To Diognetus (complete)
Traditional ascription rejected: The author is unknown. The only manuscript (destroyed in 1870) placed it among works of Justin Martyr, but the style is not Justin's. The name “Mathetes” sometimes used for the author comes from “a disciple of apostles” in 11.1. Chapters 11–12 probably come from a different work.
Greek text: Lake, LCL 25 (Greek text: K. Lake, The Apostolic Fathers (LCL, 1912-1913), digitized by the Perseus Digital Library and published 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. 1 (1885).
Chapter 1
1.1Lake, LCL 25:350
Ἐπειδὴ ὁρῶ, κράτιστε Διόγνητε, ὑπερεσπουδακότα σε τὴν θεοσέβειαν τῶν Χριστιανῶν μαθεῖν καὶ πάνυ σαφῶς καὶ ἐπιμελῶς πυνθανόμενον περὶ αὐτῶν, τίνι τε θεῷ πεποιθότες καὶ πῶς θρησκεύοντες αὐτὸν τόν τε κόσμον ὑπερορῶσι πάντες καὶ θανάτου καταφρονοῦσι καὶ οὔτε τοὺς νομιζομένους ὑπὸ τῶν Ἑλλήνων θεοὺς λογίζονται οὔτε τὴν Ἰουδαίων δεισιδαιμονίαν φυλάσσουσι, καὶ τίνα τὴν φιλοστοργίαν ἔχουσι πρὸς ἀλλήλους, καὶ τί δή ποτε καινὸν τοῦτο γένος ἢ ἐπιτήδευμα εἰσῆλθεν εἰς τὸν βίον νῦν καὶ οὐ πρότερον· ἀποδέχομαί γε τῆς προθυμίας σε ταύτης καὶ παρὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, τοῦ καὶ τὸ λέγειν καὶ τὸ ἀκούειν ἡμῖν χορηγοῦντος, αἰτοῦμαι δοθῆναι ἐμοὶ μὲν εἰπεῖν οὕτως, ὡς μάλιστα ἂν ἀκούσαντά σε βελτίω γενέσθαι, σοί τε οὕτως ἀκοῦσαι, ὡς μὴ λυπηθῆναι τὸν εἰπόντα.
Epeidē horō, kratiste Diognēte, hyperespoudakota se tēn theosebeian tōn Christianōn mathein kai pany saphōs kai epimelōs pynthanomenon peri autōn, tini te theǭ pepoithotes kai pōs thrēskeuontes auton ton te kosmon hyperorōsi pantes kai thanatou kataphronousi kai oute tous nomizomenous hypo tōn Hellēnōn theous logizontai oute tēn Ioudaiōn deisidaimonian phylassousi, kai tina tēn philostorgian echousi pros allēlous, kai ti dē pote kainon touto genos ē epitēdeuma eisēlthen eis ton bion nyn kai ou proteron; apodechomai ge tēs prothymias se tautēs kai para tou theou, tou kai to legein kai to akouein hēmin chorēgountos, aitoumai dothēnai emoi men eipein houtōs, hōs malista an akousanta se beltiō genesthai, soi te houtōs akousai, hōs mē lypēthēnai ton eiponta.
Since I see, most excellent Diognetus, that you are exceedingly eager to learn about the religion of the Christians, and are inquiring very clearly and carefully about them: what God they trust in and how they worship him, so that they all disregard the world and despise death, and neither reckon as gods those whom the Greeks consider such nor keep the superstition of the Jews; and what the affection is that they have for one another; and why in the world this new race or way of life has come into the world now and not before: I welcome this zeal of yours, and I ask God, who supplies us with both speaking and hearing, that it may be granted to me to speak in such a way that you may become better by hearing, and to you to hear in such a way that the speaker may not be grieved.
Textual problem in this passage: see the notes.
Notes and citation
Summary: The author answers Diognetus's questions about the Christians' God, worship, and love.
- The author and the recipient are unknown. “Diognetus” may be a real person (a tutor of Marcus Aurelius had this name) or a literary addressee. The work survived in a single manuscript, among writings attributed to Justin Martyr; the manuscript was destroyed in 1870.
- “Race” (γένος): Christians as a new kind of people; compare 5.1–17.
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 1.1 (Lake, LCL 25:350; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/1-1).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/1-1
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-1-1) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 2
2.1Lake, LCL 25:350–352
Ἄγε δή, καθάρας σεαυτὸν ἀπὸ πάντων τῶν προκατεχόντων σου τὴν διάνοιαν λογισμῶν καὶ τὴν ἀπατῶσάν σε συνήθειαν ἀποσκευασάμενος καὶ γενόμενος ὥσπερ ἐξ ἀρχῆς καινὸς ἄνθρωπος, ὡς ἂν καὶ λόγου καινοῦ, καθάπερ καὶ αὐτὸς ὡμολόγησας, ἀκροατὴς ἐσόμενος· ἴδε μὴ μόνον τοῖς ὀφθαλμοῖς, ἀλλὰ καὶ τῇ φρονήσει, τίνος ὑποστάσεως ἢ τίνος εἴδους τυγχάνουσιν, οὓς ἐρεῖτε καὶ νομίζετε θεούς.
Age dē, katharas seauton apo pantōn tōn prokatechontōn sou tēn dianoian logismōn kai tēn apatōsan se synētheian aposkeuasamenos kai genomenos hōsper ex archēs kainos anthrōpos, hōs an kai logou kainou, kathaper kai autos hōmologēsas, akroatēs esomenos; ide mē monon tois ophthalmois, alla kai tę̄ phronēsei, tinos hypostaseōs ē tinos eidous tynchanousin, hous ereite kai nomizete theous.
Come, then, clear yourself of all the reasonings that occupy your mind beforehand, and put away the habit that deceives you, and become, as it were, a new man from the beginning, as one who is to hear, as you yourself admitted, a new word. Look not only with your eyes but also with your understanding at what substance or what form those have whom you call and consider gods.
Eph 4:22 (echo, low confidence) · Eph 4:24 (echo, low confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Look with your mind at what the gods really are.
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 2.1 (Lake, LCL 25:350–352; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/2-1).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/2-1
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-2-1) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
2.2Lake, LCL 25:352
οὐχ ὁ μέν τις λίθος ἐστίν, ὅμοιος τῷ πατουμένῳ, ὁ δʼ ἐστὶ χαλκός, οὐ κρείσσων τῶν εἰς τὴν χρῆσιν ἡμῖν κεχαλκευμένων σκευῶν, ὁ δὲ ξύλον, ἤδη καὶ σεσηπός, ὁ δὲ ἄργυρος, χρῄζων ἀνθρώπου τοῦ φυλάξαντος, ἵνα μὴ κλαπῇ, ὁ δὲ σίδηρος, ὑπὸ ἰοῦ διεφθαρμένος, ὁ δὲ ὄστρακον, οὐδὲν τοῦ κατεσκευασμένου πρὸς τὴν ἀτιμοτάτην ὑπηρεσίαν εὐπρεπέστερον;
ouch ho men tis lithos estin, homoios tǭ patoumenǭ, ho dʼ esti chalkos, ou kreissōn tōn eis tēn chrēsin hēmin kechalkeumenōn skeuōn, ho de xylon, ēdē kai sesēpos, ho de argyros, chrę̄zōn anthrōpou tou phylaxantos, hina mē klapę̄, ho de sidēros, hypo iou diephtharmenos, ho de ostrakon, ouden tou kateskeuasmenou pros tēn atimotatēn hypēresian euprepesteron?
Is not one of them a stone, like the one trodden underfoot; another bronze, no better than the vessels forged for our use; another wood, already rotten; another silver, needing a man to guard it so that it is not stolen; another iron, corroded by rust; another earthenware, no more comely than what is made for the most dishonorable service?
Isa 44:9 (echo, medium confidence) · Jer 10:3 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: The gods are stone, bronze, wood, silver, iron, and clay.
Topics: Idolatry
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 2.2 (Lake, LCL 25:352; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/2-2).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/2-2
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-2-2) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
2.3Lake, LCL 25:352
οὐ φθαρτῆς ὕλης ταῦτα πάντα; οὐχ ὑπὸ σιδήρου καὶ πυρὸς κεχαλκευμένα; οὐχ ὃ μὲν αὐτῶν λιθοξόος, ὃ δὲ χαλκεύς, ὃ δὲ ἀργυροκόπος, ὃ δὲ κεραμεὺς ἔπλασεν; οὐ πρὶν ἢ ταῖς τέχναις τούτων εἰς τὴν μορφὴν τούτων ἐκτυπωθῆναι, ἦν ἕκαστον αὐτῶν ἑκάστῳ, ἔτι καὶ νῦν, μεταμεμορφωμένον; οὐ τὰ νῦν ἐκ τῆς αὐτῆς ὕλης ὄντα σκεύη γένοιτʼ ἄν, εἰ τύχοι τῶν αὐτῶν τεχνιτῶν, ὅμοια τοιούτοις;
ou phthartēs hylēs tauta panta? ouch hypo sidērou kai pyros kechalkeumena? ouch ho men autōn lithoxoos, ho de chalkeus, ho de argyrokopos, ho de kerameus eplasen? ou prin ē tais technais toutōn eis tēn morphēn toutōn ektypōthēnai, ēn hekaston autōn hekastǭ, eti kai nyn, metamemorphōmenon? ou ta nyn ek tēs autēs hylēs onta skeuē genoitʼ an, ei tychoi tōn autōn technitōn, homoia toioutois?
Are not all these of perishable matter? Were they not forged by iron and fire? Did not a stonecutter shape one, a smith another, a silversmith another, a potter another? Before they were molded into their shape by the skills of these men, was not each of them, and is it not still now, capable of being changed into anything else? Could not the vessels now made from the same material become like these, if they met the same craftsmen?
Notes and citation
Summary: Idols are made by craftsmen from ordinary material.
Topics: Idolatry
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 2.3 (Lake, LCL 25:352; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/2-3).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/2-3
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-2-3) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
2.4Lake, LCL 25:352
οὐ ταῦτα πάλιν, τὰ νῦν ὑφʼ ὑμῶν προσκυνούμενα, δύναιτʼ ἂν ὑπὸ ἀνθρώπων σκεύη ὅμοια γενέσθαι τοῖς λοιποῖς; οὐ κωφὰ πάντα; οὐ τυφλά; οὐκ ἄψυχα; οὐκ ἀναίσθητα; οὐκ ἀκίνητα; οὐ πάντα σηπόμενα; οὐ πάντα φθειρόμενα;
ou tauta palin, ta nyn hyphʼ hymōn proskynoumena, dynaitʼ an hypo anthrōpōn skeuē homoia genesthai tois loipois? ou kōpha panta? ou typhla? ouk apsycha? ouk anaisthēta? ouk akinēta? ou panta sēpomena? ou panta phtheiromena?
Could not these again, which are now worshiped by you, be made by men into vessels like the rest? Are they not all deaf? Blind? Lifeless? Senseless? Motionless? Are they not all rotting? All decaying?
Ps 115:5 (113:13 LXX) (echo, medium confidence) · Ps 115:6 (113:14 LXX) (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Idols are deaf, blind, and lifeless.
Topics: Idolatry
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 2.4 (Lake, LCL 25:352; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/2-4).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/2-4
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-2-4) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
2.5Lake, LCL 25:352
ταῦτα θεοὺς καλεῖτε; τούτοις δουλεύετε; τούτοις προσκυνεῖτε, τέλεον δʼ αὐτοῖς ἐξομοιοῦσθε.
tauta theous kaleite? toutois douleuete? toutois proskyneite, teleon dʼ autois exomoiousthe.
These you call gods? These you serve? These you worship, and in the end you become like them.
Ps 115:8 (113:16 LXX) (allusion, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Worshipers become like their idols.
Topics: Idolatry
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 2.5 (Lake, LCL 25:352; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/2-5).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/2-5
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-2-5) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
2.6Lake, LCL 25:352–354
διὰ τοῦτο μισεῖτε Χριστιανούς, ὅτι τούτους οὐχ ἡγοῦνται θεούς;
dia touto miseite Christianous, hoti toutous ouch hēgountai theous?
Is it for this that you hate the Christians, because they do not consider these to be gods?
Notes and citation
Summary: Christians are hated for refusing these gods.
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 2.6 (Lake, LCL 25:352–354; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/2-6).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/2-6
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-2-6) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
2.7Lake, LCL 25:354
ὑμεῖς γὰρ αἰνεῖν νομίζοντες καὶ οἰόμενοι, οὐ πολὺ πλέον αὐτῶν καταφρονεῖτε; οὐ πολὺ μᾶλλον αὐτοὺς χλευάζετε καὶ ὑβρίζετε, τοὺς μὲν λιθίνους καὶ ὀστρακίνους σέβοντες ἀφυλάκτους, τοὺς δὲ ἀργυρέους καὶ χρυσοῦς ἐγκλείοντες ταῖς νυξὶ καὶ ταῖς ἡμέραις φύλακας παρακαθιστάντες, ἵνα μὴ κλαπῶσιν;
hymeis gar ainein nomizontes kai oiomenoi, ou poly pleon autōn kataphroneite? ou poly mallon autous chleuazete kai hybrizete, tous men lithinous kai ostrakinous sebontes aphylaktous, tous de argyreous kai chrysous enkleiontes tais nyxi kai tais hēmerais phylakas parakathistantes, hina mē klapōsin?
