# Shepherd of Hermas: Similitudes - Author: [Hermas](https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/authors/hermas/) - Latin title: *Pastor Hermae, Similitudines* - Date: ca. 100–150 (disputed) - Source: Kirsopp Lake, ed. and trans., The Apostolic Fathers, vol. 2, LCL 25 (London: Heinemann; New York: Macmillan, 1913), 138–305 (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) - Translation: Claude, from the original text; each passage below gives the model and date - Work page: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/ - Passages: 406 ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 1.1 (50.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/1/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:138 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Christians live as foreigners; why build up possessions here? ### Greek text Λέγει μοι· Οἴδατε, φησίν, ὅτι ἐπὶ ξένης κατοικεῖτε ὑμεῖς οἱ δοῦλοι τοῦ θεοῦ· ἡ γὰρ πόλις ὑμῶν μακράν ἐστιν ἀπὸ τῆς πόλεως ταύτης· εἰ οὖν οἴδατε, φησί, τὴν πόλιν ὑμῶν, ἐν ᾗ μέλλετε κατοικεῖν, τί ὧδε ὑμεῖς ἑτοιμάζετε ἀγροὺς καὶ παρατάξεις πολυτελεῖς καὶ οἰκοδομὰς καὶ οἰκήματα μάταια; ### English translation (Claude) He said to me, “You know,” he said, “that you servants of God live in a foreign land; for your city is far from this city. If, then,” he said, “you know your city, in which you are going to live, why do you prepare here fields and costly furnishings and buildings and useless dwellings? ### Scripture references - Heb 13:14: echo, medium confidence - Phil 3:20: echo, medium confidence ### Translation notes - The Similitudes (παραβολαί, “parables”) are ten parables given by the Shepherd, most with his explanations. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 1.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/1/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 1.2 (50.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/1/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:138 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Investing here prevents return to the true city. ### Greek text ταῦτα οὖν ὁ ἑτοιμάζων εἰς ταύτην τὴν πόλιν οὐ δύναται ἐπανακάμψαι εἰς τὴν ἰδίαν πόλιν. ### English translation (Claude) Whoever prepares these things for this city cannot return to his own city. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 1.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/1/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 1.3 (50.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/1/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:138 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The lord of this world's city will expel those who do not keep his laws. ### Greek text ἄφρον καὶ δίψυχε καὶ ταλαίπωρε ἄνθρωπε, οὐ νοεῖς, ὅτι ταῦτα πάντα ἀλλότριά εἰσι καὶ ὑπʼ ἐξουσίαν ἑτέρου εἰσίν; ἐρεῖ γὰρ ὁ κύριος τῆς πόλεως ταύτης· Οὐ θέλω σε κατοικεῖν εἰς τὴν πόλιν μου, ἀλλʼ ἔξελθε ἐκ τῆς πόλεως ταύτης, ὅτι τοῖς νόμοις μου οὐ χρᾶσαι. ### English translation (Claude) Foolish, double-minded, and wretched man, do you not understand that all these things belong to others and are under the power of another? For the lord of this city will say, ‘I do not want you to live in my city; get out of this city, because you do not keep my laws.’ ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 1.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/1/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 1.4 (50.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/1/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:138 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: What will you do with your property when expelled? ### Greek text σὺ οὖν ἔχων ἀγροὺς καὶ οἰκήσεις καὶ ἑτέρας ὑπάρξεις πολλάς, ἐκβαλλόμενος ὑπʼ αὐτοῦ τί ποιήσεις σου τὸν ἀγρὸν καὶ τὴν οἰκίαν καὶ τὰ λοιπά, ὅσα ἡτοίμασας σεαυτῷ; λέγει γάρ σοι δικαίως ὁ κύριος τῆς χώρας ταύτης· Ἢ τοῖς νόμοις μου χρῶ ἢ ἐκχώρει ἐκ τῆς χώρας μου. ### English translation (Claude) So you, who have fields and houses and many other possessions, when you are expelled by him, what will you do with your field and house and all the other things you have prepared for yourself? For the lord of this country rightly says to you, ‘Either keep my laws or leave my country.’ ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 1.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/1/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 1.5 (50.5) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/1/5/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:138–140 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Do not deny God's law for the sake of property. ### Greek text σὺ οὖν τί μέλλεις ποιεῖν, ἔχων νόμον ἐν τῇ σῇ πόλει; ἕνεκεν τῶν ἀγρῶν σου καὶ τῆς λοιπῆς ὑπάρξεως τὸν νόμον σου πάντως ἀπαρνήσῃ καὶ πορεύσῃ τῷ νόμῳ τῆς πόλεως ταύτης; βλέπε, μὴ ἀσύμφορόν ἐστιν ἀπαρνῆσαι τὸν νόμον σου· ἐὰν γὰρ ἐπανακάμψαι θελήσῃς εἰς τὴν πόλιν σου, οὐ μὴ παραδεχθήσῃ, ὅτι ἀπηρνήσω τὸν νόμον τῆς πόλεώς σου, καὶ ἐκκλεισθήσῃ ἀπʼ αὐτῆς. ### English translation (Claude) What, then, are you going to do, having a law in your own city? Because of your fields and your other property, will you utterly deny your own law and walk by the law of this city? See whether it is not unprofitable to deny your law; for if you wish to return to your city, you will not be received, because you denied the law of your city, and you will be shut out of it. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 1.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/1/5/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 1.6 (50.6) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/1/6/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:140 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Keep only what is sufficient and be ready to leave. ### Greek text βλέπε οὖν σύ· ὡς ἐπὶ ξένης κατοικῶν μηδὲν πλέον ἑτοίμαζε σεαυτῷ εἰ μὴ τὴν αὐτάρκειαν τὴν ἀρκετήν σοι, καὶ ἕτοιμος γίνου, ἵνα, ὅταν θέλῃ ὁ δεσπότης τῆς πόλεως ταύτης ἐκβαλεῖν σε ἀντιταξάμενον τῷ νόμῳ αὐτοῦ, ἐξέλθῃς ἐκ τῆς πόλεως αὐτοῦ καὶ ἀπέλθῃς ἐν τῇ πόλει σου καὶ τῷ σῷ νόμῳ χρήσῃ ἀνυβρίστως ἀγαλλιώμενος. ### English translation (Claude) See to it, then: as one living in a foreign land, prepare nothing more for yourself than what is sufficient for you, and be ready, so that when the master of this city wishes to expel you for opposing his law, you may leave his city and go to your own city and keep your own law joyfully, unmolested. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 1.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/1/6/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 1.7 (50.7) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/1/7/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:140 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Do God's works and trust his promises. ### Greek text βλέπετε οὖν ὑμεῖς οἱ δουλεύοντες τῷ κυρίῳ καὶ ἔχοντες αὐτὸν εἰς τὴν καρδίαν· ἐργάζεσθε τὰ ἔργα τοῦ θεοῦ μνημονεύοντες τῶν ἐντολῶν αὐτοῦ καὶ τῶν ἐπαγγελιῶν ὧν ἐπηγγείλατο, καὶ πιστεύσατε αὐτῷ, ὅτι ποιήσει αὐτάς, ἐὰν αἱ ἐντολαὶ αὐτοῦ φυλαχθῶσιν. ### English translation (Claude) Take care, then, you who serve the Lord and have him in your heart: do the works of God, remembering his commandments and the promises he has made, and believe him that he will fulfill them, if his commandments are kept. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 1.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/1/7/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 1.8 (50.8) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/1/8/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:140 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Instead of fields, buy afflicted souls; care for widows and orphans. ### Greek text ἀντὶ ἀγρῶν οὖν ἀγοράζετε ψυχὰς θλιβομένας, καθά τις δυνατός ἐστι, καὶ χήρας καὶ ὀρφανοὺς ἐπισκέπτεσθε καὶ μὴ παραβλέπετε αὐτούς, καὶ τὸν πλοῦτον ὑμῶν καὶ τὰς παρατάξεις πάσας εἰς τοιούτους ἀγροὺς καὶ οἰκίας δαπανᾶτε, ἃς ἐλάβετε παρὰ τοῦ θεοῦ. ### English translation (Claude) Instead of fields, then, buy souls in distress, as each one is able, and visit widows and orphans and do not neglect them; and spend your wealth and all your furnishings, which you received from God, on such fields and houses. ### Scripture references - Jas 1:27: echo, medium confidence ### Translation notes - “Buy souls in distress”: perhaps ransom captives or slaves, or more generally relieve the needy. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 1.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/1/8/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 1.9 (50.9) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/1/9/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:140 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: God made you rich to serve the needy; such property awaits you in heaven. ### Greek text εἰς τοῦτο γὰρ ἐπλούτισεν ὑμᾶς ὁ δεσπότης, ἵνα ταύτας τὰς διακονίας τελέσητε αὐτῷ· πολὺ βέλτιόν ἐστι τοιούτους ἀγροὺς ἀγοράζειν καὶ κτήματα καὶ οἴκους, οὓς εὑρήσεις ἐν τῇ πόλει σου, ὅταν ἐπιδημήσῃς εἰς αὐτήν. ### English translation (Claude) For this is why the Master made you rich, so that you might perform these ministries for him. It is much better to buy such fields and possessions and houses, which you will find in your own city when you come to live in it. ### Scripture references - Matt 6:20: echo, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 1.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/1/9/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 1.10 (50.10) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/1/10/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:140–142 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Generosity is the good extravagance. ### Greek text αὕτη ἡ πολυτέλεια καλὴ καὶ ἱερά, λύπην μὴ ἔχουσα μηδὲ φόβον, ἔχουσα δὲ χαράν. τὴν οὖν πολυτέλειαν τῶν ἐθνῶν μὴ πράσσετε· ἀσύμφορον γάρ ἐστιν ὑμῖν τοῖς δούλοις τοῦ θεοῦ. ### English translation (Claude) This extravagance is good and holy, having no grief or fear, but having joy. Do not, then, practice the extravagance of the Gentiles; for it is unprofitable for you, the servants of God. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 1.10 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/1/10/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 1.11 (50.11) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/1/11/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:142 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Do not covet; do your own work and be saved. ### Greek text τὴν δὲ ἰδίαν πολυτέλειαν πράσσετε, ἐν ᾗ δύνασθε χαρῆναι, καὶ μὴ παραχαράσσετε μηδὲ τοῦ ἀλλοτρίου ἅψησθε μηδὲ ἐπιθυμεῖτε αὐτοῦ· πονηρὸν γάρ ἐστιν ἀλλοτρίων ἐπιθυμεῖν. τὸ δὲ σὸν ἔργον ἐργάζου, καὶ σωθήσῃ. ### English translation (Claude) But practice your own extravagance, in which you can rejoice; and do not counterfeit, nor touch what belongs to another, nor desire it; for it is evil to desire what belongs to others. But do your own work, and you will be saved.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 1.11 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/1/11/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 2.1 (51.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/2/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:142 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Hermas looks at a vine growing on an elm. ### Greek text Περιπατοῦντός μου εἰς τὸν ἀγρὸν καὶ κατανοοῦντος πτελέαν καὶ ἄμπελον καὶ διακρίνοντος περὶ αὐτῶν καὶ τῶν καρπῶν αὐτῶν, φανεροῦταί μοι ὁ ποιμὴν καὶ λέγει· Τί σὺ ἐν ἑαυτῷ ζητεῖς περὶ τῆς πτελέας καὶ τῆς ἀμπέλου; Συζητῶ, φημί, κύριε, ὅτι εὐπρεπέσταταί εἰσιν ἀλλήλαις. ### English translation (Claude) As I was walking in the field and looking at an elm and a vine, and considering them and their fruits, the shepherd appeared to me and said, “What are you pondering to yourself about the elm and the vine?” “I am considering, sir,” I said, “that they suit each other very well.” ### Translation notes - In Italy vines were commonly trained to grow up elm trees. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 2.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/2/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 2.2 (51.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/2/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:142 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The two trees are a type. ### Greek text Ταῦτα τὰ δύο δένδρα, φησίν, εἰς τύπον κεῖνται τοῖς δούλοις τοῦ θεοῦ. Ἤθελον, φημί, γνῶναι τὸν τύπον τῶν δένδρων τούτων ὧν λέγεις. Βλέπεις, φησί, τὴν πτελέαν καὶ τὴν ἄμπελον; Βλέπω, φημί, κύριε. ### English translation (Claude) “These two trees,” he said, “are set as a type for God's servants.” “I would like to know,” I said, “the type of these trees you speak of.” “Do you see,” he said, “the elm and the vine?” “I see them, sir,” I said. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 2.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/2/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 2.3 (51.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/2/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:142 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The vine bears good fruit only when it climbs the elm. ### Greek text Ἡ ἄμπελος, φησίν, αὕτη καρπὸν φέρει, ἡ δὲ πτελέα ξύλον ἄκαρπόν ἐστιν· ἀλλʼ ἡ ἄμπελος αὕτη ἐὰν μὴ ἀναβῇ ἐπὶ τὴν πτελέαν, οὐ δύναται καρποφορῆσαι πολὺ ἐρριμμένη χαμαί, καὶ ὃν φέρει καρπόν, σεσηπότα φέρει μὴ κρεμαμένη ἐπὶ τῆς πτελέας, ὅταν οὖν ἐπιρριφῇ ἡ ἄμπελος ἐπὶ τὴν πτελέαν, καὶ παρʼ ἑαυτῆς φέρει καρπὸν καὶ παρὰ τῆς πτελέας. ### English translation (Claude) “This vine,” he said, “bears fruit, but the elm is a fruitless tree; yet this vine, unless it climbs the elm, cannot bear much fruit, lying on the ground, and the fruit it bears is rotten, because it does not hang on the elm. But when the vine is attached to the elm, it bears fruit both from itself and from the elm. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 2.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/2/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 2.4 (51.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/2/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:142–144 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The parable concerns rich and poor. ### Greek text βλέπεις οὖν, ὅτι καὶ ἡ πτελέα πολὺν καρπὸν δίδωσιν, οὐκ ἐλάσσονα τῆς ἀμπέλου, μᾶλλον δὲ καὶ πλείονα. Πῶς, φημί, κύριε, πλείονα; Ὅτι, φησίν, ἡ ἄμπελος κρεμαμένη ἐπὶ τὴν πτελέαν τὸν καρπὸν πολὺν καὶ καλὸν δίδωσιν, ἐρριμμένη δὲ χαμαὶ ὀλίγον καὶ σαπρὸν φέρει. αὕτη οὖν ἡ παραβολὴ εἰς τοὺς δούλους τοῦ θεοῦ κεῖται, εἰς πτωχὸν καὶ πλούσιον. ### English translation (Claude) You see, then, that the elm also gives much fruit, not less than the vine, but rather more.” “How, sir,” I said, “more?” “Because,” he said, “the vine hanging on the elm gives much good fruit, but lying on the ground it bears little and rotten fruit. This parable, then, applies to God's servants, to poor and rich.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 2.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/2/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 2.5 (51.5) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/2/5/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:144 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The rich is poor in prayer; the poor is rich in prayer. The rich support the poor. ### Greek text Πῶς, φημί, κύριε, γνώρισόν μοι. Ἄκουε, φησίν· ὁ μὲν πλούσιος ἔχει χρήματα, τὰ δὲ πρὸς τὸν κύριον πτωχεύει, περισπώμενος περὶ τὸν πλοῦτον ἑαυτοῦ, καὶ λίαν μικρὰν ἔχει τὴν ἔντευξιν καὶ τὴν ἐξομολόγησιν πρὸς τὸν κύριον, καὶ ἣν ἔχει, βληχρὰν καὶ μικρὰν καὶ ἄλλην μὴ ἔχουσαν δύναμιν. ὅταν οὖν ἐπαναπάῃ ἐπὶ τὸν πένητα ὁ πλούσιος καὶ χορηγήσῃ αὐτῷ τὰ δέοντα, πιστεύει, ὅτι ἐὰν ἐργάσηται εἰς τὸν πένητα δυνηθήσεται τὸν μισθὸν εὑρεῖν παρὰ τῷ θεῷ· ὅτι ὁ πένης πλούσιός ἐστιν ἐν τῇ ἐντεύξει καὶ ἐν τῇ ἐξομολογήσει καὶ δύναμιν μεγάλην ἔχει παρὰ τῷ θεῷ ἡ ἔντευξις αὐτοῦ. ἐπιχορηγεῖ οὖν ὁ πλούσιος τῷ πένητι πάντα ἀδιστάκτως. ### English translation (Claude) “How, sir?” I said; “make it known to me.” “Hear,” he said. “The rich man has money, but toward the Lord he is poor, being distracted by his wealth, and his prayer and confession to the Lord are very small, and what he has is weak and small and has no other power. But when the rich man relies on the poor man and supplies him with what he needs, he believes that if he does good to the poor man he will be able to find his reward with God; for the poor man is rich in prayer and confession, and his prayer has great power with God. So the rich man supplies the poor man with everything without hesitating. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 2.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/2/5/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 2.6 (51.6) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/2/6/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:144 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The poor pray for the rich who support them. ### Greek text ὁ πένης δὲ ἐπιχορηγούμενος ὑπὸ τοῦ πλουσίου ἐντυγχάνει τῷ θεῷ εὐχαριστῶν αὐτῷ, ὑπὲρ τοῦ διδόντος αὐτῷ· κἀκεῖνος ἔτι ἐπισπουδάζει περὶ τοῦ πένητος, ἵνα ἀδιάλειπτος γένηται ἐν τῇ ζωῇ αὐτοῦ· οἶδε γάρ, ὅτι ἡ τοῦ πένητος ἔντευξις προσδεκτή ἐστι καὶ πλουσία πρὸς κύριον. ### English translation (Claude) And the poor man, being supplied by the rich, prays to God, giving thanks to him for the one who gives to him; and the rich man is all the more eager for the poor man, that he may lack nothing in his life; for he knows that the prayer of the poor man is acceptable and rich before the Lord. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 2.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/2/6/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 2.7 (51.7) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/2/7/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:144–146 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Rich and poor each serve God with what they have. ### Greek text ἀμφότεροι οὖν τὸ ἔργον τελοῦσιν· ὁ μὲν πένης ἐργάζεται τῇ ἐντεύξει, ἐν ᾗ πλουτεῖ, ἣν ἔλαβεν παρὰ τοῦ κυρίου· ταύτην ἀποδίδωσι τῷ κυρίῳ τῷ ἐπιχορηγοῦντι αὐτῷ. καὶ ὁ πλούσιος ὡσαύτως τὸ πλοῦτος, ὃ ἔλαβεν παρὰ τοῦ κυρίου, ἀδιστάκτως παρέχεται τῷ πένητι. καὶ τοῦτο ἔργον μέγα ἐστὶ καὶ δεκτὸν παρὰ τῷ θεῷ, ὅτι συνῆκεν ἐπὶ τῷ πλούτῳ αὐτοῦ καὶ εἰργάσατο εἰς τὸν πένητα ἐκ τῶν δωρημάτων τοῦ κυρίου καὶ ἐτέλεσε τὴν διακονίαν ὀρθῶς. ### English translation (Claude) Both, then, complete the work: the poor man works by prayer, in which he is rich, which he received from the Lord; this he returns to the Lord who supplies him. And the rich man likewise provides to the poor man without hesitating the wealth he received from the Lord. And this is a great work and acceptable to God, because he has understood about his wealth, and has worked for the poor man from the gifts of the Lord, and has fulfilled his ministry rightly. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 2.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/2/7/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 2.8 (51.8) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/2/8/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:146 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: In drought the elm waters the vine: each completes the other. ### Greek text παρὰ τοῖς οὖν ἀνθρώποις ἡ πτελέα δοκεῖ καρπὸν μὴ φέρειν, καὶ οὐκ οἴδασιν οὐδὲ νοοῦσιν, ὅτι, ὅταν ἀβροχία γένηται, ἡ πτελέα ἔχουσα ὕδωρ τρέφει τὴν ἄμπελον καὶ ἡ ἄμπελος ἀδιάλειπτον ἔχουσα τὸ ὕδωρ διπλοῦν τὸν καρπὸν ἀποδίδωσι, καὶ ὑπὲρ ἑαυτῆς καὶ ὑπὲρ τῆς πτελέας. οὕτως καὶ οἱ πένητες ὑπὲρ τῶν πλουσίων ἐντυγχάνοντες πρὸς τὸν κύριον πληροφοροῦσι τὸ πλοῦτος αὐτῶν, καὶ πάλιν οἱ πλούσιοι χορηγοῦντες τοῖς πένησι τὰ δέοντα πληροφοροῦσι τὰς εὐχὰς αὐτῶν. ### English translation (Claude) Among people, then, the elm seems not to bear fruit, and they do not know or understand that when there is a drought, the elm, having water, nourishes the vine, and the vine, having water constantly, gives double fruit, both for itself and for the elm. So also the poor, praying to the Lord for the rich, complete their wealth, and again the rich, supplying the poor with what they need, complete their prayers. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 2.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/2/8/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 2.9 (51.9) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/2/9/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:146 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Such partners will be written in the book of life. ### Greek text γίνονται οὖν ἀμφότεροι κοινωνοὶ τοῦ ἔργου τοῦ δικαίου. ταῦτα οὖν ὁ ποιῶν οὐκ ἐγκαταλειφθήσεται ὑπὸ τοῦ θεοῦ, ἀλλʼ ἔσται γεγραμμένος εἰς τὰς βίβλους τῶν ζώντων. ### English translation (Claude) Both, then, become partners in the righteous work. Whoever does these things will not be abandoned by God, but will be written in the books of the living. ### Scripture references - Ps 69:28 (68:29 LXX): echo, low confidence ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 2.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/2/9/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 2.10 (51.10) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/2/10/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:146 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Blessed are the rich who know their wealth is from God. ### Greek text μακάριοι οἱ ἔχοντες καὶ συνιέντες, ὅτι παρὰ τοῦ κυρίου πλουτίζονται, ὁ γὰρ συνίων τοῦτο δυνήσεται καὶ διακονῆσαί τι ἀγαθόν. ### English translation (Claude) Blessed are those who have and understand that they are made rich by the Lord; for whoever understands this will also be able to do some good service.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 2.10 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/2/10/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 3.1 (52.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/3/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:146–148 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Leafless trees are the people of this world. ### Greek text Ἔδειξέ μοι δένδρα πολλὰ μὴ ἔχοντα φύλλα, ἀλλʼ ὡσεὶ ξηρὰ ἐδόκει μοι εἶναι· ὅμοια γὰρ ἦν πάντα. καὶ λέγει μοι· Βλέπεις τὰ δένδρα ταῦτα; Βλέπω, φημί, κύριε, ὅμοια ὄντα καὶ ξηρά. ἀποκριθείς μοι λέγει· Ταῦτα τὰ δένδρα, ἃ βλέπεις, οἱ κατοικοῦντές εἰσιν ἐν τῷ αἰῶνι τούτῳ. ### English translation (Claude) He showed me many trees without leaves, and they seemed to me to be withered; for they were all alike. And he said to me, “Do you see these trees?” “I see them, sir,” I said, “all alike and withered.” He answered me, “These trees that you see are those who live in this world.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 3.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/3/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 3.2 (52.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/3/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:148 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: In this world the righteous and sinners look alike; it is winter. ### Greek text Διατί οὖν, φημί, κύριε, ὡσεὶ ξηρά εἰσι καὶ ὅμοια; Ὅτι, φησίν, οὔτε οἱ δίκαιοι φαίνονται οὔτε οἱ ἁμαρτωλοὶ ἐν τῷ αἰῶνι τούτῳ, ἀλλʼ ὅμοιοί εἰσιν· ὁ γὰρ αἰὼν οὗτος τοῖς δικαίοις χειμών ἐστι, καὶ οὐ φαίνονται μετὰ τῶν ἁμαρτωλῶν κατοικοῦντες. ### English translation (Claude) “Why, then, sir,” I said, “are they as if withered and alike?” “Because,” he said, “neither the righteous nor the sinners are distinguishable in this world, but they are alike; for this world is winter for the righteous, and they are not distinguishable, living with the sinners. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 3.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/3/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 3.3 (52.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/3/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:148 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: As in winter, dead and living trees look the same. ### Greek text ὥσπερ γὰρ ἐν τῷ χειμῶνι τὰ δένδρα ἀποβεβληκότα τὰ φύλλα ὅμοιά εἰσι καὶ οὐ φαίνονται τὰ ξηρὰ ποῖά εἰσιν ἢ τὰ ζῶντα, οὕτως ἐν τῷ αἰῶνι τούτῳ οὐ φαίνονται οὔτε οἱ δίκαιοι οὔτε οἱ ἁμαρτωλοί, ἀλλὰ πάντες ὅμοιοί εἰσιν. ### English translation (Claude) For just as in winter the trees, having shed their leaves, are alike, and it is not evident which are withered and which alive, so in this world neither the righteous nor the sinners are evident, but all are alike.” ### Scripture references - Matt 13:30: echo, low confidence ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 3.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/3/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 4.1 (53.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/4/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:148 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Now some trees bud and some are withered. ### Greek text Ἔδειξέ μοι πάλιν δένδρα πολλά, ἃ μὲν βλαστῶντα, ἃ δὲ ξηρά, καὶ λέγει μοι· Βλέπεις, φησί, τὰ δένδρα ταῦτα; Βλέπω, φημί, κύριε, τὰ μὲν βλαστῶντα τὰ δὲ ξηρά. ### English translation (Claude) He showed me again many trees, some budding and some withered, and said to me, “Do you see,” he said, “these trees?” “I see them, sir,” I said, “some budding and some withered.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 4.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/4/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 4.2 (53.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/4/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:148 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: In the age to come, summer for the righteous, the servants of God will be revealed. ### Greek text Ταῦτα, φησί, τὰ δένδρα τὰ βλαστῶντα οἱ δίκαιοί εἰσιν οἱ μέλλοντες κατοικεῖν εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα τὸν ἐρχόμενον· ὁ γὰρ αἰὼν ὁ ἐρχόμενος θερεία ἐστὶ τοῖς δικαίοις, τοῖς δὲ ἁμαρτωλοῖς χειμών. ὅταν οὖν ἐπιλάμψῃ τὸ ἔλεος τοῦ κυρίου, τότε φανερωθήσονται οἱ δουλεύοντες τῷ θεῷ, καὶ πάντες φανερωθήσονται. ### English translation (Claude) “These budding trees,” he said, “are the righteous who are going to live in the world to come; for the world to come is summer for the righteous, but winter for sinners. When, then, the mercy of the Lord shines forth, then those who serve God will be made manifest, and all will be made manifest. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 4.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/4/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 4.3 (53.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/4/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:148 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Their fruits will show in the coming summer. ### Greek text ὥσπερ γὰρ τῷ θέρει ἑνὸς ἑκάστου δένδρου οἱ καρποὶ φανεροῦνται καὶ ἐπιγινώσκονται ποταποί εἰσιν, οὕτω καὶ τῶν δικαίων οἱ καρποὶ φανεροὶ ἔσονται καὶ γνωσθήσονται πάντες εὐθαλεῖς ὄντες ἐν τῷ αἰῶνι ἐκείνῳ. ### English translation (Claude) For just as in summer the fruits of each tree are made manifest and it is recognized what kind they are, so also the fruits of the righteous will be manifest, and all will be known to be flourishing in that world. ### Scripture references - Matt 7:16: echo, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 4.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/4/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 4.4 (53.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/4/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:148–150 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Sinners and pagans, like withered trees, will be burned. ### Greek text τὰ δὲ ἔθνη καὶ οἱ ἁμαρτωλοί, ἃ εἶδες τὰ δένδρα τὰ ξηρά, τοιοῦτοι εὑρεθήσονται ξηροὶ καὶ ἄκαρποι ἐν ἐκείνῳ τῷ αἰῶνι καὶ ὡς ξύλα κατακαυθήσονται καὶ φανεροὶ ἔσονται, ὅτι ἡ πρᾶξις αὐτῶν πονηρὰ γέγονεν ἐν τῇ ζωῇ αὐτῶν. οἱ μὲν γὰρ ἁμαρτωλοὶ καυθήσονται, ὅτι ἥμαρτον καὶ οὐ μετενόησαν· τὰ δὲ ἔθνη καυθήσονται, ὅτι οὐκ ἔγνωσαν τὸν κτίσαντα αὐτούς. ### English translation (Claude) But the Gentiles and the sinners, the withered trees that you saw, will be found such, withered and fruitless in that world, and will be burned as wood, and it will be manifest that their conduct was evil in their life. For the sinners will be burned because they sinned and did not repent; and the Gentiles will be burned because they did not know the one who created them. ### Scripture references - John 15:6: echo, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 4.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/4/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 4.5 (53.5) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/4/5/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:150 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Bear fruit; avoid too many business affairs. ### Greek text σὺ οὖν καρποφόρησον, ἵνα ἐν τῷ θέρει ἐκείνῳ γνωσθῇ σου ὁ καρπός· ἀπέχου δὲ ἀπὸ πολλῶν πράξεων καὶ οὐδὲν διαμαρτήσεις. οἱ γὰρ τὰ πολλὰ πράσσοντες πολλὰ καὶ ἁμαρτάνουσι, περισπώμενοι περὶ τὰς πράξεις αὐτῶν καὶ μηδὲν δουλεύοντες τῷ κυρίῳ ἑαυτῶν. ### English translation (Claude) So you, bear fruit, so that in that summer your fruit may be known; and keep away from many business affairs, and you will never sin. For those who do many things also sin much, being distracted by their affairs and not serving their Lord at all. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 4.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/4/5/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 4.6 (53.6) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/4/6/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:150 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Those who serve God receive what they ask. ### Greek text πῶς οὖν, φησίν, ὁ τοιοῦτος δύναταί τι αἰτήσασθαι παρὰ τοῦ κυρίου καὶ λαβεῖν, μὴ δουλεύων τῷ κυρίῳ; οἱ δουλεύοντες αὐτῷ, ἐκεῖνοι λήψονται τὰ αἰτήματα αὐτῶν. οἱ δὲ μὴ δουλεύοντες τῷ κυρίῳ, ἐκεῖνοι οὐδὲν λήψονται. ### English translation (Claude) How, then,” he said, “can such a person ask anything of the Lord and receive it, when he does not serve the Lord? Those who serve him will receive their requests; but those who do not serve the Lord will receive nothing. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 4.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/4/6/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 4.7 (53.7) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/4/7/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:150 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: One occupation leaves room to serve God. ### Greek text ἐὰν δὲ μίαν τις πρᾶξιν ἐργάσηται, δύναται καὶ τῷ κυρίῳ δουλεῦσαι· οὐ γὰρ διαφθαρήσεται ἡ διάνοια αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ τοῦ κυρίου, ἀλλὰ δουλεύσει αὐτῷ ἔχων τὴν διάνοιαν αὐτοῦ καθαράν. ### English translation (Claude) But if someone engages in one business, he can also serve the Lord; for his mind will not be corrupted away from the Lord, but he will serve him, keeping his mind pure. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 4.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/4/7/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 4.8 (53.8) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/4/8/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:150 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Do these things and bear fruit. ### Greek text ταῦτα οὖν ἐὰν ποιήσῃς, δύνασαι καρποφορῆσαι εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα τὸν ἐρχόμενον· καὶ ὃς ἂν ταῦτα ποιήσῃ, καρποφορήσει. ### English translation (Claude) If, then, you do these things, you can bear fruit for the world to come; and whoever does these things will bear fruit.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 4.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/4/8/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 5.1.1 (54.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/1/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:150–152 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Hermas is keeping a “station,” a fast. ### Greek text Νηστεύων καὶ καθήμενος εἰς ὄρος τι καὶ εὐχαριστῶν τῷ κυρίῳ περὶ πάντων ὧν ἐποίησε μετʼ ἐμοῦ, βλέπω τὸν ποιμένα παρακαθήμενόν μοι καὶ λέγοντα· Τί ὀρθρινὸς ὧδε ἐλήλυθας; Ὅτι, φημί, κύριε, στατίωνα ἔχω. ### English translation (Claude) While I was fasting and sitting on a certain mountain and giving thanks to the Lord for all that he had done with me, I saw the shepherd sitting beside me and saying, “Why have you come here so early?” “Because, sir,” I said, “I am keeping a station.” ### Translation notes - “Station” (στατίων, from Latin statio, a military guard post): a Christian fast day, kept on Wednesdays and Fridays in the early church. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 5.1.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/1/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 5.1.2 (54.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/1/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:152 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Hermas fasts as he is used to. ### Greek text Τί, φησίν, ἐστὶ στατίων; Νηστεύω, φημί, κύριε. Νηστεία δὲ, φησί, τί ἐστιν αὕτη, ἣν νηστεύετε; Ὡς εἰώθειν, φημί, κύριε, οὕτω νηστεύω. ### English translation (Claude) “What,” he said, “is a station?” “I am fasting, sir,” I said. “And what is this fast,” he said, “that you are keeping?” “As I have been accustomed, sir,” I said, “so I fast.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 5.1.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/1/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 5.1.3 (54.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/1/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:152 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The Shepherd says this is not a true fast. ### Greek text Οὐκ οἴδατε, φησί, νηστεύειν τῷ κυρίῳ, οὐδέ ἐστιν νηστεία αὕτη ἡ ἀνωφελής, ἣν νηστεύετε αὐτῷ. Διατί, φημί, κύριε, τοῦτο λέγεις; Λέγω σοι, φησίν, ὅτι οὐκ ἔστιν αὕτη νηστεία, ἣν δοκεῖτε νηστεύειν· ἀλλʼ ἐγώ σε διδάξω, τί ἐστι νηστεία δεκτὴ καὶ πλήρης τῷ κυρίῳ. Ἄκουε, φησίν. ### English translation (Claude) “You do not know,” he said, “how to fast to the Lord, and this useless fast that you keep for him is not a fast.” “Why, sir,” I said, “do you say this?” “I tell you,” he said, “that this is not a fast, which you think you are keeping; but I will teach you what a fast is that is acceptable and complete to the Lord. Hear,” he said. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 5.1.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/1/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 5.1.4 (54.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/1/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:152 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: God does not want an empty fast. ### Greek text ὁ θεὸς οὐ βούλεται τοιαύτην νηστείαν ματαίαν· οὕτω γὰρ νηστεύων τῷ θεῷ οὐδὲν ἐργάσῃ τῇ δικαιοσύνῃ. νήστευσον δὲ τῷ θεῷ νηστείαν τοιαύτην· ### English translation (Claude) “God does not want such a vain fast; for by fasting to God like this you do nothing for righteousness. But fast to God with a fast like this: ### Scripture references - Isa 58:5: echo, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 5.1.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/1/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 5.1.5 (54.5) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/1/5/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:152–154 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The true fast is to avoid evil and keep God's commands. ### Greek text μηδὲν πονηρεύσῃ ἐν τῇ ζωῇ σου, ἀλλὰ δούλευσον τῷ κυρίῳ ἐν καθαρᾷ καρδίᾳ· τήρησον τὰς ἐντολὰς αὐτοῦ πορευόμενος ἐν τοῖς προστάγμασιν αὐτοῦ καὶ μηδεμία ἐπιθυμία πονηρὰ ἀναβήτω ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ σου· πίστευσον δὲ τῷ θεῷ, ὅτι, ἐὰν ταῦτα ἐργάσῃ καὶ φοβηθῇς αὐτὸν καὶ ἐγκρατεύσῃ ἀπὸ παντὸς πονηροῦ πράγματος, ζήσῃ τῷ θεῷ· καὶ ταῦτα ἐὰν ἐργάσῃ, μεγάλην νηστείαν ποιήσεις καὶ δεκτὴν τῷ θεῷ. ### English translation (Claude) do no evil in your life, but serve the Lord with a pure heart; keep his commandments, walking in his ordinances, and let no evil desire enter your heart; and believe God that if you do these things and fear him and refrain from every evil thing, you will live to God. And if you do these things, you will keep a great fast, and one acceptable to God.” ### Scripture references - Isa 58:6: echo, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 5.1.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/1/5/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 5.2.1 (55.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/2/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:154 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: A parable about fasting. ### Greek text Ἄκουε τὴν παραβολήν, ἣν μέλλω σοι λέγειν, ἀνήκουσαν τῇ νηστείᾳ. ### English translation (Claude) “Hear the parable that I am going to tell you, which concerns fasting. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 5.2.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/2/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 5.2.2 (55.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/2/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:154 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: A master tells a faithful slave to fence his vineyard, promising freedom. ### Greek text εἶχέ τις ἀγρὸν καὶ δούλους πολλοὺς καὶ μέρος τι τοῦ ἀγροῦ ἐφύτευσεν ἀμπελῶνα· καὶ ἐκλεξάμενος δοῦλόν τινα πιστὸν καὶ εὐάρεστον ἔντιμον, προσεκαλέσατο αὐτὸν καὶ λέγει αὐτῷ· Λάβε τὸν ἀμπελῶνα τοῦτον, ὃν ἐφύτευσα, καὶ χαράκωσον αὐτόν, ἕως ἔρχομαι, καὶ ἕτερον δὲ μὴ ποιήσῃς τῷ ἀμπελῶνι· καὶ ταύτην μου τὴν ἐντολὴν φύλαξον, καὶ ἐλεύθερος ἔσῃ παρʼ ἐμοί. ἐξῆλθε δὲ ὁ δεσπότης τοῦ δούλου εἰς τὴν ἀποδημίαν. ### English translation (Claude) A man had a field and many slaves, and in part of the field he planted a vineyard. And choosing a certain slave who was faithful and well-pleasing and honorable, he called him and said to him, ‘Take this vineyard that I have planted and fence it until I come, and do nothing else to the vineyard. And keep this command of mine, and you will be free with me.’ And the slave's master went away on a journey. ### Scripture references - Matt 21:33: echo, medium confidence - Mark 12:1: echo, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 5.2.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/2/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 5.2.3 (55.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/2/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:154 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The slave fences the vineyard and sees the weeds. ### Greek text ἐξελθόντος δὲ αὐτοῦ ἔλαβεν ὁ δοῦλος καὶ ἐχαράκωσε τὸν ἀμπελῶνα. καὶ τελέσας τὴν χαράκωσιν τοῦ ἀμπελῶνος εἶδε τὸν ἀμπελῶνα βοτανῶν πλήρη ὄντα. ### English translation (Claude) When he had gone, the slave took and fenced the vineyard. And when he had finished fencing the vineyard, he saw that the vineyard was full of weeds. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 5.2.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/2/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 5.2.4 (55.