Shepherd of Hermas: Mandates 1.1–9.12
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. 2 (1885).
Mandate 1
1.1Lake, LCL 25:70
Πρῶτον πάντων πίστευσον, ὅτι εἷς ἐστὶν ὁ θεός, ὁ τὰ πάντα κτίσας καὶ καταρτίσας καὶ ποιήσας ἐκ τοῦ μὴ ὄντος εἰς τὸ εἶναι τὰ πάντα καὶ πάντα χωρῶν, μόνος δὲ ἀχώρητος ὤν.
Prōton pantōn pisteuson, hoti heis estin ho theos, ho ta panta ktisas kai katartisas kai poiēsas ek tou mē ontos eis to einai ta panta kai panta chōrōn, monos de achōrētos ōn.
First of all, believe that God is one, who created all things and set them in order, and made all things out of what did not exist into being, and who contains all things but alone is not contained.
Deut 6:4 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Believe that God is one, the Creator who contains all and is contained by nothing.
- The Mandates (Ἐντολαί, “commandments”) are twelve moral instructions given by the Shepherd. This first one was widely quoted by later writers (Irenaeus, Origen) as a summary of faith in the one Creator.
Extrabiblical texts: 2 Macc 7:28 (2 Maccabees [in RC, EO canons]; echo)
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 1.1 (Lake, LCL 25:70; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-1-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
1.2Lake, LCL 25:70
πίστευσον οὖν αὐτῷ καὶ φοβήθητι αὐτόν, φοβηθεὶς δὲ ἐγκράτευσαι. ταῦτα φύλασσε, καὶ ἀποβαλεῖς πᾶσαν πονηρίαν ἀπὸ σεαυτοῦ καὶ ἐνδύσῃ πᾶσαν ἀρετὴν δικαιοσύνης καὶ ζήσῃ τῷ θεῷ, ἐὰν φυλάξῃς τὴν ἐντολὴν ταύτην.
pisteuson oun autǭ kai phobēthēti auton, phobētheis de enkrateusai. tauta phylasse, kai apobaleis pasan ponērian apo seautou kai endysę̄ pasan aretēn dikaiosynēs kai zēsę̄ tǭ theǭ, ean phylaxę̄s tēn entolēn tautēn.
Believe him, then, and fear him, and in fearing him be self-controlled. Keep these things, and you will cast off all wickedness from yourself and put on every virtue of righteousness, and you will live to God, if you keep this commandment.
Notes and citation
Summary: Faith, fear of God, and self-control lead to life.
Topics: Ethics
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 1.2 (Lake, LCL 25:70; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-1-2).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
Mandate 2
2.1Lake, LCL 25:70
Λέγει μοι· Ἁπλότητα ἔχε καὶ ἄκακος γίνου, καὶ ἔσῃ ὡς τὰ νήπια τὰ μὴ γινώσκοντα τὴν πονηρίαν τὴν ἀπολλύουσαν τὴν ζωὴν τῶν ἀνθρώπων.
Legei moi; Haplotēta eche kai akakos ginou, kai esę̄ hōs ta nēpia ta mē ginōskonta tēn ponērian tēn apollyousan tēn zōēn tōn anthrōpōn.
He said to me, “Have simplicity and be innocent, and you will be like little children who do not know the wickedness that destroys human life.
Matt 18:3 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Be simple and innocent like little children.
Topics: Ethics
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 2.1 (Lake, LCL 25:70; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-2-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
2.2Lake, LCL 25:70–72
πρῶτον μὲν μηδενὸς καταλάλει μηδὲ ἡδέως ἄκουε καταλαλοῦντος· εἰ δὲ μή, καὶ σὺ ὁ ἀκούων ἔνοχος ἔσῃ τῆς ἁμαρτίας τοῦ καταλαλοῦντος, ἐὰν πιστεύσῃς τῇ καταλαλιᾷ ᾗ ἂν ἀκούσῃς· πιστεύσας γὰρ καὶ σὺ αὐτὸς ἕξεις κατὰ τοῦ ἀδελφοῦ σου· οὕτως οὖν ἔνοχος ἔσῃ τῆς ἁμαρτίας τοῦ καταλαλοῦντος.
prōton men mēdenos katalalei mēde hēdeōs akoue katalalountos; ei de mē, kai sy ho akouōn enochos esę̄ tēs hamartias tou katalalountos, ean pisteusę̄s tę̄ katalalią hę̄ an akousę̄s; pisteusas gar kai sy autos hexeis kata tou adelphou sou; houtōs oun enochos esę̄ tēs hamartias tou katalalountos.
First, speak evil of no one, and do not listen with pleasure to someone who speaks evil. Otherwise, you who listen will share in the sin of the one who speaks evil, if you believe the slander you hear; for if you believe it, you yourself will hold something against your brother. So you will share in the sin of the slanderer.
Notes and citation
Summary: Do not slander or listen to slander.
Topics: Ethics
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 2.2 (Lake, LCL 25:70–72; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-2-2).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
2.3Lake, LCL 25:72
πονηρὰ ἡ καταλαλιά· ἀκατάστατον δαιμόνιόν ἐστιν, μηδέποτε εἰρηνεῦον, ἀλλὰ πάντοτε ἐν διχοστασίαις κατοικοῦν. ἀπέχου οὖν ἀπʼ αὐτοῦ, καὶ εὐθηνίαν πάντοτε ἕξεις μετὰ πάντων.
ponēra hē katalalia; akatastaton daimonion estin, mēdepote eirēneuon, alla pantote en dichostasiais katoikoun. apechou oun apʼ autou, kai euthēnian pantote hexeis meta pantōn.
Slander is evil; it is a restless demon, never at peace, but always living in divisions. Keep away from it, then, and you will always have well-being with everyone.
Notes and citation
Summary: Slander is a restless demon that breeds division.
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 2.3 (Lake, LCL 25:72; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-2-3).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
2.4Lake, LCL 25:72
ἔνδυσαι δὲ τὴν σεμνότητα, ἐν ᾗ οὐδὲν πρόσκομμά ἐστιν πονηρόν, ἀλλὰ πάντα ὁμαλὰ καὶ ἱλαρά. ἐργάζου τὸ ἀγαθὸν καὶ ἐκ τῶν κόπων σου ὧν ὁ θεὸς δίδωσίν σοι πᾶσιν ὑστερουμένοις δίδου ἁπλῶς, μὴ διστάζων, τίνι δῷς ἢ τίνι μὴ δῷς. πᾶσιν δίδου· πᾶσιν γὰρ ὁ θεὸς δίδοσθαι θέλει ἐκ τῶν ἰδίων δωρημάτων.
endysai de tēn semnotēta, en hę̄ ouden proskomma estin ponēron, alla panta homala kai hilara. ergazou to agathon kai ek tōn kopōn sou hōn ho theos didōsin soi pasin hysteroumenois didou haplōs, mē distazōn, tini dǭs ē tini mē dǭs. pasin didou; pasin gar ho theos didosthai thelei ek tōn idiōn dōrēmatōn.
Put on reverence, in which there is no evil stumbling block, but everything is smooth and cheerful. Do what is good, and from your labors, which God gives you, give to all in need simply, not hesitating about whom to give to and whom not to give to. Give to all; for God wishes that to all be given from his own gifts.
Matt 5:42 (echo, medium confidence) · Luke 6:30 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Give to everyone in need without hesitation.
- This passage is close to Did. 1.5, “give to everyone who asks you.”
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (digitization slip against Lake's printed text (wrong accent)): πᾶσιν γάρ ὁ θεὸς → πᾶσιν γὰρ ὁ θεὸς.
Topics: Ethics
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 2.4 (Lake, LCL 25:72; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-2-4).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
2.5Lake, LCL 25:72
οἱ οὖν λαμβάνοντες ἀποδώσουσιν λόγον τῷ θεῷ, διατί ἔλαβον καὶ εἰς τί· οἱ μὲν γὰρ λαμβάνοντες θλιβόμενοι οὐ δικασθήσονται, οἱ δὲ ἐν ὑποκρίσει λαμβάνοντες τίσουσιν δίκην.
hoi oun lambanontes apodōsousin logon tǭ theǭ, diati elabon kai eis ti; hoi men gar lambanontes thlibomenoi ou dikasthēsontai, hoi de en hypokrisei lambanontes tisousin dikēn.
Those, then, who receive will give an account to God of why they received and for what; for those who receive because they are in distress will not be judged, but those who receive in hypocrisy will pay the penalty.
Notes and citation
Summary: Receivers answer to God for why they took.
Topics: Ethics
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 2.5 (Lake, LCL 25:72; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-2-5).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
2.6Lake, LCL 25:72
ὁ οὖν διδοὺς ἀθῷός ἐστιν· ὡς γὰρ ἔλαβεν παρὰ τοῦ κυρίου τὴν διακονίαν τελέσαι, ἁπλῶς αὐτὴν ἐτέλεσεν, μηθὲν διακρίνων, τίνι δῷ ἢ μὴ δῷ. ἐγένετο οὖν ἡ διακονία αὕτη ἁπλῶς τελεσθεῖσα ἔνδοξος παρὰ τῷ θεῷ. ὁ οὖν οὕτως ἁπλῶς διακονῶν τῷ θεῷ ζήσεται.
ho oun didous athǭos estin; hōs gar elaben para tou kyriou tēn diakonian telesai, haplōs autēn etelesen, mēthen diakrinōn, tini dǭ ē mē dǭ. egeneto oun hē diakonia hautē haplōs telestheisa endoxos para tǭ theǭ. ho oun houtōs haplōs diakonōn tǭ theǭ zēsetai.
The one who gives, then, is innocent; for as he received from the Lord the ministry to perform, he performed it simply, not distinguishing to whom to give or not to give. This ministry, then, performed simply, became glorious before God. Whoever, then, serves God simply like this will live.
Notes and citation
Summary: The giver who gives simply is innocent and will live.
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 2.6 (Lake, LCL 25:72; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-2-6).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
2.7Lake, LCL 25:72
φύλασσε οὖν τὴν ἐντολὴν ταύτην, ὥς σοι λελάληκα, ἵνα ἡ μετάνοιά σου καὶ τοῦ οἴκου σου ἐν ἁπλότητι εὑρεθῇ, καὶ ἀκακία καθαρὰ καὶ ἀμίαντος.
phylasse oun tēn entolēn tautēn, hōs soi lelalēka, hina hē metanoia sou kai tou oikou sou en haplotēti heurethę̄, kai akakia kathara kai amiantos.
Keep, then, this commandment as I have told you, so that your repentance and that of your household may be found in simplicity, and your innocence pure and undefiled.”
Notes and citation
Summary: Keep this command so that repentance may be sincere.
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 2.7 (Lake, LCL 25:72; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-2-7).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
Mandate 3
3.1Lake, LCL 25:74
Πάλιν μοι λέγει· Ἀλήθειαν ἀγάπα καὶ πᾶσα ἀλήθεια ἐκ τοῦ στόματός σου ἐκπορευέσθω, ἵνα τὸ πνεῦμα, ὃ ὁ θεὸς κατῴκισεν ἐν τῇ σαρκὶ ταύτῃ, ἀληθὲς εὑρεθῇ παρὰ πᾶσιν ἀνθρώποις, καὶ οὕτως δοξασθήσεται ὁ κύριος ὁ ἐν σοὶ κατοικῶν, ὅτι ὁ κύριος ἀληθινὸς ἐν παντὶ ῥήματι καὶ οὐδὲν παρʼ αὐτῷ ψεῦδος.
Palin moi legei; Alētheian agapa kai pasa alētheia ek tou stomatos sou ekporeuesthō, hina to pneuma, ho ho theos katǭkisen en tę̄ sarki tautę̄, alēthes heurethę̄ para pasin anthrōpois, kai houtōs doxasthēsetai ho kyrios ho en soi katoikōn, hoti ho kyrios alēthinos en panti rhēmati kai ouden parʼ autǭ pseudos.
Again he said to me, “Love truth, and let all truth come out of your mouth, so that the spirit that God has made to dwell in this flesh may be found true before all people; and so the Lord who dwells in you will be glorified, because the Lord is true in every word, and there is no falsehood in him.
Notes and citation
Summary: Love truth, for the Lord who dwells in you is true.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (punctuation slip in the digital text (the sentence continues)): τὸ πνεῦμα. ὃ ὁ θεὸς → τὸ πνεῦμα, ὃ ὁ θεὸς.
Topics: Ethics
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 3.1 (Lake, LCL 25:74; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-3-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
3.2Lake, LCL 25:74
οἱ οὖν ψευδόμενοι ἀθετοῦσι τὸν κύριον καὶ γίνονται ἀποστερηταὶ τοῦ κυρίου, μὴ παραδιδόντες αὐτῷ τὴν παρακαταθήκην, ἣν ἔλαβον. ἔλαβον γὰρ παρʼ αὐτοῦ πνεῦμα ἄψευστον. τοῦτο ἐὰν ψευδὲς ἀποδώσωσιν, ἐμίαναν τὴν ἐντολὴν τοῦ κυρίου καὶ ἐγένοντο ἀποστερηταί.
hoi oun pseudomenoi athetousi ton kyrion kai ginontai aposterētai tou kyriou, mē paradidontes autǭ tēn parakatathēkēn, hēn elabon. elabon gar parʼ autou pneuma apseuston. touto ean pseudes apodōsōsin, emianan tēn entolēn tou kyriou kai egenonto aposterētai.
Those, then, who lie reject the Lord and become robbers of the Lord, not returning to him the deposit they received. For they received from him a spirit free of lies. If they return this as a lying spirit, they have defiled the commandment of the Lord and become robbers.”
Notes and citation
Summary: Liars rob God of the truthful spirit he entrusted to them.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (digitization slip: part of a word was repeated): ἀποστερηταὶ στερηταὶ τοῦ κυρίου → ἀποστερηταὶ τοῦ κυρίου.
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 3.2 (Lake, LCL 25:74; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-3-2).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
3.3Lake, LCL 25:74
ταῦτα οὖν ἀκούσας ἐγὼ ἔκλαυσα λίαν. ἰδὼν δέ με κλαίοντα λέγει· Τί κλαίεις; Ὅτι, φημί, κύριε, οὐκ οἶδα, εἰ δύναμαι σωθῆναι. Διατί; φησίν. Οὐδέπω γάρ, φημί, κύριε, ἐν τῇ ἐμῇ ζωῇ ἀληθὲς ἐλάλησα ῥῆμα, ἀλλὰ πάντοτε πανούργως ἐλάλησα μετὰ πάντων καὶ τὸ ψεῦδός μου ἀληθὲς ἐπέδειξα παρὰ πᾶσιν ἀνθρώποις· καὶ οὐδέποτέ μοι οὐδεὶς ἀντεῖπεν, ἀλλʼ ἐπιστεύθη τῷ λόγῳ μου. πῶς οὖν, φημί, κύριε, δύναμαι ζῆσαι ταῦτα πράξας;
tauta oun akousas egō eklausa lian. idōn de me klaionta legei; Ti klaieis? Hoti, phēmi, kyrie, ouk oida, ei dynamai sōthēnai. Diati? phēsin. Oudepō gar, phēmi, kyrie, en tę̄ emę̄ zōę̄ alēthes elalēsa rhēma, alla pantote panourgōs elalēsa meta pantōn kai to pseudos mou alēthes epedeixa para pasin anthrōpois; kai oudepote moi oudeis anteipen, allʼ episteuthē tǭ logǭ mou. pōs oun, phēmi, kyrie, dynamai zēsai tauta praxas?
When I heard these things I wept greatly. Seeing me weeping, he said, “Why are you weeping?” “Because, sir,” I said, “I do not know whether I can be saved.” “Why?” he said. “Because, sir,” I said, “I have never yet in my life spoken a true word, but have always spoken deceitfully with everyone and presented my lie as truth before all people; and no one ever contradicted me, but my word was believed. How, then, sir,” I said, “can I live, having done these things?”
Notes and citation
Summary: Hermas weeps, confessing that he has always lied.
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 3.3 (Lake, LCL 25:74; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-3-3).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
3.4Lake, LCL 25:74–76
Σὺ μέν, φησί, καλῶς καὶ ἀληθῶς φρονεῖς· ἔδει γάρ σε ὡς θεοῦ δοῦλον ἐν ἀληθείᾳ πορεύεσθαι, καὶ πονηρὰν συνείδησιν μετὰ τοῦ πνεύματος τῆς ἀληθείας μὴ κατοικεῖν μηδὲ λύπην ἐπάγειν τῷ πνεύματι τῷ σεμνῷ καὶ ἀληθεῖ. Οὐδέποτε, φημί, κύριε, τοιαῦτα ῥήματα ἀκριβῶς ἤκουσα.