For do not you yourselves, while thinking and supposing that you praise them, despise them far more? Do you not mock and insult them much more, when you worship the stone and earthenware ones unguarded, but lock up the silver and gold ones at night and post guards beside them by day, so that they may not be stolen?
Notes and citation
Summary: Pagans themselves insult their gods by guarding the precious ones.
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 2.7 (Lake, LCL 25:354; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/2-7).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/2-7
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-2-7) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
2.8Lake, LCL 25:354
αἷς δὲ δοκεῖτε τιμαῖς προσφέρειν, εἰ μὲν αἰσθάνονται, κολάζετε μᾶλλον αὐτούς· εἰ δὲ ἀναισθητοῦσιν, ἐλέγχοντες αἵματι καὶ κνίσαις αὐτοὺς θρησκεύετε.
hais de dokeite timais prospherein, ei men aisthanontai, kolazete mallon autous; ei de anaisthētousin, elenchontes haimati kai knisais autous thrēskeuete.
And with the honors you think you offer them, if they have sense, you rather punish them; but if they are senseless, you expose them when you worship them with blood and the smoke of fat.
Notes and citation
Summary: Sacrifices either torment the gods or prove them senseless.
Topics: Idolatry
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 2.8 (Lake, LCL 25:354; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/2-8).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/2-8
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-2-8) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
2.9Lake, LCL 25:354
ταῦθʼ ὑμῶν τις ὑπομεινάτω, ταῦτα ἀνασχέσθω τις ἑαυτῷ γενέσθαι. ἀλλὰ ἄνθρωπος μὲν οὐδὲ εἷς ταύτης τῆς κολάσεως ἑκὼν ἀνέξεται, αἴσθησιν γὰρ ἔχει καὶ λογισμόν· ὁ δὲ λίθος ἀνέχεται, ἀναισθητεῖ γάρ. οὐκ οὖν τὴν αἴσθησιν αὐτοῦ ἐλέγχετε;
tauthʼ hymōn tis hypomeinatō, tauta anaschesthō tis heautǭ genesthai. alla anthrōpos men oude heis tautēs tēs kolaseōs hekōn anexetai, aisthēsin gar echei kai logismon; ho de lithos anechetai, anaisthētei gar. ouk oun tēn aisthēsin autou elenchete?
Let one of you undergo these things; let him endure to have these things done to himself. But not a single man will willingly endure this punishment, for he has sense and reason; but the stone endures it, for it is senseless. Do you not, then, expose its senselessness?
Notes and citation
Summary: No human would endure what idols endure; this shows they are senseless.
Topics: Idolatry
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 2.9 (Lake, LCL 25:354; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/2-9).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/2-9
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-2-9) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
2.10Lake, LCL 25:354
περὶ μὲν οὖν τοῦ μὴ δεδουλῶσθαι Χριστιανοὺς τοιούτοις θεοῖς πολλὰ μὲν ἂν καὶ ἄλλα εἰπεῖν ἔχοιμι· εἰ δέ τινι μὴ δοκοίη κἂν ταῦτα ἱκανά, περισσὸν ἡγοῦμαι καὶ τὸ πλείω λέγειν.
peri men oun tou mē dedoulōsthai Christianous toioutois theois polla men an kai alla eipein echoimi; ei de tini mē dokoiē kan tauta hikana, perisson hēgoumai kai to pleiō legein.
Concerning the Christians not being enslaved to such gods I could say many other things; but if these things do not seem sufficient to anyone, I think it superfluous to say more.
Notes and citation
Summary: Enough has been said about idols.
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 2.10 (Lake, LCL 25:354; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/2-10).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/2-10
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-2-10) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 3
3.1Lake, LCL 25:354
Ἑξῆς δὲ περὶ τοῦ μὴ κατὰ τὰ αὐτὰ Ἰουδαίοις θεοσεβεῖν αὐτοὺς οἶμαί σε μάλιστα ποθεῖν ἀκοῦσαι.
Hexēs de peri tou mē kata ta auta Ioudaiois theosebein autous oimai se malista pothein akousai.
Next, I suppose that you are especially eager to hear why they do not worship God in the same way as the Jews.
Notes and citation
Summary: Why Christians do not worship as the Jews do.
Topics: Jews and Judaism
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 3.1 (Lake, LCL 25:354; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/3-1).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/3-1
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-3-1) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
3.2Lake, LCL 25:354
Ἰουδαῖοι τοίνυν, εἰ μὲν ἀπέχονται ταύτης τῆς προειρημένης λατρείας, καλῶς θεὸν ἕνα τῶν πάντων σέβειν καὶ δεσπότην ἀξιοῦσι φρονεῖν· εἰ δὲ τοῖς προειρημένοις ὁμοιοτρόπως τὴν θρησκείαν προσάγουσιν αὐτῷ ταύτην, διαμαρτάνουσιν.
Ioudaioi toinyn, ei men apechontai tautēs tēs proeirēmenēs latreias, kalōs theon hena tōn pantōn sebein kai despotēn axiousi phronein; ei de tois proeirēmenois homoiotropōs tēn thrēskeian prosagousin autǭ tautēn, diamartanousin.
The Jews, then, insofar as they abstain from the worship described above, rightly claim to reverence one God of all and to regard him as Master; but insofar as they offer this worship to him in the same way as those already mentioned, they are in error.
Notes and citation
Summary: The Jews rightly worship one God but err in offering sacrifice.
Topics: Jews and Judaism
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 3.2 (Lake, LCL 25:354; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/3-2).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/3-2
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-3-2) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
3.3Lake, LCL 25:354–356
ἃ γὰρ τοῖς ἀναισθήτοις καὶ κωφοῖς προσφέροντες οἱ Ἕλληνες ἀφροσύνης δεῖγμα παρέχουσι, ταῦθʼ οὗτοι καθάπερ προσδεομένῳ τῷ θεῷ λογιζόμενοι παρέχειν μωρίαν εἰκὸς μᾶλλον ἡγοῖντʼ ἄν, οὐ θεοσέβειαν.
ha gar tois anaisthētois kai kōphois prospherontes hoi Hellēnes aphrosynēs deigma parechousi, tauthʼ houtoi kathaper prosdeomenǭ tǭ theǭ logizomenoi parechein mōrian eikos mallon hēgointʼ an, ou theosebeian.
For what the Greeks offer to senseless and deaf things, giving a proof of folly, these people, considering that they offer it to God as though he needed it, might reasonably regard as foolishness rather than religion.
Notes and citation
Summary: Sacrifice treats God as though he were in need.
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 3.3 (Lake, LCL 25:354–356; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/3-3).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/3-3
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-3-3) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
3.4Lake, LCL 25:356
ὁ γὰρ ποιήσας τὸν οὐρανὸν καὶ τὴν γῆν καὶ πάντα τὰ ἐν αὐτοῖς καὶ πᾶσιν ἡμῖν χορηγῶν, ὧν προσδεόμεθα, οὐδενὸς ἂν αὐτὸς προσδέοιτο τούτων ὧν τοῖς οἰομένοις διδόναι παρέχει αὐτός.
ho gar poiēsas ton ouranon kai tēn gēn kai panta ta en autois kai pasin hēmin chorēgōn, hōn prosdeometha, oudenos an autos prosdeoito toutōn hōn tois oiomenois didonai parechei autos.
For he who made heaven and earth and all that is in them, and who supplies all of us with what we need, would himself need none of the things that he himself provides to those who think they are giving them.
Acts 17:24 (allusion, medium confidence) · Acts 17:25 (allusion, medium confidence) · Exod 20:11 (echo, medium confidence) · Ps 146:6 (145:6 LXX) (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: The Creator needs nothing from us.
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 3.4 (Lake, LCL 25:356; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/3-4).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/3-4
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-3-4) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
3.5Lake, LCL 25:356
οἱ δέ γε θυσίας αὐτῷ διʼ αἵματος καὶ κνίσης καὶ ὁλοκαυτωμάτων ἐπιτελεῖν οἰόμενοι καὶ ταύταις ταῖς τιμαῖς αὐτὸν γεραίρειν, οὐδέν μοι δοκοῦσι διαφέρειν τῶν εἰς τὰ κωφὰ τὴν αὐτὴν ἐνδεικνυμένων φιλοτιμίαν· τῶν μὲν μὴ δυναμένοις τῆς τιμῆς μεταλαμβάνειν, τῶν δὲ δοκούντων παρέχειν τῷ μηδενὸς προσδεομένῳ.
hoi de ge thysias autǭ diʼ haimatos kai knisēs kai holokautōmatōn epitelein oiomenoi kai tautais tais timais auton gerairein, ouden moi dokousi diapherein tōn eis ta kōpha tēn autēn endeiknymenōn philotimian; tōn men mē dynamenois tēs timēs metalambanein, tōn de dokountōn parechein tǭ mēdenos prosdeomenǭ.
But those who think they perform sacrifices to him with blood and the smoke of fat and burnt offerings, and honor him with these honors, seem to me to differ in no way from those who show the same zeal toward deaf things: the one to things unable to share in the honor, the other thinking to offer to him who needs nothing.
Notes and citation
Summary: Sacrifices to God are no better than offerings to idols.
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 3.5 (Lake, LCL 25:356; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/3-5).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/3-5
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-3-5) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 4
4.1Lake, LCL 25:356
Ἀλλὰ μὴν τό γε περὶ τὰς βρώσεις αὐτῶν ψοφοδεὲς καὶ τὴν περὶ τὰ σάββατα δεισιδαιμονίαν καὶ τὴν τῆς περιτομῆς ἀλαζονείαν καὶ τὴν τῆς νηστείας καὶ νουμηνίας εἰρωνείαν, καταγέλαστα καὶ οὐδενὸς ἄξια λόγου, οὐ νομίζω σε χρῄζειν παρʼ ἐμοῦ μαθεῖν.
Alla mēn to ge peri tas brōseis autōn psophodees kai tēn peri ta sabbata deisidaimonian kai tēn tēs peritomēs alazoneian kai tēn tēs nēsteias kai noumēnias eirōneian, katagelasta kai oudenos axia logou, ou nomizō se chrę̄zein parʼ emou mathein.
But as for their scrupulousness about foods, and their superstition about sabbaths, and their pride in circumcision, and their pretense about fasting and the new moon, which are ridiculous and not worth any discussion, I do not think you need to learn from me.
Notes and citation
Summary: Jewish food laws, sabbaths, circumcision, and fasts are dismissed.
- The author's tone toward Jewish practice is dismissive and polemical, typical of some second-century Christian apologetic.
Topics: Jews and Judaism
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 4.1 (Lake, LCL 25:356; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/4-1).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/4-1
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-4-1) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
4.2Lake, LCL 25:356
τό τε γὰρ τῶν ὑπὸ τοῦ θεοῦ κτισθέντων εἰς χρῆσιν ἀνθρώπων ἃ μὲν ὡς καλῶς κτισθέντα παραδέχεσθαι, ἃ δʼ ὡς ἄχρηστα καὶ περισσὰ παραιτεῖσθαι, πῶς οὐκ ἀθέμιστον;
to te gar tōn hypo tou theou ktisthentōn eis chrēsin anthrōpōn ha men hōs kalōs ktisthenta paradechesthai, ha dʼ hōs achrēsta kai perissa paraiteisthai, pōs ouk athemiston?
For to accept some of the things created by God for human use as well created, and to refuse others as useless and superfluous, how is that not unlawful?
1 Tim 4:3 (echo, medium confidence) · 1 Tim 4:4 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Rejecting some foods God made is wrong.
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 4.2 (Lake, LCL 25:356; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/4-2).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/4-2
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-4-2) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
4.3Lake, LCL 25:356
τὸ δὲ καταψεύδεσθαι θεοῦ ὡς κωλύοντος ἐν τῇ τῶν σαββάτων ἡμέρᾳ καλόν τι ποιεῖν, πῶς οὐκ ἀσεβές;
to de katapseudesthai theou hōs kōlyontos en tę̄ tōn sabbatōn hēmerą kalon ti poiein, pōs ouk asebes?
And to lie against God as though he forbade doing anything good on the Sabbath day, how is that not impious?
Matt 12:12 (echo, medium confidence) · Mark 3:4 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: God does not forbid doing good on the Sabbath.
Topics: The Lord's day and the Sabbath
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 4.3 (Lake, LCL 25:356; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/4-3).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/4-3
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-4-3) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
4.4Lake, LCL 25:356–358
τὸ δὲ καὶ τὴν μείωσιν τῆς σαρκὸς μαρτύριον ἐκλογῆς ἀλαζονεύεσθαι ὡς διὰ τοῦτο ἐξαιρέτως ἠγαπημένους ὑπὸ θεοῦ, πῶς οὐ χλεύης ἄξιον;
to de kai tēn meiōsin tēs sarkos martyrion eklogēs alazoneuesthai hōs dia touto exairetōs ēgapēmenous hypo theou, pōs ou chleuēs axion?
And to boast of the mutilation of the flesh as a proof of election, as though for this reason they were especially loved by God, how is that not worthy of mockery?