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/2/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:154 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Doing more than commanded, he also weeds the vineyard. ### Greek text ἐν ἑαυτῷ οὖν ἐλογίσατο λέγων· Ταύτην τὴν ἐντολὴν τοῦ κυρίου τετέλεκα· σκάψω λοιπὸν τὸν ἀμπελῶνα τοῦτον, καὶ ἔσται εὐπρεπέστερος ἐσκαμμένος, καὶ βοτάνας μὴ ἔχων δώσει καρπὸν πλείονα, μὴ πνιγόμενος ὑπὸ τῶν βοτανῶν. λαβὼν ἔσκαψε τὸν ἀμπελῶνα καὶ πάσας τὰς βοτάνας τὰς οὔσας ἐν τῷ ἀμπελῶνι ἐξέτιλλε. καὶ ἐγένετο ὁ ἀμπελὼν ἐκεῖνος εὐπρεπέστατος καὶ εὐθαλής, μὴ ἔχων βοτάνας πνιγούσας αὐτόν. ### English translation (Claude) So he reasoned to himself, saying, ‘I have fulfilled this command of the master; now I will dig this vineyard, and it will be finer when dug, and without weeds it will give more fruit, not being choked by the weeds.’ He took and dug the vineyard and pulled up all the weeds that were in the vineyard. And that vineyard became very fine and flourishing, having no weeds choking it. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 5.2.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/2/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 5.2.5 (55.5) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/2/5/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:154–156 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The master rejoices at the slave's work. ### Greek text μετὰ χρόνον ἦλθεν ὁ δεσπότης τοῦ δούλου καὶ τοῦ ἀγροῦ καὶ εἰσῆλθεν εἰς τὸν ἀμπελῶνα. καὶ ἰδὼν τὸν ἀμπελῶνα κεχαρακωμένον εὐπρεπῶς, ἔτι δὲ καὶ ἐσκαμμένον καὶ πάσας τὰς βοτάνας ἐκτετιλμένας καὶ εὐθαλεῖς οὔσας τὰς ἀμπέλους, ἐχάρη λίαν ἐπὶ τοῖς ἔργοις τοῦ δούλου. ### English translation (Claude) After a time the master of the slave and of the field came and went into the vineyard. And seeing the vineyard fenced well, and also dug, and all the weeds pulled up and the vines flourishing, he rejoiced greatly at the works of the slave. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 5.2.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/2/5/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 5.2.6 (55.6) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/2/6/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:156 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The master tells his son and counselors. ### Greek text προσκαλεσάμενος οὖν τὸν υἱὸν αὐτοῦ τὸν ἀγαπητόν, ὃν εἶχε κληρονόμον, καὶ τοὺς φίλους, οὓς εἶχε συμβούλους, λέγει αὐτοῖς, ὅσα ἐνετείλατο τῷ δούλῳ αὐτοῦ καὶ ὅσα εὗρε γεγονότα. κἀκεῖνοι συνεχάρησαν τῷ δούλῳ ἐπὶ τῇ μαρτυρίᾳ ᾗ ἐμαρτύρησεν αὐτῷ ὁ δεσπότης. ### English translation (Claude) So he called his beloved son, whom he had as heir, and his friends, whom he had as counselors, and told them what he had commanded his slave and what he had found done. And they rejoiced with the slave at the testimony the master had given him. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 5.2.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/2/6/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 5.2.7 (55.7) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/2/7/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:156 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The master makes the slave joint heir with his son. ### Greek text καὶ λέγει αὐτοῖς· Ἐγὼ τῷ δούλῳ τούτῳ ἐλευθερίαν ἐπηγγειλάμην, ἐάν μου τὴν ἐντολὴν φυλάξῃ, ἣν ἐνετειλάμην αὐτῷ· ἐφύλαξε δέ μου τὴν ἐντολὴν καὶ προσέθηκε τῷ ἀμπελῶνι ἔργον καλόν, καὶ ἐμοὶ λίαν ἤρεσεν. ἀντὶ τούτου οὖν τοῦ ἔργου οὗ εἰργάσατο θέλω αὐτὸν συγκληρονόμον τῷ υἱῷ μου ποιῆσαι, ὅτι τὸ καλὸν φρονήσας οὐ παρενεθυμήθη, ἀλλʼ ἐτέλεσεν αὐτό. ### English translation (Claude) And he said to them, ‘I promised this slave freedom if he kept the command I gave him; and he kept my command and added good work to the vineyard, and it pleased me greatly. In return for this work that he has done, I wish to make him joint heir with my son, because when he thought of what was good he did not neglect it, but carried it out.’ ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 5.2.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/2/7/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 5.2.8 (55.8) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/2/8/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:156 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The son agrees. ### Greek text ταύτῃ τῇ γνώμῃ ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ δεσπότου συνηυδόκησεν αὐτῷ, ἵνα συγκληρονόμος γένηται ὁ δοῦλος τῷ υἱῷ. ### English translation (Claude) The master's son agreed with him in this purpose, that the slave should become joint heir with the son. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 5.2.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/2/8/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 5.2.9 (55.9) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/2/9/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:156 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The slave shares the master's food with his fellow slaves. ### Greek text μετὰ ἡμέρας ὀλίγας δεῖπνον ἐποίησεν καὶ ἔπεμψεν αὐτῷ ἐκ τοῦ δείπνου ἐδέσματα πολλά. λαβὼν δὲ ὁ δοῦλος τὰ ἐδέσματα τὰ πεμφθέντα αὐτῷ παρὰ τοῦ δεσπότου τὰ ἀρκοῦντα αὐτῷ ἦρε, τὰ λοιπὰ δὲ τοῖς συνδούλοις αὐτοῦ διέδωκεν. ### English translation (Claude) After a few days he gave a dinner and sent him many dishes from the dinner. And the slave took the dishes sent to him by the master, kept what was enough for himself, and distributed the rest to his fellow slaves. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 5.2.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/2/9/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 5.2.10 (55.10) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/2/10/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:156 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: His fellow slaves pray for him. ### Greek text οἱ δὲ σύνδουλοι αὐτοῦ λαβόντες τὰ ἐδέσματα ἐχάρησαν καὶ ἤρξαντο εὔχεσθαι ὑπὲρ αὐτοῦ, ἵνα χάριν μείζονα εὕρῃ παρὰ τῷ δεσπότῃ, ὅτι οὕτως ἐχρήσατο αὐτοῖς. ### English translation (Claude) And his fellow slaves, receiving the dishes, rejoiced and began to pray for him, that he might find greater favor with the master, because he had treated them so. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 5.2.10 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/2/10/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 5.2.11 (55.11) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/2/11/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:156–158 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The master and his counselors confirm the slave as joint heir. ### Greek text ταῦτα πάντα τὰ γεγονότα ὁ δεσπότης αὐτοῦ ἤκουσε καὶ πάλιν λίαν ἐχάρη ἐπὶ τῇ πράξει αὐτοῦ. συγκαλεσάμενος πάλιν τοὺς φίλους ὁ δεσπότης καὶ τὸν υἱὸν αὐτοῦ ἀπήγγειλεν αὐτοῖς τὴν πρᾶξιν αὐτοῦ, ἣν ἔπραξεν ἐπὶ τοῖς ἐδέσμασιν αὐτοῦ οἷς ἔλαβεν· οἱ δὲ ἔτι μᾶλλον συνευδόκησαν γενέσθαι τὸν δοῦλον συγκληρονόμον τῷ υἱῷ αὐτοῦ. ### English translation (Claude) His master heard all these things that had happened and again rejoiced greatly at his conduct. The master called his friends and his son together again and told them what he had done with the dishes he had received; and they agreed all the more that the slave should become joint heir with his son.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 5.2.11 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/2/11/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 5.3.1 (56.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/3/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:158 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Hermas asks for an explanation. ### Greek text Λέγω· Κύριε, ἐγὼ ταύτας τὰς παραβολὰς οὐ γινώσκω οὐδὲ δύναμαι νοῆσαι, ἐὰν μή μοι ἐπιλύσῃς αὐτὰς. ### English translation (Claude) I said, “Sir, I do not know these parables, nor can I understand them unless you explain them to me.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 5.3.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/3/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 5.3.2 (56.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/3/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:158 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The Shepherd promises to explain. ### Greek text Πάντα σοι ἐπιλύσω, φησί, καὶ ὅσα ἂν λαλήσω μετὰ σοῦ. ### English translation (Claude) “I will explain everything to you,” he said, “and whatever I speak with you ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 5.3.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/3/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 5.3.3 (56.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/3/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:158 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Doing good beyond the commandments brings greater glory. ### Greek text δείξω σοι τὰς ἐντολὰς αὐτοῦ· ἐὰν δέ τι ἀγαθὸν ποιήσῃς ἐκτὸς τῆς ἐντολῆς τοῦ θεοῦ, σεαυτῷ περιποιήσῃ δόξαν περισσοτέραν καὶ ἔσῃ ἐνδοξότερος παρὰ τῷ θεῷ οὗ ἔμελλες εἶναι. ἐὰν οὖν φυλάσσων τὰς ἐντολὰς τοῦ θεοῦ προσθῇς καὶ τὰς λειτουργίας ταύτας, χαρήσῃ, ἐὰν τηρήσῃς αὐτὰς κατὰ τὴν ἐμὴν ἐντολήν. ### English translation (Claude) I will show you. [Keep] his commandments; but if you do some good beyond God's commandment, you will gain more abundant glory for yourself and be more glorious before God than you would have been. If, then, while keeping God's commandments you also add these services, you will rejoice, if you keep them according to my command.” ### Translation notes - The text of 5.3.2–3 seems to be incomplete in this edition; the sense is supplied from the context. - Doing more than is commanded (compare the slave who weeded the vineyard) is a theme later associated with “works of supererogation.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 5.3.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/3/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 5.3.4 (56.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/3/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:158 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The Shepherd will be with all who are eager to do good. ### Greek text λέγω αὐτῷ· Κύριε, ὃ ἐάν μοι ἐντείλῃ, φυλάξω αὐτό· οἶδα γάρ, ὅτι σὺ μετʼ ἐμοῦ εἶ. Ἔσομαι, φησί, μετὰ σοῦ, ὅτι τοιαύτην προθυμίαν ἔχεις τῆς ἀγαθοποιήσεως, καὶ μετὰ πάντων δὲ ἔσομαι, φησίν, ὅσοι ταύτην τὴν προθυμίαν ἔχουσιν. ### English translation (Claude) I said to him, “Sir, whatever you command me, I will keep; for I know that you are with me.” “I will be with you,” he said, “because you have such eagerness for doing good; and I will be with all,” he said, “who have this eagerness. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 5.3.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/3/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 5.3.5 (56.5) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/3/5/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:158 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: How to keep the fast. ### Greek text ἡ νηστεία αὕτη, φησί, τηρουμένων τῶν ἐντολῶν τοῦ κυρίου, λίαν καλή ἐστιν. οὕτως οὖν φυλάξεις τὴν νηστείαν ταύτην, ἣν μέλλεις τηρεῖν· ### English translation (Claude) This fast,” he said, “when the Lord's commandments are kept, is very good. This is how you shall keep this fast that you are going to observe: ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 5.3.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/3/5/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 5.3.6 (56.6) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/3/6/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:158–160 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: First avoid evil words and desires. ### Greek text πρῶτον πάντων φύλαξαι ἀπὸ παντὸς ῥήματος πονηροῦ καὶ πάσης ἐπιθυμίας πονηρᾶς καὶ καθάρισόν σου τὴν καρδίαν ἀπὸ πάντων τῶν ματαιωμάτων τοῦ αἰῶνος τούτου. ἐὰν ταῦτα φυλάξῃς, ἔσται σοι αὕτη ἡ νηστεία τελεία. ### English translation (Claude) First of all, guard yourself from every evil word and every evil desire, and cleanse your heart from all the vanities of this world. If you keep these things, this fast will be complete for you. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 5.3.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/3/6/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 5.3.7 (56.7) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/3/7/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:160 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: On a fast day eat only bread and water, and give the money saved to widows, orphans, or the needy. ### Greek text οὕτω δὲ ποιήσεις· συντελέσας τὰ γεγραμμένα, ἐν ἐκείνῃ τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ᾗ νηστεύεις μηδὲν γεύσῃ εἰ μὴ ἄρτον καὶ ὕδωρ, καὶ ἐκ τῶν ἐδεσμάτων σου ὧν ἔμελλες τρώγειν συμψηφίσας τὴν ποσότητα τῆς δαπάνης ἐκείνης τῆς ἡμέρας ἧς ἔμελλες ποιεῖν, δώσεις αὐτὸ χήρᾳ ἢ ὀρφανῷ ἢ ὑστερουμένῳ, καὶ οὕτω ταπεινοφρονήσεις, ἵνʼ ἐκ τῆς ταπεινοφροσύνης σου ὁ εἰληφὼς ἐμπλήσῃ τὴν ἑαυτοῦ ψυχὴν καὶ εὔξηται ὑπὲρ σοῦ πρὸς τὸν κύριον. ### English translation (Claude) And you shall do this: having completed what is written, on the day on which you fast you shall taste nothing but bread and water, and you shall reckon the cost of the food you would have eaten that day and give it to a widow or an orphan or someone in need, and so you will be humble-minded, so that the one who receives it from your humility may satisfy his own soul and pray for you to the Lord. ### Translation notes - One of the earliest instructions to give the savings from fasting to the poor. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 5.3.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/3/7/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 5.3.8 (56.8) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/3/8/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:160 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Such a fast is an acceptable sacrifice. ### Greek text ἐὰν οὖν οὕτω τελέσῃς τὴν νηστείαν, ὥς σοι ἐνετειλάμην, ἔσται ἡ θυσία σου δεκτὴ παρὰ τῷ θεῷ, καὶ ἔγγραφος ἔσται ἡ νηστεία αὕτη, καὶ ἡ λειτουργία οὕτως ἐργαζομένη καλὴ καὶ ἱλαρά ἐστι καὶ εὐπρόσδεκτος τῷ κυρίῳ. ### English translation (Claude) If, then, you complete the fast as I have commanded you, your sacrifice will be acceptable to God, and this fast will be recorded, and the service performed in this way is good and cheerful and acceptable to the Lord. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 5.3.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/3/8/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 5.3.9 (56.9) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/3/9/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:160 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Those who keep this fast will be blessed. ### Greek text ταῦτα οὕτω τηρήσεις σὺ μετὰ τῶν τέκνων σου καὶ ὅλου τοῦ οἴκου σου· τηρήσας δὲ αὐτὰ μακάριος ἔσῃ· καὶ ὅσοι ἂν ἀκούσαντες αὐτὰ τηρήσωσι, μακάριοι ἔσονται, καὶ ὅσα ἂν αἰτήσωνται παρὰ τοῦ κυρίου λήψονται. ### English translation (Claude) These things you shall keep thus, with your children and your whole household; and keeping them you will be blessed; and all who hear them and keep them will be blessed, and whatever they ask of the Lord they will receive.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 5.3.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/3/9/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 5.4.1 (57.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/4/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:160–162 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Hermas asks for the meaning of the vineyard parable. ### Greek text Ἐδεήθην αὐτοῦ πολλά, ἵνα μοι δηλώσῃ τὴν παραβολὴν τοῦ ἀγροῦ καὶ τοῦ δεσπότου καὶ τοῦ ἀμπελῶνος καὶ τοῦ δούλου τοῦ χαρακώσαντος τὸν ἀμπελῶνα καὶ τῶν χαράκων καὶ τῶν βοτανῶν τῶν ἐκτετιλμένων ἐκ τοῦ ἀμπελῶνος καὶ τοῦ υἱοῦ καὶ τῶν φίλων τῶν συμβούλων· συνῆκα γάρ, ὅτι παραβολή τίς ἐστι ταῦτα πάντα. ### English translation (Claude) I begged him earnestly to explain to me the parable of the field and the master and the vineyard and the slave who fenced the vineyard and the fences and the weeds pulled out of the vineyard and the son and the friends who were counselors; for I understood that all these things are a parable. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 5.4.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/4/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 5.4.2 (57.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/4/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:162 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Hermas insists that unexplained parables are useless to him. ### Greek text ὁ δὲ ἀποκριθείς μοι εἶπεν· Αὐθάδης εἶ λίαν εἰς τὸ ἐπερωτᾶν. οὐκ ὀφείλεις, φησίν, ἐπερωτᾶν οὐδὲν ὅλως· ἐὰν γάρ σοι δέῃ δηλωθῆναι, δηλωθήσεται. λέγω αὐτῷ· Κύριε, ὅσα ἄν μοι δείξῃς καὶ μὴ δηλώσῃς, μάτην ἔσομαι ἑωρακὼς αὐτὰ καὶ μὴ νοῶν, τί ἐστιν· ὡσαύτως καὶ ἐάν μοι παραβολὰς λαλήσῃς καὶ μὴ ἐπιλύσῃς μοι αὐτάς, εἰς μάτην ἔσομαι ἀκηκοώς τι παρὰ σοῦ. ### English translation (Claude) And he answered me, “You are very bold in asking. You ought not,” he said, “to ask anything at all; for if it is necessary for it to be made clear to you, it will be made clear.” I said to him, “Sir, whatever you show me and do not make clear, I shall have seen in vain without understanding what it is; likewise, if you speak parables to me and do not explain them to me, I shall have heard something from you in vain.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 5.4.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/4/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 5.4.3 (57.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/4/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:162 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Those who have the Lord in their hearts receive understanding by asking. ### Greek text ὁ δὲ πάλιν ἀπεκρίθη μοι λέγων· Ὃς ἄν, φησί, δοῦλος ᾖ τοῦ θεοῦ καὶ ἔχῃ τὸν κύριον ἑαυτοῦ ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ, αἰτεῖται παρʼ αὐτοῦ σύνεσιν καὶ λαμβάνει καὶ πᾶσαν παραβολὴν ἐπιλύει, καὶ γνωστὰ αὐτῷ γίνονται τὰ ῥήματα τοῦ κυρίου τὰ λεγόμενα διὰ παραβολῶν· ὅσοι δὲ βληχροί εἰσι καὶ ἀργοὶ πρὸς τὴν ἔντευξιν, ἐκεῖνοι διστάζουσιν αἰτεῖσθαι παρὰ τοῦ κυρίου· ### English translation (Claude) And again he answered me, saying, “Whoever,” he said, “is a servant of God and has his Lord in his heart asks understanding from him and receives it, and explains every parable, and the words of the Lord spoken in parables become known to him. But those who are weak and idle in prayer hesitate to ask of the Lord. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 5.4.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/4/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 5.4.4 (57.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/4/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:162 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: God gives freely; why not ask him for understanding? ### Greek text ὁ δὲ κύριος πολυεύσπλαγχνός ἐστι καὶ πᾶσι τοῖς αἰτουμένοις παρʼ αὐτοῦ ἀδιαλείπτως δίδωσι. σὺ δὲ ἐνδεδυναμωμένος ὑπὸ τοῦ ἁγίου ἀγγέλου καὶ εἰληφὼς παρʼ αὐτοῦ τοιαύτην ἔντευξιν καὶ μὴ ὢν ἀργός, διατί οὐκ αἰτῇ παρὰ τοῦ κυρίου σύνεσιν καὶ λαμβάνεις παρʼ αὐτοῦ; ### English translation (Claude) But the Lord is exceedingly compassionate and gives without ceasing to all who ask of him. But you, who have been strengthened by the holy angel and have received from him such prayer and are not idle, why do you not ask understanding of the Lord and receive it from him?” ### Scripture references - Jas 1:5: echo, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 5.4.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/4/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 5.4.5 (57.5) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/4/5/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:162–164 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Hermas asks the Shepherd because he is present. ### Greek text λέγω αὐτῷ· Κύριε, ἐγὼ ἔχων σὲ μεθʼ ἑαυτοῦ ἀνάγκην ἔχω σὲ αἰτεῖσθαι καὶ σὲ ἐπερωτᾶν· σὺ γάρ μοι δεικνύεις πάντα καὶ λαλεῖς μετʼ ἐμοῦ· εἰ δὲ ἄτερ σου ἔβλεπον ἢ ἤκουον αὐτά, ἠρώτων ἂν τὸν κύριον, ἵνα μοι δηλωθῇ. ### English translation (Claude) I said to him, “Sir, having you with me, I need to ask you and inquire of you; for you show me everything and speak with me. But if I saw or heard them without you, I would ask the Lord that it might be made clear to me.