Sy men, phēsi, kalōs kai alēthōs phroneis; edei gar se hōs theou doulon en alētheią poreuesthai, kai ponēran syneidēsin meta tou pneumatos tēs alētheias mē katoikein mēde lypēn epagein tǭ pneumati tǭ semnǭ kai alēthei. Oudepote, phēmi, kyrie, toiauta rhēmata akribōs ēkousa.
“You think well and truly,” he said; “for you ought, as God's servant, to walk in truth, and an evil conscience ought not to dwell with the spirit of truth, nor bring grief to the reverent and true spirit.” “Never, sir,” I said, “have I heard such words so clearly.”
Eph 4:30 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: A servant of God must walk in truth and not grieve the spirit.
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 3.4 (Lake, LCL 25:74–76; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-3-4).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
3.5Lake, LCL 25:76
Νῦν οὖν, φησίν, ἀκούεις· φύλασσε αὐτά, ἵνα καὶ τὰ πρότερον ἃ ἐλάλησας ψευδὴ ἐν ταῖς πραγματείαις σου, τούτων εὑρεθέντων ἀληθινῶν, κἀκεῖνα πιστὰ γένηται· δύναται γὰρ κἀκεῖνα πιστὰ γενέσθαι. ἐὰν ταῦτα φυλάξῃς καὶ ἀπὸ τοῦ νῦν πᾶσαν ἀλήθειαν λαλήσῃς, δυνήσῃ σεαυτῷ ζωὴν περιποιήσασθαι· καὶ ὃς ἂν ἀκούσῃ τὴν ἐντολὴν ταύτην καὶ ἀπέξεται τοῦ πονηροτάτου ψεύσματος ζήσεται τῷ θεῷ.
Nyn oun, phēsin, akoueis; phylasse auta, hina kai ta proteron ha elalēsas pseudē en tais pragmateiais sou, toutōn heurethentōn alēthinōn, kakeina pista genētai; dynatai gar kakeina pista genesthai. ean tauta phylaxę̄s kai apo tou nyn pasan alētheian lalēsę̄s, dynēsę̄ seautǭ zōēn peripoiēsasthai; kai hos an akousę̄ tēn entolēn tautēn kai apexetai tou ponērotatou pseusmatos zēsetai tǭ theǭ.
“Now, then,” he said, “you hear them; keep them, so that the lies you told before in your business dealings may themselves become trustworthy, once these are found true; for those also can become trustworthy. If you keep these things and from now on speak all truth, you will be able to gain life for yourself; and whoever hears this commandment and abstains from lying, that most wicked thing, will live to God.”
Notes and citation
Summary: From now on speak only truth, and you will live.
Topics: Ethics
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 3.5 (Lake, LCL 25:76; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-3-5).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
Mandate 4, chapter 1
4.1.1Lake, LCL 25:76
Ἐντέλλομαί σοι, φησίν, φυλάσσειν τὴν ἁγνείαν, καὶ μὴ ἀναβαινέτω σου ἐπὶ τὴν καρδίαν περὶ γυναικὸς ἀλλοτρίας ἢ περὶ πορνείας τινὸς ἢ περὶ τοιούτων τινῶν ὁμοιωμάτων πονηρῶν. τοῦτο γὰρ ποιῶν μεγάλην ἁμαρτίαν ἐργάζῃ. τῆς δὲ σῆς μνημονεύων πάντοτε γυναικὸς οὐδέποτε διαμαρτήσεις.
Entellomai soi, phēsin, phylassein tēn hagneian, kai mē anabainetō sou epi tēn kardian peri gynaikos allotrias ē peri porneias tinos ē peri toioutōn tinōn homoiōmatōn ponērōn. touto gar poiōn megalēn hamartian ergazę̄. tēs de sēs mnēmoneuōn pantote gynaikos oudepote diamartēseis.
“I command you,” he said, “to keep purity, and let no thought enter your heart about another man's wife, or about sexual immorality, or about any such evil things. For in doing this you commit a great sin. But if you always remember your own wife, you will never sin.
Matt 5:28 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Keep purity; let no thought of another's wife enter your heart.
- Mandate 4 is the earliest extended Christian discussion of adultery, divorce, and remarriage after the New Testament.
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 4.1.1 (Lake, LCL 25:76; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-4-1-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
4.1.2Lake, LCL 25:76
ἐὰν γὰρ αὕτη ἡ ἐνθύμησις ἐπὶ τὴν καρδίαν σου ἀναβῇ, διαμαρτήσεις, καὶ ἐὰν ἕτερα οὕτως πονηρά, ἁμαρτίαν ἐργάζῃ· ἡ γὰρ ἐνθύμησις αὕτη θεοῦ δούλῳ ἁμαρτία μεγάλη ἐστίν· ἐὰν δέ τις ἐργάσηται τὸ ἔργον τὸ πονηρὸν τοῦτο, θάνατον ἑαυτῷ κατεργάζεται.
ean gar hautē hē enthymēsis epi tēn kardian sou anabę̄, diamartēseis, kai ean hetera houtōs ponēra, hamartian ergazę̄; hē gar enthymēsis hautē theou doulǭ hamartia megalē estin; ean de tis ergasētai to ergon to ponēron touto, thanaton heautǭ katergazetai.
For if this thought enters your heart, you will sin; and if other evil things like it, you commit sin. For this thought is a great sin for a servant of God; and if anyone does this evil deed, he brings death on himself.
Notes and citation
Summary: Even the thought is sin; the deed brings death.
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 4.1.2 (Lake, LCL 25:76; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-4-1-2).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
4.1.3Lake, LCL 25:76–78
βλέπε οὖν σύ· ἀπέχου ἀπὸ τῆς ἐνθυμήσεως ταύτης· ὅπου γὰρ σεμνότης κατοικεῖ, ἐκεῖ ἀνομία οὐκ ὀφείλει ἀναβαίνειν ἐπὶ καρδίαν ἀνδρὸς δικαίου.
blepe oun sy; apechou apo tēs enthymēseōs tautēs; hopou gar semnotēs katoikei, ekei anomia ouk opheilei anabainein epi kardian andros dikaiou.
See to it, then: keep away from this thought; for where reverence dwells, there lawlessness ought not to enter the heart of a righteous man.”
Notes and citation
Summary: Keep away from such thoughts.
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 4.1.3 (Lake, LCL 25:76–78; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-4-1-3).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
4.1.4Lake, LCL 25:78
λέγω αὐτῷ· Κύριε, ἐπίτρεψόν μοι ὀλίγα ἐπερωτῆσαί σε. Λέγε, φησίν. Κύριε, φημί, εἰ γυναῖκα ἔχῃ τις πιστὴν ἐν κυρίῳ καὶ ταύτην εὕρῃ ἐν μοιχείᾳ τινί, ἆρα ἁμαρτάνει ὁ ἀνὴρ συνζῶν μετʼ αὐτῆς;
legō autǭ; Kyrie, epitrepson moi oliga eperōtēsai se. Lege, phēsin. Kyrie, phēmi, ei gynaika echę̄ tis pistēn en kyriǭ kai tautēn heurę̄ en moicheią tini, ara hamartanei ho anēr synzōn metʼ autēs?
I said to him, “Sir, allow me to ask you a few things.” “Speak,” he said. “Sir,” I said, “if a man has a wife who is faithful in the Lord, and he finds her in some adultery, does the man sin if he goes on living with her?”
Notes and citation
Summary: Hermas asks: does a husband sin by living with an adulterous wife?
Topics: Marriage, Divorce, Divorce and remarriage
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 4.1.4 (Lake, LCL 25:78; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-4-1-4).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
4.1.5Lake, LCL 25:78
Ἄχρι τῆς ἀγνοίας, φησίν, οὐχ ἁμαρτάνει· ἐὰν δὲ γνῷ ὁ ἀνὴρ τὴν ἁμαρτίαν αὐτῆς καὶ μὴ μετανοήσῃ ἡ γυνή, ἀλλʼ ἐπιμένῃ τῇ πορνείᾳ αὐτῆς καὶ συνζῇ ὁ ἀνὴρ μετʼ αὐτῆς, ἔνοχος γίνεται τῆς ἁμαρτίας αὐτῆς καὶ κοινωνὸς τῆς μοιχείας αὐτῆς.
Achri tēs agnoias, phēsin, ouch hamartanei; ean de gnǭ ho anēr tēn hamartian autēs kai mē metanoēsę̄ hē gynē, allʼ epimenę̄ tę̄ porneią autēs kai synzę̄ ho anēr metʼ autēs, enochos ginetai tēs hamartias autēs kai koinōnos tēs moicheias autēs.
“As long as he does not know,” he said, “he does not sin; but if the husband knows her sin and the wife does not repent, but persists in her immorality, and the husband goes on living with her, he becomes guilty of her sin and a partner in her adultery.”
Notes and citation
Summary: A husband who knowingly stays with an unrepentant adulterous wife shares her sin.
- “Immorality” (πορνεία): here used of the wife's adultery; see the glossary.
Topics: Marriage, Divorce, Divorce and remarriage
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 4.1.5 (Lake, LCL 25:78; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-4-1-5).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
4.1.6Lake, LCL 25:78
Τί οὖν, φημί, κύριε, ποιήσῃ ὁ ἀνήρ, ἐὰν ἐπιμείνῃ τῷ πάθει τούτῳ ἡ γυνή; Ἀπολυσάτω, φησίν, αὐτὴν καὶ ὁ ἀνὴρ ἐφʼ ἑαυτῷ μενέτω· ἐὰν δὲ ἀπολύσας τὴν γυναῖκα ἑτέραν γαμήσῃ, καὶ αὐτὸς μοιχᾶται.
Ti oun, phēmi, kyrie, poiēsę̄ ho anēr, ean epimeinę̄ tǭ pathei toutǭ hē gynē? Apolysatō, phēsin, autēn kai ho anēr ephʼ heautǭ menetō; ean de apolysas tēn gynaika heteran gamēsę̄, kai autos moichatai.
“What, then, sir,” I said, “shall the husband do, if the wife persists in this passion?” “Let him put her away,” he said, “and let the husband remain by himself. But if, having put away his wife, he marries another, he too commits adultery.”
Matt 5:32 (allusion, high confidence) · Matt 19:9 (allusion, high confidence) · Mark 10:11 (allusion, medium confidence) · 1 Cor 7:11 (allusion, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: The husband should separate but not remarry; remarriage is adultery.
- “Put her away” (ἀπολυσάτω): the word used for divorce in the Gospels (Matt 5:32; 19:9). Hermas permits separation for persistent adultery but forbids remarriage, so that reconciliation remains possible (4.1.7–8).
Topics: Marriage, Divorce, Remarriage, Divorce and remarriage
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 4.1.6 (Lake, LCL 25:78; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-4-1-6).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
4.1.7Lake, LCL 25:78
Ἐὰν οὖν, φημί, κύριε, μετὰ τὸ ἀπολυθῆναι τὴν γυναῖκα μετανοήσῃ ἡ γυνὴ καὶ θελήσῃ ἐπὶ τὸν ἑαυτῆς ἄνδρα ὑποστρέψαι, οὐ παραδεχθήσεται;
Ean oun, phēmi, kyrie, meta to apolythēnai tēn gynaika metanoēsę̄ hē gynē kai thelēsę̄ epi ton heautēs andra hypostrepsai, ou paradechthēsetai?
“If, then, sir,” I said, “after the wife has been put away, the wife repents and wishes to return to her own husband, shall she not be received?”
Notes and citation
Summary: Hermas asks whether a repentant wife may return.
Topics: Marriage, Divorce, Divorce and remarriage
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 4.1.7 (Lake, LCL 25:78; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-4-1-7).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
4.1.8Lake, LCL 25:78–80
Καὶ μήν, φησίν, ἐὰν μὴ παραδέξηται αὐτὴν ὁ ἀνήρ, ἁμαρτάνει καὶ μεγάλην ἁμαρτίαν ἑαυτῷ ἐπισπᾶται, ἀλλὰ δεῖ παραδεχθῆναι τὸν ἡμαρτηκότα καὶ μετανοοῦντα, μὴ ἐπὶ πολὺ δέ· τοῖς γὰρ δούλοις τοῦ θεοῦ μετάνοιά ἐστιν μία. διὰ τὴν μετάνοιαν οὖν οὐκ ὀφείλει γαμεῖν ὁ ἀνήρ. αὕτη ἡ πρᾶξις ἐπὶ γυναικὶ καὶ ἀνδρὶ κεῖται.
Kai mēn, phēsin, ean mē paradexētai autēn ho anēr, hamartanei kai megalēn hamartian heautǭ epispatai, alla dei paradechthēnai ton hēmartēkota kai metanoounta, mē epi poly de; tois gar doulois tou theou metanoia estin mia. dia tēn metanoian oun ouk opheilei gamein ho anēr. hautē hē praxis epi gynaiki kai andri keitai.
“Indeed,” he said, “if the husband does not receive her, he sins and brings a great sin upon himself; rather, the one who has sinned and repents must be received, but not many times. For there is one repentance for the servants of God. Because of repentance, then, the husband ought not to marry. This rule applies to wife and husband alike.
Notes and citation
Summary: The husband must take back a repentant wife; this is why he must not remarry. The rule applies equally to both.
- “One repentance” (μετάνοιά ἐστιν μία): Hermas's teaching of a single repentance after baptism (compare 4.3.1–6).
- “This rule applies to wife and husband alike”: the same standard for both sexes, unusual in the ancient world.
Topics: Marriage, Divorce, Remarriage, Divorce and remarriage
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 4.1.8 (Lake, LCL 25:78–80; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-4-1-8).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
4.1.9Lake, LCL 25:80
οὐ μόνον, φησίν, μοιχεία ἐστίν, ἐάν τις τὴν σάρκα αὐτοῦ μιάνῃ, ἀλλὰ καὶ ὃς ἂν τὰ ὁμοιώματα ποιῇ τοῖς ἔθνεσιν, μοιχᾶται. ὥστε καὶ ἐν τοῖς τοιούτοις ἔργοις ἐὰν ἐμμένῃ τις καὶ μὴ μετανοῇ, ἀπέχου ἀπʼ αὐτοῦ καὶ μὴ συνζῆθι αὐτῷ· εἰ δὲ μή, καὶ σὺ μέτοχος εἶ τῆς ἁμαρτίας αὐτοῦ.
ou monon, phēsin, moicheia estin, ean tis tēn sarka autou mianę̄, alla kai hos an ta homoiōmata poię̄ tois ethnesin, moichatai. hōste kai en tois toioutois ergois ean emmenę̄ tis kai mē metanoę̄, apechou apʼ autou kai mē synzēthi autǭ; ei de mē, kai sy metochos ei tēs hamartias autou.
Not only is it adultery,” he said, “if someone defiles his flesh, but whoever does things like the Gentiles also commits adultery. So if anyone persists in such deeds and does not repent, keep away from him and do not live with him; otherwise you too share in his sin.
Jer 3:9 (echo, low confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Idolatry is also adultery; do not live with one who persists in it.
- “Things like the Gentiles”: idolatry, often called spiritual adultery in the Old Testament (e.g. Jer 3:8–9).
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (digitization slip against Lake's printed text (wrong breathing)): τῆς ἀμαρτίας αὐτοῦ → τῆς ἁμαρτίας αὐτοῦ.
Topics: Marriage, Divorce, Divorce and remarriage
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 4.1.9 (Lake, LCL 25:80; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-4-1-9).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
4.1.10Lake, LCL 25:80
διὰ τοῦτο προσετάγη ὑμῖν ἐφʼ ἑαυτοῖς μένειν, εἴτε ἀνὴρ εἴτε γυνή· δύναται γὰρ ἐν τοῖς τοιούτοις μετάνοια εἶναι.
dia touto prosetagē hymin ephʼ heautois menein, eite anēr eite gynē; dynatai gar en tois toioutois metanoia einai.
For this reason you were commanded to remain by yourselves, whether husband or wife; for in such cases repentance is possible.
Notes and citation
Summary: Separated spouses must stay unmarried because repentance is possible.
Topics: Marriage, Divorce, Remarriage, Divorce and remarriage
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 4.1.10 (Lake, LCL 25:80; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-4-1-10).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
4.1.11Lake, LCL 25:80
ἐγὼ οὖν, φησίν, οὐ δίδωμι ἀφορμήν, ἵνα αὕτη ἡ πρᾶξις οὕτως συντελῆται, ἀλλὰ εἰς τὸ μηκέτι ἁμαρτάνειν τὸν ἡμαρτηκότα. περὶ δὲ τῆς προτέρας ἁμαρτίας αὐτοῦ ἔστιν ὁ δυνάμενος ἴασιν δοῦναι· αὐτὸς γάρ ἐστιν ὁ ἔχων πάντων τὴν ἐξουσίαν.
egō oun, phēsin, ou didōmi aphormēn, hina hautē hē praxis houtōs syntelētai, alla eis to mēketi hamartanein ton hēmartēkota. peri de tēs proteras hamartias autou estin ho dynamenos iasin dounai; autos gar estin ho echōn pantōn tēn exousian.