Notes and citation
Summary: Circumcision is not a sign of special election.
Topics: Circumcision
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 4.4 (Lake, LCL 25:356–358; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/4-4).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/4-4
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-4-4) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
4.5Lake, LCL 25:358
τὸ δὲ παρεδρεύοντας αὐτοὺς ἄστροις καὶ σελήνῃ τὴν παρατήρησιν τῶν μηνῶν καὶ τῶν ἡμερῶν ποιεῖσθαι καὶ τὰς οἰκονομίας θεοῦ καὶ τὰς τῶν καιρῶν ἀλλαγὰς καταδιαιρεῖν πρὸς τὰς αὐτῶν ὁρμάς, ἃς μὲν εἰς ἑορτάς, ἃς δὲ εἰς πένθη· τίς ἂν θεοσεβείας καὶ οὐκ ἀφροσύνης πολὺ πλέον ἡγήσαιτο δεῖγμα;
to de paredreuontas autous astrois kai selēnę̄ tēn paratērēsin tōn mēnōn kai tōn hēmerōn poieisthai kai tas oikonomias theou kai tas tōn kairōn allagas katadiairein pros tas autōn hormas, has men eis heortas, has de eis penthē; tis an theosebeias kai ouk aphrosynēs poly pleon hēgēsaito deigma?
And to watch the stars and the moon closely, observing months and days, and to divide up the arrangements of God and the changes of the seasons according to their own impulses, some for feasts and others for mourning: who would consider this a proof of religion and not much rather of folly?
Gal 4:10 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: The Jewish calendar is folly, not religion.
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 4.5 (Lake, LCL 25:358; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/4-5).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/4-5
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-4-5) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
4.6Lake, LCL 25:358
τῆς μὲν οὖν κοινῆς εἰκαιότητος καὶ ἀπάτης καὶ τῆς Ἰουδαίων πολυπραγμοσύνης καὶ ἀλαζονείας ὡς ὀρθῶς ἀπέχονται Χριστιανοί, ἀρκούντως σε νομίζω μεμαθηκέναι· τὸ δὲ τῆς ἰδίας αὐτῶν θεοσεβείας μυστήριον μὴ προσδοκήσῃς δύνασθαι παρὰ ἀνθρώπου μαθεῖν.
tēs men oun koinēs eikaiotētos kai apatēs kai tēs Ioudaiōn polypragmosynēs kai alazoneias hōs orthōs apechontai Christianoi, arkountōs se nomizō memathēkenai; to de tēs idias autōn theosebeias mystērion mē prosdokēsę̄s dynasthai para anthrōpou mathein.
That the Christians rightly abstain from the general foolishness and deceit, and from the fussiness and pride of the Jews, I think you have learned sufficiently; but do not expect to be able to learn the mystery of their own religion from a man.
Notes and citation
Summary: The mystery of Christian faith cannot be learned from a human being.
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 4.6 (Lake, LCL 25:358; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/4-6).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/4-6
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-4-6) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 5
5.1Lake, LCL 25:358
Χριστιανοὶ γὰρ οὔτε γῇ οὔτε φωνῇ οὔτε ἔθεσι διακεκριμένοι τῶν λοιπῶν εἰσιν ἀνθρώπων.
Christianoi gar oute gę̄ oute phōnę̄ oute ethesi diakekrimenoi tōn loipōn eisin anthrōpōn.
For Christians are distinguished from other people neither by country nor by language nor by customs.
Notes and citation
Summary: Christians are not set apart by country, language, or customs.
- Chapters 5–6 are the most famous passage of the work, a description of Christians in the world.
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 5.1 (Lake, LCL 25:358; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/5-1).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/5-1
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-5-1) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
5.2Lake, LCL 25:358
οὔτε γάρ που πόλεις ἰδίας κατοικοῦσιν οὔτε διαλέκτῳ τινὶ παρηλλαγμένῃ χρῶνται οὔτε βίον παράσημον ἀσκοῦσιν.
oute gar pou poleis idias katoikousin oute dialektǭ tini parēllagmenę̄ chrōntai oute bion parasēmon askousin.
For they do not live in cities of their own anywhere, nor use some peculiar dialect, nor practice a conspicuous way of life.
Notes and citation
Summary: They have no cities, language, or dress of their own.
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 5.2 (Lake, LCL 25:358; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/5-2).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/5-2
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-5-2) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
5.3Lake, LCL 25:358
οὐ μὴν ἐπινοίᾳ τινὶ καὶ φροντίδι πολυπραγμόνων ἀνθρώπων μάθημα τοῦτʼ αὐτοῖς ἐστιν εὑρημένον, οὐδὲ δόγματος ἀνθρωπίνου προεστᾶσιν, ὥσπερ ἔνιοι.
ou mēn epinoią tini kai phrontidi polypragmonōn anthrōpōn mathēma toutʼ autois estin heurēmenon, oude dogmatos anthrōpinou proestasin, hōsper enioi.
This teaching of theirs was not discovered by some thought or reflection of busy-minded men, nor do they champion a human doctrine, as some do.
Notes and citation
Summary: Their teaching is not a human invention.
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 5.3 (Lake, LCL 25:358; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/5-3).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/5-3
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-5-3) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
5.4Lake, LCL 25:358
κατοικοῦντες δὲ πόλεις ἑλληνίδας τε καὶ βαρβάρους, ὡς ἕκαστος ἐκληρώθη, καὶ τοῖς ἐγχωρίοις ἔθεσιν ἀκολουθοῦντες ἔν τε ἐσθῆτι καὶ διαίτῃ καὶ τῷ λοιπῷ βίῳ θαυμαστὴν καὶ ὁμολογουμένως παράδοξον ἐνδείκνυνται τὴν κατάστασιν τῆς ἑαυτῶν πολιτείας.
katoikountes de poleis hellēnidas te kai barbarous, hōs hekastos eklērōthē, kai tois enchōriois ethesin akolouthountes en te esthēti kai diaitę̄ kai tǭ loipǭ biǭ thaumastēn kai homologoumenōs paradoxon endeiknyntai tēn katastasin tēs heautōn politeias.
But while they live in Greek and barbarian cities, as each one's lot was cast, and follow the local customs in clothing and food and the rest of life, they display the remarkable and admittedly paradoxical character of their own citizenship.
Notes and citation
Summary: Living everywhere, they show a remarkable citizenship.
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 5.4 (Lake, LCL 25:358; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/5-4).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/5-4
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-5-4) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
5.5Lake, LCL 25:358–360
πατρίδας οἰκοῦσιν ἰδίας, ἀλλʼ ὡς πάροικοι· μετέχουσι πάντων ὡς πολῖται, καὶ πάνθʼ ὑπομένουσιν ὡς ξένοι· πᾶσα ξένη πατρίς ἐστιν αὐτῶν, καὶ πᾶσα πατρὶς ξένη.
patridas oikousin idias, allʼ hōs paroikoi; metechousi pantōn hōs politai, kai panthʼ hypomenousin hōs xenoi; pasa xenē patris estin autōn, kai pasa patris xenē.
They live in their own homelands, but as sojourners; they share in everything as citizens, and endure everything as foreigners; every foreign land is their homeland, and every homeland a foreign land.
Heb 11:13 (echo, medium confidence) · 1 Pet 2:11 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Every homeland is foreign to them, and every foreign land their home.
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 5.5 (Lake, LCL 25:358–360; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/5-5).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/5-5
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-5-5) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
5.6Lake, LCL 25:360
γαμοῦσιν ὡς πάντες, τεκνογονοῦσιν· ἀλλʼ οὐ ῥίπτουσι τὰ γεννώμενα.
gamousin hōs pantes, teknogonousin; allʼ ou rhiptousi ta gennōmena.
They marry like everyone; they have children; but they do not expose their offspring.
Notes and citation
Summary: They marry and have children, but do not abandon infants.
- “Expose” (ῥίπτουσι): abandon newborns to die, a common practice in the Roman world; compare Did. 2.2; Barn. 19.5.
Topics: Marriage, Ethics, Abortion, infanticide, and exposure
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 5.6 (Lake, LCL 25:360; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/5-6).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/5-6
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-5-6) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
5.7Lake, LCL 25:360
τράπεζαν κοινὴν παρατίθενται, ἀλλʼ οὐ κοίτην.
trapezan koinēn paratithentai, allʼ ou koitēn.
They share a common table, but not a common bed.
Notes and citation
Summary: They share meals, but not beds.
- A rebuttal of pagan rumors that Christians practiced sexual promiscuity at their gatherings.
Topics: Ethics
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 5.7 (Lake, LCL 25:360; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/5-7).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/5-7
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-5-7) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
5.8Lake, LCL 25:360
ἐν σαρκὶ τυγχάνουσιν, ἀλλʼ οὐ κατὰ σάρκα ζῶσιν.
en sarki tynchanousin, allʼ ou kata sarka zōsin.
They are in the flesh, but they do not live according to the flesh.
2 Cor 10:3 (allusion, medium confidence) · Rom 8:12 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: In the flesh, but not living by the flesh.
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 5.8 (Lake, LCL 25:360; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/5-8).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/5-8
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-5-8) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
5.9Lake, LCL 25:360
ἐπὶ γῆς διατρίβουσιν, ἀλλʼ ἐν οὐρανῷ πολιτεύονται.
epi gēs diatribousin, allʼ en ouranǭ politeuontai.
They pass their time on earth, but they are citizens of heaven.
Phil 3:20 (allusion, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: On earth, but citizens of heaven.
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 5.9 (Lake, LCL 25:360; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/5-9).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/5-9
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-5-9) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
5.10Lake, LCL 25:360
πείθονται τοῖς ὡρισμένοις νόμοις, καὶ τοῖς ἰδίοις βίοις νικῶσι τοὺς νόμους.
peithontai tois hōrismenois nomois, kai tois idiois biois nikōsi tous nomous.
They obey the established laws, and in their own lives they surpass the laws.
Notes and citation
Summary: They obey the laws and live above them.
Topics: Ethics
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 5.10 (Lake, LCL 25:360; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/5-10).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/5-10
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-5-10) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
5.11Lake, LCL 25:360
ἀγαπῶσι πάντας, καὶ ὑπὸ πάντων διώκονται.
agapōsi pantas, kai hypo pantōn diōkontai.
They love all, and are persecuted by all.
Notes and citation
Summary: They love all and are persecuted by all.
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 5.11 (Lake, LCL 25:360; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/5-11).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/5-11
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-5-11) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
5.12Lake, LCL 25:360
ἀγνοοῦνται, καὶ κατακρίνονται· θανατοῦνται, καὶ ζωοποιοῦνται.
agnoountai, kai katakrinontai; thanatountai, kai zōopoiountai.
They are unknown, and they are condemned; they are put to death, and they are made alive.
2 Cor 6:9 (allusion, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Condemned and killed, yet made alive.
Topics: Persecution, Martyrdom
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 5.12 (Lake, LCL 25:360; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/5-12).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/5-12
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-5-12) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
5.13Lake, LCL 25:360
πτωχεύουσι, καὶ πλουτίζουσι πολλούς· πάντων ὑστεροῦνται, καὶ ἐν πᾶσι περισσεύουσιν.
ptōcheuousi, kai ploutizousi pollous; pantōn hysterountai, kai en pasi perisseuousin.
They are poor, and they make many rich; they lack everything, and they abound in everything.
2 Cor 6:10 (allusion, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Poor, yet making many rich.
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 5.13 (Lake, LCL 25:360; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/5-13).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/5-13
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-5-13) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
5.14Lake, LCL 25:360
ἀτιμοῦνται, καὶ ἐν ταῖς ἀτιμίαις δοξάζονται. βλασφημοῦνται, καὶ δικαιοῦνται.
atimountai, kai en tais atimiais doxazontai. blasphēmountai, kai dikaiountai.
They are dishonored, and in their dishonor they are glorified; they are slandered, and they are vindicated.
Notes and citation
Summary: Dishonored, yet glorified.
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 5.14 (Lake, LCL 25:360; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/5-14).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/5-14
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-5-14) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
5.15Lake, LCL 25:360
λοιδοροῦνται, καὶ εὐλογοῦσιν· ὑβρίζονται, καὶ τιμῶσιν.
loidorountai, kai eulogousin; hybrizontai, kai timōsin.
They are reviled, and they bless; they are insulted, and they show honor.
1 Cor 4:12 (allusion, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Reviled, they bless.
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 5.15 (Lake, LCL 25:360; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/5-15).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/5-15
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-5-15) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
5.16Lake, LCL 25:360
ἀγαθοποιοῦντες ὡς κακοὶ κολάζονται· κολαζόμενοι χαίρουσιν ὡς ζωοποιούμενοι.
agathopoiountes hōs kakoi kolazontai; kolazomenoi chairousin hōs zōopoioumenoi.
Doing good, they are punished as evildoers; being punished, they rejoice as those who are made alive.
1 Pet 4:13 (echo, low confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Punished for doing good, they rejoice.
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 5.16 (Lake, LCL 25:360; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/5-16).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/5-16
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-5-16) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
5.17Lake, LCL 25:360
ὑπὸ Ἰουδαίων ὡς ἀλλόφυλοι πολεμοῦνται καὶ ὑπὸ Ἑλλήνων διώκονται· καὶ τὴν αἰτίαν τῆς ἔχθρας εἰπεῖν οἱ μισοῦντες οὐκ ἔχουσιν.
hypo Ioudaiōn hōs allophyloi polemountai kai hypo Hellēnōn diōkontai; kai tēn aitian tēs echthras eipein hoi misountes ouk echousin.