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 5.4.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/4/5/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 5.5.1 (58.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/5/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:164 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The Shepherd explains the vineyard parable. ### Greek text Εἶπόν σοι, φησί, καὶ ἄρτι, ὅτι πανοῦργος εἶ καὶ αὐθάδης, ἐπερωτῶν τὰς ἐπιλύσεις τῶν παραβολῶν. ἐπειδὴ δὲ οὕτω παράμονος εἶ, ἐπιλύσω σοι τὴν παραβολὴν τοῦ ἀγροῦ καὶ τῶν λοιπῶν τῶν ἀκολούθων πάντων, ἵνα γνωστὰ πᾶσι ποιήσῃς αὐτά. ἄκουε νῦν, φησί, καὶ σύνιε αὐτά. ### English translation (Claude) “I told you just now,” he said, “that you are cunning and bold, asking for the explanations of the parables. But since you are so persistent, I will explain to you the parable of the field and all the rest that follows, so that you may make them known to all. Hear now,” he said, “and understand them. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 5.5.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/5/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 5.5.2 (58.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/5/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:164 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The field is the world, the master is God, the slave is the Son of God, the vines are the people. ### Greek text ὁ ἀγρὸς ὁ κόσμος οὗτός ἐστιν· ὁ δὲ κύριος τοῦ ἀγροῦ ὁ κτίσας τὰ πάντα καὶ ἀπαρτίσας αὐτὰ καὶ δυναμώσας· ὁ δὲ δοῦλος ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ θεοῦ ἐστιν· αἱ δὲ ἄμπελοι ὁ λαὸς οὗτός ἐστιν, ὃν αὐτὸς ἐφύτευσεν· ### English translation (Claude) The field is this world; the lord of the field is the one who created all things and completed them and gave them strength; the slave is the Son of God; the vines are this people, whom he himself planted. ### Scripture references - Matt 13:38: echo, medium confidence ### Translation notes - The slave in the parable stands for the Son of God; Hermas explains in 5.6 that he is not a slave but has great authority. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 5.5.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/5/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 5.5.3 (58.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/5/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:164 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The fences are angels, the weeds are sins, the food is the commandments, the journey is the time until his coming. ### Greek text οἱ δὲ χάρακες οἱ ἅγιοι ἄγγελοί εἰσι τοῦ κυρίου οἱ συγκρατοῦντες τὸν λαὸν αὐτοῦ. αἱ δὲ βοτάναι αἱ ἐκτετιλμέναι ἐκ τοῦ ἀμπελῶνος ἀνομίαι εἰσὶ τῶν δούλων τοῦ θεοῦ· τὰ δὲ ἐδέσματα, ἃ ἔπεμψεν αὐτῷ ἐκ τοῦ δείπνου, αἱ ἐντολαί εἰσιν, ἃς ἔδωκε τῷ λαῷ αὐτοῦ διὰ τοῦ υἱοῦ αὐτοῦ· οἱ δὲ φίλοι καὶ σύμβουλοι οἱ ἅγιοι ἄγγελοι οἱ πρῶτοι κτισθέντες· ἡ δὲ ἀποδημία τοῦ δεσπότου ὁ χρόνος ὁ περισσεύων εἰς τὴν παρουσίαν αὐτοῦ. ### English translation (Claude) The fences are the holy angels of the Lord, who hold his people together. The weeds pulled out of the vineyard are the lawless deeds of God's servants. The dishes that he sent him from the dinner are the commandments that he gave his people through his Son. The friends and counselors are the holy angels who were created first. The master's journey is the time remaining until his coming.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 5.5.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/5/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 5.5.4 (58.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/5/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:164 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Hermas marvels and asks one more question. ### Greek text λέγω αὐτῷ· Κύριε, μεγάλως καὶ θαυμαστῶς πάντα ἐστὶ καὶ ἐνδόξως πάντα ἔχει. μὴ οὖν, φημί, ἐγὼ ἠδυνάμην ταῦτα νοῆσαι; οὐδὲ ἕτερος τῶν ἀνθρώπων, κἂν λίαν συνετὸς ᾖ τις, οὐ δύναται νοῆσαι αὐτά. ἔτι, φημί, κύριε, δήλωσόν μοι, ὃ μέλλω σε ἐπερωτᾶν. ### English translation (Claude) I said to him, “Sir, all things are great and marvelous and all is glorious. Could I, then,” I said, “have understood these things? Nor can any other person, even if he is very wise, understand them. Still, sir,” I said, “make clear to me what I am going to ask you.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 5.5.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/5/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 5.5.5 (58.5) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/5/5/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:164–166 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Why is the Son of God shown as a slave? ### Greek text Λέγε, φησίν, εἴ τι βούλει. Διατί, φημί, κύριε, ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ θεοῦ εἰς δούλου τρόπον κεῖται ἐν τῇ παραβολῇ; ### English translation (Claude) “Say what you wish,” he said. “Why, sir,” I said, “is the Son of God represented in the parable as a slave?” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 5.5.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/5/5/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 5.6.1 (59.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/6/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:166 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The Son of God is not a slave but has great authority. ### Greek text Ἄκουε, φησίν· εἰς δούλου τρόπον οὐ κεῖται ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ θεοῦ, ἀλλʼ εἰς ἐξουσίαν μεγάλην κεῖται καὶ κυριότητα. Πῶς, φημί, κύριε, οὐ νοῶ. ### English translation (Claude) “Hear,” he said: “the Son of God is not represented as a slave, but is represented in great authority and lordship.” “How, sir?” I said. “I do not understand.” ### Scripture references - Phil 2:7: echo, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 5.6.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/6/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 5.6.2 (59.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/6/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:166 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The Son cleansed the people's sins through great labor. ### Greek text Ὅτι, φησίν, ὁ θεὸς τὸν ἀμπελῶνα ἐφύτευσε, τοῦτʼ ἔστι τὸν λαὸν ἔκτισε καὶ παρέδωκε τῷ υἱῷ αὐτοῦ· καὶ ὁ υἱὸς κατέστησε τοὺς ἀγγέλους ἐπʼ αὐτοὺς τοῦ συντηρεῖν αὐτούς· καὶ αὐτὸς τὰς ἁμαρτίας αὐτῶν ἐκαθάρισε πολλὰ κοπιάσας καὶ πολλοὺς κόπους ἠντληκώς· οὐδεὶς γὰρ ἀμπελὼν δύναται σκαφῆναι ἄτερ κόπου ἢ μόχθου. ### English translation (Claude) “Because,” he said, “God planted the vineyard, that is, he created the people and handed them over to his Son; and the Son set the angels over them to keep them; and he himself cleansed their sins, laboring much and enduring many toils; for no vineyard can be dug without toil or labor. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 5.6.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/6/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 5.6.3 (59.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/6/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:166 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The Son gave the people the law received from the Father. ### Greek text αὐτὸς οὖν καθαρίσας τὰς ἁμαρτίας τοῦ λαοῦ ἔδειξεν αὐτοῖς τὰς τρίβους τῆς ζωῆς, δοὺς αὐτοῖς τὸν νόμον, ὃν ἔλαβε παρὰ τοῦ πατρὸς αὐτοῦ. ### English translation (Claude) Having himself, then, cleansed the sins of the people, he showed them the paths of life, giving them the law that he received from his Father. ### Scripture references - Heb 1:3: echo, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 5.6.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/6/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 5.6.4 (59.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/6/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:166 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Why the Son and angels were counselors. ### Greek text ὅτι δὲ ὁ κύριος σύμβουλον ἔλαβε τὸν υἱὸν αὐτοῦ καὶ τοὺς ἐνδόξους ἀγγέλους περὶ τῆς κληρονομίας τοῦ δούλου, ἄκουε· ### English translation (Claude) But why the Lord took his Son and the glorious angels as counselors about the slave's inheritance, hear: ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 5.6.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/6/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 5.6.5 (59.5) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/6/5/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:166 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: God made the pre-existent Holy Spirit dwell in chosen flesh, which served the Spirit purely. ### Greek text τὸ πνεῦμα τὸ ἅγιον τὸ προόν, τὸ κτίσαν πᾶσαν τὴν κτίσιν, κατῴκισεν ὁ θεὸς εἰς σάρκα, ἣν ἠβούλετο· αὕτη οὖν ἡ σάρξ, ἐν ᾗ κατῴκησε τὸ πνεῦμα τὸ ἅγιον, ἐδούλευσε τῷ πνεύματι καλῶς ἐν σεμνότητι καὶ ἁγνείᾳ πορευθεῖσα, μηδὲν ὅλως μιάνασα τὸ πνεῦμα. ### English translation (Claude) The Holy Spirit, which pre-existed and created all creation, God made to dwell in flesh that he chose. This flesh, then, in which the Holy Spirit dwelt, served the Spirit well, walking in holiness and purity, not defiling the Spirit at all. ### Translation notes - This passage (5.6.5–7) is much discussed. Hermas seems to identify the pre-existent divine Son with the Holy Spirit and to speak of the incarnation as the Spirit dwelling in a human body, which is then rewarded. Some read this as an early, undeveloped way of speaking; others see a “Spirit Christology” or even an adoptionist tendency. The wording is translated as it stands. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 5.6.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/6/5/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 5.6.6 (59.6) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/6/6/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:166–168 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Because this flesh stayed pure, God made it a partner of the Holy Spirit. ### Greek text πολιτευσαμένην οὖν αὐτὴν καλῶς καὶ ἁγνῶς καὶ συγκοπιάσασαν τῷ πνεύματι καὶ συνεργήσασαν ἐν παντὶ πράγματι, ἰσχυρῶς καὶ ἀνδρείως ἀναστραφεῖσαν, μετὰ τοῦ πνεύματος τοῦ ἁγίου εἵλατο κοινωνόν· ἤρεσε γὰρ ἡ πορεία τῆς σαρκὸς ταύτης, ὅτι οὐκ ἐμιάνθη ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς ἔχουσα τὸ πνεῦμα τὸ ἅγιον. ### English translation (Claude) So when it had lived well and purely, and had labored with the Spirit and worked with it in everything, conducting itself strongly and bravely, he chose it as partner with the Holy Spirit; for the conduct of this flesh pleased him, because it was not defiled on earth while having the Holy Spirit. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 5.6.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/6/6/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 5.6.7 (59.7) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/6/7/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:168 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: All flesh that keeps the Spirit pure will receive a reward. ### Greek text σύμβουλον οὖν ἔλαβε τὸν υἱὸν καὶ τοὺς ἀγγέλους τοὺς ἐνδόξους, ἵνα καὶ ἡ σὰρξ αὕτη, δουλεύσασα τῷ πνεύματι ἀμέμπτως, σχῇ τόπον τινὰ κατασκηνώσεως καὶ μὴ δόξῃ τὸν μισθὸν τῆς δουλείας αὐτῆς ἀπολωλεκέναι· πᾶσα γὰρ σὰρξ ἀπολήψεται μισθὸν ἡ εὑρεθεῖσα ἀμίαντος καὶ ἄσπιλος, ἐν ᾗ τὸ πνεῦμα τὸ ἅγιον κατῴκησεν. ### English translation (Claude) He took the Son and the glorious angels as counselors, then, so that this flesh also, having served the Spirit blamelessly, might have some place to dwell and not seem to have lost the reward of its service; for all flesh in which the Holy Spirit has dwelt, if it is found undefiled and spotless, will receive a reward. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 5.6.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/6/7/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 5.6.8 (59.8) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/6/8/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:168 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The parable is explained. ### Greek text ἔχεις καὶ ταύτης τῆς παραβολῆς τὴν ἐπίλυσιν. ### English translation (Claude) You have the explanation of this parable also.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 5.6.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/6/8/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 5.7.1 (60.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/7/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:168 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Keep your flesh pure so that the Spirit may bear witness to it. ### Greek text Ηὐφράνθην, φημί, κύριε, ταύτην τὴν ἐπίλυσιν ἀκούσας. Ἄκουε νῦν, φησί· τὴν σάρκα σου ταύτην φύλασσε καθαρὰν καὶ ἀμίαντον, ἵνα τὸ πνεῦμα τὸ κατοικοῦν ἐν αὐτῇ μαρτυρήσῃ αὐτῇ καὶ δικαιωθῇ σου ἡ σάρξ. ### English translation (Claude) “I was glad, sir,” I said, “to hear this explanation.” “Hear now,” he said: “keep this flesh of yours pure and undefiled, so that the Spirit that dwells in it may bear witness to it and your flesh may be justified. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 5.7.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/7/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 5.7.2 (60.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/7/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:168 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Defiling the flesh defiles the Spirit. ### Greek text βλέπε, μήποτε ἀναβῇ ἐπὶ τὴν καρδίαν σου τὴν σάρκα σου ταύτην φθαρτὴν εἶναι καὶ παραχρήσῃ αὐτῇ ἐν μιασμῷ τινί. ἐὰν μιάνῃς τὴν σάρκα σου, μιανεῖς καὶ τὸ πνεῦμα τὸ ἅγιον· ἐὰν δὲ μιάνῃς τὴν σάρκα, οὐ ζήσῃ. ### English translation (Claude) See that it never enters your heart that this flesh of yours is perishable, and that you misuse it in some defilement. If you defile your flesh, you will also defile the Holy Spirit; and if you defile the flesh, you will not live.” ### Scripture references - 1 Cor 6:19: echo, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 5.7.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/7/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 5.7.3 (60.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/7/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:168–170 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: God alone can heal sins committed in ignorance. ### Greek text Εἰ δέ τις, φημί, κύριε, γέγονεν ἄγνοια προτέρα, πρὶν ἀκουσθῶσι τὰ ῥήματα ταῦτα, πῶς σωθῇ ὁ ἄνθρωπος ὁ μιάνας τὴν σάρκα αὐτοῦ; Περὶ τῶν προτέρων, φησίν, ἀγνοημάτων τῷ θεῷ μόνῳ δυνατὸν ἴασιν δοῦναι, αὐτοῦ γάρ ἐστι πᾶσα ἐξουσία, ### English translation (Claude) “But if, sir,” I said, “there was ignorance before these words were heard, how will the person who defiled his flesh be saved?” “For former sins of ignorance,” he said, “it is possible for God alone to give healing; for all authority is his, ### Scripture references - Acts 17:30: echo, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 5.7.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/7/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 5.7.4 (60.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/7/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:170 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Flesh and spirit are defiled together; keep both pure. ### Greek text ἐὰν τὸ λοιπὸν μὴ μιάνῃς σου τὴν σάρκα μηδὲ τὸ πνεῦμα· ἀμφότερα γὰρ κοινά ἐστι καὶ ἄτερ ἀλλήλων μιανθῆναι οὐ δύναται. ἀμφότερα οὖν καθαρὰ φύλασσε, καὶ ζήσῃ τῷ θεῷ. ### English translation (Claude) if from now on you do not defile your flesh or the Spirit; for both are common, and one cannot be defiled without the other. Keep both pure, then, and you will live to God.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 5.7.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/5/7/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 6.1.1 (61.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/6/1/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:170 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Hermas reflects that the commandments can save. ### Greek text Καθήμενος ἐν τῷ οἴκῳ μου καὶ δοξάζων τὸν κύριον περὶ πάντων ὧν ἑωράκειν καὶ συζητῶν περὶ τῶν ἐντολῶν, ὅτι καλαὶ καὶ δυναταὶ καὶ ἱλαραὶ καὶ ἔνδοξοι καὶ δυνάμεναι σῶσαι ψυχὴν ἀνθρώπου, ἔλεγον ἐν ἐμαυτῷ· Μακάριος ἔσομαι, ἐὰν ταῖς ἐντολαῖς ταύταις πορευθῶ, καὶ ὃς ἂν ταύταις πορευθῇ, μακάριος ἔσται. ### English translation (Claude) As I was sitting in my house and glorifying the Lord for all that I had seen, and considering the commandments, that they are good and powerful and cheerful and glorious and able to save a person's soul, I said to myself, “I shall be blessed if I walk in these commandments, and whoever walks in them will be blessed.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 6.1.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/6/1/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 6.1.2 (61.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/6/1/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:170 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The Shepherd tells him not to doubt the commandments. ### Greek text ὡς ταῦτα ἐν ἐμαυτῷ ἐλάλουν, βλέπω αὐτὸν ἐξαίφνης παρακαθήμενόν μοι καὶ λέγοντα ταῦτα· Τί διψυχεῖς περὶ τῶν ἐντολῶν ὧν σοι ἐνετειλάμην; καλαί εἰσιν· ὅλως μὴ διψυχήσῃς, ἀλλʼ ἔνδυσαι τὴν πίστιν τοῦ κυρίου, καὶ ἐν αὐταῖς πορεύσῃ· ἐγὼ γάρ σε ἐνδυναμώσω ἐν αὐταῖς. ### English translation (Claude) As I was saying these things to myself, I suddenly saw him sitting beside me and saying this: “Why are you double-minded about the commandments I gave you? They are good; do not be double-minded at all, but put on faith in the Lord, and you will walk in them; for I will strengthen you in them. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 6.1.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/6/1/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 6.1.3 (61.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/6/1/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:170 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Repentance is vain without keeping the commandments. ### Greek text αὗται αἱ ἐντολαὶ σύμφοροί εἰσι τοῖς μέλλουσι μετανοεῖν· ἐὰν γὰρ μὴ πορευθῶσιν ἐν αὐταῖς, εἰς μάτην ἐστὶν ἡ μετάνοια αὐτῶν. ### English translation (Claude) These commandments are profitable for those who are going to repent; for if they do not walk in them, their repentance is in vain. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 6.1.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/6/1/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 6.1.4 (61.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/6/1/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:170–172 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Cast off wickedness and keep the commandments. ### Greek text οἱ οὖν μετανοοῦντες ἀποβάλλετε τὰς πονηρίας τοῦ αἰῶνος τούτου τὰς ἐκτριβούσας ὑμᾶς· ἐνδυσάμενοι δὲ πᾶσαν ἀρετὴν δικαιοσύνης δυνήσεσθε τηρῆσαι τὰς ἐντολὰς ταύτας καὶ μηκέτι προστιθέναι ταῖς ἁμαρτίαις ὑμῶν. πορεύεσθε οὖν ταῖς ἐντολαῖς μου ταύταις, καὶ ζήσεσθε τῷ θεῷ. ταῦτα πάντα παρʼ ἐμοῦ λελάληται ὑμῖν. ### English translation (Claude) You who repent, then, cast off the wicked things of this world that wear you away; and putting on every virtue of righteousness, you will be able to keep these commandments and no longer add to your sins. Walk, then, in these commandments of mine, and you will live to God. All these things have been spoken to you by me.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 6.1.