I do not, then,” he said, “give an occasion for this matter to be done in this way, but so that the one who has sinned may sin no more. As for his former sin, there is one who can give healing; for he is the one who has authority over all things.”
Notes and citation
Summary: This is not permission to sin, but a way back for the sinner; God can heal past sin.
Topics: Marriage
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 4.1.11 (Lake, LCL 25:80; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-4-1-11).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
Mandate 4, chapter 2
4.2.1Lake, LCL 25:80
Ἠρώτησα δὲ αὐτὸν πάλιν λέγων· Ἐπεὶ ὁ κύριος ἄξιόν με ἡγήσατο, ἵνα μετʼ ἐμοῦ πάντοτε κατοικῇς, ὀλίγα μου ῥήματα ἔτι ἀνάσχου, ἐπεὶ οὐ συνίω οὐδὲν καὶ ἡ καρδία μου πεπώρωται ἀπὸ τῶν προτέρων μου πράξεων· συνέτισόν με, ὅτι λίαν ἄφρων εἰμὶ καὶ ὅλως οὐθὲν νοῶ.
Ērōtēsa de auton palin legōn; Epei ho kyrios axion me hēgēsato, hina metʼ emou pantote katoikę̄s, oliga mou rhēmata eti anaschou, epei ou syniō ouden kai hē kardia mou pepōrōtai apo tōn proterōn mou praxeōn; synetison me, hoti lian aphrōn eimi kai holōs outhen noō.
I asked him again, saying, “Since the Lord has counted me worthy that you should always live with me, bear with a few more words of mine, since I understand nothing and my heart has been hardened by my former deeds. Give me understanding, for I am very foolish and understand nothing at all.”
Notes and citation
Summary: Hermas asks for understanding.
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 4.2.1 (Lake, LCL 25:80; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-4-2-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
4.2.2Lake, LCL 25:80–82
ἀποκριθείς μοι λέγει· Ἐγώ, φησίν, ἐπὶ τῆς μετανοίας εἰμὶ καὶ πᾶσιν τοῖς μετανοοῦσιν σύνεσιν δίδωμι. ἢ οὐ δοκεῖ σοι, φησίν, αὐτὸ τοῦτο τὸ μετανοῆσαι σύνεσιν εἶναι; τὸ μετανοῆσαι, φησίν, σύνεσίς ἐστιν μεγάλη· συνίει γὰρ ὁ ἁμαρτήσας, ὅτι πεποίηκεν τὸ πονηρὸν ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ κυρίου, καὶ ἀναβαίνει ἐπὶ τὴν καρδίαν αὐτοῦ ἡ πρᾶξις, ἣν ἔπραξεν, καὶ μετανοεῖ καὶ οὐκέτι ἐργάζεται τὸ πονηρόν, ἀλλὰ τὸ ἀγαθὸν πολυτελῶς ἐργάζεται καὶ ταπεινοῖ τὴν ἑαυτοῦ ψυχὴν καὶ βασανίζει, ὅτι ἥμαρτεν. βλέπεις οὖν, ὅτι ἡ μετάνοια σύνεσίς ἐστιν μεγάλη.
apokritheis moi legei; Egō, phēsin, epi tēs metanoias eimi kai pasin tois metanoousin synesin didōmi. ē ou dokei soi, phēsin, auto touto to metanoēsai synesin einai? to metanoēsai, phēsin, synesis estin megalē; syniei gar ho hamartēsas, hoti pepoiēken to ponēron emprosthen tou kyriou, kai anabainei epi tēn kardian autou hē praxis, hēn epraxen, kai metanoei kai ouketi ergazetai to ponēron, alla to agathon polytelōs ergazetai kai tapeinoi tēn heautou psychēn kai basanizei, hoti hēmarten. blepeis oun, hoti hē metanoia synesis estin megalē.
He answered me, “I,” he said, “am in charge of repentance, and I give understanding to all who repent. Or do you not think,” he said, “that repenting is itself understanding? To repent,” he said, “is great understanding. For the one who has sinned understands that he has done evil before the Lord, and the deed he did comes into his heart, and he repents and no longer does evil, but does good abundantly, and humbles his soul and torments it because he sinned. You see, then, that repentance is great understanding.”
Notes and citation
Summary: Repentance itself is great understanding.
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 4.2.2 (Lake, LCL 25:80–82; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-4-2-2).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
4.2.3Lake, LCL 25:82
Διὰ τοῦτο οὖν, φημί, κύριε, ἐξακριβάζομαι παρὰ σοῦ πάντα· πρῶτον μέν, ὅτι ἁμαρτωλός εἰμι, ἵνα γνῶ, ποῖα ἔργα ἐργαζόμενος ζήσομαι, ὅτι πολλαί μου εἰσὶν αἱ ἁμαρτίαι καὶ ποικίλαι.
Dia touto oun, phēmi, kyrie, exakribazomai para sou panta; prōton men, hoti hamartōlos eimi, hina gnō, poia erga ergazomenos zēsomai, hoti pollai mou eisin hai hamartiai kai poikilai.
“For this reason, then, sir,” I said, “I inquire carefully from you about everything: first, because I am a sinner, so that I may know what works I must do to live, because my sins are many and various.”
Notes and citation
Summary: Hermas asks what he must do to live.
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 4.2.3 (Lake, LCL 25:82; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-4-2-3).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
4.2.4Lake, LCL 25:82
Ζήσῃ, φησίν, ἐὰν τὰς ἐντολάς μου φυλάξῃς καὶ πορευθῇς ἐν αὐταῖς· καὶ ὃς ἂν ἀκούσας τὰς ἐντολὰς ταύτας φυλάξῃ, ζήσεται τῷ θεῷ.
Zēsę̄, phēsin, ean tas entolas mou phylaxę̄s kai poreuthę̄s en autais; kai hos an akousas tas entolas tautas phylaxę̄, zēsetai tǭ theǭ.
“You will live,” he said, “if you keep my commandments and walk in them; and whoever hears these commandments and keeps them will live to God.”
Notes and citation
Summary: Keep the commandments and live.
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 4.2.4 (Lake, LCL 25:82; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-4-2-4).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
Mandate 4, chapter 3
4.3.1Lake, LCL 25:82
Ἔτι, φημί, κύριε, προσθήσω τοῦ ἐπερωτῆσαι. Λέγε, φησίν. Ἤκουσα, φημί, κύριε, παρά τινων διδασκάλων, ὅτι ἑτέρα μετάνοια οὐκ ἔστιν εἰ μὴ ἐκείνη, ὅτε εἰς ὕδωρ κατέβημεν καὶ ἐλάβομεν ἄφεσιν ἁμαρτιῶν ἡμῶν τῶν προτέρων.
Eti, phēmi, kyrie, prosthēsō tou eperōtēsai. Lege, phēsin. Ēkousa, phēmi, kyrie, para tinōn didaskalōn, hoti hetera metanoia ouk estin ei mē ekeinē, hote eis hydōr katebēmen kai elabomen aphesin hamartiōn hēmōn tōn proterōn.
“I will go further, sir,” I said, “and ask.” “Speak,” he said. “I have heard, sir,” I said, “from certain teachers, that there is no other repentance except that which took place when we went down into the water and received forgiveness of our former sins.”
Heb 6:4 (echo, medium confidence) · Heb 6:6 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Some teachers say there is no repentance after baptism.
- Compare Heb 6:4–6, often read in the early church as denying a second repentance.
Topics: Baptism
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 4.3.1 (Lake, LCL 25:82; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-4-3-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
4.3.2Lake, LCL 25:82
λέγει μοι· Καλῶς ἤκουσας· οὕτω γὰρ ἔχει. ἔδει γὰρ τὸν εἰληφότα ἄφεσιν ἁμαρτιῶν μηκέτι ἁμαρτάνειν, ἀλλʼ ἐν ἁγνείᾳ κατοικεῖν.
legei moi; Kalōs ēkousas; houtō gar echei. edei gar ton eilēphota aphesin hamartiōn mēketi hamartanein, allʼ en hagneią katoikein.
He said to me, “You have heard rightly; for so it is. For the one who has received forgiveness of sins ought to sin no more, but to live in purity.
Notes and citation
Summary: The baptized ought not to sin again.
Topics: Baptism
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 4.3.2 (Lake, LCL 25:82; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-4-3-2).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
4.3.3Lake, LCL 25:82–84
ἐπεὶ δὲ πάντα ἐξακριβάζῃ, καὶ τοῦτό σοι δηλώσω, μὴ διδοὺς ἀφορμὴν τοῖς μέλλουσι πιστεύειν ἢ τοῖς νῦν πιστεύσασιν εἰς τὸν κύριον. οἱ γὰρ νῦν πιστεύσαντες ἢ μέλλοντες πιστεύειν μετάνοιαν ἁμαρτιῶν οὐκ ἔχουσιν, ἄφεσιν δὲ ἔχουσι τῶν προτέρων ἁμαρτιῶν αὐτῶν.
epei de panta exakribazę̄, kai touto soi dēlōsō, mē didous aphormēn tois mellousi pisteuein ē tois nyn pisteusasin eis ton kyrion. hoi gar nyn pisteusantes ē mellontes pisteuein metanoian hamartiōn ouk echousin, aphesin de echousi tōn proterōn hamartiōn autōn.
But since you inquire carefully about everything, I will make this clear to you too, not giving an occasion to those who are going to believe or to those who have now believed in the Lord. For those who have now believed or are going to believe have no repentance for sins, but they have forgiveness of their former sins.
Notes and citation
Summary: New believers receive forgiveness at baptism, not a later repentance.
Topics: Baptism
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 4.3.3 (Lake, LCL 25:82–84; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-4-3-3).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
4.3.4Lake, LCL 25:84
τοῖς οὖν κληθεῖσι πρὸ τούτων τῶν ἡμερῶν ἔθηκεν ὁ κύριος μετάνοιαν· καρδιογνώστης γὰρ ὢν ὁ κύριος καὶ πάντα προγινώσκων ἔγνω τὴν ἀσθένειαν τῶν ἀνθρώπων καὶ τὴν πολυπλοκίαν τοῦ διαβόλου, ὅτι ποιήσει τι κακὸν τοῖς δούλοις τοῦ θεοῦ καὶ πονηρεύσεται εἰς αὐτούς.
tois oun klētheisi pro toutōn tōn hēmerōn ethēken ho kyrios metanoian; kardiognōstēs gar ōn ho kyrios kai panta proginōskōn egnō tēn astheneian tōn anthrōpōn kai tēn polyplokian tou diabolou, hoti poiēsei ti kakon tois doulois tou theou kai ponēreusetai eis autous.
For those, then, who were called before these days the Lord has appointed repentance. For the Lord, knowing hearts and foreknowing all things, knew the weakness of human beings and the many wiles of the devil, that he will do some harm to the servants of God and act wickedly against them.
Notes and citation
Summary: God, knowing human weakness, appointed repentance for those already called.
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 4.3.4 (Lake, LCL 25:84; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-4-3-4).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
4.3.5Lake, LCL 25:84
πολύσπλαγχνος οὖν ὢν ὁ κύριος ἐσπλαγχνίσθη ἐπὶ τὴν ποίησιν αὐτοῦ καὶ ἔθηκεν τὴν μετάνοιαν ταύτην, καὶ ἐμοὶ ἡ ἐξουσία τῆς μετανοίας ταύτης ἐδόθη.
polysplanchnos oun ōn ho kyrios esplanchnisthē epi tēn poiēsin autou kai ethēken tēn metanoian tautēn, kai emoi hē exousia tēs metanoias tautēs edothē.
Being very merciful, then, the Lord had compassion on his creature and appointed this repentance, and to me the authority over this repentance was given.
Notes and citation
Summary: In mercy God appointed this repentance, entrusted to the Shepherd.
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 4.3.5 (Lake, LCL 25:84; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-4-3-5).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
4.3.6Lake, LCL 25:84
ἀλλὰ ἐγώ σοι λέγω, φησί, μετὰ τὴν κλῆσιν ἐκείνην τὴν μεγάλην καὶ σεμνὴν ἐάν τις ἐκπειρασθεὶς ὑπὸ τοῦ διαβόλου ἁμαρτήσῃ, μίαν μετάνοιαν ἔχει· ἐὰν δὲ ὑπὸ χεῖρα ἁμαρτάνῃ καὶ μετανοήσῃ, ἀσύμφορόν ἐστι τῷ ἀνθρώπῳ τῷ τοιούτῳ· δυσκόλως γὰρ ζήσεται.
alla egō soi legō, phēsi, meta tēn klēsin ekeinēn tēn megalēn kai semnēn ean tis ekpeirastheis hypo tou diabolou hamartēsę̄, mian metanoian echei; ean de hypo cheira hamartanę̄ kai metanoēsę̄, asymphoron esti tǭ anthrōpǭ tǭ toioutǭ; dyskolōs gar zēsetai.
But I tell you,” he said, “if after that great and holy calling someone is tempted by the devil and sins, he has one repentance; but if he sins repeatedly and repents, it is of no profit to such a person; for he will live with difficulty.”
Notes and citation
Summary: After baptism there is one repentance; repeated sin and repentance is of no use.
- “That great and holy calling”: baptism.
- “He will live with difficulty”: his salvation is doubtful, not impossible.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (punctuation slip in the digital text): φησί μετὰ τὴν κλῆσιν → φησί, μετὰ τὴν κλῆσιν.
Topics: Baptism
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 4.3.6 (Lake, LCL 25:84; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-4-3-6).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
4.3.7Lake, LCL 25:84
λέγω αὐτῷ· Ἐζωοποιήθην ταῦτα παρὰ σοῦ ἀκούσας οὕτως ἀκριβῶς· οἶδα γὰρ ὅτι, ἐὰν μηκέτι προσθήσω ταῖς ἁμαρτίαις μου, σωθήσομαι. Σωθήσῃ, φησίν, καὶ πάντες, ὅσοι ἐὰν ταῦτα ποιήσωσιν.
legō autǭ; Ezōopoiēthēn tauta para sou akousas houtōs akribōs; oida gar hoti, ean mēketi prosthēsō tais hamartiais mou, sōthēsomai. Sōthēsę̄, phēsin, kai pantes, hosoi ean tauta poiēsōsin.
I said to him, “I have been made alive by hearing these things from you so exactly; for I know that if I add no more to my sins, I shall be saved.” “You will be saved,” he said, “and so will all who do these things.”
Notes and citation
Summary: Hermas is revived by the hope of salvation.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (punctuation slip in the digital text (a quotation follows)): λέγω αὐτῷ Ἐζωοποιήθην → λέγω αὐτῷ· Ἐζωοποιήθην.
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 4.3.7 (Lake, LCL 25:84; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-4-3-7).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
Mandate 4, chapter 4
4.4.1Lake, LCL 25:84–86
Ἠρώτησα αὐτὸν πάλιν λέγων· Κύριε, ἐπεὶ ἅπαξ ἀνέχῃ μου, ἔτι μοι καὶ τοῦτο δήλωσον. Λέγε, φησίν. Ἐὰν γυνή, φημί, κύριε, ἢ πάλιν ἀνήρ τις κοιμηθῇ καὶ γαμήσῃ τις ἐξ αὐτῶν, μήτι ἁμαρτάνει ὁ γαμῶν;
Ērōtēsa auton palin legōn; Kyrie, epei hapax anechę̄ mou, eti moi kai touto dēlōson. Lege, phēsin. Ean gynē, phēmi, kyrie, ē palin anēr tis koimēthę̄ kai gamēsę̄ tis ex autōn, mēti hamartanei ho gamōn?
I asked him again, saying, “Sir, since you bear with me once more, make this also clear to me.” “Speak,” he said. “If a wife, sir,” I said, “or again a husband, falls asleep, and one of them marries, does the one who marries sin?”
Notes and citation
Summary: Hermas asks whether a widow or widower sins by remarrying.
- “Falls asleep”: dies.
Topics: Marriage, Remarriage, Divorce and remarriage
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 4.4.1 (Lake, LCL 25:84–86; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-4-4-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
4.4.2Lake, LCL 25:86
Οὐχ ἁμαρτάνει, φησίν· ἐὰν δὲ ἐφʼ ἑαυτῷ μείνῃ τις, περισσοτέραν ἑαυτῷ τιμὴν καὶ μεγάλην δόξαν περιποιεῖται πρὸς τὸν κύριον· ἐὰν δὲ καὶ γαμήσῃ, οὐχ ἁμαρτάνει.