They are warred against by the Jews as foreigners, and persecuted by the Greeks; and those who hate them cannot state the cause of their hostility.
Notes and citation
Summary: Jews and Greeks oppose them without being able to say why.
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 5.17 (Lake, LCL 25:360; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/5-17).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/5-17
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-5-17) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 6
6.1Lake, LCL 25:360
Ἁπλῶς δʼ εἰπεῖν, ὅπερ ἐστὶν σώματι ψυχή, τοῦτʼ εἰσὶν ἐν κόσμῳ Χριστιανοί.
Haplōs dʼ eipein, hoper estin sōmati psychē, toutʼ eisin en kosmǭ Christianoi.
To put it simply: what the soul is in the body, that the Christians are in the world.
Notes and citation
Summary: Christians are to the world what the soul is to the body.
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 6.1 (Lake, LCL 25:360; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/6-1).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/6-1
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-6-1) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
6.2Lake, LCL 25:360
ἔσπαρται κατὰ πάντων τῶν τοῦ σώματος μελῶν ἡ ψυχή, καὶ Χριστιανοὶ κατὰ τὰς τοῦ κόσμου πόλεις.
espartai kata pantōn tōn tou sōmatos melōn hē psychē, kai Christianoi kata tas tou kosmou poleis.
The soul is scattered through all the members of the body, and Christians through the cities of the world.
Notes and citation
Summary: As the soul fills the body, Christians fill the cities.
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 6.2 (Lake, LCL 25:360; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/6-2).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/6-2
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-6-2) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
6.3Lake, LCL 25:360–362
οἰκεῖ μὲν ἐν τῷ σώματι ψυχή, οὐκ ἔστι δὲ ἐκ τοῦ σώματος· καὶ Χριστιανοὶ ἐν κόσμῳ οἰκοῦσιν, οὐκ εἰσὶ δὲ ἐκ τοῦ κόσμου.
oikei men en tǭ sōmati psychē, ouk esti de ek tou sōmatos; kai Christianoi en kosmǭ oikousin, ouk eisi de ek tou kosmou.
The soul dwells in the body, but is not of the body; and Christians dwell in the world, but are not of the world.
John 17:11 (allusion, medium confidence) · John 17:14 (allusion, medium confidence) · John 17:16 (allusion, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: In the world but not of it.
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 6.3 (Lake, LCL 25:360–362; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/6-3).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/6-3
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-6-3) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
6.4Lake, LCL 25:362
ἀόρατος ἡ ψυχὴ ἐν ὁρατῷ φρουρεῖται τῷ σώματι· καὶ Χριστιανοὶ γινώσκονται μὲν ὄντες ἐν τῷ κόσμῳ, ἀόρατος δὲ αὐτῶν ἡ θεοσέβεια μένει.
aoratos hē psychē en horatǭ phroureitai tǭ sōmati; kai Christianoi ginōskontai men ontes en tǭ kosmǭ, aoratos de autōn hē theosebeia menei.
The invisible soul is guarded in the visible body; and Christians are known to be in the world, but their religion remains invisible.
Notes and citation
Summary: Their faith is invisible, like the soul.
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 6.4 (Lake, LCL 25:362; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/6-4).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/6-4
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-6-4) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
6.5Lake, LCL 25:362
μισεῖ τὴν ψυχὴν ἡ σὰρξ καὶ πολεμεῖ μηδὲν ἀδικουμένη, διότι ταῖς ἡδοναῖς κωλύεται χρῆσθαι· μισεῖ καὶ Χριστιανοὺς ὁ κόσμος μηδὲν ἀδικούμενος, ὅτι ταῖς ἡδοναῖς ἀντιτάσσονται.
misei tēn psychēn hē sarx kai polemei mēden adikoumenē, dioti tais hēdonais kōlyetai chrēsthai; misei kai Christianous ho kosmos mēden adikoumenos, hoti tais hēdonais antitassontai.
The flesh hates the soul and wars against it, though it has suffered no wrong, because it is prevented from indulging in pleasures; the world also hates the Christians, though it has suffered no wrong, because they oppose its pleasures.
Gal 5:17 (echo, medium confidence) · 1 Pet 2:11 (echo, medium confidence) · John 15:18 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: As the flesh hates the soul, the world hates Christians.
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 6.5 (Lake, LCL 25:362; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/6-5).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/6-5
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-6-5) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
6.6Lake, LCL 25:362
ἡ ψυχὴ τὴν μισοῦσαν ἀγαπᾷ σάρκα καὶ τὰ μέλη· καὶ Χριστιανοὶ τοὺς μισοῦντας ἀγαπῶσιν.
hē psychē tēn misousan agapą sarka kai ta melē; kai Christianoi tous misountas agapōsin.
The soul loves the flesh that hates it, and the members; and Christians love those who hate them.
Matt 5:44 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Christians love those who hate them.
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 6.6 (Lake, LCL 25:362; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/6-6).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/6-6
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-6-6) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
6.7Lake, LCL 25:362
ἐγκέκλεισται μὲν ἡ ψυχὴ τῷ σώματι, συνέχει δὲ αὐτὴ τὸ σῶμα· καὶ Χριστιανοὶ κατέχονται μὲν ὡς ἐν φρουρᾷ τῷ κόσμῳ, αὐτοὶ δὲ συνέχουσι τὸν κόσμον.
enkekleistai men hē psychē tǭ sōmati, synechei de autē to sōma; kai Christianoi katechontai men hōs en phrourą tǭ kosmǭ, autoi de synechousi ton kosmon.
The soul is enclosed in the body, but it holds the body together; and Christians are held in the world as in a prison, but they hold the world together.
Notes and citation
Summary: Christians hold the world together.
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 6.7 (Lake, LCL 25:362; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/6-7).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/6-7
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-6-7) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
6.8Lake, LCL 25:362
ἀθάνατος ἡ ψυχὴ ἐν θνητῷ σκηνώματι κατοικεῖ· καὶ Χριστιανοὶ παροικοῦσιν ἐν φθαρτοῖς, τὴν ἐν οὐρανοῖς ἀφθαρσίαν προσδεχόμενοι.
athanatos hē psychē en thnētǭ skēnōmati katoikei; kai Christianoi paroikousin en phthartois, tēn en ouranois aphtharsian prosdechomenoi.
The immortal soul dwells in a mortal tent; and Christians sojourn among perishable things, awaiting the imperishability that is in heaven.
2 Cor 5:1 (echo, medium confidence) · 1 Cor 15:53 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Sojourners among perishable things, awaiting the imperishable.
Topics: Eschatology
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 6.8 (Lake, LCL 25:362; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/6-8).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/6-8
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-6-8) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
6.9Lake, LCL 25:362
κακουργουμένη σιτίοις καὶ ποτοῖς ἡ ψυχὴ βελτιοῦται· καὶ Χριστιανοὶ κολαζόμενοι καθʼ ἡμέραν πλεονάζουσι μᾶλλον.
kakourgoumenē sitiois kai potois hē psychē beltioutai; kai Christianoi kolazomenoi kathʼ hēmeran pleonazousi mallon.
The soul, when poorly treated in food and drink, becomes better; and Christians, when punished, increase day by day all the more.
Notes and citation
Summary: Persecuted, Christians multiply.
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 6.9 (Lake, LCL 25:362; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/6-9).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/6-9
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-6-9) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
6.10Lake, LCL 25:362
εἰς τοσαύτην αὐτοὺς τάξιν ἔθετο ὁ θεός, ἣν οὐ θεμιτὸν αὐτοῖς παραιτήσασθαι.
eis tosautēn autous taxin etheto ho theos, hēn ou themiton autois paraitēsasthai.
God has appointed them to so great a post, which it is not lawful for them to abandon.
Notes and citation
Summary: God has set Christians at a post they must not desert.
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 6.10 (Lake, LCL 25:362; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/6-10).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/6-10
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-6-10) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 7
7.1Lake, LCL 25:362
Οὐ γὰρ ἐπίγειον, ὡς ἔφην, εὕρημα τοῦτʼ αὐτοῖς παρεδόθη, οὐδὲ θνητὴν ἐπίνοιαν φυλάσσειν οὕτως ἀξιοῦσιν ἐπιμελῶς, οὐδὲ ἀνθρωπίνων οἰκονομίαν μυστηρίων πεπίστευνται.
Ou gar epigeion, hōs ephēn, heurēma toutʼ autois paredothē, oude thnētēn epinoian phylassein houtōs axiousin epimelōs, oude anthrōpinōn oikonomian mystēriōn pepisteuntai.
For it is not, as I said, an earthly discovery that was handed down to them, nor is it a mortal idea that they think it right to guard so carefully, nor have they been entrusted with the administration of human mysteries.
Notes and citation
Summary: Christian faith is not a human discovery.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (digitization slip against Lake's printed text (missing accent)): ἐπιγειον → ἐπίγειον.
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 7.1 (Lake, LCL 25:362; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/7-1).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/7-1
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-7-1) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
7.2Lake, LCL 25:362–364
ἀλλʼ αὐτὸς ἀληθῶς ὁ παντοκράτωρ καὶ παντοκτίστης καὶ ἀόρατος θεός, αὐτὸς ἀπʼ οὐρανῶν τὴν ἀλήθειαν καὶ τὸν λόγον τὸν ἅγιον καὶ ἀπερινόητον ἀνθρώποις ἐνίδρυσε καὶ ἐγκατεστήριξε ταῖς καρδίαις αὐτῶν· οὐ, καθάπερ ἄν τις εἰκάσειεν, ἀνθρώποις ὑπηρέτην τινὰ πέμψας ἢ ἄγγελον ἢ ἄρχοντα ἤ τινα τῶν διεπόντων τὰ ἐπίγεια ἤ τινα τῶν πεπιστευμένων τὰς ἐν οὐρανοῖς διοικήσεις, ἀλλʼ αὐτὸν τὸν τεχνίτην καὶ δημιουργὸν τῶν ὅλων, ᾧ τοὺς οὐρανοὺς ἔκτισεν, ᾧ τὴν θάλασσαν ἰδίοις ἐνέκλεισεν, οὗ τὰ μυστήρια πιστῶς πάντα φυλάσσει τὰ στοιχεῖα, παρʼ οὗ τὰ μέτρα τῶν τῆς ἡμέρας δρόμων ὁ ἥλιος εἴληφε φυλάσσειν, ᾧ πειθαρχεῖ σελήνη νυκτὶ φαίνειν κελεύοντι, ᾧ πειθαρχεῖ τὰ ἄστρα· τῷ τῆς σελήνης ἀκολουθοῦντα δρόμῳ· ᾧ πάντα διατέτακται καὶ διώρισται καὶ ὑποτέτακται, οὐρανοὶ καὶ τὰ ἐν οὐρανοῖς, γῆ καὶ τὰ ἐν τῇ γῇ, θάλασσα καὶ τὰ ἐν τῇ θαλάσσῃ, πῦρ, ἀήρ, ἄβυσσος, τὰ ἐν ὕψεσι, τὰ ἐν βάθεσι, τὰ ἐν τῷ μεταξύ· τοῦτον πρὸς αὐτοὺς ἀπέστειλεν.
allʼ autos alēthōs ho pantokratōr kai pantoktistēs kai aoratos theos, autos apʼ ouranōn tēn alētheian kai ton logon ton hagion kai aperinoēton anthrōpois enidryse kai enkatestērixe tais kardiais autōn; ou, kathaper an tis eikaseien, anthrōpois hypēretēn tina pempsas ē angelon ē archonta ē tina tōn diepontōn ta epigeia ē tina tōn pepisteumenōn tas en ouranois dioikēseis, allʼ auton ton technitēn kai dēmiourgon tōn holōn, hǭ tous ouranous ektisen, hǭ tēn thalassan idiois enekleisen, hou ta mystēria pistōs panta phylassei ta stoicheia, parʼ hou ta metra tōn tēs hēmeras dromōn ho hēlios eilēphe phylassein, hǭ peitharchei selēnē nykti phainein keleuonti, hǭ peitharchei ta astra; tǭ tēs selēnēs akolouthounta dromǭ; hǭ panta diatetaktai kai diōristai kai hypotetaktai, ouranoi kai ta en ouranois, gē kai ta en tę̄ gę̄, thalassa kai ta en tę̄ thalassę̄, pyr, aēr, abyssos, ta en hypsesi, ta en bathesi, ta en tǭ metaxy; touton pros autous apesteilen.
But truly the Almighty himself, the Creator of all and invisible God, himself established from heaven among men the truth and the holy and incomprehensible Word, and fixed it firmly in their hearts; not, as one might suppose, by sending to men some servant or angel or ruler, or one of those who manage earthly things, or one of those entrusted with the administration of things in heaven, but the very Craftsman and Maker of all things, by whom he created the heavens, by whom he enclosed the sea within its own bounds, whose mysteries all the elements faithfully keep, from whom the sun has received the measures of the day's courses to keep, whom the moon obeys when he commands it to shine by night, whom the stars obey as they follow the course of the moon; by whom all things have been set in order and bounded and made subject: the heavens and the things in the heavens, the earth and the things in the earth, the sea and the things in the sea, fire, air, abyss, the things in the heights, the things in the depths, the things in between: this one he sent to them.