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/6/1/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 6.1.5 (61.5) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/6/1/5/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:172 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The Shepherd shows him a young shepherd in yellow. ### Greek text καὶ μετὰ τὸ ταῦτα λαλῆσαι αὐτὸν μετʼ ἐμοῦ, λέγει μοι· Ἄγωμεν εἰς ἀγρόν, καὶ δείξω σοι τοὺς ποιμένας τῶν προβάτων. Ἄγωμεν, φημί, κύριε. καὶ ἤλθομεν εἴς τι πεδίον, καὶ δεικνύει μοι ποιμένα νεανίσκον ἐνδεδυμένον σύνθεσιν ἱματίων τῷ χρώματι κροκώδη. ### English translation (Claude) And after he had spoken these things with me, he said to me, “Let us go into the country, and I will show you the shepherds of the sheep.” “Let us go, sir,” I said. And we came to a certain plain, and he showed me a young shepherd dressed in a suit of clothes saffron in color. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 6.1.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/6/1/5/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 6.1.6 (61.6) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/6/1/6/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:172 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: His sheep are pampered and frisking. ### Greek text ἔβοσκε δὲ πρόβατα πολλὰ λίαν, καὶ τὰ πρόβατα ταῦτα ὡσεὶ τρυφῶντα ἦν καὶ λίαν σπαταλῶντα καὶ ἱλαρὰ ἦν σκιρτῶντα ὧδε κἀκεῖσε· καὶ αὐτὸς ὁ ποιμὴν πάνυ ἱλαρὸς ἦν ἐπὶ τῷ ποιμνίῳ αὐτοῦ· καὶ αὐτὴ ἡ ἰδέα τοῦ ποιμένος ἱλαρὰ ἦν λίαν, καὶ ἐν τοῖς προβάτοις περιέτρεχε. ### English translation (Claude) He was pasturing very many sheep, and these sheep were as it were living in luxury and very wanton, and cheerful, skipping here and there; and the shepherd himself was very cheerful over his flock; and the shepherd's very appearance was very cheerful, and he ran about among the sheep. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 6.1.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/6/1/6/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 6.2.1 (62.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/6/2/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:172 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: He is the angel of luxury and deceit. ### Greek text Καὶ λέγει μοι· Βλέπεις τὸν ποιμένα τοῦτον; Βλέπω, φημί, κύριε. Οὗτος, φησίν, ἄγγελος τρυφῆς καὶ ἀπάτης ἐστίν. οὗτος ἐκτρίβει τὰς ψυχὰς τῶν δούλων τοῦ θεοῦ καὶ καταστρέφει αὐτοὺς ἀπὸ τῆς ἀληθείας, ἀπατῶν αὐτοὺς ταῖς ἐπιθυμίαις ταῖς πονηραῖς, ἐν αἷς ἀπόλλυνται. ### English translation (Claude) And he said to me, “Do you see this shepherd?” “I see him, sir,” I said. “This,” he said, “is the angel of luxury and deceit. He wears away the souls of God's servants and turns them away from the truth, deceiving them with the evil desires in which they perish. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 6.2.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/6/2/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 6.2.2 (62.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/6/2/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:172 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: His followers go to death or to corruption. ### Greek text ἐπιλανθάνονται γὰρ τῶν ἐντολῶν τοῦ θεοῦ τοῦ ζῶντος καὶ πορεύονται ἀπάταις καὶ τρυφαῖς ματαίαις καὶ ἀπόλλυνται ὑπὸ τοῦ ἀγγέλου τούτου, τινὰ μὲν εἰς θάνατον, τινὰ δὲ εἰς καταφθοράν. ### English translation (Claude) For they forget the commandments of the living God and walk in deceits and vain luxuries and are destroyed by this angel, some to death and some to corruption.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 6.2.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/6/2/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 6.2.3 (62.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/6/2/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:172–174 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Those who blaspheme God are given to death, without repentance. ### Greek text λέγω αὐτῷ· Κύριε, οὐ γινώσκω ἐγώ, τί ἐστιν εἰς θάνατον καὶ τί εἰς καταφθοράν. Ἄκουε, φησίν· ἃ εἶδες πρόβατα ἱλαρὰ καὶ σκιρτῶντα, οὗτοί εἰσιν οἱ ἀπεσπασμένοι ἀπὸ τοῦ θεοῦ εἰς τέλος καὶ παραδεδωκότες ἑαυτοὺς ταῖς ἐπιθυμίαις τοῦ αἰῶνος τούτου. ἐν τούτοις οὖν μετάνοια ζωῆς οὐκ ἔστιν, ὅτι προσέθηκαν ταῖς ἁμαρτίαις αὐτῶν καὶ εἰς τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ θεοῦ ἐβλασφήμησαν. τῶν τοιούτων οὖν ὁ θάνατός ἐστιν. ### English translation (Claude) I said to him, “Sir, I do not know what ‘to death’ and ‘to corruption’ mean.” “Hear,” he said: “the sheep you saw cheerful and skipping are those who have been torn away from God completely and have given themselves over to the desires of this world. In these, then, there is no repentance to life, because they have added to their sins and blasphemed the name of God. Death belongs to such people. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 6.2.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/6/2/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 6.2.4 (62.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/6/2/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:174 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Those corrupted but not blasphemous can still repent. ### Greek text ἃ δὲ εἶδες πρόβατα μὴ σκιρτῶντα, ἀλλʼ ἐν τόπῳ ἑνὶ βοσκόμενα, οὗτοί εἰσιν οἱ παραδεδωκότες μὲν ἑαυτοὺς ταῖς τρυφαῖς καὶ ἀπάταις, εἰς δὲ τὸν κύριον οὐδὲν ἐβλασφήμησαν· οὗτοι οὖν κατεφθαρμένοι εἰσὶν ἀπὸ τῆς ἀληθείας. ἐν τούτοις ἐλπίς ἐστι μετανοίας, ἐν ᾗ δύνανται ζῆσαι. ἡ καταφθορὰ οὖν ἐλπίδα ἔχει ἀνανεώσεώς τινος, ὁ δὲ θάνατος ἀπώλειαν ἔχει αἰώνιον. ### English translation (Claude) But the sheep you saw not skipping, but feeding in one place, are those who have given themselves over to luxuries and deceits but have not blasphemed the Lord at all. These, then, are corrupted from the truth. In these there is hope of repentance, in which they can live. Corruption, then, has hope of some renewal, but death has eternal destruction. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 6.2.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/6/2/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 6.2.5 (62.5) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/6/2/5/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:174 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: A fierce shepherd with staff and whip appears. ### Greek text πάλιν προέβην μικρόν, καὶ δεικνύει μοι ποιμένα μέγαν ὡσεὶ ἄγριον τῇ ἰδέᾳ, περικείμενον δέρμα αἴγειον λευκόν, καὶ πήραν τινὰ εἶχεν ἐπὶ τῶν ὤμων καὶ ῥάβδον σκληρὰν λίαν καὶ ὄζους ἔχουσαν καὶ μάστιγα μεγάλην· καὶ τὸ βλέμμα εἶχε περίπικρον, ὥστε φοβηθῆναί με αὐτόν· τοιοῦτον εἶχε τὸ βλέμμα. ### English translation (Claude) Again I went on a little, and he showed me a great shepherd, like a wild man in appearance, clothed in a white goatskin, and he had a bag on his shoulders and a very hard, knotted staff and a great whip; and his look was very bitter, so that I was afraid of him; such was his look. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 6.2.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/6/2/5/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 6.2.6 (62.6) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/6/2/6/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:174–176 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: He drives the sheep into thorns. ### Greek text οὗτος οὖν ὁ ποιμὴν παρελάμβανε τὰ πρόβατα ἀπὸ τοῦ ποιμένος τοῦ νεανίσκου, ἐκεῖνα τὰ σπαταλῶντα καὶ τρυφῶντα, μὴ σκιρτῶντα δέ, καὶ ἔβαλεν αὐτὰ εἴς τινα τόπον κρημνώδη καὶ ἀκανθώδη καὶ τριβολώδη, ὥστε ἀπὸ τῶν ἀκανθῶν καὶ τριβόλων μὴ δύνασθαι ἐκπλέξαι τὰ πρόβατα, ἀλλʼ ἐμπλέκεσθαι εἰς τὰς ἀκάνθας καὶ τριβόλους. ### English translation (Claude) This shepherd, then, took from the young shepherd those sheep that were wanton and in luxury but not skipping, and drove them into a place that was steep and full of thorns and thistles, so that the sheep could not disentangle themselves from the thorns and thistles, but got entangled in the thorns and thistles. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 6.2.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/6/2/6/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 6.2.7 (62.7) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/6/2/7/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:176 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The sheep suffer among the thorns without rest. ### Greek text ταῦτα οὖν ἐμπεπλεγμένα ἐβόσκοντο ἐν ταῖς ἀκάνθαις καὶ τριβόλοις καὶ λίαν ἐταλαιπώρουν δαιρόμενα ὑπʼ αὐτοῦ· καὶ ὧδε κἀκεῖσε περιήλαυνεν αὐτὰ καὶ ἀνάπαυσιν αὐτοῖς οὐκ ἐδίδου, καὶ ὅλως οὐκ εὐσταθοῦσαν τὰ πρόβατα ἐκεῖνα. ### English translation (Claude) So these, entangled, fed among the thorns and thistles and suffered greatly, being beaten by him; and he drove them here and there and gave them no rest, and those sheep were not at peace at all. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 6.2.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/6/2/7/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 6.3.1 (63.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/6/3/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:176 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Hermas grieves for them. ### Greek text Βλέπων οὖν αὐτὰ οὕτω μαστιγούμενα καὶ ταλαιπωρούμενα ἐλυπούμην ἐπʼ αὐτοῖς, ὅτι οὕτως ἐβασανίζοντο καὶ ἀνοχὴν ὅλως οὐκ εἶχον. ### English translation (Claude) When I saw them being whipped and suffering like this, I was grieved for them, because they were tormented so and had no relief at all. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 6.3.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/6/3/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 6.3.2 (63.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/6/3/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:176 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: He is the angel of punishment, a righteous angel. ### Greek text λέγω τῷ ποιμένι τῷ μετʼ ἐμοῦ λαλοῦντι· Κύριε, τίς ἐστιν οὗτος ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ οὕτως ἄσπλαγχνος καὶ πικρὸς καὶ ὅλως μὴ σπλαγχνιζόμενος ἐπὶ τὰ πρόβατα ταῦτα; Οὗτος, φησίν, ἐστὶν ὁ ἄγγελος τῆς τιμωρίας· ἐκ δὲ τῶν ἀγγέλων τῶν δικαίων ἐστί, κείμενος δὲ ἐπὶ τῆς τιμωρίας. ### English translation (Claude) I said to the shepherd who was talking with me, “Sir, who is this shepherd who is so pitiless and bitter and has no compassion at all on these sheep?” “This,” he said, “is the angel of punishment; he is one of the righteous angels, but is set over punishment. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 6.3.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/6/3/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 6.3.3 (63.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/6/3/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:176 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: He punishes those who stray. ### Greek text παραλαμβάνει οὖν τοὺς ἀποπλανωμένους ἀπὸ τοῦ θεοῦ καὶ πορευθέντας ταῖς ἐπιθυμίαις καὶ ἀπάταις τοῦ αἰῶνος τούτου καὶ τιμωρεῖ αὐτούς, καθὼς ἄξιοί εἰσι, δειναῖς καὶ ποικίλαις τιμωρίαις. ### English translation (Claude) He takes, then, those who wander from God and walk in the desires and deceits of this world, and punishes them as they deserve with terrible and various punishments.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 6.3.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/6/3/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 6.3.4 (63.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/6/3/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:176 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The punishments are the troubles of this life: loss, want, sickness, insult. ### Greek text Ἤθελον, φημί, κύριε, γνῶναι τὰς ποικίλας ταύτας τιμωρίας, ποταπαί εἰσιν. Ἄκουε, φησί, τὰς ποικίλας βασάνους καὶ τιμωρίας. βιωτικαί εἰσιν αἱ βάσανοι· τιμωροῦνται γὰρ οἱ μὲν ζημίαις, οἱ δὲ ὑστερήσεσιν, οἱ δὲ ἀσθενείαις ποικίλαις, οἱ δὲ πάσῃ ἀκαταστασίᾳ, οἱ δὲ ὑβριζόμενοι ὑπὸ ἀναξίων καὶ ἑτέραις πολλαῖς πράξεσι πάσχοντες. ### English translation (Claude) “I would like to know, sir,” I said, “what these various punishments are.” “Hear,” he said, “the various torments and punishments. The torments belong to this life: for some are punished with losses, others with want, others with various sicknesses, others with every kind of instability, others by being insulted by unworthy people and suffering in many other ways. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 6.3.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/6/3/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 6.3.5 (63.5) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/6/3/5/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:176–178 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Many blame God for failures caused by their own sins. ### Greek text πολλοὶ γὰρ ἀκαταστατοῦντες ταῖς βουλαῖς αὐτῶν ἐπιβάλλονται πολλά, καὶ οὐδὲν αὐτοῖς ὅλως προχωρεῖ. καὶ λέγουσιν ἑαυτοὺς μὴ εὐοδοῦσθαι ἐν ταῖς πράξεσιν αὐτῶν, καὶ οὐκ ἀναβαίνει αὐτῶν ἐπὶ τὴν καρδίαν, ὅτι ἔπραξαν πονηρὰ ἔργα, ἀλλʼ αἰτιῶνται τὸν κύριον. ### English translation (Claude) For many, being unstable in their plans, undertake many things, and nothing at all succeeds for them. And they say that they do not prosper in their undertakings, and it does not enter their heart that they have done evil deeds, but they blame the Lord. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 6.3.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/6/3/5/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 6.3.6 (63.6) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/6/3/6/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:178 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: After affliction they are handed to the Shepherd, repent, and prosper. ### Greek text ὅταν οὖν θλιβῶσι πάσῃ θλίψει, τότε ἐμοὶ παραδίδονται εἰς ἀγαθὴν παιδείαν καὶ ἰσχυροποιοῦνται ἐν τῇ πίστει τοῦ κυρίου καὶ τὰς λοιπὰς ἡμέρας τῆς ζωῆς αὐτῶν δουλεύουσι τῷ κυρίῳ ἐν καθαρᾷ καρδίᾳ· ἐὰν δὲ μετανοήσωσι, τότε ἀναβαίνει ἐπὶ τὴν καρδίαν αὐτῶν τὰ ἔργα ἃ ἔπραξαν πονηρά, καὶ τότε δοξάζουσι τὸν θεόν, λέγοντες, ὅτι δίκαιος κριτής ἐστι καὶ δικαίως ἔπαθον ἕκαστος κατὰ τὰς πράξεις αὐτοῦ· δουλεύουσι δὲ λοιπὸν τῷ κυρίῳ ἐν καθαρᾷ καρδίᾳ αὐτῶν καὶ εὐοδοῦνται ἐν πάσῃ πράξει αὐτῶν, λαμβάνοντες τοῦ κυρίου πάντα, ὅσα ἂν αἰτῶνται· καὶ τότε δοξάζουσι τὸν κύριον, ὅτι ἐμοὶ παρεδόθησαν, καὶ οὐκέτι οὐδὲν πάσχουσι τῶν πονηρῶν. ### English translation (Claude) When, then, they have been afflicted with every affliction, then they are handed over to me for good instruction, and are strengthened in the faith of the Lord, and for the rest of the days of their life they serve the Lord with a pure heart. And if they repent, then the evil deeds they did come into their heart, and then they glorify God, saying that he is a righteous judge and that they have suffered justly, each according to his deeds; and from then on they serve the Lord with a pure heart and prosper in all they do, receiving from the Lord everything they ask; and then they glorify the Lord because they were handed over to me, and they no longer suffer any evil.” ### Scripture references - Heb 12:11: echo, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 6.3.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/6/3/6/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 6.4.1 (64.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/6/4/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:178 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Are they punished as long as they indulged? ### Greek text Λέγω αὐτῷ· Κύριε, ἔτι μοι τοῦτο δήλωσον. Τί, φησίν, ἐπιζητεῖς; Εἰ ἄρα, φημί, κύριε, τὸν αὐτὸν χρόνον βασανίζονται οἱ τρυφῶντες καὶ ἀπατώμενοι, ὅσον τρυφῶσι καὶ ἀπατῶνται; λέγει μοι· Τὸν αὐτὸν χρόνον βασανίζονται. ### English translation (Claude) I said to him, “Sir, make this also clear to me.” “What are you asking?” he said. “Whether, sir,” I said, “those who live in luxury and deceit are tormented for the same length of time as they lived in luxury and deceit.” He said to me, “They are tormented for the same length of time.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 6.4.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/6/4/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 6.4.2 (64.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/6/4/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:178–180 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Hermas thinks the punishment too light. ### Greek text Ἐλάχιστον, φημί, κύριε, βασανίζονται· ἔδει γὰρ τοὺς οὕτω τρυφῶντας καὶ ἐπιλανθανομένους τοῦ θεοῦ ἑπταπλασίως βασανίζεσθαι. ### English translation (Claude) “They are tormented very little, sir,” I said; “for those who live in such luxury and forget God ought to be tormented sevenfold.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 6.4.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/6/4/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 6.4.3 (64.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/6/4/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:180 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The Shepherd will explain. ### Greek text λέγει μοι· Ἄφρων εἶ καὶ οὐ νοεῖς τῆς βασάνου τὴν δύναμιν. Εἰ γὰρ ἐνόουν, φημί, κύριε, οὐκ ἂν ἐπηρώτων, ἵνα μοι δηλώσῃς. Ἄκουε, φησίν, ἀμφοτέρων τὴν δύναμιν. ### English translation (Claude) He said to me, “You are foolish and do not understand the power of torment.” “If I understood, sir,” I said, “I would not have asked you to make it clear to me.” “Hear,” he said, “the power of both. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 6.4.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/6/4/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 6.4.4 (64.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/6/4/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:180 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: A day of pleasure is paid for with a year of suffering. ### Greek text τῆς τρυφῆς καὶ ἀπάτης ὁ χρόνος ὥρα ἐστὶ μία· τῆς δὲ βασάνου ἡ ὥρα τριάκοντα ἡμερῶν δύναμιν ἔχει. ἐὰν οὖν μίαν ἡμέραν τρυφήσῃ τις καὶ ἀπατηθῇ, μίαν δὲ ἡμέραν βασανισθῇ, ὅλον ἐνιαυτὸν ἰσχύει ἡ ἡμέρα τῆς βασάνου. ὅσας οὖν ἡμέρας τρυφήσῃ τις, τοσούτους ἐνιαυτοὺς βασανίζεται. βλέπεις οὖν, φησίν, ὅτι τῆς τρυφῆς καὶ ἀπάτης ὁ χρόνος ἐλάχιστός ἐστι, τῆς δὲ τιμωρίας καὶ βασάνου πολύς. ### English translation (Claude) The time of luxury and deceit is one hour; but the hour of torment has the power of thirty days. If, then, someone lives in luxury and is deceived for one day, and is tormented for one day, the day of torment is worth a whole year. As many days, then, as someone lives in luxury, so many years is he tormented. You see, then,” he said, “that the time of luxury and deceit is very short, but that of punishment and torment long.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 6.4.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/6/4/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 6.5.1 (65.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/6/5/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:180 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Hermas still does not understand. ### Greek text Ἔτι, φημί, κύριε, οὐ νενόηκα ὅλως περὶ τοῦ χρόνου τῆς ἀπάτης καὶ τρυφῆς καὶ βασάνου· τηλαυγέστερόν μοι δήλωσον. ### English translation (Claude) “I still, sir,” I said, “have not understood at all about the time of deceit and luxury and torment; make it clearer to me.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 6.5.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/6/5/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 6.5.2 (65.