Ouch hamartanei, phēsin; ean de ephʼ heautǭ meinę̄ tis, perissoteran heautǭ timēn kai megalēn doxan peripoieitai pros ton kyrion; ean de kai gamēsę̄, ouch hamartanei.
“He does not sin,” he said; “but if he remains by himself, he gains for himself more honor and great glory with the Lord; but even if he marries, he does not sin.
1 Cor 7:39 (allusion, high confidence) · 1 Cor 7:40 (allusion, high confidence) · 1 Cor 7:8 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Remarriage after a spouse's death is no sin, though remaining single brings more honor.
Topics: Marriage, Remarriage, Divorce and remarriage
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 4.4.2 (Lake, LCL 25:86; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-4-4-2).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
4.4.3Lake, LCL 25:86
τήρει οὖν τὴν ἁγνείαν καὶ τὴν σεμνότητα, καὶ ζήσῃ τῷ θεῷ. ταῦτά σοι ὅσα λαλῶ καὶ μέλλω λαλεῖν, φύλασσε ἀπὸ τοῦ νῦν, ἀφʼ ἧς μοι παρεδόθης ἡμέρας, καὶ εἰς τὸν οἶκόν σου κατοικήσω.
tērei oun tēn hagneian kai tēn semnotēta, kai zēsę̄ tǭ theǭ. tauta soi hosa lalō kai mellō lalein, phylasse apo tou nyn, aphʼ hēs moi paredothēs hēmeras, kai eis ton oikon sou katoikēsō.
Keep, then, purity and reverence, and you will live to God. All these things that I say and will say to you, keep them from now on, from the day on which you were handed over to me, and I will dwell in your house.
Notes and citation
Summary: Keep purity, and the Shepherd will dwell in your house.
Topics: Ethics
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 4.4.3 (Lake, LCL 25:86; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-4-4-3).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
4.4.4Lake, LCL 25:86
τοῖς δὲ προτέροις σου παραπτώμασιν ἄφεσις ἔσται, ἐὰν τὰς ἐντολάς μου φυλάξῃς· καὶ πᾶσι δὲ ἄφεσις ἔσται, ἐὰν τὰς ἐντολάς μου ταύτας φυλάξωσι καὶ πορευθῶσιν ἐν τῇ ἁγνότητι ταύτῃ.
tois de proterois sou paraptōmasin aphesis estai, ean tas entolas mou phylaxę̄s; kai pasi de aphesis estai, ean tas entolas mou tautas phylaxōsi kai poreuthōsin en tę̄ hagnotēti tautę̄.
And for your former transgressions there will be forgiveness, if you keep my commandments; and there will be forgiveness for all, if they keep these commandments of mine and walk in this purity.”
Notes and citation
Summary: Forgiveness for all who keep the commandments.
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 4.4.4 (Lake, LCL 25:86; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-4-4-4).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
Mandate 5, chapter 1
5.1.1Lake, LCL 25:86
Μακρόθυμος, φησί, γίνου καὶ συνετός, καὶ πάντων τῶν πονηρῶν ἔργων κατακυριεύσεις καὶ ἐργάσῃ πᾶσαν δικαιοσύνην.
Makrothymos, phēsi, ginou kai synetos, kai pantōn tōn ponērōn ergōn katakyrieuseis kai ergasę̄ pasan dikaiosynēn.
“Be patient,” he said, “and understanding, and you will master all evil deeds and do all righteousness.
Notes and citation
Summary: Be patient, and you will master evil.
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 5.1.1 (Lake, LCL 25:86; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-5-1-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
5.1.2Lake, LCL 25:86
ἐὰν γὰρ μακρόθυμος ἔσῃ, τὸ πνεῦμα τὸ ἅγιον τὸ κατοικοῦν ἐν σοὶ καθαρὸν ἔσται, μὴ ἐπισκοτούμενον ὑπὸ ἑτέρου πονηροῦ πνεύματος, ἀλλʼ ἐν εὐρυχώρῳ κατοικοῦν ἀγαλλιάσεται καὶ εὐφρανθήσεται μετὰ τοῦ σκεύους, ἐν ᾧ κατοικεῖ, καὶ λειτουργήσει τῷ θεῷ ἐν ἱλαρότητι πολλῇ, ἔχον τὴν εὐθηνίαν ἐν ἑαυτῷ.
ean gar makrothymos esę̄, to pneuma to hagion to katoikoun en soi katharon estai, mē episkotoumenon hypo heterou ponērou pneumatos, allʼ en eurychōrǭ katoikoun agalliasetai kai euphranthēsetai meta tou skeuous, en hǭ katoikei, kai leitourgēsei tǭ theǭ en hilarotēti pollę̄, echon tēn euthēnian en heautǭ.
For if you are patient, the Holy Spirit who dwells in you will be pure, not darkened by another, evil spirit, but dwelling in a spacious place it will rejoice and be glad with the vessel in which it dwells, and will serve God with much cheerfulness, having well-being within itself.
Notes and citation
Summary: Patience keeps the Holy Spirit within joyful and unhindered.
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 5.1.2 (Lake, LCL 25:86; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-5-1-2).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
5.1.3Lake, LCL 25:86–88
ἐὰν δὲ ὀξυχολία τις προσέλθῃ, εὐθὺς τὸ πνεῦμα τὸ ἅγιον, τρυφερὸν ὄν, στενοχωρεῖται, μὴ ἔχον τὸν τόπον καθαρόν, καὶ ζητεῖ ἀποστῆναι ἐκ τοῦ τόπου· πνίγεται γὰρ ὑπὸ τοῦ πονηροῦ πνεύματος, μὴ ἔχον τόπον λειτουργῆσαι τῷ κυρίῳ, καθὼς βούλεται, μιαινόμενον ὑπὸ τῆς ὀξυχολίας. ἐν γὰρ τῇ μακροθυμίᾳ ὁ κύριος κατοικεῖ, ἐν δὲ τῇ ὀξυχολίᾳ ὁ διάβολος.
ean de oxycholia tis proselthę̄, euthys to pneuma to hagion, trypheron on, stenochōreitai, mē echon ton topon katharon, kai zētei apostēnai ek tou topou; pnigetai gar hypo tou ponērou pneumatos, mē echon topon leitourgēsai tǭ kyriǭ, kathōs bouletai, miainomenon hypo tēs oxycholias. en gar tę̄ makrothymią ho kyrios katoikei, en de tę̄ oxycholią ho diabolos.
But if some bad temper comes in, immediately the Holy Spirit, being delicate, is distressed, not having a clean place, and seeks to leave the place; for it is choked by the evil spirit, having no room to serve the Lord as it wishes, being defiled by the bad temper. For the Lord dwells in patience, but the devil in bad temper.
Notes and citation
Summary: Bad temper crowds out the delicate Holy Spirit.
- “Bad temper” (ὀξυχολία): literally “sharp bile,” quick anger.
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 5.1.3 (Lake, LCL 25:86–88; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-5-1-3).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
5.1.4Lake, LCL 25:88
ἀμφότερα οὖν τὰ πνεύματα ἐπὶ τὸ αὐτὸ κατοικοῦντα, ἀσύμφορόν ἐστιν καὶ πονηρὸν τῷ ἀνθρώπῳ ἐκείνῳ, ἐν ᾧ κατοικοῦσιν.
amphotera oun ta pneumata epi to auto katoikounta, asymphoron estin kai ponēron tǭ anthrōpǭ ekeinǭ, en hǭ katoikousin.
When both spirits dwell together, then, it is unprofitable and evil for the person in whom they dwell.
Notes and citation
Summary: The two spirits cannot share one person.
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 5.1.4 (Lake, LCL 25:88; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-5-1-4).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
5.1.5Lake, LCL 25:88
ἐὰν γὰρ λάβῃς ἀψινθίου μικρὸν λίαν καὶ εἰς κεράμιον μέλιτος ἐπιχέῃς, οὐχὶ ὅλον τὸ μέλι ἀφανίζεται, καὶ τοσοῦτον μέλι ὑπὸ τοῦ ἐλαχίστου ἀψινθίου ἀπόλλυται καὶ ἀπόλλυσι τὴν γλυκύτητα τοῦ μέλιτος, καὶ οὐκέτι τὴν αὐτὴν χάριν ἔχει παρὰ τῷ δεσπότῃ, ὅτι ἐπικράνθη καὶ τὴν χρῆσιν αὐτοῦ ἀπώλεσεν; ἐὰν δὲ εἰς τὸ μέλι μὴ βληθῇ τὸ ἀψίνθιον, γλυκὺ εὑρίσκεται τὸ μέλι καὶ εὔχρηστον γίνεται τῷ δεσπότῃ αὐτοῦ.
ean gar labę̄s apsinthiou mikron lian kai eis keramion melitos epicheę̄s, ouchi holon to meli aphanizetai, kai tosouton meli hypo tou elachistou apsinthiou apollytai kai apollysi tēn glykytēta tou melitos, kai ouketi tēn autēn charin echei para tǭ despotę̄, hoti epikranthē kai tēn chrēsin autou apōlesen? ean de eis to meli mē blēthę̄ to apsinthion, glyky heurisketai to meli kai euchrēston ginetai tǭ despotę̄ autou.
For if you take a very little wormwood and pour it into a jar of honey, is not the whole honey spoiled, so much honey destroyed by the tiniest bit of wormwood, which destroys the sweetness of the honey, so that it no longer has the same value for its owner, because it has been made bitter and has lost its usefulness? But if the wormwood is not put into the honey, the honey is found sweet and becomes useful to its owner.
Notes and citation
Summary: A little wormwood spoils a whole jar of honey.
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 5.1.5 (Lake, LCL 25:88; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-5-1-5).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
5.1.6Lake, LCL 25:88
βλέπεις ὅτι ἡ μακροθυμία γλυκυτάτη ἐστὶν ὑπὲρ τὸ μέλι καὶ εὔχρηστός ἐστι τῷ κυρίῳ, καὶ ἐν αὐτῇ κατοικεῖ. ἡ δὲ ὀξυχολία πικρὰ καὶ ἄχρηστός ἐστιν. ἐὰν οὖν μιγῇ ἡ ὀξυχολία τῇ μακροθυμίᾳ, μιαίνεται ἡ μακροθυμία καὶ οὐκέτι εὔχρηστός ἐστι τῷ θεῷ ἡ ἔντευξις αὐτῆς.
blepeis hoti hē makrothymia glykytatē estin hyper to meli kai euchrēstos esti tǭ kyriǭ, kai en autę̄ katoikei. hē de oxycholia pikra kai achrēstos estin. ean oun migę̄ hē oxycholia tę̄ makrothymią, miainetai hē makrothymia kai ouketi euchrēstos esti tǭ theǭ hē enteuxis autēs.
You see that patience is sweeter than honey and useful to the Lord, and he dwells in it. But bad temper is bitter and useless. If, then, bad temper is mixed with patience, patience is defiled, and its prayer is no longer useful to God.”
Notes and citation
Summary: Anger mixed with patience spoils it and its prayer.
Topics: Prayer
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 5.1.6 (Lake, LCL 25:88; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-5-1-6).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
5.1.7Lake, LCL 25:88–90
Ἤθελον, φημί, κύριε, γνῶναι τὴν ἐνέργειαν τῆς ὀξυχολίας, ἵνα φυλάξωμαι ἀπʼ αὐτῆς. Καὶ μήν, φησίν, ἐὰν μὴ φυλάξῃ ἀπʼ αὐτῆς σὺ καὶ ὁ οἶκός σου, ἀπώλεσάς σου τὴν πᾶσαν ἐλπίδα. ἀλλὰ φύλαξαι ἀπʼ αὐτῆς· ἐγὼ γὰρ μετὰ σοῦ εἰμί. καὶ πάντες δὲ ἀφέξονται ἀπʼ αὐτῆς, ὅσοι ἂν μετανοήσωσιν ἐξ ὅλης τῆς καρδίας αὐτῶν· μετʼ αὐτῶν γὰρ ἔσομαι καὶ συντηρήσω αὐτούς· ἐδικαιώθησαν γὰρ πάντες ὑπὸ τοῦ σεμνοτάτου ἀγγέλου.
Ēthelon, phēmi, kyrie, gnōnai tēn energeian tēs oxycholias, hina phylaxōmai apʼ autēs. Kai mēn, phēsin, ean mē phylaxę̄ apʼ autēs sy kai ho oikos sou, apōlesas sou tēn pasan elpida. alla phylaxai apʼ autēs; egō gar meta sou eimi. kai pantes de aphexontai apʼ autēs, hosoi an metanoēsōsin ex holēs tēs kardias autōn; metʼ autōn gar esomai kai syntērēsō autous; edikaiōthēsan gar pantes hypo tou semnotatou angelou.
“I would like to know, sir,” I said, “the working of bad temper, so that I may guard myself from it.” “Indeed,” he said, “if you and your household do not guard against it, you have lost all your hope. But guard yourself against it, for I am with you. And all will abstain from it who repent with their whole heart; for I will be with them and preserve them. For all have been justified by the most reverend angel.”
Notes and citation
Summary: Guard against anger; the Shepherd will help those who repent.
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 5.1.7 (Lake, LCL 25:88–90; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-5-1-7).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
Mandate 5, chapter 2
5.2.1Lake, LCL 25:90
Ἄκουε νῦν, φησί, τὴν ἐνέργειαν τῆς ὀξυχολίας, πῶς πονηρά ἐστι, καὶ πῶς τοὺς δούλους μου καταστρέφει τῇ ἑαυτῆς ἐνεργείᾳ καὶ πῶς ἀποπλανᾷ αὐτοὺς ἀπὸ τῆς δικαιοσύνης. οὐκ ἀποπλανᾷ δὲ τοὺς πλήρεις ὄντας ἐν τῇ πίστει οὐδὲ ἐνεργῆσαι δύναται εἰς αὐτούς, ὅτι ἡ δύναμίς μου μετʼ αὐτῶν ἐστιν· ἀποπλανᾷ δὲ τοὺς ἀποκένους καὶ διψύχους ὄντας.
Akoue nyn, phēsi, tēn energeian tēs oxycholias, pōs ponēra esti, kai pōs tous doulous mou katastrephei tę̄ heautēs energeią kai pōs apoplaną autous apo tēs dikaiosynēs. ouk apoplaną de tous plēreis ontas en tę̄ pistei oude energēsai dynatai eis autous, hoti hē dynamis mou metʼ autōn estin; apoplaną de tous apokenous kai dipsychous ontas.
“Hear now,” he said, “the working of bad temper, how evil it is, and how it overthrows my servants by its working and leads them away from righteousness. But it does not lead astray those who are full in faith, nor can it work on them, because my power is with them; it leads astray those who are empty and double-minded.
Notes and citation
Summary: Anger overthrows the empty and doubting, not the faithful.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (digitization slip against Lake's printed text (missing accent); digitization slip against Lake's printed text (wrong accent)): δούλους μοῦ → δούλους μου; ἡ δύναμις μου → ἡ δύναμίς μου.
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 5.2.1 (Lake, LCL 25:90; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-5-2-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
5.2.2Lake, LCL 25:90
ὅταν δὲ ἴδῃ τοὺς τοιούτους ἀνθρώπους εὐσταθοῦντας, παρεμβάλλει ἑαυτὴν εἰς τὴν καρδίαν τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ἐκείνου, καὶ ἐκ τοῦ μηδενὸς ὁ ἀνὴρ ἢ ἡ γυνὴ ἐν πικρίᾳ γίνεται ἕνεκεν βιωτικῶν πραγμάτων ἢ περὶ ἐδεσμάτων ἢ μικρολογίας τινὸς ἢ περὶ φίλου τινὸς ἢ περὶ δόσεως ἢ λήψεως ἢ περὶ τοιούτων μωρῶν πραγμάτων· ταῦτα γὰρ πάντα μωρά ἐστι καὶ κενὰ καὶ ἄφρονα καὶ ἀσύμφορα τοῖς δούλοις τοῦ θεοῦ.
hotan de idę̄ tous toioutous anthrōpous eustathountas, paremballei heautēn eis tēn kardian tou anthrōpou ekeinou, kai ek tou mēdenos ho anēr ē hē gynē en pikrią ginetai heneken biōtikōn pragmatōn ē peri edesmatōn ē mikrologias tinos ē peri philou tinos ē peri doseōs ē lēpseōs ē peri toioutōn mōrōn pragmatōn; tauta gar panta mōra esti kai kena kai aphrona kai asymphora tois doulois tou theou.