John 1:1 (echo, medium confidence) · John 1:3 (echo, medium confidence) · Col 1:16 (echo, medium confidence) · Heb 1:2 (echo, medium confidence) · Prov 8:29 (echo, low confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: God sent not an angel but the Word himself, the Creator of all things.
- “Word” (λόγος): Christ, as in John 1:1–3.
Topics: Christology
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 7.2 (Lake, LCL 25:362–364; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/7-2).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/7-2
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-7-2) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
7.3Lake, LCL 25:364
ἆρά γε, ὡς ἀνθρώπων ἄν τις λογίσαιτο, ἐπὶ τυραννίδι καὶ φόβῳ καὶ καταπλήξει;
ara ge, hōs anthrōpōn an tis logisaito, epi tyrannidi kai phobǭ kai kataplēxei?
Was it, as one of mankind might suppose, to rule by tyranny and fear and terror?
Notes and citation
Summary: Did God send him to rule by terror?
Topics: Christology
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 7.3 (Lake, LCL 25:364; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/7-3).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/7-3
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-7-3) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
7.4Lake, LCL 25:364
οὐ μὲν οὖν· ἀλλʼ ἐν ἐπιεικείᾳ καὶ πραΰτητι ὡς βασιλεὺς πέμπων υἱὸν βασιλέα ἔπεμψεν, ὡς θεὸν ἔπεμψεν, ὡς ἄνθρωπον πρὸς ἀνθρώπους ἔπεμψεν, ὡς σώζων ἔπεμψεν, ὡς πείθων, οὐ βιαζόμενος· βία γὰρ οὐ πρόσεστι τῷ θεῷ.
ou men oun; allʼ en epieikeią kai praÿtēti hōs basileus pempōn huion basilea epempsen, hōs theon epempsen, hōs anthrōpon pros anthrōpous epempsen, hōs sōzōn epempsen, hōs peithōn, ou biazomenos; bia gar ou prosesti tǭ theǭ.
Not at all; but in gentleness and meekness, as a king sending his son who is a king, he sent him; as God he sent him; as man to men he sent him; as saving he sent him, as persuading, not compelling; for compulsion is not an attribute of God.
John 3:17 (echo, medium confidence) · Matt 11:29 (echo, low confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: God sent his Son as God and as man, in gentleness, to save.
- “As God… as man”: an early statement of Christ as both divine and human.
Topics: Christology
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 7.4 (Lake, LCL 25:364; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/7-4).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/7-4
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-7-4) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
7.5Lake, LCL 25:364
ἔπεμψεν ὡς καλῶν, οὐ διώκων· ἔπεμψεν ὡς ἀγαπῶν, οὐ κρίνων.
epempsen hōs kalōn, ou diōkōn; epempsen hōs agapōn, ou krinōn.
He sent him as calling, not pursuing; he sent him as loving, not judging.
John 3:17 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: He sent him to call and to love, not to judge.
Topics: Christology
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 7.5 (Lake, LCL 25:364; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/7-5).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/7-5
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-7-5) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
7.6Lake, LCL 25:364
πέμψει γὰρ αὐτὸν κρίνοντα· καὶ τίς αὐτοῦ τὴν παρουσίαν ὑποστήσεται;...
pempsei gar auton krinonta; kai tis autou tēn parousian hypostēsetai?...
For he will send him as judge; and who will endure his coming? …
Textual problem in this passage: see the notes.
Mal 3:2 (allusion, high confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: He will send him again as judge.
- The manuscript has a gap here; some words are lost between 7.6 and 7.7.
Topics: Eschatology
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 7.6 (Lake, LCL 25:364; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/7-6).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/7-6
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-7-6) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
7.7Lake, LCL 25:364–366
.. παραβαλλομένους θηρίοις, ἵνα ἀρνήσωνται τὸν κύριον, καὶ μὴ νικωμένους;
.. paraballomenous thēriois, hina arnēsōntai ton kyrion, kai mē nikōmenous?
… [Do you not see them] thrown to wild beasts so that they may deny the Lord, and not overcome?
Textual problem in this passage: see the notes.
Notes and citation
Summary: Martyrs thrown to the beasts do not deny the Lord.
- The words in brackets are supplied from the sense after the gap in the manuscript.
Topics: Martyrdom, Persecution
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 7.7 (Lake, LCL 25:364–366; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/7-7).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/7-7
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-7-7) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
7.8Lake, LCL 25:366
οὐχ ὁρᾷς, ὅσῳ πλείονες κολάζονται, τοσούτῳ πλεονάζοντας ἄλλους;
ouch horąs, hosǭ pleiones kolazontai, tosoutǭ pleonazontas allous?
Do you not see that the more of them are punished, the more others increase?
Notes and citation
Summary: The more are punished, the more believe.
Topics: Persecution
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 7.8 (Lake, LCL 25:366; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/7-8).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/7-8
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-7-8) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
7.9Lake, LCL 25:366
ταῦτα ἀνθρώπου οὐ δοκεῖ τὰ ἔργα· ταῦτα δύναμίς ἐστι θεοῦ· ταῦτα τῆς παρουσίας αὐτοῦ δείγματα.
tauta anthrōpou ou dokei ta erga; tauta dynamis esti theou; tauta tēs parousias autou deigmata.
These do not seem to be the works of a man; these are the power of God; these are proofs of his presence.
Notes and citation
Summary: This is the power of God, not of man.
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 7.9 (Lake, LCL 25:366; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/7-9).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/7-9
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-7-9) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 8
8.1Lake, LCL 25:366
Τίς γὰρ ὅλως ἀνθρώπων ἠπίστατο, τί ποτʼ ἐστὶ θεὸς πρὶν αὐτὸν ἐλθεῖν;
Tis gar holōs anthrōpōn ēpistato, ti potʼ esti theos prin auton elthein?
For what man at all knew what God is before he came?
Notes and citation
Summary: No one knew God before Christ came.
Topics: Christology
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 8.1 (Lake, LCL 25:366; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/8-1).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/8-1
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-8-1) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
8.2Lake, LCL 25:366
ἢ τοὺς κενοὺς καὶ ληρώδεις ἐκείνων λόγους ἀποδέχῃ τῶν ἀξιοπίστων φιλοσόφων, ὧν οἱ μέν τινες πῦρ ἔφασαν εἶναι τὸν θεὸν ʽοὗ μέλλουσι χωρήσειν αὐτοί, τοῦτο καλοῦσι θεόνʼ, οἱ δὲ ὕδωρ, οἱ δʼ ἄλλο τι τῶν στοιχείων τῶν ἐκτισμένων ὑπὸ θεοῦ;
ē tous kenous kai lērōdeis ekeinōn logous apodechę̄ tōn axiopistōn philosophōn, hōn hoi men tines pyr ephasan einai ton theon ʽhou mellousi chōrēsein autoi, touto kalousi theonʼ, hoi de hydōr, hoi dʼ allo ti tōn stoicheiōn tōn ektismenōn hypo theou?
Or do you accept the empty and nonsensical words of those trustworthy philosophers, some of whom said that God is fire (they call God that to which they themselves are going to go), others water, others some other of the elements created by God?
Notes and citation
Summary: The philosophers' ideas of God are empty.
- The author mocks philosophers who identified God with an element: the Stoics with fire (“to which they are going”: they believed the world would end in fire), Thales with water.
Topics: Philosophy
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 8.2 (Lake, LCL 25:366; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/8-2).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/8-2
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-8-2) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
8.3Lake, LCL 25:366
καίτοι γε, εἴ τις τούτων τῶν λόγων ἀποδεκτός ἐστι, δύναιτʼ ἂν καὶ τῶν λοιπῶν κτισμάτων ἓν ἕκαστον ὁμοίως ἀποφαίνεσθαι θεόν.
kaitoi ge, ei tis toutōn tōn logōn apodektos esti, dynaitʼ an kai tōn loipōn ktismatōn hen hekaston homoiōs apophainesthai theon.
And yet, if any of these words is acceptable, each of the other created things could likewise be declared God.
Notes and citation
Summary: By that logic anything created could be called God.
Topics: Philosophy
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 8.3 (Lake, LCL 25:366; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/8-3).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/8-3
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-8-3) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
8.4Lake, LCL 25:366
ἀλλὰ ταῦτα μὲν τερατεία καὶ πλάνη τῶν γοήτων ἐστίν·
alla tauta men terateia kai planē tōn goētōn estin;
But these things are the quackery and deceit of sorcerers.
Notes and citation
Summary: Such ideas are the deceit of charlatans.
Topics: Philosophy
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 8.4 (Lake, LCL 25:366; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/8-4).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/8-4
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-8-4) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
8.5Lake, LCL 25:366
ἀνθρώπων δὲ οὐδεὶς οὔτε εἶδεν οὔτε ἐγνώρισεν, αὐτὸς δὲ ἑαυτὸν ἐπέδειξεν.
anthrōpōn de oudeis oute eiden oute egnōrisen, autos de heauton epedeixen.
No man has either seen or known him, but he himself has revealed himself.
John 1:18 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: No one has seen God; he revealed himself.
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 8.5 (Lake, LCL 25:366; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/8-5).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/8-5
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-8-5) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
8.6Lake, LCL 25:366
ἐπέδειξε δὲ διὰ πίστεως, ᾗ μόνῃ θεὸν ἰδεῖν συγκεχώρηται.
epedeixe de dia pisteōs, hę̄ monę̄ theon idein synkechōrētai.
And he revealed himself through faith, by which alone it is granted to see God.
Notes and citation
Summary: God is seen by faith alone.
Topics: Faith
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 8.6 (Lake, LCL 25:366; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/8-6).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/8-6
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-8-6) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
8.7Lake, LCL 25:366
ὁ γὰρ δεσπότης καὶ δημιουργὸς τῶν ὅλων θεός, ὁ ποιήσας τὰ πάντα καὶ κατὰ τάξιν διακρίνας, οὐ μόνον φιλάνθρωπος ἐγένετο, ἀλλὰ καὶ μακρόθυμος.
ho gar despotēs kai dēmiourgos tōn holōn theos, ho poiēsas ta panta kai kata taxin diakrinas, ou monon philanthrōpos egeneto, alla kai makrothymos.
For God, the Master and Creator of all things, who made all things and arranged them in order, not only loved mankind but was also long-suffering.
Notes and citation
Summary: The Creator is loving and patient toward mankind.
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 8.7 (Lake, LCL 25:366; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/8-7).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/8-7
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-8-7) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
8.8Lake, LCL 25:366
ἀλλʼ οὗτος ἦν μὲν ἀεὶ τοιοῦτος καὶ ἔστι καὶ ἔσται, χρηστὸς καὶ ἀγαθὸς καὶ ἀόργητος καὶ ἀληθής, καὶ μόνος ἀγαθός ἐστιν·
allʼ houtos ēn men aei toioutos kai esti kai estai, chrēstos kai agathos kai aorgētos kai alēthēs, kai monos agathos estin;
But he was always such, and is, and will be: kind and good and without anger and true; and he alone is good.
Mark 10:18 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: God is always kind, good, and true; he alone is good.
Topics: God
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 8.8 (Lake, LCL 25:366; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/8-8).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/8-8
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-8-8) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
8.9Lake, LCL 25:366
ἐννοήσας δὲ μεγάλην καὶ ἄφραστον ἔννοιαν ἀνεκοινώσατο μόνῳ τῷ παιδί.
ennoēsas de megalēn kai aphraston ennoian anekoinōsato monǭ tǭ paidi.
And having conceived a great and inexpressible plan, he shared it with his Child alone.
Notes and citation
Summary: God shared his great plan with his Son alone.
- “Child” (παῖς): also “Servant”; here the Son (compare 8.11; 9.1).
Topics: Christology
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 8.9 (Lake, LCL 25:366; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/8-9).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/8-9
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-8-9) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
8.10Lake, LCL 25:366–368
ἐν ὅσῳ μὲν οὖν κατεῖχεν ἐν μυστηρίῳ καὶ διετήρει τὴν σοφὴν αὐτοῦ βουλήν, ἀμελεῖν ἡμῶν καὶ ἀφροντιστεῖν ἐδόκει·
en hosǭ men oun kateichen en mystēriǭ kai dietērei tēn sophēn autou boulēn, amelein hēmōn kai aphrontistein edokei;
So as long as he kept his wise counsel in a mystery and guarded it, he seemed to neglect us and to take no thought for us;
Eph 3:9 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: While his plan was hidden, God seemed to neglect us.