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/6/5/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:180 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The Shepherd rebukes him and explains again. ### Greek text ἀποκριθείς μοι λέγει· Ἡ ἀφροσύνη σου παράμονός ἐστι, καὶ οὐ θέλεις σου τὴν καρδίαν καθαρίσαι καὶ δουλεύειν τῷ θεῷ. βλέπε, φησί, μήποτε ὁ χρόνος πληρωθῇ καὶ σὺ ἄφρων εὑρεθῇς. ἄκουε οὖν, φησί, καθὼς βούλει, ἵνα νοήσῃς αὐτά. ### English translation (Claude) He answered me, “Your foolishness is persistent, and you do not wish to cleanse your heart and serve God. See,” he said, “that the time is not fulfilled and you are found foolish. Hear, then,” he said, “as you wish, so that you may understand them. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 6.5.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/6/5/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 6.5.3 (65.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/6/5/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:180–182 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Pleasure is quickly forgotten; suffering is long remembered. ### Greek text ὁ τρυφῶν καὶ ἀπατώμενος μίαν ἡμέραν καὶ πράσσων, ἃ βούλεται, πολλὴν ἀφροσύνην ἐνδέδυται καὶ οὐ νοεῖ τὴν πρᾶξιν, ἣν ποιεῖ· εἰς τὴν αὔριον ἐπιλανθάνεται γάρ, τί πρὸ μιᾶς ἔπραξεν· ἡ γὰρ τρυφὴ καὶ ἀπάτη μνήμας οὐκ ἔχει διὰ τὴν ἀφροσύνην, ἣν ἐνδέδυται, ἡ δὲ τιμωρία καὶ ἡ βάσανος ὅταν κολληθῇ τῷ ἀνθρώπῳ μίαν ἡμέραν, μέχρις ἐνιαυτοῦ τιμωρεῖται καὶ βασανίζεται· μνήμας γὰρ μεγάλας ἔχει ἡ τιμωρία καὶ ἡ βάσανος. ### English translation (Claude) The one who lives in luxury and deceit for one day and does what he wishes is clothed in much folly and does not understand what he is doing; for the next day he forgets what he did the day before; for luxury and deceit have no memories because of the folly they are clothed in. But punishment and torment, when they cling to a person for one day, punish and torment him for up to a year; for punishment and torment have long memories. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 6.5.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/6/5/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 6.5.4 (65.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/6/5/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:182 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The suffering makes them remember their indulgence. ### Greek text βασανιζόμενος οὖν καὶ τιμωρούμενος ὅλον τὸν ἐνιαυτόν, μνημονεύει τότε τῆς τρυφῆς καὶ ἀπάτης καὶ γινώσκει, ὅτι διʼ αὐτὰ πάσχει τὰ πονηρά. πᾶς οὖν ἄνθρωπος ὁ τρυφῶν καὶ ἀπατώμενος οὕτω βασανίζεται, ὅτι ἔχοντες ζωὴν εἰς θάνατον ἑαυτοὺς παραδεδώκασι. ### English translation (Claude) Being tormented and punished, then, for a whole year, he then remembers the luxury and deceit and knows that it is because of them that he suffers these evils. Every person, then, who lives in luxury and deceit is tormented in this way, because having life they have handed themselves over to death.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 6.5.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/6/5/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 6.5.5 (65.5) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/6/5/5/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:182 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Every indulged vice is a harmful luxury. ### Greek text Ποῖαι, φημί, κύριε, τρυφαί εἰσι βλαβεραί; Πᾶσα, φησί, πρᾶξις τρυφή ἐστι τῷ ἀνθρώπῳ, ὃ ἐὰν ἡδέως ποιῇ· καὶ γὰρ ὁ ὀξύχολος τῷ ἑαυτοῦ πάθει τὸ ἱκανὸν ποιῶν τρυφᾷ· καὶ ὁ μοιχὸς καὶ ὁ μέθυσος καὶ ὁ κατάλαλος καὶ ὁ ψεύστης καὶ ὁ πλεονέκτης καὶ ὁ ἀποστερητὴς καὶ ὁ τούτοις τὰ ὅμοια ποιῶν ἰδίᾳ νόσῳ τὸ ἱκανὸν ποιεῖ· τρυφᾷ οὖν ἐπὶ τῇ πράξει αὐτοῦ. ### English translation (Claude) “What kinds of luxury, sir,” I said, “are harmful?” “Every action,” he said, “that a person does with pleasure is luxury to him; for the bad-tempered man, giving full rein to his passion, lives in luxury; and the adulterer and the drunkard and the slanderer and the liar and the covetous and the robber and whoever does things like these gives full rein to his own disease; he lives in luxury, then, in his conduct. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 6.5.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/6/5/5/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 6.5.6 (65.6) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/6/5/6/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:182 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: These luxuries bring suffering. ### Greek text αὗται πᾶσαι αἱ τρυφαὶ βλαβεραί εἰσι τοῖς δούλοις τοῦ θεοῦ. διὰ ταύτας οὖν τὰς ἀπάτας πάσχουσιν οἱ τιμωρούμενοι καὶ βασανιζόμενοι. ### English translation (Claude) All these luxuries are harmful to the servants of God. Because of these deceits, then, those who are punished and tormented suffer. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 6.5.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/6/5/6/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 6.5.7 (65.7) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/6/5/7/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:182 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Delight in doing good is a saving luxury. ### Greek text εἰσὶν δὲ καὶ τρυφαὶ σώζουσαι τοὺς ἀνθρώπους· πολλοὶ γὰρ ἀγαθὸν ἐργαζόμενοι τρυφῶσι τῇ ἑαυτῶν ἡδονῇ φερόμενοι. αὕτη οὖν ἡ τρυφὴ σύμφορός ἐστι τοῖς δούλοις τοῦ θεοῦ καὶ ζωὴν περιποιεῖται τῷ ἀνθρώπῳ τῷ τοιούτῳ· αἱ δὲ βλαβεραὶ τρυφαὶ αἱ προειρημέναι βασάνους καὶ τιμωρίας αὐτοῖς περιποιοῦνται· ἐὰν δὲ ἐπιμένωσι καὶ μὴ μετανοήσωσι, θάνατον ἑαυτοῖς περιποιοῦνται. ### English translation (Claude) But there are also luxuries that save people; for many who do good live in luxury, carried along by their own pleasure. This luxury, then, is profitable to the servants of God and brings life to such a person; but the harmful luxuries mentioned before bring torments and punishments upon them; and if they persist and do not repent, they bring death upon themselves.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 6.5.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/6/5/7/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 7.1 (66.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/7/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:182–184 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Hermas is afflicted by the angel of punishment and asks why. ### Greek text Μετὰ ἡμέρας ὀλίγας εἶδον αὐτὸν εἰς τὸ πεδίον τὸ αὐτό, ὅπου καὶ τοὺς ποιμένας ἑωράκειν, καὶ λέγει μοι· Τί ἐπιζητεῖς; Πάρειμι, κύριε, ἵνα τὸν ποιμένα τὸν τιμωρητὴν κελεύσῃς ἐκ τοῦ οἴκου μου ἐξελθεῖν, ὅτι λίαν με θλίβει. Δεῖ σε, φησί, θλιβῆναι· οὕτω γάρ, φησί, προσέταξεν ὁ ἔνδοξος ἄγγελος τὰ περὶ σοῦ· θέλει γάρ σε πειρασθῆναι. Τί γάρ, φημί, κύριε, ἐποίησα οὕτω πονηρόν, ἵνα τῷ ἀγγέλῳ τούτῳ παραδοθῶ; ### English translation (Claude) After a few days I saw him in the same plain where I had also seen the shepherds, and he said to me, “What are you looking for?” “I am here, sir,” I said, “so that you may order the punishing shepherd to leave my house, because he afflicts me greatly.” “You must be afflicted,” he said; “for so the glorious angel has commanded concerning you; for he wishes you to be tested.” “What, then, sir,” I said, “have I done so wicked that I should be handed over to this angel?” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 7.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/7/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 7.2 (66.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/7/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:184 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Hermas suffers so that his household may repent. ### Greek text Ἄκουε, φησίν· αἱ μὲν ἁμαρτίαι σου πολλαί, ἀλλʼ οὐ τοσαῦται, ὥστε τῷ ἀγγέλῳ τούτῳ παραδοθῆναι· ἀλλʼ ὁ οἶκός σου μεγάλας ἀνομίας καὶ ἁμαρτίας εἰργάσατο, καὶ παρεπικράνθη ὁ ἔνδοξος ἄγγελος ἐπὶ τοῖς ἔργοις αὐτῶν καὶ διὰ τοῦτο ἐκέλευσέ σε χρόνον τινὰ θλιβῆναι, ἵνα κἀκεῖνοι μετανοήσωσι καὶ καθαρίσωσιν ἑαυτοὺς ἀπὸ πάσης ἐπιθυμίας τοῦ αἰῶνος τούτου. ὅταν οὖν μετανοήσωσι καὶ καθαρισθῶσι, τότε ἀποστήσεται ἀπὸ σοῦ ὁ ἄγγελος τῆς τιμωρίας. ### English translation (Claude) “Hear,” he said: “your sins are many, but not so many that you should be handed over to this angel; but your household has committed great lawless deeds and sins, and the glorious angel was provoked at their deeds, and for this reason he ordered you to be afflicted for a time, so that they too might repent and cleanse themselves from every desire of this world. When, then, they have repented and been cleansed, then the angel of punishment will depart from you.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 7.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/7/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 7.3 (66.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/7/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:184 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The head of the household must suffer for the family to feel it. ### Greek text λέγω αὐτῷ· Κύριε, εἰ ἐκεῖνοι τοιαῦτα εἰργάσαντο, ἵνα παραπικρανθῇ ὁ ἔνδοξος ἄγγελος, τί ἐγὼ ἐποίησα; Ἄλλως, φησίν, οὐ δύνανται ἐκεῖνοι θλιβῆναι, ἐὰν μὴ σὺ ἡ κεφαλὴ τοῦ οἴκου θλιβῇς· σοῦ γὰρ θλιβομένου ἐξ ἀνάγκης κἀκεῖνοι θλιβήσονται, εὐσταθοῦντος δὲ σοῦ οὐδεμίαν δύνανται θλῖψιν ἔχειν. ### English translation (Claude) I said to him, “Sir, if they did such things that the glorious angel was provoked, what have I done?” “They cannot be afflicted otherwise,” he said, “unless you, the head of the household, are afflicted; for when you are afflicted they will of necessity be afflicted, but while you prosper they can have no affliction.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 7.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/7/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 7.4 (66.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/7/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:184–186 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Repentance must be proved by humility and endurance of affliction. ### Greek text Ἀλλʼ ἰδού, φημί, κύριε, μετανενοήκασιν ἐξ ὅλης καρδίας αὐτῶν. Οἶδα, φησί, κἀγώ, ὅτι μετανενοήκασιν ἐξ ὅλης καρδίας αὐτῶν· τῶν οὖν μετανοούντων εὐθὺς δοκεῖς τὰς ἁμαρτίας ἀφίεσθαι; οὐ παντελῶς· ἀλλὰ δεῖ τὸν μετανοοῦντα βασανίσαι τὴν ἑαυτοῦ ψυχὴν καὶ ταπεινοφρονῆσαι ἐν πάσῃ πράξει αὐτοῦ ἰσχυρῶς καὶ θλιβῆναι ἐν πάσαις θλίψεσι ποικίλαις· καὶ ἐὰν ὑπενέγκῃ τὰς θλίψεις τὰς ἐπερχομένας αὐτῷ, πάντως σπλαγχνισθήσεται ὁ τὰ πάντα κτίσας καὶ ἐνδυναμώσας καὶ ἴασίν τινα δώσει αὐτῷ· ### English translation (Claude) “But look, sir,” I said, “they have repented with their whole heart.” “I know too,” he said, “that they have repented with their whole heart. Do you think, then, that the sins of those who repent are forgiven at once? Not at all; but the one who repents must torment his own soul and be strongly humble in all he does and be afflicted with all kinds of afflictions; and if he endures the afflictions that come upon him, surely the one who created and strengthened all things will have compassion and give him some healing; ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 7.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/7/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 7.5 (66.5) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/7/5/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:186 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The affliction is for his good; he should give thanks for the warning. ### Greek text καὶ τοῦτο πάντως, ἐὰν ἴδῃ τὴν καρδίαν τοῦ μετανοοῦντος καθαρὰν ἀπὸ παντὸς πονηροῦ πράγματος. σοὶ δὲ συμφέρον ἐστὶ καὶ τῷ οἴκῳ σου νῦν θλιβῆναι. τί δέ σοι πολλὰ λέγω; θλιβῆναί σε δεῖ, καθὼς προσέταξεν ὁ ἄγγελος κυρίου ἐκεῖνος, ὁ παραδιδούς σε ἐμοί· καὶ τοῦτο εὐχαρίστει τῷ κυρίῳ, ὅτι ἄξιόν σε ἡγήσατο τοῦ προδηλῶσαί σοι τὴν θλῖψιν, ἵνα προγνοὺς αὐτὴν ὑπενέγκῃς ἰσχυρῶς. ### English translation (Claude) and this surely, if he sees that the heart of the one who repents is pure from every evil deed. But it is profitable for you and your household to be afflicted now. But why do I say much to you? You must be afflicted, as that angel of the Lord who handed you over to me has commanded; and give thanks to the Lord for this, that he counted you worthy to show you the affliction beforehand, so that, knowing it in advance, you may bear it bravely.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 7.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/7/5/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 7.6 (66.6) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/7/6/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:186 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The Shepherd will be with him; the affliction will be short. ### Greek text λέγω αὐτῷ· Κύριε, σὺ μετʼ ἐμοῦ γίνου, καὶ δυνήσομαι πᾶσαν θλῖψιν ὑπενεγκεῖν. Ἐγώ, φησίν, ἔσομαι μετὰ σοῦ· ἐρωτήσω δὲ καὶ τὸν ἄγγελον τὸν τιμωρητήν, ἵνα σε ἐλαφροτέρως θλίψῃ· ἀλλʼ ὀλίγον χρόνον θλιβήσῃ καὶ πάλιν ἀποκατασταθήσῃ εἰς τὸν οἶκόν σου. μόνον παράμεινον ταπεινοφρονῶν καὶ λειτουργῶν τῷ κυρίῳ ἐν πάσῃ καθαρᾷ καρδίᾳ, καὶ τὰ τέκνα σου καὶ ὁ οἶκός σου, καὶ πορεύου ἐν ταῖς ἐντολαῖς μου αἷς σοι ἐντέλλομαι, καὶ δυνήσεταί σου ἡ μετάνοια ἰσχυρὰ καὶ καθαρὰ εἶναι· ### English translation (Claude) I said to him, “Sir, be with me, and I shall be able to bear any affliction.” “I will be with you,” he said, “and I will also ask the punishing angel to afflict you more lightly; but you will be afflicted for a short time and then be restored to your house. Only remain humble and serve the Lord with a wholly pure heart, you and your children and your household, and walk in my commandments that I give you, and your repentance can be strong and pure; ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 7.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/7/6/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 7.7 (66.7) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/7/7/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:186–188 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Affliction departs from those who keep the commandments. ### Greek text καὶ ἐὰν ταύτας φυλάξῃς μετὰ τοῦ οἴκου σου, ἀποστήσεται πᾶσα θλῖψις ἀπὸ σοῦ· καὶ ἀπὸ πάντων δέ, φησίν, ἀποστήσεται θλῖψις, ὅσοι ἐὰν ἐν ταῖς ἐντολαῖς μου ταύταις πορευθῶσιν. ### English translation (Claude) and if you keep them with your household, all affliction will depart from you; and affliction will depart,” he said, “from all who walk in these commandments of mine.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 7.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/7/7/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.1.1 (67.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/1/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:188 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: A great willow shades all who are called by the Lord's name. ### Greek text Ἔδειξέ μοι ἰτέαν μεγάλην, σκεπάζουσαν πεδία καὶ ὄρη, καὶ ὑπὸ τὴν σκέπην τῆς ἰτέας πάντες ἐληλύθασιν οἱ κεκλημένοι ἐν ὀνόματι κυρίου. ### English translation (Claude) He showed me a great willow tree overshadowing plains and mountains, and under the shade of the willow had come all who have been called in the name of the Lord. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.1.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/1/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.1.2 (67.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/1/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:188 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: An angel cuts sticks from the willow and gives one to each. ### Greek text εἱστήκει δὲ ἄγγελος κυρίου ἔνδοξος λίαν ὑψηλὸς παρὰ τὴν ἰτέαν, δρέπανον ἔχων μέγα, καὶ ἔκοπτε κλάδους ἀπὸ τῆς ἰτέας, καὶ ἐπεδίδου τῷ λαῷ τῷ σκεπαζομένῳ ὑπὸ τῆς ἰτέας· μικρὰ δὲ ῥαβδία ἐπεδίδου αὐτοῖς, ὡσεὶ πηχυαῖα. ### English translation (Claude) And a glorious angel of the Lord, very tall, was standing beside the willow, with a great pruning knife, and he was cutting branches from the willow and giving them to the people sheltered by the willow; and he gave them small sticks, about a cubit long. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.1.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/1/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.1.3 (67.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/1/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:188 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The tree remains whole. ### Greek text μετὰ τὸ πάντας λαβεῖν τὰ ῥαβδία ἔθηκε τὸ δρέπανον ὁ ἄγγελος, καὶ τὸ δένδρον ἐκεῖνο ὑγιὲς ἦν, οἷον καὶ ἑωράκειν αὐτό. ### English translation (Claude) After all had received the sticks, the angel put down the knife, and that tree was sound, just as I had seen it before. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.1.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/1/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.1.4 (67.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/1/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:188 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Hermas marvels that the tree is unharmed. ### Greek text ἐθαύμαζον δὲ ἐγὼ ἐν ἐμαυτῷ λέγων· Πῶς τοσούτων κλάδων κεκομμένων τὸ δένδρον ὑγιές ἐστι; λέγει μοι ὁ ποιμήν· Μὴ θαύμαζε, εἰ τὸ δένδρον τοῦτο ὑγιὲς ἔμεινε τοσούτων κλάδων κοπέντων· ἐὰν δέ, φησί, πάντα ἴδῃς, σοι δηλωθήσεται τὸ τί ἐστιν. ### English translation (Claude) And I wondered to myself, saying, “How is the tree sound when so many branches have been cut?” The shepherd said to me, “Do not wonder that this tree remained sound when so many branches were cut; but when you see everything,” he said, “it will be made clear to you what it is.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.1.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/1/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.1.5 (67.5) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/1/5/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:188 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The angel collects and examines the sticks. ### Greek text ὁ ἄγγελος ὁ ἐπιδεδωκὼς τῷ λαῷ τὰς ῥάβδους πάλιν ἀπῄτει αὐτούς· καὶ καθὼς ἔλαβον, οὕτω καὶ ἐκαλοῦντο πρὸς αὐτόν, καὶ εἷς ἕκαστος αὐτῶν ἀπεδίδου τὰς ῥάβδους. ἐλάμβανε δὲ ὁ ἄγγελος τοῦ κυρίου καὶ κατενόει αὐτάς. ### English translation (Claude) The angel who had given the sticks to the people asked for them back again; and as they had received them, so they were called to him, and each of them gave back the sticks. And the angel of the Lord took them and examined them. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.1.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/1/5/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.1.6 (67.6) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/1/6/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:188 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Some sticks are dry and moth-eaten. ### Greek text παρά τινων ἐλάμβανε τὰς ῥάβδους ξηρὰς καὶ βεβρωμένας ὡς ὑπὸ σητός· ἐκέλευσεν ὁ ἄγγελος τοὺς τὰς τοιαύτας ῥάβδους ἐπιδεδωκότας χωρὶς ἱστάνεσθαι. ### English translation (Claude) From some he received the sticks dry and eaten as if by a moth; the angel ordered those who had given back such sticks to stand apart. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.1.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/1/6/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.1.7 (67.7) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/1/7/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:188–190 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Some are dry but not eaten. ### Greek text ἕτεροι δὲ ἐπεδίδοσαν ξηράς, ἀλλʼ οὐκ ἦσαν βεβρωμέναι ὑπὸ σητός· καὶ τούτους ἐκέλευσε χωρὶς ἱστάνεσθαι. ### English translation (Claude) Others gave them back dry, but not eaten by a moth; and these too he ordered to stand apart. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.1.