When it sees such people at peace, it forces itself into that person's heart, and from nothing the man or the woman becomes bitter over matters of daily life, or about food, or some trifle, or about some friend, or about giving or receiving, or about such foolish things. For all these things are foolish and empty and senseless and unprofitable to God's servants.
Notes and citation
Summary: Anger arises from trifles.
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 5.2.2 (Lake, LCL 25:90; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-5-2-2).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
5.2.3Lake, LCL 25:90–92
ἡ δὲ μακροθυμία μεγάλη ἐστὶ καὶ ἰσχυρὰ καὶ δύναμιν ἔχουσα καὶ στιβαρὰν καὶ εὐθηνουμένην ἐν πλατυσμῷ μεγάλῳ, ἱλαρά, ἀγαλλιωμένη, ἀμέριμνος οὖσα, δοξάζουσα τὸν κύριον ἐν παντὶ καιρῷ, μηδὲν ἐν ἑαυτῇ ἔχουσα πικρόν, παραμένουσα διὰ παντὸς πραεῖα καὶ ἡσύχιος· αὕτη οὖν ἡ μακροθυμία κατοικεῖ μετὰ τῶν τὴν πίστιν ἐχόντων ὁλόκληρον.
hē de makrothymia megalē esti kai ischyra kai dynamin echousa kai stibaran kai euthēnoumenēn en platysmǭ megalǭ, hilara, agalliōmenē, amerimnos ousa, doxazousa ton kyrion en panti kairǭ, mēden en heautę̄ echousa pikron, paramenousa dia pantos praeia kai hēsychios; hautē oun hē makrothymia katoikei meta tōn tēn pistin echontōn holoklēron.
But patience is great and strong, and has power that is sturdy and flourishing in great breadth, cheerful, rejoicing, free from care, glorifying the Lord at every time, having nothing bitter in itself, remaining always gentle and quiet. This patience, then, dwells with those who have faith in its fullness.
Notes and citation
Summary: Patience is strong, cheerful, and gentle.
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 5.2.3 (Lake, LCL 25:90–92; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-5-2-3).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
5.2.4Lake, LCL 25:92
ἡ δὲ ὀξυχολία πρῶτον μὲν μωρά ἐστιν, ἐλαφρά τε καὶ ἄφρων. εἶτα ἐκ τῆς ἀφροσύνης γίνεται πικρία, ἐκ δὲ τῆς πικρίας θυμός, ἐκ δὲ τοῦ θυμοῦ ὀργή, ἐκ δὲ τῆς ὀργῆς μῆνις· εἶτα ἡ μῆνις αὕτη ἐκ τοσούτων κακῶν συνισταμένη γίνεται ἁμαρτία μεγάλη καὶ ἀνίατος.
hē de oxycholia prōton men mōra estin, elaphra te kai aphrōn. eita ek tēs aphrosynēs ginetai pikria, ek de tēs pikrias thymos, ek de tou thymou orgē, ek de tēs orgēs mēnis; eita hē mēnis hautē ek tosoutōn kakōn synistamenē ginetai hamartia megalē kai aniatos.
But bad temper is first foolish, frivolous, and senseless. Then from folly comes bitterness, from bitterness wrath, from wrath anger, and from anger rancor; then this rancor, made up of so many evils, becomes a great and incurable sin.
Eph 4:31 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Anger grows by steps into an incurable sin.
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 5.2.4 (Lake, LCL 25:92; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-5-2-4).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
5.2.5Lake, LCL 25:92
ὅταν γὰρ ταῦτα τὰ πνεύματα ἐν ἑνὶ ἀγγείῳ κατοικῇ, οὗ καὶ τὸ πνεῦμα τὸ ἅγιον κατοικεῖ, οὐ χωρεῖ τὸ ἄγγος ἐκεῖνο, ἀλλʼ ὑπερπλεονάζει.
hotan gar tauta ta pneumata en heni angeiǭ katoikę̄, hou kai to pneuma to hagion katoikei, ou chōrei to angos ekeino, allʼ hyperpleonazei.
For when these spirits dwell in one vessel, where the Holy Spirit also dwells, that vessel cannot contain them, but overflows.
Notes and citation
Summary: One vessel cannot hold both the Holy Spirit and these spirits.
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 5.2.5 (Lake, LCL 25:92; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-5-2-5).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
5.2.6Lake, LCL 25:92
τὸ τρυφερὸν οὖν πνεῦμα, μὴ ἔχον συνήθειαν μετὰ πονηροῦ πνεύματος κατοικεῖν μηδὲ μετὰ σκληρότητος, ἀποχωρεῖ ἀπὸ τοῦ ἀνθρώπου τοῦ τοιούτου καὶ ζητεῖ κατοικεῖν μετὰ πραότητος καὶ ἡσυχίας.
to trypheron oun pneuma, mē echon synētheian meta ponērou pneumatos katoikein mēde meta sklērotētos, apochōrei apo tou anthrōpou tou toioutou kai zētei katoikein meta praotētos kai hēsychias.
The delicate spirit, then, not being used to dwelling with an evil spirit or with harshness, departs from such a person and seeks to dwell with gentleness and quietness.
Notes and citation
Summary: The Holy Spirit leaves the angry person.
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 5.2.6 (Lake, LCL 25:92; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-5-2-6).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
5.2.7Lake, LCL 25:92
εἶτα ὅταν ἀποστῇ ἀπὸ τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ἐκείνου, οὗ κατοικεῖ, γίνεται ὁ ἄνθρωπος ἐκεῖνος κενὸς ἀπὸ τοῦ πνεύματος τοῦ δικαίου, καὶ τὸ λοιπὸν πεπληρωμένος τοῖς πνεύμασι τοῖς πονηροῖς ἀκαταστατεῖ ἐν πάσῃ πράξει αὐτοῦ, περισπώμενος ὧδε κἀκεῖσε ἀπὸ τῶν πνευμάτων τῶν πονηρῶν, καὶ ὅλως ἀποτυφλοῦται ἀπὸ τῆς διανοίας τῆς ἀγαθῆς. οὕτως οὖν συμβαίνει πᾶσι τοῖς ὀξυχόλοις.
eita hotan apostę̄ apo tou anthrōpou ekeinou, hou katoikei, ginetai ho anthrōpos ekeinos kenos apo tou pneumatos tou dikaiou, kai to loipon peplērōmenos tois pneumasi tois ponērois akatastatei en pasę̄ praxei autou, perispōmenos hōde kakeise apo tōn pneumatōn tōn ponērōn, kai holōs apotyphloutai apo tēs dianoias tēs agathēs. houtōs oun symbainei pasi tois oxycholois.
Then, when it has departed from the person in whom it dwelt, that person becomes empty of the righteous spirit, and from then on, filled with the evil spirits, is unstable in all he does, dragged here and there by the evil spirits, and is altogether blinded from good thinking. This is what happens to all the bad-tempered.
Matt 12:45 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Without the Spirit, the angry are driven by evil spirits.
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 5.2.7 (Lake, LCL 25:92; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-5-2-7).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
5.2.8Lake, LCL 25:92–94
ἀπέχου οὖν ἀπὸ τῆς ὀξυχολίας, τοῦ πονηροτάτου πνεύματος· ἔνδυσαι δὲ τὴν μακροθυμίαν καὶ ἀντίστα τῇ ὀξυχολίᾳ καὶ τῇ πικρίᾳ, καὶ ἔσῃ εὑρισκόμενος μετὰ τῆς σεμνότητος τῆς ἠγαπημένης ὑπὸ τοῦ κυρίου. βλέπε οὖν μήποτε παρενθυμηθῇς τὴν ἐντολὴν ταύτην· ἐὰν γὰρ ταύτης τῆς ἐντολῆς κυριεύσῃς, καὶ τὰς λοιπὰς ἐντολὰς δυνήσῃ φυλάξαι, ἅς σοι μέλλω ἐντέλλεσθαι. ἰσχυροῦ ἐν αὐταῖς καὶ ἐνδυναμοῦ, καὶ πάντες ἐνδυναμούσθωσαν, ὅσοι ἐὰν θέλωσιν ἐν αὐταῖς πορεύεσθαι.
apechou oun apo tēs oxycholias, tou ponērotatou pneumatos; endysai de tēn makrothymian kai antista tę̄ oxycholią kai tę̄ pikrią, kai esę̄ heuriskomenos meta tēs semnotētos tēs ēgapēmenēs hypo tou kyriou. blepe oun mēpote parenthymēthę̄s tēn entolēn tautēn; ean gar tautēs tēs entolēs kyrieusę̄s, kai tas loipas entolas dynēsę̄ phylaxai, has soi mellō entellesthai. ischyrou en autais kai endynamou, kai pantes endynamousthōsan, hosoi ean thelōsin en autais poreuesthai.
Keep away, then, from bad temper, that most wicked spirit; but put on patience, and resist bad temper and bitterness, and you will be found with the reverence beloved by the Lord. See, then, that you never neglect this commandment; for if you master this commandment, you will be able to keep the other commandments that I am about to give you. Be strong in them and be empowered, and let all be empowered who wish to walk in them.”
Notes and citation
Summary: Put on patience; mastering anger helps keep all the commandments.
Topics: Ethics
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 5.2.8 (Lake, LCL 25:92–94; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-5-2-8).
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Mandate 6, chapter 1
6.1.1Lake, LCL 25:94
Ἐνετειλάμην σοι, φησίν, ἐν τῇ πρώτῃ ἐντολῇ, ἵνα φυλάξῃς τὴν πίστιν καὶ τὸν φόβον καὶ τὴν ἐγκράτειαν. Ναί, φημί, κύριε. Ἀλλὰ νῦν θέλω σοι, φησίν, δηλῶσαι καὶ τὰς δυνάμεις αὐτῶν, ἵνα νοήσῃς τίς αὐτῶν τίνα δύναμιν ἔχει καὶ ἐνέργειαν· διπλαῖ γάρ εἰσιν αἱ ἐνέργειαι αὐτῶν. κεῖνται οὖν ἐπὶ δικαίῳ καὶ ἀδίκῳ·
Eneteilamēn soi, phēsin, en tę̄ prōtę̄ entolę̄, hina phylaxę̄s tēn pistin kai ton phobon kai tēn enkrateian. Nai, phēmi, kyrie. Alla nyn thelō soi, phēsin, dēlōsai kai tas dynameis autōn, hina noēsę̄s tis autōn tina dynamin echei kai energeian; diplai gar eisin hai energeiai autōn. keintai oun epi dikaiǭ kai adikǭ;
“I commanded you,” he said, “in the first commandment to keep faith and fear and self-control.” “Yes, sir,” I said. “But now,” he said, “I wish to show you also their powers, so that you may understand what power and working each of them has; for their workings are twofold. They concern, then, the righteous and the unrighteous.
Notes and citation
Summary: The virtues work in two ways, toward the righteous and the unrighteous.
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 6.1.1 (Lake, LCL 25:94; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-6-1-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
6.1.2Lake, LCL 25:94
σὺ οὖν πίστευε τῷ δικαίῳ, τῷ δὲ ἀδίκῳ μὴ πιστεύσῃς· τὸ γὰρ δίκαιον ὀρθὴν ὁδὸν ἔχει, τὸ δὲ ἄδικον στρεβλήν. ἀλλὰ σὺ τῇ ὀρθῇ ὁδῷ πορεύου καὶ ὁμαλῇ, τὴν δὲ στρεβλὴν ἔασον.
sy oun pisteue tǭ dikaiǭ, tǭ de adikǭ mē pisteusę̄s; to gar dikaion orthēn hodon echei, to de adikon streblēn. alla sy tę̄ orthę̄ hodǭ poreuou kai homalę̄, tēn de streblēn eason.
So you, trust what is righteous, but do not trust what is unrighteous; for what is righteous has a straight way, but what is unrighteous a crooked one. But you, walk in the straight and level way, and leave the crooked one.
Notes and citation
Summary: Walk the straight way, not the crooked.
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 6.1.2 (Lake, LCL 25:94; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-6-1-2).
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6.1.3Lake, LCL 25:94
ἡ γὰρ στρεβλὴ ὁδὸς τρίβους οὐκ ἔχει, ἀλλʼ ἀνοδίας καὶ προσκόμματα πολλὰ καὶ τραχεῖά ἐστι καὶ ἀκανθώδης. βλαβερὰ οὖν ἐστι τοῖς ἐν αὐτῇ πορευομένοις.
hē gar streblē hodos tribous ouk echei, allʼ anodias kai proskommata polla kai tracheia esti kai akanthōdēs. blabera oun esti tois en autę̄ poreuomenois.
For the crooked way has no paths, but pathless places and many stumbling blocks, and it is rough and thorny. It is harmful, then, to those who walk in it.
Notes and citation
Summary: The crooked way is rough and harmful.
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 6.1.3 (Lake, LCL 25:94; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-6-1-3).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
6.1.4Lake, LCL 25:94
οἱ δὲ τῇ ὀρθῇ ὁδῷ πορευόμενοι ὁμαλῶς περιπατοῦσι καὶ ἀπροσκόπως· οὔτε γὰρ τραχεῖά ἐστιν οὔτε ἀκανθώδης. βλέπεις οὖν, ὅτι συμφορώτερόν ἐστι ταύτῃ τῇ ὁδῷ πορεύεσθαι.
hoi de tę̄ orthę̄ hodǭ poreuomenoi homalōs peripatousi kai aproskopōs; oute gar tracheia estin oute akanthōdēs. blepeis oun, hoti symphorōteron esti tautę̄ tę̄ hodǭ poreuesthai.
But those who walk in the straight way walk evenly and without stumbling; for it is neither rough nor thorny. You see, then, that it is better to walk in this way.”
Notes and citation
Summary: The straight way is smooth.
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 6.1.4 (Lake, LCL 25:94; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-6-1-4).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
6.1.5Lake, LCL 25:94–96
Ἀρέσκει μοι, φημί, κύριε, ταύτῃ τῇ ὁδῷ πορεύεσθαι. Πορεύσῃ, φησί, καὶ ὃς ἂν ἐξ ὅλης καρδίας ἐπιστρέψῃ πρὸς κύριον, πορεύσεται ἐν αὐτῇ.
Areskei moi, phēmi, kyrie, tautę̄ tę̄ hodǭ poreuesthai. Poreusę̄, phēsi, kai hos an ex holēs kardias epistrepsę̄ pros kyrion, poreusetai en autę̄.
“It pleases me, sir,” I said, “to walk in this way.” “You will walk in it,” he said, “and whoever turns to the Lord with his whole heart will walk in it.”
Notes and citation
Summary: Whoever turns to the Lord will walk the straight way.
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 6.1.5 (Lake, LCL 25:94–96; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-6-1-5).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
Mandate 6, chapter 2
6.2.1Lake, LCL 25:96
Ἄκουε νῦν, φησί, περὶ τῆς πίστεως. δύο εἰσὶν ἄγγελοι μετὰ τοῦ ἀνθρώπου, εἷς τῆς δικαιοσύνης καὶ εἷς τῆς πονηρίας.
Akoue nyn, phēsi, peri tēs pisteōs. dyo eisin angeloi meta tou anthrōpou, heis tēs dikaiosynēs kai heis tēs ponērias.
“Hear now,” he said, “about faith. There are two angels with a person, one of righteousness and one of wickedness.”
Notes and citation
Summary: Two angels accompany each person, one good and one evil.
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 6.2.1 (Lake, LCL 25:96; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-6-2-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
6.2.2Lake, LCL 25:96
Πῶς οὖν, φημί, κύριε, γνώσομαι τὰς αὐτῶν ἐνεργείας, ὅτι ἀμφότεροι ἄγγελοι μετʼ ἐμοῦ κατοικοῦσιν;
Pōs oun, phēmi, kyrie, gnōsomai tas autōn energeias, hoti amphoteroi angeloi metʼ emou katoikousin?
“How, then, sir,” I said, “shall I know their workings, since both angels dwell with me?”
Notes and citation
Summary: How can one tell them apart?
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 6.2.2 (Lake, LCL 25:96; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-6-2-2).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
6.2.3Lake, LCL 25:96
Ἄκουε, φησί, καὶ συνιεῖς αὐτάς. ὁ μὲν τῆς δικαιοσύνης ἄγγελος τρυφερός ἐστι καὶ αἰσχυντηρὸς καὶ πραῢς καὶ ἡσύχιος· ὅταν οὖν οὗτος ἐπὶ τὴν καρδίαν σου ἀναβῇ, εὐθέως λαλεῖ μετὰ σοῦ περὶ δικαιοσύνης, περὶ ἁγνείας, περὶ σεμνότητος καὶ περὶ αὐταρκείας καὶ περὶ παντὸς ἔργου δικαίου καὶ περὶ πάσης ἀρετῆς ἐνδόξου. ταῦτα πάντα ὅταν εἰς τὴν καρδίαν σου ἀναβῇ, γίνωσκε, ὅτι ὁ ἄγγελος τῆς δικαιοσύνης μετὰ σοῦ ἐστί. ταῦτα οὖν ἐστι τὰ ἔργα τοῦ ἀγγέλου τῆς δικαιοσύνης. τούτῳ οὖν πίστευε καὶ τοῖς ἔργοις αὐτοῦ.