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 8.10 (Lake, LCL 25:366–368; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/8-10).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/8-10
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-8-10) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
8.11Lake, LCL 25:368
ἐπεὶ δὲ ἀπεκάλυψε διὰ τοῦ ἀγαπητοῦ παιδὸς καὶ ἐφανέρωσε τὰ ἐξ ἀρχῆς ἡτοιμασμένα, πάνθʼ ἅμα παρέσχεν ἡμῖν καὶ μετασχεῖν τῶν εὐεργεσιῶν αὐτοῦ καὶ ἰδεῖν καὶ νοῆσαι, ἃ τίς ἂν πώποτε προσεδόκησεν ἡμῶν;
epei de apekalypse dia tou agapētou paidos kai ephanerōse ta ex archēs hētoimasmena, panthʼ hama pareschen hēmin kai metaschein tōn euergesiōn autou kai idein kai noēsai, ha tis an pōpote prosedokēsen hēmōn?
but when he revealed it through his beloved Child and made manifest what had been prepared from the beginning, he granted us everything at once: both to share in his benefits and to see and understand them. Which of us would ever have expected these things?
1 Cor 2:9 (echo, low confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Through his Son God revealed and gave everything.
Topics: Christology
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 8.11 (Lake, LCL 25:368; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/8-11).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/8-11
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-8-11) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 9
9.1Lake, LCL 25:368
Πάντʼ οὖν ἤδη παρʼ ἑαυτῷ σὺν τῷ παιδὶ οἰκονομηκώς, μέχρι μὲν τοῦ πρόσθεν χρόνου εἴασεν ἡμᾶς, ὡς ἐβουλόμεθα, ἀτάκτοις φοραῖς φέρεσθαι, ἡδοναῖς καὶ ἐπιθυμίαις ἀπαγομένους. οὐ πάντως ἐφηδόμενος τοῖς ἁμαρτήμασιν ἡμῶν, ἀλλʼ ἀνεχόμενος, οὐδὲ τῷ τότε τῆς ἀδικίας καιρῷ συνευδοκῶν, ἀλλὰ τὸν νῦν τῆς δικαιοσύνης δημιουργῶν, ἵνα ἐν τῷ τότε χρόνῳ ἐλεγχθέντες ἐκ τῶν ἰδίων ἔργων ἀνάξιοι ζωῆς νῦν ὑπὸ τῆς τοῦ θεοῦ χρηστότητος ἀξιωθῶμεν, καὶ τὸ καθʼ ἑαυτοὺς φανερώσαντες ἀδύνατον εἰσελθεῖν εἰς τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ θεοῦ τῇ δυνάμει τοῦ θεοῦ δυνατοὶ γενηθῶμεν.
Pantʼ oun ēdē parʼ heautǭ syn tǭ paidi oikonomēkōs, mechri men tou prosthen chronou eiasen hēmas, hōs eboulometha, ataktois phorais pheresthai, hēdonais kai epithymiais apagomenous. ou pantōs ephēdomenos tois hamartēmasin hēmōn, allʼ anechomenos, oude tǭ tote tēs adikias kairǭ syneudokōn, alla ton nyn tēs dikaiosynēs dēmiourgōn, hina en tǭ tote chronǭ elenchthentes ek tōn idiōn ergōn anaxioi zōēs nyn hypo tēs tou theou chrēstotētos axiōthōmen, kai to kathʼ heautous phanerōsantes adynaton eiselthein eis tēn basileian tou theou tę̄ dynamei tou theou dynatoi genēthōmen.
Having, then, already arranged everything with himself together with his Child, he permitted us during the former time to be carried along by disorderly impulses, as we wished, led astray by pleasures and desires. He did not at all delight in our sins, but bore with them; nor did he approve of that time of unrighteousness, but was creating the present time of righteousness, so that we, who in that former time were convicted by our own works as unworthy of life, might now be made worthy by the kindness of God; and that we, having shown that by ourselves we could not enter the kingdom of God, might be made able by the power of God.
Rom 3:25 (echo, medium confidence) · Rom 3:26 (echo, medium confidence) · John 3:5 (echo, low confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: God bore with our sins in the past to show we cannot save ourselves.
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 9.1 (Lake, LCL 25:368; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/9-1).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/9-1
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-9-1) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
9.2Lake, LCL 25:368–370
ἐπεὶ δὲ πεπλήρωτο μὲν ἡ ἡμετέρα ἀδικία καὶ τελείως πεφανέρωτο, ὅτι ὁ μισθὸς αὐτῆς κόλασις καὶ θάνατος προσεδοκᾶτο, ἦλθε δὲ ὁ καιρός, ὃν θεὸς προέθετο λοιπὸν φανερῶσαι τὴν ἑαυτοῦ χρηστότητα καὶ δύναμιν ʽὢ τῆς ὑπερβαλλούσης φιλανθρωπίας καὶ ἀγάπης τοῦ θεοῦʼ, οὐκ ἐμίσησεν ἡμᾶς οὐδὲ ἀπώσατο οὐδὲ ἐμνησικάκησεν, ἀλλὰ ἐμακροθύμησεν, ἠνέσχετο, ἐλεῶν αὐτὸς τὰς ἡμετέρας ἁμαρτίας ἀνεδέξατο, αὐτὸς τὸν ἴδιον υἱὸν ἀπέδοτο λύτρον ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν, τὸν ἅγιον ὑπὲρ ἀνόμων, τὸν ἄκακον ὑπὲρ τῶν κακῶν, τὸν δίκαιον ὑπὲρ τῶν ἀδίκων, τὸν ἄφθαρτον ὑπὲρ τῶν φθαρτῶν, τὸν ἀθάνατον ὑπὲρ τῶν θνητῶν.
epei de peplērōto men hē hēmetera adikia kai teleiōs pephanerōto, hoti ho misthos autēs kolasis kai thanatos prosedokato, ēlthe de ho kairos, hon theos proetheto loipon phanerōsai tēn heautou chrēstotēta kai dynamin ʽō tēs hyperballousēs philanthrōpias kai agapēs tou theouʼ, ouk emisēsen hēmas oude apōsato oude emnēsikakēsen, alla emakrothymēsen, ēnescheto, eleōn autos tas hēmeteras hamartias anedexato, autos ton idion huion apedoto lytron hyper hēmōn, ton hagion hyper anomōn, ton akakon hyper tōn kakōn, ton dikaion hyper tōn adikōn, ton aphtharton hyper tōn phthartōn, ton athanaton hyper tōn thnētōn.
But when our unrighteousness had been fulfilled, and it had been made fully plain that its wages, punishment and death, were to be expected, and the time came that God had appointed to reveal at last his own kindness and power (oh, the surpassing love for mankind and the love of God!), he did not hate us or reject us or bear a grudge against us, but was long-suffering and forbearing; in mercy he himself took up our sins; he himself gave his own Son as a ransom for us: the holy for the lawless, the innocent for the wicked, the righteous for the unrighteous, the incorruptible for the corruptible, the immortal for the mortal.
Rom 6:23 (echo, medium confidence) · Titus 3:4 (echo, medium confidence) · Mark 10:45 (allusion, medium confidence) · 1 Pet 3:18 (allusion, medium confidence) · Rom 8:32 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: In love God gave his own Son as a ransom for us.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (digitization slip: a closing parenthesis mark rendered as an accent): τοῦ θεοὖ → τοῦ θεοῦʼ.
Topics: Christology, Atonement
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 9.2 (Lake, LCL 25:368–370; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/9-2).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/9-2
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-9-2) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
9.3Lake, LCL 25:370
τί γὰρ ἄλλο τὰς ἁμαρτίας ἡμῶν ἠδυνήθη καλύψαι ἢ ἐκείνου δικαιοσύνη;
ti gar allo tas hamartias hēmōn ēdynēthē kalypsai ē ekeinou dikaiosynē?
For what else could have covered our sins except his righteousness?
Rom 4:7 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Only Christ's righteousness covers our sins.
Topics: Christology, Justification
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 9.3 (Lake, LCL 25:370; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/9-3).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/9-3
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-9-3) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
9.4Lake, LCL 25:370
ἐν τίνι δικαιωθῆναι δυνατὸν τοὺς ἀνόμους ἡμᾶς καὶ ἀσεβεῖς ἢ ἐν μόνῳ τῷ υἱῷ τοῦ θεοῦ;
en tini dikaiōthēnai dynaton tous anomous hēmas kai asebeis ē en monǭ tǭ huiǭ tou theou?
In whom could we, the lawless and ungodly, be justified, except in the Son of God alone?
Rom 4:5 (echo, medium confidence) · Rom 5:6 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: We are justified in the Son of God alone.
- A clear early statement of justification in Christ alone.
Topics: Christology, Justification
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 9.4 (Lake, LCL 25:370; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/9-4).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/9-4
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-9-4) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
9.5Lake, LCL 25:370
ὢ τῆς γλυκείας ἀνταλλαγῆς, ὢ τῆς ἀνεξιχνιάστου δημιουργίας, ὢ τῶν ἀπροσδοκήτων εὐεργεσιῶν· ἵνα ἀνομία μὲν πολλῶν ἐν δικαίῳ ἑνὶ κρυβῇ, δικαιοσύνη δὲ ἑνὸς πολλοὺς ἀνόμους δικαιώσῃ.
ō tēs glykeias antallagēs, ō tēs anexichniastou dēmiourgias, ō tōn aprosdokētōn euergesiōn; hina anomia men pollōn en dikaiǭ heni krybę̄, dikaiosynē de henos pollous anomous dikaiōsę̄.
O the sweet exchange, O the inscrutable work, O the unexpected benefits: that the lawlessness of many should be hidden in one righteous man, and the righteousness of one should justify many lawless people!
Rom 5:18 (allusion, medium confidence) · Rom 5:19 (allusion, medium confidence) · 2 Cor 5:21 (echo, medium confidence) · Isa 53:11 (echo, medium confidence) · Rom 11:33 (echo, low confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: The sweet exchange: our sin hidden in him, his righteousness justifying us.
- “Exchange” (ἀνταλλαγή): the exchange of our sin for Christ's righteousness.
Topics: Christology, Atonement
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 9.5 (Lake, LCL 25:370; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/9-5).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/9-5
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-9-5) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
9.6Lake, LCL 25:370
ἐλέγξας οὖν ἐν μὲν τῷ πρόσθεν χρόνῳ τὸ ἀδύνατον τῆς ἡμετέρας φύσεως εἰς τὸ τυχεῖν ζωῆς, νῦν δὲ τὸν σωτῆρα δείξας δυνατὸν σώζειν καὶ τὰ ἀδύνατα, ἐξ ἀμφοτέρων ἐβουλήθη πιστεύειν ἡμᾶς τῇ χρηστότητι αὐτοῦ, αὐτὸν ἡγεῖσθαι τροφέα, πατέρα, διδάσκαλον, σύμβουλον, ἰατρόν, νοῦν, φῶς, τιμήν, δόξαν, ἰσχύν, ζωήν, περὶ ἐνδύσεως καὶ τροφῆς μὴ μεριμνᾶν.
elenxas oun en men tǭ prosthen chronǭ to adynaton tēs hēmeteras physeōs eis to tychein zōēs, nyn de ton sōtēra deixas dynaton sōzein kai ta adynata, ex amphoterōn eboulēthē pisteuein hēmas tę̄ chrēstotēti autou, auton hēgeisthai trophea, patera, didaskalon, symboulon, iatron, noun, phōs, timēn, doxan, ischyn, zōēn, peri endyseōs kai trophēs mē merimnan.
Having, then, in the former time convicted our nature of its inability to obtain life, and now having shown the Savior able to save even what cannot be saved, by both he willed that we should believe in his kindness, and regard him as nourisher, father, teacher, counselor, physician, mind, light, honor, glory, strength, life, and not be anxious about clothing and food.
Matt 6:25 (echo, medium confidence) · Matt 6:31 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: God showed our helplessness and the Savior's power, so that we trust him in everything.
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 9.6 (Lake, LCL 25:370; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/9-6).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/9-6
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-9-6) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 10
10.1Lake, LCL 25:370
Ταύτην καὶ σὺ τὴν πίστιν ἐὰν ποθήσῃς, καὶ λάβῃς πρῶτον μὲν ἐπίγνωσιν πατρός...
Tautēn kai sy tēn pistin ean pothēsę̄s, kai labę̄s prōton men epignōsin patros...
If you too long for this faith, and first receive knowledge of the Father …
Textual problem in this passage: see the notes.
Notes and citation
Summary: If you desire this faith, first come to know the Father.
- The manuscript has a gap here; the end of the sentence is lost.
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 10.1 (Lake, LCL 25:370; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/10-1).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/10-1
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-10-1) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
10.2Lake, LCL 25:370
ὁ γὰρ θεὸς τοὺς ἀνθρώπους ἠγάπησε, διʼ οὓς ἐποίησε τὸν κόσμον, οἷς ὑπέταξε πάντα τὰ ἐν τῇ γῇ, οἷς λόγον ἔδωκεν, οἷς νοῦν, οἷς μόνοις ἄνω πρὸς αὐτὸν ὁρᾶν ἐπέτρεψεν, οὓς ἐκ τῆς ἰδίας εἰκόνος ἔπλασε, πρὸς οὓς ἀπέστειλε τὸν υἱὸν αὐτοῦ τὸν μονογενῆ, οἷς τὴν ἐν οὐρανῷ βασιλείαν ἐπηγγείλατο, καὶ δώσει τοῖς ἀγαπήσασιν αὐτόν.
ho gar theos tous anthrōpous ēgapēse, diʼ hous epoiēse ton kosmon, hois hypetaxe panta ta en tę̄ gę̄, hois logon edōken, hois noun, hois monois anō pros auton horan epetrepsen, hous ek tēs idias eikonos eplase, pros hous apesteile ton huion autou ton monogenē, hois tēn en ouranǭ basileian epēngeilato, kai dōsei tois agapēsasin auton.
