL 24:160
πιστεύωμεν οὖν, ἀδελφοὶ καὶ ἀδελφαί· θεοῦ ζῶντος πεῖραν ἀθλοῦμεν καὶ γυμναζόμεθα τῷ νῦν βίῳ, ἵνα τῷ μέλλοντι στεφανωθῶμεν.
pisteuōmen oun, adelphoi kai adelphai; theou zōntos peiran athloumen kai gymnazometha tǭ nyn biǭ, hina tǭ mellonti stephanōthōmen.
Let us, then, have faith, brothers and sisters. We are competing in the trial of the living God, and we are being trained by the present life, so that we may be crowned in the life to come.
Notes and citation
Summary: This life is training; the crown comes in the life to come.
Topics: Eschatology
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 20.2 (Lake, LCL 24:160; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-20-2).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
20.3Lake, LCL 24:160
οὐδεὶς τῶν δικαίων ταχὺν καρπὸν ἔλαβεν, ἀλλʼ ἐκδέχεται αὐτόν.
oudeis tōn dikaiōn tachyn karpon elaben, allʼ ekdechetai auton.
None of the righteous received his fruit quickly, but waits for it.
Notes and citation
Summary: The righteous wait for their reward.
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 20.3 (Lake, LCL 24:160; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-20-3).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
20.4Lake, LCL 24:160–162
εἰ γὰρ τὸν μισθὸν τῶν δικαίων ὁ θεὸς συντόμως ἀπεδίδου, εὐθέως ἐμπορίαν ἠσκοῦμεν καὶ οὐ θεοσέβειαν· ἐδοκοῦμεν γὰρ εἶναι δίκαιοι, οὐ τὸ εὐσεβές, ἀλλὰ τὸ κερδαλέον διώκοντες. καὶ διὰ τοῦτο θεία κρίσις ἔβλαψεν πνεῦμα μὴ ὂν δίκαιον, καὶ ἐβάρυνεν δεσμοῖς.
ei gar ton misthon tōn dikaiōn ho theos syntomōs apedidou, eutheōs emporian ēskoumen kai ou theosebeian; edokoumen gar einai dikaioi, ou to eusebes, alla to kerdaleon diōkontes. kai dia touto theia krisis eblapsen pneuma mē on dikaion, kai ebarynen desmois.
For if God paid the wages of the righteous immediately, we would at once be practicing commerce and not godliness; for we would seem to be righteous while pursuing not what is godly but what is profitable. And for this reason divine judgment has harmed a spirit that is not righteous, and loaded it with chains.
Notes and citation
Summary: If reward were immediate, religion would become a business.
- The last sentence is obscure; it may refer to a particular person or to the fallen angels.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (digitization slip against Lake's printed text (wrong accent)): μὴ ὃν δίκαιον → μὴ ὂν δίκαιον.
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 20.4 (Lake, LCL 24:160–162; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-20-4).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
20.5Lake, LCL 24:162
Τῷ μόνῳ θεῷ ἀοράτῳ, πατρὶ τῆς ἀληθείας, τῷ ἐξαποστείλαντι ἡμῖν τὸν σωτῆρα καὶ ἀρχηγὸν τῆς ἀφθαρσίας, διʼ οὗ καὶ ἐφανέρωσεν ἡμῖν τὴν ἀλήθειαν καὶ τὴν ἐπουράνιον ζωήν, αὐτῷ ἡ δόξα εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων. ἀμήν. Κλήμεντος πρὸς Κορινθίους ἐπιστολὴ β.
Tǭ monǭ theǭ aoratǭ, patri tēs alētheias, tǭ exaposteilanti hēmin ton sōtēra kai archēgon tēs aphtharsias, diʼ hou kai ephanerōsen hēmin tēn alētheian kai tēn epouranion zōēn, autǭ hē doxa eis tous aiōnas tōn aiōnōn. amēn. Klēmentos pros Korinthious epistolē b.
To the only God, invisible, the Father of truth, who sent forth to us the Savior and Author of incorruption, through whom he also revealed to us the truth and the heavenly life, to him be the glory forever and ever. Amen. [The second letter of Clement to the Corinthians.]
Textual problem in this passage: see the notes.
1 Tim 1:17 (echo, medium confidence) · Heb 2:10 (echo, medium confidence) · 2 Tim 1:10 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Closing doxology to the invisible God who sent the Savior.
- The last line is the title under which the manuscript transmits the sermon.
Topics: Christology
Cite (SBL): 2 Clem. 20.5 (Lake, LCL 24:162; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/2-clement/1-1/#p-20-5).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.