Akoue, phēsi, kai synieis autas. ho men tēs dikaiosynēs angelos trypheros esti kai aischyntēros kai praÿs kai hēsychios; hotan oun houtos epi tēn kardian sou anabę̄, eutheōs lalei meta sou peri dikaiosynēs, peri hagneias, peri semnotētos kai peri autarkeias kai peri pantos ergou dikaiou kai peri pasēs aretēs endoxou. tauta panta hotan eis tēn kardian sou anabę̄, ginōske, hoti ho angelos tēs dikaiosynēs meta sou esti. tauta oun esti ta erga tou angelou tēs dikaiosynēs. toutǭ oun pisteue kai tois ergois autou.
“Hear,” he said, “and you will understand them. The angel of righteousness is delicate and modest and gentle and quiet. When, then, he enters your heart, he immediately speaks with you about righteousness, about purity, about reverence, about contentment, about every righteous deed, and about every glorious virtue. When all these things enter your heart, know that the angel of righteousness is with you. These, then, are the works of the angel of righteousness. Trust him, then, and his works.
Notes and citation
Summary: The angel of righteousness speaks of purity and virtue.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (digitization slip against Lake's printed text (wrong accent)): περὶ παντός ἔργου → περὶ παντὸς ἔργου.
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 6.2.3 (Lake, LCL 25:96; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-6-2-3).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
6.2.4Lake, LCL 25:96
ὅρα οὖν καὶ τοῦ ἀγγέλου τῆς πονηρίας τὰ ἔργα. πρῶτον πάντων ὀξύχολός ἐστι καὶ πικρὸς καὶ ἄφρων, καὶ τὰ ἔργα αὐτοῦ πονηρά, καταστρέφοντα τοὺς δούλους τοῦ θεοῦ· ὅταν οὖν οὗτος ἐπὶ τὴν καρδίαν σου ἀναβῇ, γνῶθι αὐτὸν ἀπὸ τῶν ἔργων αὐτοῦ.
hora oun kai tou angelou tēs ponērias ta erga. prōton pantōn oxycholos esti kai pikros kai aphrōn, kai ta erga autou ponēra, katastrephonta tous doulous tou theou; hotan oun houtos epi tēn kardian sou anabę̄, gnōthi auton apo tōn ergōn autou.
Now see also the works of the angel of wickedness. First of all he is bad-tempered and bitter and senseless, and his works are evil, overthrowing the servants of God. When, then, he enters your heart, know him by his works.”
Notes and citation
Summary: The angel of wickedness is known by anger and bitterness.
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 6.2.4 (Lake, LCL 25:96; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-6-2-4).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
6.2.5Lake, LCL 25:96–98
Πῶς, φημί, κύριε, νοήσω αὐτόν, οὐκ ἐπίσταμαι. Ἄκουε, φησίν. ὅταν ὀξυχολία σοί τις προσπέσῃ ἢ πικρία, γίνωσκε, ὅτι αὐτός ἐστιν ἐν σοί· εἶτα ἐπιθυμία πράξεων πολλῶν καὶ πολυτέλειαι ἐδεσμάτων πολλῶν καὶ μεθυσμάτων καὶ κραιπαλῶν πολλῶν καὶ ποικίλων τροφῶν καὶ οὐ δεόντων καὶ ἐπιθυμίαι γυναικῶν καὶ πλεονεξιῶν καὶ ὑπερηφανία πολλή τις καὶ ἀλαζονεία καὶ ὅσα τούτοις παραπλήσιά ἐστι καὶ ὅμοια· ταῦτα οὖν ὅταν ἐπὶ τὴν καρδίαν σου ἀναβῇ, γίνωσκε, ὅτι ὁ ἄγγελος τῆς πονηρίας ἐστὶν ἐν σοί.
Pōs, phēmi, kyrie, noēsō auton, ouk epistamai. Akoue, phēsin. hotan oxycholia soi tis prospesę̄ ē pikria, ginōske, hoti autos estin en soi; eita epithymia praxeōn pollōn kai polyteleiai edesmatōn pollōn kai methysmatōn kai kraipalōn pollōn kai poikilōn trophōn kai ou deontōn kai epithymiai gynaikōn kai pleonexiōn kai hyperēphania pollē tis kai alazoneia kai hosa toutois paraplēsia esti kai homoia; tauta oun hotan epi tēn kardian sou anabę̄, ginōske, hoti ho angelos tēs ponērias estin en soi.
“How, sir,” I said, “I shall perceive him, I do not know.” “Hear,” he said. “When some bad temper or bitterness comes upon you, know that he is in you; then the desire for many activities and the extravagance of many foods and drinking bouts and much drunkenness and various unnecessary delicacies, and desires for women and for possessions, and great arrogance and boasting, and whatever is like and similar to these: when these things enter your heart, know that the angel of wickedness is in you.
Notes and citation
Summary: Anger, excess, lust, greed, and pride are signs of the evil angel.
Topics: Ethics
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 6.2.5 (Lake, LCL 25:96–98; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-6-2-5).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
6.2.6Lake, LCL 25:98
σὺ οὖν ἐπιγνοὺς τὰ ἔργα αὐτοῦ ἀπόστα ἀπʼ αὐτοῦ, μηδὲν αὐτῷ πίστευε, ὅτι τὰ ἔργα αὐτοῦ πονηρά εἰσι καὶ ἀσύμφορα τοῖς δούλοις τοῦ θεοῦ. ἔχεις οὖν ἀμφοτέρων τῶν ἀγγέλων τὰς ἐνεργείας· σύνιε αὐτὰς καὶ πίστευε τῷ ἀγγέλῳ τῆς δικαιοσύνης·
sy oun epignous ta erga autou aposta apʼ autou, mēden autǭ pisteue, hoti ta erga autou ponēra eisi kai asymphora tois doulois tou theou. echeis oun amphoterōn tōn angelōn tas energeias; synie autas kai pisteue tǭ angelǭ tēs dikaiosynēs;
So you, recognizing his works, depart from him and trust him in nothing, because his works are evil and unprofitable to the servants of God. You have, then, the workings of both angels; understand them and trust the angel of righteousness.
Notes and citation
Summary: Depart from the evil angel and trust the righteous one.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (digitization slip against Lake's printed text (wrong letter)): ἀσύμποφα → ἀσύμφορα.
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 6.2.6 (Lake, LCL 25:98; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-6-2-6).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
6.2.7Lake, LCL 25:98
ἀπὸ δὲ τοῦ ἀγγέλου τῆς πονηρίας ἀπόστηθι, ὅτι ἡ διδαχὴ αὐτοῦ πονηρά ἐστι παντὶ ἔργῳ· ἐὰν γὰρ ᾖ τις πιστὸς ἀνὴρ καὶ ἡ ἐνθύμησις τοῦ ἀγγέλου τούτου ἀναβῇ ἐπὶ τὴν καρδίαν αὐτοῦ, δεῖ τὸν ἄνδρα ἐκεῖνον ἢ τὴν γυναῖκα ἐξαμαρτῆσαί τι.
apo de tou angelou tēs ponērias apostēthi, hoti hē didachē autou ponēra esti panti ergǭ; ean gar ę̄ tis pistos anēr kai hē enthymēsis tou angelou toutou anabę̄ epi tēn kardian autou, dei ton andra ekeinon ē tēn gynaika examartēsai ti.
But depart from the angel of wickedness, because his teaching is evil in every work; for if someone is a faithful man and the thought of this angel enters his heart, that man or woman must commit some sin.
Notes and citation
Summary: Even a faithful person who listens to the evil angel will sin.
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 6.2.7 (Lake, LCL 25:98; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-6-2-7).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
6.2.8Lake, LCL 25:98
ἐὰν δὲ πάλιν πονηρότατός τις ᾖ ἀνὴρ ἢ γυνὴ καὶ ἀναβῇ ἐπὶ τὴν καρδίαν αὐτοῦ τὰ ἔργα τοῦ ἀγγέλου τῆς δικαιοσύνης, ἐξ ἀνάγκης δεῖ αὐτὸν ἀγαθόν τι ποιῆσαι.
ean de palin ponērotatos tis ę̄ anēr ē gynē kai anabę̄ epi tēn kardian autou ta erga tou angelou tēs dikaiosynēs, ex anankēs dei auton agathon ti poiēsai.
But if, again, a man or woman is very wicked and the works of the angel of righteousness enter his heart, he must of necessity do something good.
Notes and citation
Summary: Even the wicked do good when the good angel moves them.
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 6.2.8 (Lake, LCL 25:98; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-6-2-8).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
6.2.9Lake, LCL 25:98
βλέπεις οὖν, φησίν, ὅτι καλόν ἐστι τῷ ἀγγέλῳ τῆς δικαιοσύνης ἀκολουθεῖν, τῷ δὲ ἀγγέλῳ τῆς πονηρίας ἀποτάξασθαι.
blepeis oun, phēsin, hoti kalon esti tǭ angelǭ tēs dikaiosynēs akolouthein, tǭ de angelǭ tēs ponērias apotaxasthai.
You see, then,” he said, “that it is good to follow the angel of righteousness and to renounce the angel of wickedness.
Notes and citation
Summary: Follow the good angel; renounce the evil one.
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 6.2.9 (Lake, LCL 25:98; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-6-2-9).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
6.2.10Lake, LCL 25:98–100
τὰ μὲν περὶ τῆς πίστεως αὕτη ἡ ἐντολὴ δηλοῖ, ἵνα τοῖς ἔργοις τοῦ ἀγγέλου τῆς δικαιοσύνης πιστεύσῃς, καὶ ἐργασάμενος αὐτὰ ζήσῃ τῷ θεῷ. πίστευε δέ, ὅτι τὰ ἔργα τοῦ ἀγγέλου τῆς πονηρίας χαλεπά ἐστι· μὴ ἐργαζόμενος οὖν αὐτὰ ζήσῃ τῷ θεῷ.
ta men peri tēs pisteōs hautē hē entolē dēloi, hina tois ergois tou angelou tēs dikaiosynēs pisteusę̄s, kai ergasamenos auta zēsę̄ tǭ theǭ. pisteue de, hoti ta erga tou angelou tēs ponērias chalepa esti; mē ergazomenos oun auta zēsę̄ tǭ theǭ.
This commandment makes clear what concerns faith, so that you may trust the works of the angel of righteousness, and by doing them live to God. But believe that the works of the angel of wickedness are harmful; by not doing them, then, you will live to God.”
Notes and citation
Summary: Faith means trusting the good angel's works and refusing the evil angel's.
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 6.2.10 (Lake, LCL 25:98–100; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-6-2-10).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
Mandate 7
7.1Lake, LCL 25:100
Φοβήθητι, φησί, τὸν κύριον καὶ φύλασσε τὰς ἐντολὰς αὐτοῦ. φυλάσσων οὖν τὰς ἐντολὰς τοῦ θεοῦ ἔσῃ δυνατὸς ἐν πάσῃ πράξει, καὶ ἡ πρᾶξίς σου ἀσύγκριτος ἔσται. φοβούμενος γὰρ τὸν κύριον πάντα καλῶς ἐργάσῃ· οὗτος δέ ἐστιν ὁ φόβος, ὃν δεῖ σε φοβηθῆναι, καὶ σωθῆναι.
Phobēthēti, phēsi, ton kyrion kai phylasse tas entolas autou. phylassōn oun tas entolas tou theou esę̄ dynatos en pasę̄ praxei, kai hē praxis sou asynkritos estai. phoboumenos gar ton kyrion panta kalōs ergasę̄; houtos de estin ho phobos, hon dei se phobēthēnai, kai sōthēnai.
“Fear the Lord,” he said, “and keep his commandments. By keeping God's commandments, then, you will be strong in every deed, and your deeds will be beyond compare. For by fearing the Lord you will do everything well. This is the fear with which you must fear, and be saved.
Eccl 12:13 (allusion, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Fear the Lord and keep his commandments.
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 7.1 (Lake, LCL 25:100; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-7-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
7.2Lake, LCL 25:100
τὸν δὲ διάβολον μὴ φοβηθῇς· φοβούμενος γὰρ τὸν κύριον κατακυριεύσεις τοῦ διαβόλου, ὅτι δύναμις ἐν αὐτῷ οὐκ ἔστιν. ἐν ᾧ δὲ δύναμις οὐκ ἔστιν, οὐδὲ φόβος· ἐν ᾧ δὲ δύναμις ἡ ἔνδοξος, καὶ φόβος ἐν αὐτῷ. πᾶς γὰρ ὁ δύναμιν ἔχων φόβον ἔχει· ὁ δὲ μὴ ἔχων δύναμιν ὑπὸ πάντων καταφρονεῖται.
ton de diabolon mē phobēthę̄s; phoboumenos gar ton kyrion katakyrieuseis tou diabolou, hoti dynamis en autǭ ouk estin. en hǭ de dynamis ouk estin, oude phobos; en hǭ de dynamis hē endoxos, kai phobos en autǭ. pas gar ho dynamin echōn phobon echei; ho de mē echōn dynamin hypo pantōn kataphroneitai.
But do not fear the devil; for by fearing the Lord you will master the devil, because there is no power in him. And where there is no power, there is no fear either; but where there is glorious power, there is fear too. For everyone who has power inspires fear; but one who has no power is despised by all.
Jas 4:7 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Do not fear the devil, who has no power over those who fear God.
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 7.2 (Lake, LCL 25:100; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-7-2).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
7.3Lake, LCL 25:100
φοβήθητι δὲ τὰ ἔργα τοῦ διαβόλου, ὅτι πονηρά ἐστι. φοβούμενος οὖν τὸν κύριον οὐκ ἐργάσῃ αὐτά, ἀλλʼ ἀφέξῃ ἀπʼ αὐτῶν.
phobēthēti de ta erga tou diabolou, hoti ponēra esti. phoboumenos oun ton kyrion ouk ergasę̄ auta, allʼ aphexę̄ apʼ autōn.
But fear the works of the devil, because they are evil. Fearing the Lord, then, you will not do them, but will abstain from them.
Notes and citation
Summary: Fear the devil's works, not the devil.
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 7.3 (Lake, LCL 25:100; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-7-3).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
7.4Lake, LCL 25:100
δισσοὶ οὖν εἰσιν οἱ φόβοι· ἐὰν γὰρ θέλῃς τὸ πονηρὸν ἐργάσασθαι, φοβοῦ τὸν κύριον, καὶ οὐκ ἐργάσῃ αὐτό· ἐὰν δὲ θέλῃς πάλιν τὸ ἀγαθὸν ἐργάσασθαι, φοβοῦ τὸν κύριον, καὶ ἐργάσῃ αὐτό. ὥστε ὁ φόβος τοῦ κυρίου ἰσχυρός ἐστι καὶ μέγας καὶ ἔνδοξος. φοβήθητι οὖν τὸν κύριον, καὶ ζήσῃ αὐτῷ· καὶ ὅσοι ἂν φοβηθῶσιν αὐτὸν καὶ τηρήσωσι τὰς ἐντολὰς αὐτοῦ, ζήσονται τῷ θεῷ.
dissoi oun eisin hoi phoboi; ean gar thelę̄s to ponēron ergasasthai, phobou ton kyrion, kai ouk ergasę̄ auto; ean de thelę̄s palin to agathon ergasasthai, phobou ton kyrion, kai ergasę̄ auto. hōste ho phobos tou kyriou ischyros esti kai megas kai endoxos. phobēthēti oun ton kyrion, kai zēsę̄ autǭ; kai hosoi an phobēthōsin auton kai tērēsōsi tas entolas autou, zēsontai tǭ theǭ.
There are, then, two kinds of fear. For if you wish to do evil, fear the Lord, and you will not do it; but if again you wish to do good, fear the Lord, and you will do it. So the fear of the Lord is strong and great and glorious. Fear the Lord, then, and you will live to him; and all who fear him and keep his commandments will live to God.”
Notes and citation
Summary: Fear of the Lord keeps from evil and moves to good.