For God loved mankind, for whose sake he made the world, to whom he subjected everything on earth, to whom he gave reason, to whom he gave mind, whom alone he allowed to look up to him, whom he formed from his own image, to whom he sent his only-begotten Son, to whom he promised the kingdom in heaven, and will give it to those who have loved him.
John 3:16 (allusion, medium confidence) · Gen 1:26 (echo, medium confidence) · Gen 1:28 (echo, medium confidence) · Jas 2:5 (echo, low confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: God loved mankind, made the world for them, and sent his only Son.
Topics: Christology
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 10.2 (Lake, LCL 25:370; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/10-2).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/10-2
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-10-2) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
10.3Lake, LCL 25:370–372
ἐπιγνοὺς δὲ τίνος οἴει πληρωθήσεσθαι χαρᾶς; ἢ πῶς ἀγαπήσεις τὸ οὕτως προαγαπήσαντά σε;
epignous de tinos oiei plērōthēsesthai charas? ē pōs agapēseis to houtōs proagapēsanta se?
And when you have come to know him, with what joy do you think you will be filled? Or how will you love him who so loved you first?
1 John 4:19 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: How can we not love the God who first loved us?
Topics: Love of God and neighbour
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 10.3 (Lake, LCL 25:370–372; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/10-3).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/10-3
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-10-3) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
10.4Lake, LCL 25:372
ἀγαπήσας δὲ μιμητὴς ἔσῃ αὐτοῦ τῆς χρηστότητος. καὶ μὴ θαυμάσῃ εἰ δύναται μιμητὴς ἄνθρωπος γενέσθαι θεοῦ· δύναται θέλοντος αὐτοῦ.
agapēsas de mimētēs esę̄ autou tēs chrēstotētos. kai mē thaumasę̄ ei dynatai mimētēs anthrōpos genesthai theou; dynatai thelontos autou.
And by loving him you will be an imitator of his kindness. And do not be surprised that a man can become an imitator of God; he can, if God wills it.
Eph 5:1 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Loving God, one becomes an imitator of his kindness.
- “If God wills it” (θέλοντος αὐτοῦ): literally “if he wills”; it may also mean “if the man is willing.”
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (digitization slip against Lake's printed text (word split); punctuation slip in the digital text): μιμη τὴς ἔσῃ → μιμητὴς ἔσῃ; θεοῦ δύναται θέλοντος → θεοῦ· δύναται θέλοντος.
Topics: Ethics
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 10.4 (Lake, LCL 25:372; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/10-4).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/10-4
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-10-4) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
10.5Lake, LCL 25:372
οὐ γὰρ τὸ καταδυναστεύειν τῶν πλησίον οὐδὲ τὸ πλέον ἔχειν βούλεσθαι τῶν ἀσθενεστέρων οὐδὲ τὸ πλουτεῖν καὶ βιάζεσθαι τοὺς ὑποδεεστέρους εὐδαιμονεῖν ἐστιν, οὐδὲ ἐν τούτοις δύναταί τις μιμήσασθαι θεόν, ἀλλὰ ταῦτα ἐκτὸς τῆς ἐκείνου μεγαλειότητος.
ou gar to katadynasteuein tōn plēsion oude to pleon echein boulesthai tōn asthenesterōn oude to ploutein kai biazesthai tous hypodeesterous eudaimonein estin, oude en toutois dynatai tis mimēsasthai theon, alla tauta ektos tēs ekeinou megaleiotētos.
For happiness is not in lording it over one's neighbors, nor in wishing to have more than the weaker, nor in being rich and using force against those who are poorer; nor can anyone imitate God in these things; rather, these things are foreign to his majesty.
Notes and citation
Summary: Imitating God is not domination or wealth.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (damaged spot in the digital text (garbled letters and question marks); restored from the sense and Lake's printed text): καταδυν̔??ʼ στεύειν → καταδυναστεύειν; βούλεσθ̔??ʼ → βούλεσθαι; βιάζεσθἁ??ʼ → βιάζεσθαι.
Topics: Ethics
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 10.5 (Lake, LCL 25:372; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/10-5).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/10-5
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-10-5) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
10.6Lake, LCL 25:372
ἀλλʼ ὅστις τὸ τοῦ πλησίον ἀναδέχεται βάρος, ὃς ἐν ᾧ κρείσσων ἐστὶν ἕτερον τὸν ἐλαττούμενον εὐεργετεῖν ἐθέλει, ὃς ἃ παρὰ τοῦ θεοῦ λαβὼν ἔχει, ταῦτα τοῖς ἐπιδεομένοις χορηγῶν θεὸς γίνεται τῶν λαμβανόντων, οὗτος μιμητής ἐστι θεοῦ.
allʼ hostis to tou plēsion anadechetai baros, hos en hǭ kreissōn estin heteron ton elattoumenon euergetein ethelei, hos ha para tou theou labōn echei, tauta tois epideomenois chorēgōn theos ginetai tōn lambanontōn, houtos mimētēs esti theou.
But whoever takes up his neighbor's burden, whoever wishes to benefit another who is worse off in that in which he himself is better off, whoever supplies to those in need what he has received from God, and so becomes a god to those who receive it: this one is an imitator of God.
Gal 6:2 (allusion, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Whoever carries others' burdens and gives to the needy imitates God.
- “Becomes a god to those who receive”: a bold phrase meaning that the giver acts toward the needy as God acts; it is not a claim to divinity.
Topics: Ethics, Almsgiving and care for the poor
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 10.6 (Lake, LCL 25:372; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/10-6).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/10-6
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-10-6) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
10.7Lake, LCL 25:372
τότε θεάσῃ τυγχάνων ἐπὶ γῆς, ὅτι θεὸς ἐν οὐρανοῖς πολιτεύεται, τότε μυστήρια θεοῦ λαλεῖν ἄρξῃ, τότε τοὺς κολαζομένους ἐπὶ τῷ μὴ θέλειν ἀρνήσασθαι θεὸν καὶ ἀγαπήσεις καὶ θαυμάσεις· τότε τῆς ἀπάτης τοῦ κόσμου καὶ τῆς πλάνης καταγνώσῃ, ὅταν τὸ ἀληθῶς ἐν οὐρανῷ ζῆν ἐπιγνῷς, ὅταν τοῦ δοκοῦντος ἐνθάδε θανάτου καταφρονήσῃς, ὅταν τὸν ὄντως θάνατον φοβηθῇς, ὃς φυλάσσεται τοῖς κατακριθησομένοις εἰς τὸ πῦρ τὸ αἰώνιον, ὃ τοὺς παραδοθέντας αὐτῷ μέχρι τέλους κολάσει.
tote theasę̄ tynchanōn epi gēs, hoti theos en ouranois politeuetai, tote mystēria theou lalein arxę̄, tote tous kolazomenous epi tǭ mē thelein arnēsasthai theon kai agapēseis kai thaumaseis; tote tēs apatēs tou kosmou kai tēs planēs katagnōsę̄, hotan to alēthōs en ouranǭ zēn epignǭs, hotan tou dokountos enthade thanatou kataphronēsę̄s, hotan ton ontōs thanaton phobēthę̄s, hos phylassetai tois katakrithēsomenois eis to pyr to aiōnion, ho tous paradothentas autǭ mechri telous kolasei.
Then, while you are on earth, you will see that God rules in heaven; then you will begin to speak the mysteries of God; then you will both love and admire those who are punished because they will not deny God; then you will condemn the deceit and error of the world, when you come to know the true life in heaven, when you despise the apparent death here, when you fear the real death, which is reserved for those who will be condemned to the eternal fire, which will punish those handed over to it to the end.
Matt 25:41 (echo, medium confidence) · Matt 10:28 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Then you will admire the martyrs and fear the real death.
Topics: Martyrdom, Eschatology
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 10.7 (Lake, LCL 25:372; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/10-7).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/10-7
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-10-7) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
10.8Lake, LCL 25:372–374
τότε τοὺς ὑπομένοντας ὑπὲρ δικαιοσύνης θαυμάσεις τὸ πῦρ τὸ πρόσκαιρον καὶ μακαρίσεις, ὅταν ἐκεῖνο τὸ πῦρ ἐπιγνῷς.
tote tous hypomenontas hyper dikaiosynēs thaumaseis to pyr to proskairon kai makariseis, hotan ekeino to pyr epignǭs.
Then you will admire those who endure the temporary fire for righteousness' sake, and you will call them blessed, when you come to know that fire.
Notes and citation
Summary: You will call blessed those who endure the fire of martyrdom.
Topics: Martyrdom
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 10.8 (Lake, LCL 25:372–374; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/10-8).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/10-8
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-10-8) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 11
11.1Lake, LCL 25:374
Οὐ ξένα ὁμιλῶ οὐδὲ παραλόγως ζητῶ, ἀλλὰ ἀποστόλων γενόμενος μαθητὴς γίνομαι διδάσκαλος ἐθνῶν· τὰ παραδοθέντα ἀξίως ὑπηρετῶ γινομένοις ἀληθείας μαθηταῖς.
Ou xena homilō oude paralogōs zētō, alla apostolōn genomenos mathētēs ginomai didaskalos ethnōn; ta paradothenta axiōs hypēretō ginomenois alētheias mathētais.
I do not speak of strange things, nor do I inquire unreasonably; but having become a disciple of apostles I am becoming a teacher of the Gentiles; I minister worthily the things handed down to those who are becoming disciples of the truth.
Textual problem in this passage: see the notes.
Notes and citation
Summary: A disciple of the apostles becomes a teacher of the Gentiles.
- Chapters 11–12 differ in style and may come from a different work, perhaps a homily, joined to the letter in the manuscript. The phrase “disciple of apostles” gave the unknown author the traditional name “Mathetes” (“disciple”).
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 11.1 (Lake, LCL 25:374; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/11-1).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/11-1
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-11-1) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
11.2Lake, LCL 25:374
τίς γὰρ ὀρθῶς διδαχθεὶς καὶ λόγῳ προσφιλὴς γενηθεὶς οὐκ ἐπιζητεῖ σαφῶς μαθεῖν τὰ διὰ λόγου δειχθέντα φανερῶς μαθηταῖς, οἷς ἐφανέρωσεν ὁ λόγος φανείς, παρρησίᾳ λαλῶν, ὑπὸ ἀπίστων μὴ νοούμενος, μαθηταῖς δὲ διηγούμενος, οἳ πιστοὶ λογισθέντες ὑπʼ αὐτοῦ ἔγνωσαν πατρὸς μυστήρια;
tis gar orthōs didachtheis kai logǭ prosphilēs genētheis ouk epizētei saphōs mathein ta dia logou deichthenta phanerōs mathētais, hois ephanerōsen ho logos phaneis, parrēsią lalōn, hypo apistōn mē nooumenos, mathētais de diēgoumenos, hoi pistoi logisthentes hypʼ autou egnōsan patros mystēria?
For who that has been rightly taught and has become a friend of the Word does not seek to learn clearly what was plainly shown through the Word to disciples, to whom the Word, when he appeared, revealed them, speaking boldly, not understood by unbelievers, but explaining to disciples, who, being reckoned faithful by him, came to know the mysteries of the Father?
Notes and citation
Summary: The Word revealed the Father's mysteries to faithful disciples.
Topics: Christology
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 11.2 (Lake, LCL 25:374; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/11-2).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/11-2
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-11-2) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
11.3Lake, LCL 25:374
οὗ χάριν ἀπέστειλε λόγον, ἵνα κόσμῳ φανῇ, ὃς ὑπὸ λαοῦ ἀτιμασθείς, διὰ ἀποστόλων κηρυχθείς, ὑπὸ ἐθνῶν ἐπιστεύθη.
hou charin apesteile logon, hina kosmǭ phanę̄, hos hypo laou atimastheis, dia apostolōn kērychtheis, hypo ethnōn episteuthē.
For this reason he sent the Word, that he might appear to the world; he was dishonored by the people, preached by the apostles, believed by the Gentiles.
1 Tim 3:16 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: The Word was rejected by his people, preached by apostles, believed by Gentiles.
Topics: Christology
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 11.3 (Lake, LCL 25:374; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/11-3).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/11-3
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-11-3) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
11.4Lake, LCL 25:374
οὗτος ὁ ἀπʼ ἀρχῆς, ὁ καινὸς φανεὶς καὶ παλαιὸς εὑρεθεὶς καὶ πάντοτε νέος ἐν ἁγίων καρδίαις γεννώμενος.
houtos ho apʼ archēs, ho kainos phaneis kai palaios heuretheis kai pantote neos en hagiōn kardiais gennōmenos.
This is he who was from the beginning, who appeared new and was found to be old, and is ever born young in the hearts of the saints.
1 John 1:1 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: The eternal Word is ever new in the hearts of the saints.