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/1/7/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.1.8 (67.8) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/1/8/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:190 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Some half-dry. ### Greek text ἕτεροι δὲ ἐπεδίδουν ἡμιξήρους· καὶ οὗτοι χωρὶς ἱστάνοντο. ### English translation (Claude) Others gave them back half-dry; and these stood apart. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.1.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/1/8/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.1.9 (67.9) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/1/9/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:190 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Some half-dry and cracked. ### Greek text ἕτεροι δὲ ἐπεδίδουν τὰς ῥάβδους αὐτῶν ἡμιξήρους καὶ σχισμὰς ἐχούσας· καὶ οὗτοι χωρὶς ἵσταντο. ### English translation (Claude) Others gave back their sticks half-dry and with cracks; and these stood apart. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.1.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/1/9/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.1.10 (67.10) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/1/10/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:190 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Some green but cracked. ### Greek text ἕτεροι δὲ ἐπεδίδουν τὰς ῥάβδους αὐτῶν χλωρὰς καὶ σχισμὰς ἐχούσας· καὶ οὗτοι χωρὶς ἱστάνοντο. ### English translation (Claude) Others gave back their sticks green and with cracks; and these stood apart. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.1.10 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/1/10/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.1.11 (67.11) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/1/11/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:190 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Some half dry, half green. ### Greek text ἕτεροι δὲ ἐπεδίδουν τὰς ῥάβδους τὸ ἥμισυ ξηρὸν καὶ τὸ ἥμισυ μέρος χλωρόν· καὶ οὗτοι χωρὶς ἱστάνοντο. ### English translation (Claude) Others gave back their sticks half dry and half green; and these stood apart. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.1.11 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/1/11/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.1.12 (67.12) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/1/12/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:190 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Some two-thirds green. ### Greek text ἕτεροι δὲ προσέφερον τὰς ῥάβδους αὐτῶν τὰ δύο μέρη τῆς ῥάβδου χλωρά, τὸ δὲ τρίτον ξηρόν· καὶ οὗτοι χωρὶς ἱστάνοντο. ### English translation (Claude) Others brought their sticks two-thirds green and one-third dry; and these stood apart. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.1.12 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/1/12/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.1.13 (67.13) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/1/13/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:190 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Some two-thirds dry. ### Greek text ἕτεροι δὲ ἐπεδίδουν τὰ δύο μέρη ξηρά, τὸ δὲ τρίτον χλωρόν· καὶ οὗτοι χωρὶς ἱστάνοντο. ### English translation (Claude) Others gave them back two-thirds dry and one-third green; and these stood apart. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.1.13 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/1/13/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.1.14 (67.14) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/1/14/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:190 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Some nearly green but cracked. ### Greek text ἕτεροι δὲ ἐπεδίδουν τὰς ῥάβδους αὐτῶν παρὰ μικρὸν ὅλας χλωράς, ἐλάχιστον δὲ τῶν ῥάβδων αὐτῶν ξηρὸν ἦν, αὐτὸ τὸ ἄκρον· σχισμὰς δὲ εἶχον ἐν αὐταῖς· καὶ οὗτοι χωρὶς ἵσταντο. ### English translation (Claude) Others gave back their sticks nearly all green, but a very small part of their sticks was dry, just the tip; but they had cracks in them; and these stood apart. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.1.14 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/1/14/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.1.15 (67.15) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/1/15/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:190 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Some nearly all dry. ### Greek text ἑτέρων δὲ ἦν ἐλάχιστον χλωρόν, τὰ δὲ λοιπὰ τῶν ῥάβδων ξηρά· καὶ οὗτοι χωρὶς ἱστάνοντο. ### English translation (Claude) Of others a very small part was green, and the rest of the sticks dry; and these stood apart. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.1.15 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/1/15/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.1.16 (67.16) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/1/16/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:190 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Most return their sticks green, and the angel rejoices. ### Greek text ἕτεροι δὲ ἤρχοντο τὰς ῥάβδους χλωρὰς φέροντες ὡς ἔλαβον παρὰ τοῦ ἀγγέλου· τὸ δὲ πλεῖον μέρος τοῦ ὄχλου τοιαύτας ῥάβδους ἐπεδίδουν. ὁ δὲ ἄγγελος ἐπὶ τούτοις ἐχάρη λίαν· καὶ οὗτοι χωρὶς ἱστάνοντο. ### English translation (Claude) Others came bringing their sticks green as they had received them from the angel; and the greater part of the crowd gave back such sticks. And the angel rejoiced greatly at these; and these stood apart. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.1.16 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/1/16/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.1.17 (67.17) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/1/17/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:190 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Some return them green and budding. ### Greek text ἕτεροι δὲ ἐπεδίδουν τὰς ῥάβδους αὐτῶν χλωρὰς καὶ παραφυάδας ἐχούσας· καὶ οὗτοι χωρὶς ἵσταντο· καὶ ἐπὶ τούτοις ὁ ἄγγελος λίαν ἐχάρη. ### English translation (Claude) Others gave back their sticks green and with shoots; and these stood apart; and the angel rejoiced greatly at these. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.1.17 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/1/17/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.1.18 (67.18) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/1/18/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:190–192 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Some sticks even bear fruit, and all rejoice. ### Greek text ἕτεροι δὲ ἐπεδίδουν τὰς ῥάβδους αὐτῶν χλωρὰς καὶ παραφυάδας ἐχούσας· αἱ δὲ παραφυάδες αὐτῶν ὡσεὶ καρπόν τινα εἶχον· καὶ λίαν ἱλαροὶ ἦσαν οἱ ἄνθρωποι ἐκεῖνοι, ὧν αἱ ῥάβδοι τοιαῦται εὑρέθησαν. καὶ ὁ ἄγγελος ἐπὶ τούτοις ἠγαλλιᾶτο, καὶ ὁ ποιμὴν λίαν ἱλαρὸς ἦν ἐπὶ τούτοις. ### English translation (Claude) Others gave back their sticks green and with shoots; and their shoots had some fruit, as it were; and the people whose sticks were found so were very cheerful. And the angel exulted over them, and the shepherd was very cheerful over them. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.1.18 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/1/18/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.2.1 (68.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/2/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:192 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Those with fruit-bearing sticks are crowned and sent into the tower. ### Greek text Ἐκέλευσε δὲ ὁ ἄγγελος κυρίου στεφάνους ἐνεχθῆναι. καὶ ἐνέχθησαν στέφανοι ὡσεὶ ἐκ φοινίκων γεγονότες, καὶ ἐστεφάνωσε τοὺς ἄνδρας τοὺς ἐπιδεδωκότας τὰς ῥάβδους τὰς ἐχούσας τὰς παραφυάδας καὶ καρπόν τινα καὶ ἀπέλυσεν αὐτοὺς εἰς τὸν πύργον. ### English translation (Claude) And the angel of the Lord ordered crowns to be brought. And crowns were brought, made as it were of palm leaves, and he crowned the men who had given back the sticks that had shoots and some fruit, and sent them away into the tower. ### Scripture references - Rev 7:9: echo, low confidence ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.2.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/2/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.2.2 (68.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/2/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:192 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Those with budding sticks are sealed and sent into the tower. ### Greek text καὶ τοὺς ἄλλους δὲ ἀπέστειλεν εἰς τὸν πύργον, τοὺς τὰς ῥάβδους τὰς χλωρὰς ἐπιδεδωκότας καὶ παραφυάδας ἐχούσας, καρπὸν δὲ μὴ ἐχούσας τὰς παραφυάδας, δοὺς αὐτοῖς σφραγῖδας. ### English translation (Claude) And he sent the others also into the tower, those who had given back the green sticks with shoots, but whose shoots had no fruit, giving them seals. ### Translation notes - “Seals”: probably baptism, as elsewhere in Hermas (Sim. 9.16). ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.2.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/2/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.2.3 (68.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/2/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:192 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: All in the tower wear white. ### Greek text ἱματισμὸν δὲ τὸν αὐτὸν πάντες εἶχον λευκὸν ὡσεὶ χιόνα, οἱ πορευόμενοι εἰς τὸν πύργον. ### English translation (Claude) And all who went into the tower had the same clothing, white as snow. ### Scripture references - Rev 7:13: echo, low confidence ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.2.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/2/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.2.4 (68.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/2/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:192 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Those who kept their sticks green are also sealed and clothed. ### Greek text καὶ τοὺς τὰς ῥάβδους ἐπιδεδωκότας χλωρὰς ὡς ἔλαβον ἀπέλυσε, δοὺς αὐτοῖς ἱματισμὸν καὶ σφραγῖδας. ### English translation (Claude) And those who had given back their sticks green as they received them he sent away, giving them clothing and seals. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.2.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/2/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.2.5 (68.5) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/2/5/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:192 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The angel leaves the Shepherd to examine the rest. ### Greek text μετὰ τὸ ταῦτα τελέσαι τὸν ἄγγελον λέγει τῷ ποιμένι· Ἐγὼ ὑπάγω· σὺ δὲ τούτους ἀπολύσεις εἰς τὰ τείχη, καθὼς ἄξιός ἐστί τις κατοικεῖν. κατανόησον δὲ τὰς ῥάβδους αὐτῶν ἐπιμελῶς καὶ οὕτως ἀπόλυσον· ἐπιμελῶς δὲ κατανόησον. βλέπε, μή τίς σε παρέλθῃ, φησίν, ἐὰν δὲ τίς σε παρέλθῃ, ἐγὼ αὐτοὺς ἐπὶ τὸ θυσιαστήριον δοκιμάσω. ταῦτα εἰπὼν τῷ ποιμένι ἀπῆλθε. ### English translation (Claude) After the angel had finished these things, he said to the shepherd, “I am going away; but you shall send these away to the walls, as each is worthy to dwell. But examine their sticks carefully and so send them away; examine them carefully. See that no one gets past you,” he said; “and if anyone gets past you, I will test them at the altar.” Having said this to the shepherd, he went away. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.2.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/2/5/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.2.6 (68.6) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/2/6/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:192–194 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The Shepherd plants the sticks to see if they will live. ### Greek text καὶ μετὰ τὸ ἀπελθεῖν τὸν ἄγγελον λέγει μοι ὁ ποιμήν· Λάβωμεν πάντων τὰς ῥάβδους καὶ φυτεύσωμεν αὐτάς, εἴ τινες ἐξ αὐτῶν δυνήσονται ζῆσαι. λέγω αὐτῷ· Κύριε, τὰ ξηρὰ ταῦτα πῶς δύνανται ζῆσαι; ### English translation (Claude) And after the angel had gone away, the shepherd said to me, “Let us take the sticks of all and plant them, to see whether any of them can live.” I said to him, “Sir, how can these dry ones live?” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.2.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/2/6/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.2.7 (68.7) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/2/7/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:194 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Willows are hardy; many may live. ### Greek text ἀποκριθείς μοι λέγει· Τὸ δένδρον τοῦτο ἰτέα ἐστὶ καὶ φιλόζωον τὸ γένος· ἐὰν οὖν φυτευθῶσι καὶ μικρὰν ἰκμάδα λαμβάνωσιν αἱ ῥάβδοι, ζήσονται πολλαὶ ἐξ αὐτῶν· εἶτα δὲ πειράσωμεν καὶ ὕδωρ αὐταῖς παραχέειν. ἐάν τις αὐτῶν δυνηθῇ ζῆσαι, συγχαρήσομαι αὐταῖς· ἐὰν δὲ μὴ ζήσῃ, οὐχ εὑρεθήσομαι ἐγὼ ἀμελής. ### English translation (Claude) He answered me, “This tree is a willow and of a kind that loves life; if, then, the sticks are planted and receive a little moisture, many of them will live. Then let us also try pouring water on them. If any of them can live, I will rejoice with them; and if it does not live, I at least shall not be found negligent.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.2.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/2/7/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.2.8 (68.8) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/2/8/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:194 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: He plants and waters the sticks group by group. ### Greek text ἐκέλευσε δέ μοι ὁ ποιμὴν καλέσαι, καθώς τις αὐτῶν ἐστάθη. ἦλθον τάγματα τάγματα καὶ ἐπεδίδουν τὰς ῥάβδους τῷ ποιμένι· ἐλάμβανε δὲ ὁ ποιμὴν τὰς ῥάβδους καὶ κατὰ τάγματα ἐφύτευσεν αὐτὰς καὶ μετὰ τὸ φυτεῦσαι ὕδωρ αὐταῖς πολὺ παρέχεεν, ὥστε ἀπὸ τοῦ ὕδατος μὴ φαίνεσθαι τὰς ῥάβδους. ### English translation (Claude) And the shepherd told me to call them, as each of them had stood. They came in their groups and gave the sticks to the shepherd; and the shepherd took the sticks and planted them in groups, and after planting them he poured much water on them, so that the sticks could not be seen for the water. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.2.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/2/8/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.2.9 (68.9) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/2/9/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:194 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: God wishes all to live; most will revive. ### Greek text καὶ μετὰ τὸ ποτίσαι αὐτὸν τὰς ῥάβδους λέγει μοι· Ἄγωμεν καὶ μετʼ ὀλίγας ἡμέρας ἐπανέλθωμεν καὶ ἐπισκεψώμεθα τὰς ῥάβδους πάσας· ὁ γὰρ κτίσας τὸ δένδρον τοῦτο θέλει πάντας ζῆν τοὺς λαβόντας ἐκ τοῦ δένδρου τούτου κλάδους. ἐλπίζω δὲ κἀγώ, ὅτι λαβόντα τὰ ῥαβδία ταῦτα ἰκμάδα καὶ ποτισθέντα ὕδατι ζήσονται τὸ πλεῖστον μέρος αὐτῶν. ### English translation (Claude) And after he had watered the sticks, he said to me, “Let us go, and after a few days let us come back and inspect all the sticks; for the one who created this tree wishes all who received branches from this tree to live. And I too hope that when these sticks have received moisture and been watered, the greater part of them will live.” ### Scripture references - 1 Tim 2:4: echo, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.2.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/2/9/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.3.1 (69.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/3/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:194 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Hermas asks what the tree is. ### Greek text Λέγω αὐτῷ· Κύριε, τὸ δένδρον τοῦτο γνώρισόν μοι τί ἐστιν· ἀποροῦμαι γὰρ περὶ αὐτοῦ, ὅτι τοσούτων κλάδων κοπέντων ὑγιές ἐστι τὸ δένδρον καὶ οὐδὲν φαίνεται κεκομμένον ἀπʼ αὐτοῦ· ἐν τούτῳ οὖν ἀποροῦμαι. ### English translation (Claude) I said to him, “Sir, make known to me what this tree is; for I am perplexed about it, that though so many branches were cut, the tree is sound and nothing seems to have been cut from it. This is what perplexes me.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.3.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/3/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.3.2 (69.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/3/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:194–196 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The tree is God's law, which is the Son of God preached to all the earth. ### Greek text Ἄκουε, φησί· τὸ δένδρον τοῦτο τὸ μέγα τὸ σκεπάζον πεδία καὶ ὄρη καὶ πᾶσαν τὴν γῆν νόμος θεοῦ ἐστιν ὁ δοθεὶς εἰς ὅλον τὸν κόσμον· ὁ δὲ νόμος οὗτος υἱὸς θεοῦ ἐστι κηρυχθεὶς εἰς τὰ πέρατα τῆς γῆς· οἱ δὲ ὑπὸ τὴν σκέπην λαοὶ ὄντες οἱ ἀκούσαντες τοῦ κηρύγματος καὶ πιστεύσαντες εἰς αὐτόν· ### English translation (Claude) “Hear,” he said: “this great tree that overshadows plains and mountains and all the earth is the law of God that was given to the whole world; and this law is the Son of God preached to the ends of the earth; and the peoples under its shade are those who have heard the preaching and believed in him. ### Translation notes - “This law is the Son of God”: Christ as the new law, an idea found also in other second-century writers (compare Justin, Dial. 11). ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.3.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/3/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.3.3 (69.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/3/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:196 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The great angel is Michael, guardian of the people. ### Greek text ὁ δὲ ἄγγελος ὁ μέγας καὶ ἔνδοξος Μιχαὴλ ὁ ἔχων τὴν ἐξουσίαν τούτου τοῦ λαοῦ καὶ διακυβερνῶν αὐτούς· οὗτος γάρ ἐστιν ὁ διδοὺς αὐτοῖς τὸν νόμον εἰς τὰς καρδίας τῶν πιστευόντων· ἐπισκέπτεται οὖν αὐτούς, οἷς ἔδωκεν, εἰ ἄρα τετηρήκασιν αὐτόν. ### English translation (Claude) And the great and glorious angel is Michael, who has authority over this people and governs them; for it is he who puts the law into the hearts of those who believe. He inspects, then, those to whom he gave it, to see whether they have kept it. ### Scripture references - Dan 12:1: allusion, medium confidence - Jer 31:33: echo, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Michael appears as the guardian of God's people in Dan 12:1. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.3.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/3/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.3.4 (69.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/3/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:196 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The sticks stand for how each kept the law. ### Greek text βλέπεις δὲ ἑνὸς ἑκάστου τὰς ῥάβδους· αἱ γὰρ ῥάβδοι ὁ νόμος ἐστί. βλέπεις οὖν πολλὰς ῥάβδους ἠχρειωμένας, γνώσῃ δὲ αὐτοὺς πάντας τοὺς μὴ τηρήσαντας τὸν νόμον· καὶ ὄψει ἑνὸς ἑκάστου τὴν κατοικίαν. ### English translation (Claude) And you see the sticks of each one; for the sticks are the law. You see, then, many sticks spoiled, and you will know all of them, those who did not keep the law; and you will see the dwelling place of each.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.3.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/3/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.3.5 (69.5) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/3/5/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:196 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Transgressors are left to the Shepherd for repentance. ### Greek text λέγω αὐτῷ· Κύριε, διατί οὓς μὲν ἀπέλυσεν εἰς τὸν πύργον, οὓς δὲ σοὶ κατέλειψεν; Ὅσοι, φησί, παρέβησαν τὸν νόμον, ὃν ἔλαβον παρʼ αὐτοῦ, εἰς τὴν ἐμὴν ἐξουσίαν κατέλιπεν αὐτοὺς εἰς μετάνοιαν· ὅσοι δὲ ἤδη εὐηρέστησαν τῷ νόμῳ καὶ τετηρήκασιν αὐτόν, ὑπὸ τὴν ἰδίαν ἐξουσίαν ἔχει αὐτούς. ### English translation (Claude) I said to him, “Sir, why did he send some away into the tower and leave others to you?” “All who transgressed the law,” he said, “which they received from him, he left under my authority for repentance; but those who have already pleased the law and kept it, he keeps under his own authority.