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 7.4 (Lake, LCL 25:100; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-7-4).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
7.5Lake, LCL 25:100–102
Διατί, φημί, κύριε, εἶπας περὶ τῶν τηρούντων τὰς ἐντολὰς αὐτοῦ· Ζήσονται τῷ θεῷ; Ὅτι, φησίν, πᾶσα ἡ κτίσις φοβεῖται τὸν κύριον, τὰς δὲ ἐντολὰς αὐτοῦ οὐ φυλάσσει. τῶν οὖν φοβουμένων αὐτὸν καὶ φυλασσόντων τὰς ἐντολὰς αὐτοῦ, ἐκείνων ἡ ζωή ἐστι παρὰ τῷ θεῷ· τῶν δὲ μὴ φυλασσόντων τὰς ἐντολὰς αὐτοῦ, οὐδὲ ζωὴ ἐν αὐτῷ.
Diati, phēmi, kyrie, eipas peri tōn tērountōn tas entolas autou; Zēsontai tǭ theǭ? Hoti, phēsin, pasa hē ktisis phobeitai ton kyrion, tas de entolas autou ou phylassei. tōn oun phoboumenōn auton kai phylassontōn tas entolas autou, ekeinōn hē zōē esti para tǭ theǭ; tōn de mē phylassontōn tas entolas autou, oude zōē en autǭ.
“Why, sir,” I said, “did you say of those who keep his commandments, ‘They will live to God’?” “Because,” he said, “all creation fears the Lord, but does not keep his commandments. Those, then, who fear him and keep his commandments have life with God; but those who do not keep his commandments have no life in him either.”
Notes and citation
Summary: Life belongs to those who both fear God and keep his commandments.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (punctuation slip in the digital text): τὸν κύριον τὰς δὲ ἐντολὰς → τὸν κύριον, τὰς δὲ ἐντολὰς.
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 7.5 (Lake, LCL 25:100–102; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-7-5).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
Mandate 8
8.1Lake, LCL 25:102
Εἶπόν σοι, φησίν, ὅτι τὰ κτίσματα τοῦ θεοῦ διπλᾶ ἐστι· καὶ γὰρ ἡ ἐγκράτεια διπλῆ ἐστιν. ἐπί τινων γὰρ δεῖ ἐγκρατεύεσθαι, ἐπί τινων δὲ οὐ δεῖ·
Eipon soi, phēsin, hoti ta ktismata tou theou dipla esti; kai gar hē enkrateia diplē estin. epi tinōn gar dei enkrateuesthai, epi tinōn de ou dei;
“I told you,” he said, “that God's creatures are twofold; for self-control too is twofold. For in some things one must be self-controlled, and in some things not.”
Notes and citation
Summary: Self-control is twofold: some things to refrain from, some not.
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 8.1 (Lake, LCL 25:102; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-8-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
8.2Lake, LCL 25:102
Γνώρισόν μοι, φημί, κύριε, ἐπὶ τίνων δεῖ ἐγκρατεύεσθαι, ἐπὶ τίνων δὲ οὐ δεῖ. Ἄκουε, φησί. τὸ πονηρὸν ἐγκρατεύου καὶ μὴ ποίει αὐτό· τὸ δὲ ἀγαθὸν μὴ ἐγκρατεύου, ἀλλὰ ποίει αὐτὸ. ἐὰν γὰρ ἐγκρατεύσῃ τὸ ἀγαθὸν μὴ ποιεῖν, ἁμαρτίαν μεγάλην ἐργάζῃ· ἐὰν δὲ ἐγκρατεύσῃ τὸ πονηρὸν μὴ ποιεῖν, δικαιοσύνην μεγάλην ἐργάζῃ. ἐγκράτευσαι οὖν ἀπὸ πονηρίας πάσης ἐργαζόμενος τὸ ἀγαθόν.
Gnōrison moi, phēmi, kyrie, epi tinōn dei enkrateuesthai, epi tinōn de ou dei. Akoue, phēsi. to ponēron enkrateuou kai mē poiei auto; to de agathon mē enkrateuou, alla poiei auto. ean gar enkrateusę̄ to agathon mē poiein, hamartian megalēn ergazę̄; ean de enkrateusę̄ to ponēron mē poiein, dikaiosynēn megalēn ergazę̄. enkrateusai oun apo ponērias pasēs ergazomenos to agathon.
“Make known to me, sir,” I said, “in what things one must be self-controlled and in what not.” “Hear,” he said. “Refrain from evil and do not do it; but do not refrain from good, but do it. For if you refrain from doing good, you commit a great sin; but if you refrain from doing evil, you do great righteousness. Refrain, then, from all wickedness, and do what is good.”
Notes and citation
Summary: Refrain from evil, never from good.
Topics: Ethics
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 8.2 (Lake, LCL 25:102; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-8-2).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
8.3Lake, LCL 25:102
Ποταπαί, φημί, κύριε, εἰσὶν αἱ πονηρίαι, ἀφʼ ὧν ἡμᾶς δεῖ ἐγκρατεύεσθαι; Ἄκουε, φησίν· ἀπὸ μοιχείας καὶ πορνείας, ἀπὸ μεθύσματος ἀνομίας, ἀπὸ τρυφῆς πονηρᾶς, ἀπὸ ἐδεσμάτων πολλῶν καὶ πολυτελείας πλούτου καὶ καυχήσεως καὶ ὑψηλοφροσύνης καὶ ὑπερηφανίας καὶ ἀπὸ ψεύσματος καὶ καταλαλιᾶς καὶ ὑποκρίσεως, μνησικακίας καὶ πάσης βλασφημίας.
Potapai, phēmi, kyrie, eisin hai ponēriai, aphʼ hōn hēmas dei enkrateuesthai? Akoue, phēsin; apo moicheias kai porneias, apo methysmatos anomias, apo tryphēs ponēras, apo edesmatōn pollōn kai polyteleias ploutou kai kauchēseōs kai hypsēlophrosynēs kai hyperēphanias kai apo pseusmatos kai katalalias kai hypokriseōs, mnēsikakias kai pasēs blasphēmias.
“What kinds of evil, sir,” I said, “are those from which we must refrain?” “Hear,” he said: “from adultery and sexual immorality, from lawless drunkenness, from wicked luxury, from much food and extravagance of wealth, and boasting and haughtiness and arrogance, and from lying and slander and hypocrisy, rancor and every blasphemy.
Notes and citation
Summary: A list of vices to refrain from.
Topics: Ethics
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 8.3 (Lake, LCL 25:102; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-8-3).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
8.4Lake, LCL 25:102–104
ταῦτα τὰ ἔργα πάντων πονηρότατά εἰσιν ἐν τῇ ζωῇ τῶν ἀνθρώπων. ἀπὸ τούτων οὖν τῶν ἔργων δεῖ ἐγκρατεύεσθαι τὸν δοῦλον τοῦ θεοῦ· ὁ γὰρ μὴ ἐγκρατευόμενος ἀπὸ τούτων οὐ δύναται ζῆσαι τῷ θεῷ. ἄκουε οὖν καὶ τὰ ἀκόλουθα τούτων,
tauta ta erga pantōn ponērotata eisin en tę̄ zōę̄ tōn anthrōpōn. apo toutōn oun tōn ergōn dei enkrateuesthai ton doulon tou theou; ho gar mē enkrateuomenos apo toutōn ou dynatai zēsai tǭ theǭ. akoue oun kai ta akoloutha toutōn,
These works are the most wicked of all in human life. From these works, then, the servant of God must refrain; for whoever does not refrain from these cannot live to God. Hear, then, also what follows from them.”
Notes and citation
Summary: These vices must be avoided to live to God.
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 8.4 (Lake, LCL 25:102–104; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-8-4).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
8.5Lake, LCL 25:104
Ἔτι γάρ, φημί, κύριε, πονηρὰ ἔργα ἐστί; Καί γε πολλά, φησίν, ἔστιν, ἀφʼ ὧν δεῖ τὸν δοῦλον τοῦ θεοῦ ἐγκρατεύεσθαι· κλέμμα, ψεῦδος, ἀποστέρησις, ψευδομαρτυρία, πλεονεξία, ἐπιθυμία πονηρά, ἀπάτη, κενοδοξία, ἀλαζονεία καὶ ὅσα τούτοις ὅμοιά εἰσιν.
Eti gar, phēmi, kyrie, ponēra erga esti? Kai ge polla, phēsin, estin, aphʼ hōn dei ton doulon tou theou enkrateuesthai; klemma, pseudos, aposterēsis, pseudomartyria, pleonexia, epithymia ponēra, apatē, kenodoxia, alazoneia kai hosa toutois homoia eisin.
“Are there still other evil works, sir?” I said. “Yes, many,” he said, “from which the servant of God must refrain: theft, falsehood, robbery, false witness, greed, evil desire, deceit, vainglory, boasting, and whatever is like these.
Notes and citation
Summary: More vices: theft, lying, greed, deceit, vanity.
Topics: Ethics
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 8.5 (Lake, LCL 25:104; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-8-5).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
8.6Lake, LCL 25:104
οὐ δοκεῖ σοι ταῦτα πονηρὰ εἶναι; καὶ λίαν πονηρά, φημί, τοῖς δούλοις τοῦ θεοῦ. τούτων πάντων δεῖ ἐγκρατεύεσθαι τὸν δουλεύοντα τῷ θεῷ. ἐγκράτευσαι οὖν ἀπὸ πάντων τούτων, ἵνα ζήσῃ τῷ θεῷ καὶ ἐγγραφήσῃ μετὰ τῶν ἐγκρατευομένων αὐτά. ὧν μὲν οὖν δεῖ σε ἐγκρατεύεσθαι, ταῦτά ἐστιν.
ou dokei soi tauta ponēra einai? kai lian ponēra, phēmi, tois doulois tou theou. toutōn pantōn dei enkrateuesthai ton douleuonta tǭ theǭ. enkrateusai oun apo pantōn toutōn, hina zēsę̄ tǭ theǭ kai engraphēsę̄ meta tōn enkrateuomenōn auta. hōn men oun dei se enkrateuesthai, tauta estin.
Do you not think these are evil?” “Very evil,” I said, “for the servants of God.” “From all these the one who serves God must refrain. Refrain, then, from all these, so that you may live to God and be enrolled with those who refrain from them. These, then, are the things from which you must refrain.
Notes and citation
Summary: Refrain from these to be enrolled among the living.
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 8.6 (Lake, LCL 25:104; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-8-6).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
8.7Lake, LCL 25:104
ἃ δὲ δεῖ σε μὴ ἐγκρατεύεσθαι, φησίν, ἀλλὰ ποιεῖν, ἄκουε. τὸ ἀγαθὸν μὴ ἐγκρατεύου, ἀλλὰ ποίει αὐτό.
ha de dei se mē enkrateuesthai, phēsin, alla poiein, akoue. to agathon mē enkrateuou, alla poiei auto.
And hear,” he said, “what you must not refrain from, but do. Do not refrain from the good, but do it.”
Notes and citation
Summary: Do not refrain from doing good.
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 8.7 (Lake, LCL 25:104; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-8-7).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
8.8Lake, LCL 25:104
Καὶ τῶν ἀγαθῶν μοι, φημί, κύριε, δήλωσον τὴν δύναμιν, ἵνα πορευθῶ ἐν αὐτοῖς καὶ δουλεύσω αὐτοῖς, ἵνα ἐργασάμενος αὐτὰ δυνηθῶ σωθῆναι. Ἄκουε, φησί, καὶ τῶν ἀγαθῶν τὰ ἔργα, ἅ σε δεῖ ἐργάζεσθαι καὶ μὴ ἐγκρατεύεσθαι.
Kai tōn agathōn moi, phēmi, kyrie, dēlōson tēn dynamin, hina poreuthō en autois kai douleusō autois, hina ergasamenos auta dynēthō sōthēnai. Akoue, phēsi, kai tōn agathōn ta erga, ha se dei ergazesthai kai mē enkrateuesthai.
“Make clear to me, sir,” I said, “the power of the good things also, so that I may walk in them and serve them, so that by doing them I may be saved.” “Hear,” he said, “the works of the good things also, which you must do and not refrain from.
Notes and citation
Summary: Hermas asks about the good works.
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 8.8 (Lake, LCL 25:104; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-8-8).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
8.9Lake, LCL 25:104
πρῶτον πάντων πίστις, φόβος κυρίου, ἀγάπη, ὁμόνοια, ῥήματα δικαιοσύνης, ἀλήθεια, ὑπομονή· τούτων ἀγαθώτερον οὐδέν ἐστιν ἐν τῇ ζωῇ τῶν ἀνθρώπων. ταῦτα ἐάν τις φυλάσσῃ καὶ μὴ ἐγκρατεύηται ἀπʼ αὐτῶν, μακάριος γίνεται ἐν τῇ ζωῇ αὐτοῦ.
prōton pantōn pistis, phobos kyriou, agapē, homonoia, rhēmata dikaiosynēs, alētheia, hypomonē; toutōn agathōteron ouden estin en tę̄ zōę̄ tōn anthrōpōn. tauta ean tis phylassę̄ kai mē enkrateuētai apʼ autōn, makarios ginetai en tę̄ zōę̄ autou.
First of all, faith, fear of the Lord, love, concord, words of righteousness, truth, endurance; nothing is better than these in human life. If anyone keeps these and does not refrain from them, he becomes blessed in his life.
Notes and citation
Summary: The chief goods: faith, fear of God, love, concord, truth, endurance.
Topics: Ethics
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 8.9 (Lake, LCL 25:104; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-8-9).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
8.10Lake, LCL 25:104–106
εἶτα τούτων τὰ ἀκόλουθα ἄκουσον· χήραις ὑπηρετεῖν, ὀρφανοὺς καὶ ὑστερουμένους ἐπισκέπτεσθαι, ἐξ ἀναγκῶν λυτροῦσθαι τοὺς δούλους τοῦ θεοῦ, φιλόξενον εἶναι ʽἐν γὰρ τῇ φιλοξενίᾳ εὑρίσκεται ἀγαθοποίησίς ποτεʼ, μηδενὶ ἀντιτάσσεσθαι, ἡσύχιον εἶναι, ἐνδεέστερον γίνεσθαι πάντων ἀνθρώπων, πρεσβύτας σέβεσθαι, δικαιοσύνην ἀσκεῖν, ἀδελφότητα συντηρεῖν, ὕβριν ὑποφέρειν, μακρόθυμον εἶναι, μνησικακίαν μὴ ἔχειν, κάμνοντας τῇ ψυχῇ παρακαλεῖν, ἐσκανδαλισμένους ἀπὸ τῆς πίστεως μὴ ἀποβάλλεσθαι, ἀλλʼ ἐπιστρέφειν καὶ εὐθύμους ποιεῖν, ἁμαρτάνοντας νουθετεῖν, χρεώστας μὴ θλίβειν καὶ ἐνδεεῖς, καὶ εἴ τινα τούτοις ὅμοιά ἐστι.
eita toutōn ta akoloutha akouson; chērais hypēretein, orphanous kai hysteroumenous episkeptesthai, ex anankōn lytrousthai tous doulous tou theou, philoxenon einai ʽen gar tę̄ philoxenią heurisketai agathopoiēsis poteʼ, mēdeni antitassesthai, hēsychion einai, endeesteron ginesthai pantōn anthrōpōn, presbytas sebesthai, dikaiosynēn askein, adelphotēta syntērein, hybrin hypopherein, makrothymon einai, mnēsikakian mē echein, kamnontas tę̄ psychę̄ parakalein, eskandalismenous apo tēs pisteōs mē apoballesthai, allʼ epistrephein kai euthymous poiein, hamartanontas nouthetein, chreōstas mē thlibein kai endeeis, kai ei tina toutois homoia esti.
Then hear what follows from these: to serve widows, to visit orphans and those in need, to ransom God's servants from their distress, to be hospitable (for in hospitality good deeds are sometimes found), to oppose no one, to be quiet, to become humbler than all people, to honor the aged, to practice righteousness, to preserve brotherhood, to bear insult, to be patient, to bear no grudge, to comfort those weary in soul, not to cast off those who have stumbled in the faith but to turn them back and encourage them, to admonish sinners, not to oppress debtors and the needy, and whatever else is like these.
Jas 1:27 (echo, medium confidence) · Heb 13:2 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Works of mercy: care for widows and orphans, hospitality, patience, restoring the fallen.
- “To ransom God's servants from their distress”: probably buying the release of Christian prisoners or slaves.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (digitization slip against Lake's printed text (wrong letter); digitization slip: a closing parenthesis mark rendered as an accent): τῇ φυχῇ → τῇ ψυχῇ; ποτἐ, → ποτεʼ,.