Topics: Christology
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 11.4 (Lake, LCL 25:374; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/11-4).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/11-4
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-11-4) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
11.5Lake, LCL 25:374–376
οὗτος ὁ ἀεί, ὁ σήμερον υἱὸς λογισθείς, διʼ οὗ πλουτίζεται ἡ ἐκκλησία καὶ χάρις ἁπλουμένη ἐν ἁγίοις πληθύνεται, παρέχουσα νοῦν, φανεροῦσα μυστήρια, διαγγέλλουσα καιρούς, χαίρουσα ἐπὶ πιστοῖς, ἐπιζητοῦσι δωρουμένη, οἷς ὅρκια πίστεως οὐ θραύεται οὐδὲ ὅρια πατέρων παρορίζεται.
houtos ho aei, ho sēmeron huios logistheis, diʼ hou ploutizetai hē ekklēsia kai charis haploumenē en hagiois plēthynetai, parechousa noun, phanerousa mystēria, diangellousa kairous, chairousa epi pistois, epizētousi dōroumenē, hois horkia pisteōs ou thrauetai oude horia paterōn parorizetai.
This is he who is eternal, who today is reckoned Son, through whom the church is enriched and grace, unfolded, is multiplied among the saints, giving understanding, revealing mysteries, announcing seasons, rejoicing over the faithful, given to those who seek, by whom the pledges of faith are not broken nor the boundaries of the fathers overstepped.
Ps 2:7 (allusion, medium confidence) · Prov 22:28 (echo, low confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Through the eternal Son the church is enriched with grace.
- “Today is reckoned Son”: an echo of Ps 2:7 (“You are my Son; today I have begotten you”).
Topics: Christology
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 11.5 (Lake, LCL 25:374–376; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/11-5).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/11-5
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-11-5) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
11.6Lake, LCL 25:376
εἶτα φόβος νόμου ᾅδεται, καὶ προφητῶν χάρις γινώσκεται, καὶ εὐαγγελίων πίστις ἵδρυται, καὶ ἀποστόλων παράδοσις φυλάσσεται, καὶ ἐκκλησίας χάρις σκιρτᾷ.
eita phobos nomou hądetai, kai prophētōn charis ginōsketai, kai euangeliōn pistis hidrytai, kai apostolōn paradosis phylassetai, kai ekklēsias charis skirtą.
Then the fear of the law is sung, and the grace of the prophets is known, and the faith of the gospels is established, and the tradition of the apostles is guarded, and the grace of the church leaps for joy.
Notes and citation
Summary: Law, prophets, gospels, and apostles are honored in the church.
- “The gospels” (plural): an early witness to more than one written Gospel.
Topics: Scripture and canon
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 11.6 (Lake, LCL 25:376; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/11-6).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/11-6
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-11-6) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
11.7Lake, LCL 25:376
ἣν χάριν μὴ λυπῶν ἐπιγνώσῃ, ἃ λόγος ὁμιλεῖ διʼ ὧν βούλεται, ὅτε θέλει.
hēn charin mē lypōn epignōsę̄, ha logos homilei diʼ hōn bouletai, hote thelei.
If you do not grieve this grace, you will come to know what the Word speaks, through whom he wills, when he wishes.
Notes and citation
Summary: Do not grieve grace, and the Word will speak to you.
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 11.7 (Lake, LCL 25:376; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/11-7).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/11-7
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-11-7) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
11.8Lake, LCL 25:376
ὅσα γὰρ θελήματι τοῦ κελεύοντος λόγου ἐκινήθημεν ἐξειπεῖν μετὰ πόνου, ἐξ ἀγάπης τῶν ἀποκαλυφθέντων ἡμῖν γινόμεθα ὑμῖν κοινωνοί.
hosa gar thelēmati tou keleuontos logou ekinēthēmen exeipein meta ponou, ex agapēs tōn apokalyphthentōn hēmin ginometha hymin koinōnoi.
For all the things that we were moved to speak out with labor by the will of the Word who commands us, we share with you out of love for the things revealed to us.
Notes and citation
Summary: Out of love we share what was revealed to us.
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 11.8 (Lake, LCL 25:376; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/11-8).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/11-8
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-11-8) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 12
12.1Lake, LCL 25:376
Οἷς ἐντυχόντες καὶ ἀκούσαντες μετὰ σπουδῆς εἴσεσθε, ὅσα παρέχει ὁ θεὸς τοῖς ἀγαπῶσιν ὀρθῶς, οἱ γενόμενοι παράδεισος τρυφῆς, πάγκαρπον ξύλον εὐθαλοῦν ἀνατείλαντες ἐν ἑαυτοῖς, ποικίλοις καρποῖς κεκοσμημένοι.
Hois entychontes kai akousantes meta spoudēs eisesthe, hosa parechei ho theos tois agapōsin orthōs, hoi genomenoi paradeisos tryphēs, pankarpon xylon euthaloun anateilantes en heautois, poikilois karpois kekosmēmenoi.
When you have read and listened to these things with eagerness, you will know what God provides for those who love him rightly, who become a paradise of delight, raising up within themselves a flourishing tree bearing every fruit, adorned with various fruits.
Gen 2:8 (echo, medium confidence) · Gen 2:9 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Those who love God become a paradise bearing every fruit.
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 12.1 (Lake, LCL 25:376; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/12-1).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/12-1
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-12-1) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
12.2Lake, LCL 25:376
ἐν γὰρ τούτῳ τῷ χωρίῳ ξύλον γνώσεως καὶ ξύλον ζωῆς πεφύτευται· ἀλλʼ οὐ τὸ τῆς γνώσεως ἀναιρεῖ, ἀλλʼ ἡ παρακοὴ ἀναιρεῖ.
en gar toutǭ tǭ chōriǭ xylon gnōseōs kai xylon zōēs pephyteutai; allʼ ou to tēs gnōseōs anairei, allʼ hē parakoē anairei.
For in this place a tree of knowledge and a tree of life have been planted; but it is not the tree of knowledge that kills; it is disobedience that kills.
Notes and citation
Summary: Not knowledge but disobedience brings death.
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 12.2 (Lake, LCL 25:376; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/12-2).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/12-2
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-12-2) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
12.3Lake, LCL 25:376
οὐδὲ γὰρ ἄσημα τὰ γεγραμμένα, ὡς θεὸς ἀπʼ ἀρχῆς ξύλον γνώσεως καὶ ξύλον ζωῆς ἐν μέσῳ παραδείσου ἐφύτευσε, διὰ γνώσεως ζωὴν ἐπιδεικνύς· ᾗ μὴ καθαρῶς χρησάμενοι οἱ ἀπʼ ἀρχῆς πλάνῃ τοῦ ὄφεως γεγύμνωνται.
oude gar asēma ta gegrammena, hōs theos apʼ archēs xylon gnōseōs kai xylon zōēs en mesǭ paradeisou ephyteuse, dia gnōseōs zōēn epideiknys; hę̄ mē katharōs chrēsamenoi hoi apʼ archēs planę̄ tou opheōs gegymnōntai.
For what is written is not without meaning: that God from the beginning planted a tree of knowledge and a tree of life in the midst of paradise, showing life through knowledge; because the first people did not use it purely, they were stripped naked by the deceit of the serpent.
Gen 2:9 (allusion, high confidence) · Gen 3:7 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: God planted both trees; misuse of knowledge through the serpent's deceit led to the fall.
Topics: The fall
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 12.3 (Lake, LCL 25:376; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/12-3).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/12-3
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-12-3) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
12.4Lake, LCL 25:376
οὐδὲ γὰρ ζωὴ ἄνευ γνώσεως οὐδὲ γνῶσις ἀσφαλὴς ἄνευ ζωῆς ἀληθοῦς· διὸ πλησίον ἑκάτερον πεφύτευται.
oude gar zōē aneu gnōseōs oude gnōsis asphalēs aneu zōēs alēthous; dio plēsion hekateron pephyteutai.
For there is no life without knowledge, nor sure knowledge without true life; therefore each was planted near the other.
Notes and citation
Summary: Life and knowledge belong together.
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 12.4 (Lake, LCL 25:376; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/12-4).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/12-4
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-12-4) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
12.5Lake, LCL 25:376–378
ἣν δύναμιν ἐνιδὼν ὁ ἀπόστολος τήν τε ἄνευ ἀληθείας προστάγματος εἰς ζωὴν ἀσκουμένην γνῶσιν μεμφόμενος λέγει· Ἡ γνῶσις φυσιοῖ, ἡ δὲ ἀγάπη οἰκοδομεῖ.
hēn dynamin enidōn ho apostolos tēn te aneu alētheias prostagmatos eis zōēn askoumenēn gnōsin memphomenos legei; Hē gnōsis physioi, hē de agapē oikodomei.
Seeing this power, the apostle, finding fault with knowledge that is practiced without the truth of the commandment that leads to life, says, “Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.”
1 Cor 8:1 (quotation, high confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Paul: knowledge puffs up, love builds up.
Topics: Scripture and canon
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 12.5 (Lake, LCL 25:376–378; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/12-5).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/12-5
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-12-5) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
12.6Lake, LCL 25:378
ὁ γὰρ νομίζων εἰδέναι τι ἄνευ γνώσεως ἀληθοῦς καὶ μαρτυρουμένης ὑπὸ τῆς ζωῆς οὐκ ἔγνω, ὑπὸ τοῦ ὄφεως πλανᾶται, μὴ ἀγαπήσας τὸ ζῆν. ὁ δὲ μετὰ φόβου ἐπιγνοὺς καὶ ζωὴν ἐπιζητῶν ἐπʼ ἐλπίδι φυτεύει, καρπὸν προσδοκῶν.
ho gar nomizōn eidenai ti aneu gnōseōs alēthous kai martyroumenēs hypo tēs zōēs ouk egnō, hypo tou opheōs planatai, mē agapēsas to zēn. ho de meta phobou epignous kai zōēn epizētōn epʼ elpidi phyteuei, karpon prosdokōn.
For whoever thinks he knows anything without true knowledge that is attested by life does not know; he is led astray by the serpent, not having loved life. But whoever has come to know with fear and seeks life plants in hope, expecting fruit.
1 Cor 8:2 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: True knowledge is shown by life; the one who seeks life plants in hope.
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 12.6 (Lake, LCL 25:378; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/12-6).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/12-6
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-12-6) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
12.7Lake, LCL 25:378
ἤτω σοὶ καρδία γνῶσις, ζωὴ δὲ λόγος ἀληθής, χωρούμενος.
ētō soi kardia gnōsis, zōē de logos alēthēs, chōroumenos.
Let your heart be knowledge, and your life the true word, received within.
Notes and citation
Summary: Let the heart be knowledge and the life the true word.
- The Greek of this sentence is very compressed and its sense uncertain.
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 12.7 (Lake, LCL 25:378; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/12-7).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/12-7
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-12-7) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
12.8Lake, LCL 25:378
οὗ ξύλον φέρων καὶ καρπὸν αἱρῶν τρυγήσεις ἀεὶ τὰ παρὰ θεῷ ποθούμενα, ὧν ὄφις οὐχ ἅπτεται οὐδὲ πλάνη συγχρωτίζεται· οὐδὲ Εὔα φθείρεται, ἀλλὰ παρθένος πιστεύεται·
hou xylon pherōn kai karpon hairōn trygēseis aei ta para theǭ pothoumena, hōn ophis ouch haptetai oude planē synchrōtizetai; oude Eua phtheiretai, alla parthenos pisteuetai;
If you bear this tree and pick its fruit, you will always gather the things desired by God, which the serpent does not touch and deceit does not defile; nor is Eve corrupted, but she is trusted as a virgin;
2 Cor 11:3 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: The fruit of this tree is untouched by the serpent; Eve is restored as a virgin.
- “Eve… trusted as a virgin”: probably the church, or Mary as the new Eve; the sense is disputed.
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 12.8 (Lake, LCL 25:378; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/12-8).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/12-8
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-12-8) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
12.9Lake, LCL 25:378
καὶ σωτήριον δείκνυται, καὶ ἀπόστολοι συνετίζονται, καὶ τὸ κυρίου πάσχα προέρχεται, καὶ καιροὶ συνάγονται καὶ μετὰ κόσμου ἁρμόζονται, καὶ διδάσκων ἁγίους ὁ λόγος εὐφραίνεται, διʼ οὗ πατὴρ δοξάζεται· ᾧ ἡ δόξα εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας. ἀμήν.
kai sōtērion deiknytai, kai apostoloi synetizontai, kai to kyriou pascha proerchetai, kai kairoi synagontai kai meta kosmou harmozontai, kai didaskōn hagious ho logos euphrainetai, diʼ hou patēr doxazetai; hǭ hē doxa eis tous aiōnas. amēn.
and salvation is shown, and apostles are given understanding, and the Passover of the Lord goes forward, and the seasons are gathered and brought into harmony with the world, and the Word rejoices as he teaches the saints, the Word through whom the Father is glorified; to him be the glory forever. Amen.
Notes and citation
Summary: Closing doxology: the Word teaches the saints and the Father is glorified.
- “The Passover of the Lord”: Easter, or Christ's saving death and resurrection.
- “The seasons are gathered” (καιροί): some editors read χοροί, “the choirs are gathered.”
Topics: Christology
Cite (SBL): Diogn. 12.9 (Lake, LCL 25:378; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/12-9).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/diognetus/12-9
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-diognetus-12-9) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.