Topics: Ethics
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 8.10 (Lake, LCL 25:104–106; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-8-10).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
8.11Lake, LCL 25:106
δοκεῖ σοι, φησί, ταῦτα ἀγαθὰ εἶναι; Τί γάρ, φημί, κύριε, τούτων ἀγαθώτερον; Πορεύου οὖν, φησίν, ἐν αὐτοῖς καὶ μὴ ἐγκρατεύου ἀπʼ αὐτῶν, καὶ ζήσῃ τῷ θεῷ·
dokei soi, phēsi, tauta agatha einai? Ti gar, phēmi, kyrie, toutōn agathōteron? Poreuou oun, phēsin, en autois kai mē enkrateuou apʼ autōn, kai zēsę̄ tǭ theǭ;
“Do you think these things are good?” he said. “What, sir,” I said, “is better than these?” “Walk in them, then,” he said, “and do not refrain from them, and you will live to God.
Notes and citation
Summary: Walk in these good works and live.
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 8.11 (Lake, LCL 25:106; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-8-11).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
8.12Lake, LCL 25:106
φύλασσε οὖν τὴν ἐντολὴν ταύτην· ἐὰν τὸ ἀγαθὸν ποιῇς καὶ μὴ ἐγκρατεύσῃ ἀπʼ αὐτοῦ, ζήσῃ τῷ θεῷ, καὶ πάντες ζήσονται τῷ θεῷ οἱ οὕτω ποιοῦντες. καὶ πάλιν ἐὰν τὸ πονηρὸν μὴ ποιῇς καὶ ἐγκρατεύσῃ ἀπʼ αὐτοῦ, ζήσῃ τῷ θεῷ, καὶ πάντες ζήσονται τῷ θεῷ, ὅσοι ἐὰν ταύτας τὰς ἐντολὰς φυλάξωσι καὶ πορευθῶσιν ἐν αὐταῖς.
phylasse oun tēn entolēn tautēn; ean to agathon poię̄s kai mē enkrateusę̄ apʼ autou, zēsę̄ tǭ theǭ, kai pantes zēsontai tǭ theǭ hoi houtō poiountes. kai palin ean to ponēron mē poię̄s kai enkrateusę̄ apʼ autou, zēsę̄ tǭ theǭ, kai pantes zēsontai tǭ theǭ, hosoi ean tautas tas entolas phylaxōsi kai poreuthōsin en autais.
Keep, then, this commandment: if you do good and do not refrain from it, you will live to God, and all who do so will live to God. And again, if you do not do evil and refrain from it, you will live to God, and all will live to God who keep these commandments and walk in them.”
Notes and citation
Summary: Doing good and refraining from evil lead to life.
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 8.12 (Lake, LCL 25:106; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-8-12).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
Mandate 9
9.1Lake, LCL 25:106
Λέγει μοι· Ἆρον ἀπὸ σεαυτοῦ τὴν διψυχίαν καὶ μηδὲν ὅλως διψυχήσῃς αἰτήσασθαί τι παρὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, λέγων ἐν σεαυτῷ ὅτι πῶς δύναμαι αἰτήσασθαι παρὰ τοῦ κυρίου καὶ λαβεῖν, ἡμαρτηκὼς τοσαῦτα εἰς αὐτόν;
Legei moi; Aron apo seautou tēn dipsychian kai mēden holōs dipsychēsę̄s aitēsasthai ti para tou theou, legōn en seautǭ hoti pōs dynamai aitēsasthai para tou kyriou kai labein, hēmartēkōs tosauta eis auton?
He said to me, “Remove double-mindedness from yourself, and do not be double-minded at all about asking anything from God, saying to yourself, ‘How can I ask anything from the Lord and receive it, when I have sinned so much against him?’
Jas 1:6 (allusion, medium confidence) · Jas 1:8 (allusion, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Do not doubt when asking God, even as a sinner.
- Mandate 9 is on “double-mindedness” (διψυχία), doubt that divides the heart between God and the world; compare Jas 1:5–8.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (digitization slip against Lake's printed text (dropped letters)): καὶ μὲν ὅλως διψυχήσῃς → καὶ μηδὲν ὅλως διψυχήσῃς.
Topics: Prayer
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 9.1 (Lake, LCL 25:106; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-9-1).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
9.2Lake, LCL 25:106
μὴ διαλογίζου ταῦτα, ἀλλʼ ἐξ ὅλης τῆς καρδίας σου ἐπίστρεψον ἐπὶ τὸν κύριον καὶ αἰτοῦ παρʼ αὐτοῦ ἀδιστάκτως, καὶ γνώσῃ τὴν πολλὴν εὐσπλαγχνίαν αὐτοῦ, ὅτι οὐ μή σε ἐγκαταλίπῃ, ἀλλὰ τὸ αἴτημα τῆς ψυχῆς σου πληροφορήσει.
mē dialogizou tauta, allʼ ex holēs tēs kardias sou epistrepson epi ton kyrion kai aitou parʼ autou adistaktōs, kai gnōsę̄ tēn pollēn eusplanchnian autou, hoti ou mē se enkatalipę̄, alla to aitēma tēs psychēs sou plērophorēsei.
Do not reason like this, but turn to the Lord with your whole heart and ask of him without hesitating, and you will know his great compassion, that he will never abandon you, but will fulfill the request of your soul.
Notes and citation
Summary: Turn to God wholeheartedly and ask without hesitation.
Topics: Prayer
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 9.2 (Lake, LCL 25:106; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-9-2).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
9.3Lake, LCL 25:106–108
οὐκ ἔστι γὰρ ὁ θεὸς ὡς οἱ ἄνθρωποι μνησικακοῦντες, ἀλλʼ αὐτὸς ἀμνησίκακός ἐστι καὶ σπλαγχνίζεται ἐπὶ τὴν ποίησιν αὐτοῦ.
ouk esti gar ho theos hōs hoi anthrōpoi mnēsikakountes, allʼ autos amnēsikakos esti kai splanchnizetai epi tēn poiēsin autou.
For God is not like people who bear grudges; he bears no grudge and has compassion on his creation.
Notes and citation
Summary: God holds no grudges.
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 9.3 (Lake, LCL 25:106–108; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-9-3).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
9.4Lake, LCL 25:108
σὺ οὖν καθάρισόν σου τὴν καρδίαν ἀπὸ πάντων τῶν ματαιωμάτων τοῦ αἰῶνος τούτου καὶ τῶν προειρημένων σοι ῥημάτων καὶ αἰτοῦ παρὰ τοῦ κυρίου, καὶ ἀπολήψῃ πάντα καὶ ἀπὸ πάντων τῶν αἰτημάτων σου ἀνυστέρητος ἔσῃ, ἐὰν ἀδιστάκτως αἰτήσῃς παρὰ τοῦ κυρίου.
sy oun katharison sou tēn kardian apo pantōn tōn mataiōmatōn tou aiōnos toutou kai tōn proeirēmenōn soi rhēmatōn kai aitou para tou kyriou, kai apolēpsę̄ panta kai apo pantōn tōn aitēmatōn sou anysterētos esę̄, ean adistaktōs aitēsę̄s para tou kyriou.
So you, cleanse your heart from all the vanities of this world and from the things I have already spoken of to you, and ask of the Lord, and you will receive everything and will lack nothing of all your requests, if you ask of the Lord without hesitating.
Matt 21:22 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Ask without doubting and you will lack nothing.
Topics: Prayer
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 9.4 (Lake, LCL 25:108; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-9-4).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
9.5Lake, LCL 25:108
ἐὰν δὲ διστάσῃς ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ σου, οὐδὲν οὐ μὴ λήψῃ τῶν αἰτημάτων σου. οἱ γὰρ διστάζοντες εἰς τὸν θεόν, οὗτοί εἰσιν οἱ δίψυχοι καὶ οὐδὲν ὅλως ἐπιτυγχάνουσι τῶν αἰτημάτων αὐτῶν.
ean de distasę̄s en tę̄ kardią sou, ouden ou mē lēpsę̄ tōn aitēmatōn sou. hoi gar distazontes eis ton theon, houtoi eisin hoi dipsychoi kai ouden holōs epitynchanousi tōn aitēmatōn autōn.
But if you hesitate in your heart, you will receive none of your requests. For those who hesitate toward God are the double-minded, and they obtain none of their requests at all.
Jas 1:7 (allusion, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: The doubter receives nothing.
Topics: Prayer
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 9.5 (Lake, LCL 25:108; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-9-5).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
9.6Lake, LCL 25:108
οἱ δὲ ὁλοτελεῖς ὄντες ἐν τῇ πίστει πάντα αἰτοῦνται πεποιθότες ἐπὶ τὸν κύριον καὶ λαμβάνουσιν, ὅτι ἀδιστάκτως αἰτοῦνται, μηδὲν διψυχοῦντες. πᾶς γὰρ δίψυχος ἀνήρ, ἐὰν μὴ μετανοήσῃ, δυσκόλως σωθήσεται.
hoi de holoteleis ontes en tę̄ pistei panta aitountai pepoithotes epi ton kyrion kai lambanousin, hoti adistaktōs aitountai, mēden dipsychountes. pas gar dipsychos anēr, ean mē metanoēsę̄, dyskolōs sōthēsetai.
But those who are complete in faith ask everything trusting in the Lord, and receive, because they ask without hesitating, not being double-minded at all. For every double-minded man, unless he repents, will be saved with difficulty.
Notes and citation
Summary: The wholehearted receive; the doubter is saved with difficulty.
Topics: Prayer
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 9.6 (Lake, LCL 25:108; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-9-6).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
9.7Lake, LCL 25:108
καθάρισον οὖν τὴν καρδίαν σου ἀπὸ τῆς διψυχίας, ἔνδυσαι δὲ τὴν πίστιν, ὅτι ἰσχυρά ἐστι, καὶ πίστευε τῷ θεῷ, ὅτι πάντα τὰ αἰτήματά σου ἃ αἰτεῖς λήψῃ, καὶ ἐὰν αἰτησάμενός ποτε παρὰ τοῦ κυρίου αἴτημά τι βραδύτερον λαμβάνῃς, μὴ διψυχήσῃς, ὅτι ταχὺ οὐκ ἔλαβες τὸ αἴτημα τῆς ψυχῆς σου· πάντως γὰρ διὰ πειρασμόν τινα ἢ παράπτωμά τι, ὃ σὺ ἀγνοεῖς, βραδύτερον λαμβάνεις τὸ αἴτημά σου.
katharison oun tēn kardian sou apo tēs dipsychias, endysai de tēn pistin, hoti ischyra esti, kai pisteue tǭ theǭ, hoti panta ta aitēmata sou ha aiteis lēpsę̄, kai ean aitēsamenos pote para tou kyriou aitēma ti bradyteron lambanę̄s, mē dipsychēsę̄s, hoti tachy ouk elabes to aitēma tēs psychēs sou; pantōs gar dia peirasmon tina ē paraptōma ti, ho sy agnoeis, bradyteron lambaneis to aitēma sou.
Cleanse, then, your heart from double-mindedness, and put on faith, because it is strong, and trust God that you will receive all the requests you ask. And if, having asked the Lord for something, you receive it rather slowly, do not be double-minded because you did not receive your soul's request quickly; for surely it is because of some temptation or some transgression, which you do not know, that you receive your request more slowly.
Notes and citation
Summary: If an answer is slow, do not doubt; there is a reason.
Topics: Prayer
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 9.7 (Lake, LCL 25:108; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-9-7).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
9.8Lake, LCL 25:108
σὺ οὖν μὴ διαλίπῃς αἰτούμενος τὸ αἴτημα τῆς ψυχῆς σου, καὶ λήψῃ αὐτό· ἐὰν δὲ ἐκκακήσῃς καὶ διψυχήσῃς αἰτούμενος, σεαυτὸν αἰτιῶ καὶ μὴ τὸν διδόντα σοι.
sy oun mē dialipę̄s aitoumenos to aitēma tēs psychēs sou, kai lēpsę̄ auto; ean de ekkakēsę̄s kai dipsychēsę̄s aitoumenos, seauton aitiō kai mē ton didonta soi.
So do not stop asking for your soul's request, and you will receive it; but if you grow weary and doubt as you ask, blame yourself and not the one who gives to you.
Luke 18:1 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Keep asking; blame yourself, not God, if you give up.
Topics: Prayer
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 9.8 (Lake, LCL 25:108; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-9-8).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
9.9Lake, LCL 25:108–110
βλέπε τὴν διψυχίαν ταύτην· πονηρὰ γάρ ἐστι καὶ ἀσύνετος καὶ πολλοὺς ἐκριζοῖ ἀπὸ τῆς πίστεως καί γε λίαν πιστοὺς καὶ ἰσχυρούς. καὶ γὰρ αὕτη ἡ διψυχία θυγάτηρ ἐστὶ τοῦ διαβόλου καὶ λίαν πονηρεύεται εἰς τοὺς δούλους τοῦ θεοῦ.
blepe tēn dipsychian tautēn; ponēra gar esti kai asynetos kai pollous ekrizoi apo tēs pisteōs kai ge lian pistous kai ischyrous. kai gar hautē hē dipsychia thygatēr esti tou diabolou kai lian ponēreuetai eis tous doulous tou theou.
Look at this double-mindedness; for it is evil and senseless, and it uproots many from the faith, even those who are very faithful and strong. For this double-mindedness is a daughter of the devil and does great evil to God's servants.
Notes and citation
Summary: Doubt is the devil's daughter and uproots many.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (digitization slip against Lake's printed text (wrong accent)): πονηρὰ γάρ ἔστι → πονηρὰ γάρ ἐστι.
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 9.9 (Lake, LCL 25:108–110; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-9-9).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
9.10Lake, LCL 25:110
καταφρόνησον οὖν τῆς διψυχίας καὶ κατακυρίευσον αὐτῆς ἐν παντὶ πράγματι, ἐνδυσάμενος τὴν πίστιν τὴν ἰσχυρὰν καὶ δυνατήν· ἡ γὰρ πίστις πάντα ἐπαγγέλλεται, πάντα τελειοῖ, ἡ δὲ διψυχία μὴ καταπιστεύουσα ἑαυτῇ πάντων ἀποτυγχάνει τῶν ἔργων αὐτῆς ὧν πράσσει.
kataphronēson oun tēs dipsychias kai katakyrieuson autēs en panti pragmati, endysamenos tēn pistin tēn ischyran kai dynatēn; hē gar pistis panta epangelletai, panta teleioi, hē de dipsychia mē katapisteuousa heautę̄ pantōn apotynchanei tōn ergōn autēs hōn prassei.
Despise, then, double-mindedness and master it in every matter, putting on faith that is strong and powerful; for faith promises everything and accomplishes everything, but double-mindedness, not trusting itself, fails in all the works it does.
Notes and citation
Summary: Faith accomplishes all; doubt fails at everything.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (digitization slip against Lake's printed text (wrong accent)): ἔργων αὐτῇς → ἔργων αὐτῆς.
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 9.10 (Lake, LCL 25:110; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-9-10).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
9.11Lake, LCL 25:110
βλέπεις οὖν, φησίν, ὅτι ἡ πίστις ἄνωθέν ἐστι παρὰ τοῦ κυρίου καὶ ἔχει δύναμιν μεγάλην· ἡ δὲ διψυχία ἐπίγειον πνεῦμά ἐστι παρὰ τοῦ διαβόλου, δύναμιν μὴ ἔχουσα.
blepeis oun, phēsin, hoti hē pistis anōthen esti para tou kyriou kai echei dynamin megalēn; hē de dipsychia epigeion pneuma esti para tou diabolou, dynamin mē echousa.
You see, then,” he said, “that faith is from above, from the Lord, and has great power; but double-mindedness is an earthly spirit from the devil, having no power.
Jas 3:15 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Faith is from above; doubt is earthly and powerless.
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 9.11 (Lake, LCL 25:110; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-9-11).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.
9.12Lake, LCL 25:110
σὺ οὖν δούλευε τῇ ἐχούσῃ δύναμιν τῇ πίστει καὶ ἀπὸ τῆς διψυχίας ἀπόσχου τῆς μὴ ἐχούσης δύναμιν, καὶ ζήσῃ τῷ θεῷ, καὶ πάντες ζήσονται τῷ θεῷ οἱ ταῦτα φρονοῦντες.
sy oun douleue tę̄ echousę̄ dynamin tę̄ pistei kai apo tēs dipsychias aposchou tēs mē echousēs dynamin, kai zēsę̄ tǭ theǭ, kai pantes zēsontai tǭ theǭ hoi tauta phronountes.
So you, serve faith, which has power, and keep away from double-mindedness, which has no power, and you will live to God; and all will live to God who think these things.”
Notes and citation
Summary: Serve faith and live.
Cite (SBL): Herm. Mand. 9.12 (Lake, LCL 25:110; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-mand/1-1/#p-9-12).
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 25, 1913); made independently of existing English translations.