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.3.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/3/5/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.3.6 (69.6) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/3/6/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:196 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The crowned are those who suffered for the law: the martyrs. ### Greek text Τίνες οὖν, φημί, κύριε, εἰσὶν οἱ ἐστεφανωμένοι καὶ εἰς τὸν πύργον ὑπάγοντες; Ὅσοι, φησίν, ἀντεπάλαισαν τῷ διαβόλῳ καὶ ἐνίκησαν αὐτόν, ἐστεφανωμένοι εἰσίν· οὗτοί εἰσιν οἱ ὑπὲρ τοῦ νόμου παθόντες· ### English translation (Claude) “Who, then, sir,” I said, “are those who were crowned and went into the tower?” “All who wrestled with the devil and conquered him,” he said, “are crowned; these are those who suffered for the law. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.3.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/3/6/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.3.7 (69.7) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/3/7/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:196–198 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Those afflicted but not killed, who did not deny, are sealed. ### Greek text οἱ δὲ ἕτεροι καὶ αὐτοὶ χλωρὰς τὰς ῥάβδους ἐπιδεδωκότες καὶ παραφυάδας ἐχούσας, καρπὸν δὲ μὴ ἐχούσας οἱ ὑπὲρ τοῦ νόμου θλιβέντες, μὴ παθόντες δὲ μηδὲ ἀρνησάμενοι τὸν νόμον αὐτῶν. ### English translation (Claude) And the others, who also gave back their sticks green and with shoots, but without fruit, are those who were afflicted for the law but did not suffer, nor did they deny their law. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.3.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/3/7/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.3.8 (69.8) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/3/8/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:198 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Those who kept their sticks green are the righteous. ### Greek text οἱ δὲ χλωρὰς ἐπιδεδωκότες, οἵας ἔλαβον, σεμνοὶ καὶ δίκαιοι καὶ λίαν πορευθέντες ἐν καθαρᾷ καρδίᾳ καὶ τὰς ἐντολὰς κυρίου πεφυλακότες. τὰ δὲ λοιπὰ γνώσῃ, ὅταν κατανοήσω τὰς ῥάβδους ταύτας τὰς πεφυτευμένας καὶ πεποτισμένας. ### English translation (Claude) And those who gave them back green as they received them are reverent and righteous, and have walked very much with a pure heart, and have kept the commandments of the Lord. The rest you will know when I examine these sticks that have been planted and watered.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.3.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/3/8/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.4.1 (70.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/4/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:198 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The Shepherd sits in the angel's place; Hermas serves him. ### Greek text Καὶ μετὰ ἡμέρας ὀλίγας ἤλθομεν εἰς τὸν τόπον, καὶ ἐκάθισεν ὁ ποιμὴν εἰς τὸν τόπον τοῦ ἀγγέλου, κἀγὼ παρεστάθην αὐτῷ. καὶ λέγει μοι· Περίζωσαι ὠμόλινον καὶ διακόνει μοι. περιεζωσάμην ὠμόλινον ἐκ σάκκου γεγονὸς καθαρόν. ### English translation (Claude) And after a few days we came to the place, and the shepherd sat down in the angel's place, and I stood beside him. And he said to me, “Gird yourself with a towel and serve me.” I girded myself with a clean towel made of sackcloth. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.4.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/4/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.4.2 (70.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/4/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:198 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Hermas calls the people in their groups. ### Greek text ἰδὼν δέ με περιεζωσμένον καὶ ἕτοιμον ὄντα τοῦ διακονεῖν αὐτῷ, Κάλει, φησί, τοὺς ἄνδρας, ὧν εἰσὶν αἱ ῥάβδοι πεφυτευμέναι, κατὰ τὸ τάγμα, ὥς τις ἔδωκε τὰς ῥάβδους. καὶ ἀπῆλθον εἰς τὸ πεδίον καὶ ἐκάλεσα πάντας· καὶ ἔστησαν πάντες τάγματα τάγματα. ### English translation (Claude) When he saw me girded and ready to serve him, he said, “Call the men whose sticks have been planted, in order, as each gave his sticks.” And I went away to the plain and called all of them; and they all stood in their groups. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.4.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/4/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.4.3 (70.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/4/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:198 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Each is told to bring his stick. ### Greek text λέγει αὐτοῖς· Ἕκαστος τὰς ἰδίας ῥάβδους ἐκτιλάτω καὶ φερέτω πρός με. ### English translation (Claude) He said to them, “Let each pull up his own sticks and bring them to me.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.4.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/4/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.4.4 (70.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/4/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:198 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Those whose sticks were dry and cut stand apart. ### Greek text πρῶτοι ἐπέδωκαν οἱ τὰς ξηρὰς καὶ κεκομμένας ἐσχηκότες, καὶ ὡς αὗται εὑρέθησαν ξηραὶ καὶ κεκομμέναι, ἐκέλευσεν αὐτοὺς χωρὶς σταθῆναι. ### English translation (Claude) First those who had had the dry and cut sticks gave them in, and as these were found dry and cut, he ordered them to stand apart. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.4.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/4/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.4.5 (70.5) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/4/5/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:198–200 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Some revive; others stand with the first group. ### Greek text εἶτα ἐπέδωκαν οἱ τὰς ξηρὰς καὶ μὴ κεκομμένας ἔχοντες· τινὲς δὲ ἐξ αὐτῶν ἐπέδωκαν τὰς ῥάβδους χλωράς, τινὲς δὲ ξηρὰς καὶ κεκομμένας ὡς ὑπὸ σητός. τοὺς ἐπιδεδωκότας οὖν χλωρὰς ἐκέλευσε χωρὶς σταθῆναι, τοὺς δὲ ξηρὰς καὶ κεκομμένας ἐπιδεδωκότας ἐκέλευσε μετὰ τῶν πρώτων σταθῆναι. ### English translation (Claude) Then those who had the dry but uncut sticks gave them in; some of them gave in their sticks green, and some dry and cut as by a moth. Those who gave them in green he ordered to stand apart, and those who gave them in dry and cut he ordered to stand with the first. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.4.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/4/5/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.4.6 (70.6) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/4/6/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:200 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The half-dry vary: some revive, some bear fruit, some decay. ### Greek text εἶτα ἐπέδωκαν οἱ τὰς ἡμιξήρους καὶ σχισμὰς ἐχούσας· καὶ πολλοὶ ἐξ αὐτῶν χλωρὰς ἐπέδωκαν καὶ μὴ ἐχούσας σχισμάς· τινὲς δὲ χλωρὰς καὶ παραφυάδας ἐχούσας καὶ εἰς τὰς παραφυάδας καρπούς, οἵους εἶχον οἱ εἰς τὸν πύργον πορευθέντες ἐστεφανωμένοι. τινὲς δὲ ἐπέδωκαν ξηρὰς καὶ βεβρωμένας, τινὲς δὲ ξηρὰς καὶ ἀβρώτους, τινὲς δὲ οἷαι ἦσαν ἡμίξηροι καὶ σχισμὰς ἔχουσαι. ἐκέλευσεν αὐτοὺς ἕνα ἕκαστον χωρὶς σταθῆναι, τοὺς μὲν πρὸς τὰ ἴδια τάγματα, τοὺς δὲ χωρίς. ### English translation (Claude) Then those gave them in who had the half-dry ones with cracks; and many of them gave them in green and without cracks; some green and with shoots, and fruit on the shoots, like those who went into the tower crowned. Some gave them in dry and eaten, some dry and uneaten, and some as they were, half-dry and with cracks. He ordered each of them to stand apart, some with their own groups and some apart. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.4.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/4/6/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.5.1 (71.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/5/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:200 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Those with cracks are healed. ### Greek text Εἶτα ἐπεδίδουν οἱ τὰς ῥάβδους χλωρὰς μὲν ἔχοντες, σχισμὰς δὲ ἐχούσας· οὗτοι πάντες χλωρὰς ἐπέδωκαν καὶ ἔστησαν εἰς τὸ ἴδιον τάγμα. ἐχάρη δὲ ὁ ποιμὴν ἐπὶ τούτοις, ὅτι πάντες ἠλλοιώθησαν καὶ ἀπέθεντο τὰς σχισμὰς αὐτῶν. ### English translation (Claude) Then those gave in their sticks who had them green but with cracks; these all gave them in green and stood in their own group. And the shepherd rejoiced over these, because they had all been changed and had put away their cracks. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.5.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/5/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.5.2 (71.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/5/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:200 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The half-green vary in their outcome. ### Greek text ἐπέδωκαν δὲ καὶ οἱ τὸ ἥμισυ χλωρόν, τὸ δὲ ἥμισυ ξηρὸν ἔχοντες· τινῶν οὖν εὑρέθησαν αἱ ῥάβδοι ὁλοτελῶς χλωραί, τινῶν ἡμίξηροι, τινῶν ξηραὶ καὶ βεβρωμέναι, τινῶν δὲ χλωραὶ καὶ παραφυάδας ἔχουσαι· οὗτοι πάντες ἀπελύθησαν ἕκαστος πρὸς τὸ τάγμα αὐτοῦ. ### English translation (Claude) And those also gave them in who had them half green and half dry; of some the sticks were found wholly green, of some half-dry, of some dry and eaten, and of some green and with shoots. These were all sent away, each to his group. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.5.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/5/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.5.3 (71.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/5/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:200–202 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The two-thirds green vary. ### Greek text εἶτα ἐπέδωκαν οἱ τὰ δύο μέρη χλωρὰ ἔχοντες, τὸ δὲ τρίτον ξηρόν. πολλοὶ ἐξ αὐτῶν χλωρὰς ἐπέδωκαν, πολλοὶ δὲ ἡμιξήρους, ἕτεροι δὲ ξηρὰς καὶ βεβρωμένας· οὗτοι πάντες ἔστησαν εἰς τὸ ἴδιον τάγμα. ### English translation (Claude) Then those gave them in who had two parts green and the third dry. Many of them gave them in green, many half-dry, and others dry and eaten; these all stood in their own group. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.5.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/5/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.5.4 (71.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/5/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:202 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The two-thirds dry vary. ### Greek text εἶτα ἐπέδωκαν οἱ τὰ δύο μέρη ξηρὰ ἔχοντες, τὸ δὲ τρίτον χλωρόν· πολλοὶ ἐξ αὐτῶν ἡμιξήρους ἐπέδωκαν, τινὲς δὲ ξηρὰς καὶ βεβρωμένας, ἕτεροι δὲ ἡμιξήρους, καὶ σχισμὰς ἐχούσας, ὀλίγοι δὲ χλωράς· οὗτοι πάντες ἔστησαν εἰς τὸ ἴδιον τάγμα. ### English translation (Claude) Then those gave them in who had two parts dry and the third green; many of them gave them in half-dry, some dry and eaten, others half-dry and with cracks, and a few green; these all stood in their own group. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.5.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/5/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.5.5 (71.5) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/5/5/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:202 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Those nearly green revive. ### Greek text ἐπέδωκαν δὲ οἱ τὰς ῥάβδους αὐτῶν χλωρὰς ἐσχηκότες, ἐλάχιστον δὲ ξηρὸν καὶ σχισμὰς ἐχούσας· ἐκ τούτων τινὲς χλωρὰς ἐπέδωκαν, τινὲς δὲ χλωρὰς καὶ παραφυάδας· ἀπῆλθον καὶ οὗτοι εἰς τὸ τάγμα αὐτῶν. ### English translation (Claude) And those gave them in who had had their sticks green, but a very little dry and with cracks; of these some gave them in green, and some green and with shoots; these too went away to their group. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.5.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/5/5/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.5.6 (71.6) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/5/6/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:202 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The nearly dry are found green and fruitful; the Shepherd rejoices. ### Greek text εἶτα ἐπέδωκαν οἱ ἐλάχιστον ἔχοντες χλωρόν, τὰ δὲ λοιπὰ μέρη ξηρά· τούτων αἱ ῥάβδοι εὑρέθησαν τὸ πλεῖστον μέρος χλωραὶ καὶ παραφυάδας ἔχουσαι καὶ καρπὸν ἐν ταῖς παραφυάσι, καὶ ἕτεραι χλωραὶ ὅλαι. ἐπὶ ταύταις ταῖς ῥάβδοις ἐχάρη ὁ ποιμὴν λίαν μεγάλως, ὅτι οὕτως εὑρέθησαν. ἀπῆλθον δὲ οὗτοι ἕκαστος εἰς τὸ ἴδιον τάγμα. ### English translation (Claude) Then those gave them in who had a very little green and the rest dry; their sticks were found for the most part green and with shoots, and fruit on the shoots, and others wholly green. The shepherd rejoiced exceedingly over these sticks, because they were found so. And these went away, each to his own group. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.5.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/5/6/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.6.1 (72.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/6/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:202 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Many have repented, showing God's great compassion. ### Greek text Μετὰ τὸ πάντων κατανοῆσαι τὰς ῥάβδους τὸν ποιμένα λέγει μοι· Εἶπόν σοι, ὅτι τὸ δένδρον τοῦτο φιλόζωόν ἐστι. βλέπεις, φησί, πόσοι μετενόησαν καὶ ἐσώθησαν; Βλέπω, φημί, κύριε. Ἵνα ἴδῃς, φησί, τὴν πολυευσπλαγχνίαν τοῦ κυρίου, ὅτι μεγάλη καὶ ἔνδοξός ἐστι, καὶ ἔδωκε πνεῦμα τοῖς ἀξίοις οὖσι μετανοίας. ### English translation (Claude) After the shepherd had examined the sticks of all, he said to me, “I told you that this tree loves life. Do you see,” he said, “how many have repented and been saved?” “I see, sir,” I said. “It is so that you may see,” he said, “the great compassion of the Lord, that it is great and glorious, and that he has given the spirit to those who are worthy of repentance.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.6.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/6/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.6.2 (72.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/6/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:202–204 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Repentance is given to the sincere, not to the hypocrites. ### Greek text Διατί οὖν, φημί, κύριε, πάντες οὐ μετενόησαν; Ὧν εἶδε, φησί, τὴν καρδίαν μέλλουσαν καθαρὰν γενέσθαι καὶ δουλεύειν αὐτῷ ἐξ ὅλης καρδίας, τούτοις ἔδωκε τὴν μετάνοιαν· ὧν δὲ εἶδε τὴν δολιότητα καὶ πονηρίαν, μελλόντων ἐν ὑποκρίσει μετανοεῖν, ἐκείνοις οὐκ ἔδωκε μετάνοιαν, μήποτε πάλιν βεβηλώσωσι τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ. ### English translation (Claude) “Why, then, sir,” I said, “did not all repent?” “Those whose hearts he saw would become pure and serve him with their whole heart,” he said, “to them he gave repentance; but those whose deceit and wickedness he saw, who would repent in hypocrisy, to them he did not give repentance, lest they profane his name again.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.6.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/6/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.6.3 (72.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/6/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:204 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Hermas asks for the meaning, so that those who broke their baptismal seal may repent. ### Greek text λέγω αὐτῷ· Κύριε, νῦν οὖν μοι δήλωσον τοὺς τὰς ῥάβδους ἐπιδεδωκότας, ποταπός τις αὐτῶν ἐστί, καὶ τὴν τούτων κατοικίαν, ἵνα ἀκούσαντες οἱ πιστεύσαντες καὶ εἰληφότες τὴν σφραγῖδα καὶ τεθλακότες αὐτὴν καὶ μὴ τηρήσαντες ὑγιῆ, ἐπιγνόντες τὰ ἑαυτῶν ἔργα μετανοήσωσι, λαβόντες ὑπὸ σοῦ σφραγῖδα, καὶ δοξάσωσι τὸν κύριον, ὅτι ἐσπλαγχνίσθη ἐπʼ αὐτοὺς καὶ ἀπέστειλέ σε τοῦ ἀνακαινίσαι τὰ πνεύματα αὐτῶν. ### English translation (Claude) I said to him, “Sir, now make clear to me those who gave in the sticks, what each of them is like, and their dwelling place, so that those who have believed and received the seal and broken it and not kept it whole, when they hear, may recognize their own deeds and repent, receiving a seal from you, and glorify the Lord that he had compassion on them and sent you to renew their spirits.” ### Translation notes - “The seal”: baptism (compare 2 Clem. 7.6; 8.6). ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.6.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/6/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.6.4 (72.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/6/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:204 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The dry, moth-eaten sticks are apostates and traitors who will not repent. ### Greek text Ἄκουε, φησίν· ὧν αἱ ῥάβδοι ξηραὶ καὶ βεβρωμέναι ὑπὸ σητὸς εὑρέθησαν, οὗτοί εἰσιν οἱ ἀποστάται καὶ προδόται τῆς ἐκκλησίας καὶ βλασφημήσαντες ἐν ταῖς ἁμαρτίαις αὐτῶν τὸν κύριον, ἔτι δὲ καὶ ἐπαισχυνθέντες τὸ ὄνομα κυρίου τὸ ἐπικληθὲν ἐπʼ αὐτούς. οὗτοι οὖν εἰς τέλος ἀπώλοντο τῷ θεῷ. βλέπεις δέ, ὅτι οὐδὲ εἷς αὐτῶν μετενόησε, καίπερ ἀκούσαντες τὰ ῥήματα, ἃ ἐλάλησας αὐτοῖς, ἅ σοι ἐνετειλάμην· ἀπὸ τῶν τοιούτων ἡ ζωὴ ἀπέστη. ### English translation (Claude) “Hear,” he said: “those whose sticks were found dry and eaten by a moth are the apostates and traitors of the church, who in their sins blasphemed the Lord, and moreover were ashamed of the name of the Lord that was invoked over them. These, then, have perished to God forever. And you see that not one of them repented, although they heard the words that you spoke to them, which I commanded you; life has departed from such people. ### Translation notes - “Traitors”: probably Christians who betrayed fellow believers to the authorities during persecution. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.6.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/6/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.6.5 (72.5) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/6/5/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:204 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Hypocrites and false teachers who hindered repentance may still repent. ### Greek text οἱ δὲ τὰς ξηρὰς καὶ ἀσήπτους ἐπιδεδωκότες, καὶ οὗτοι ἐγγὺς αὐτῶν· ἦσαν γὰρ ὑποκριταὶ καὶ διδαχὰς ξένας εἰσφέροντες καὶ ἐκστρέφοντες τοὺς δούλους τοῦ θεοῦ, μάλιστα δὲ τοὺς ἡμαρτηκότας, μὴ ἀφιέντες μετανοεῖν αὐτούς, ἀλλὰ ταῖς διδαχαῖς ταῖς μωραῖς πείθοντες αὐτούς. οὗτοι οὖν ἔχουσιν ἐλπίδα τοῦ μετανοῆσαι. ### English translation (Claude) And those who gave in the dry but unrotted ones are also near them; for they were hypocrites and brought in strange teachings and perverted God's servants, especially those who had sinned, not allowing them to repent, but persuading them with their foolish teachings. These, then, have hope of repenting. ### Translation notes - The false teachers apparently denied that sinners could repent after baptism. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.6.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/6/5/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.6.6 (72.6) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/6/6/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:204–206 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Repentance brings life; refusing it brings death. ### Greek text βλέπεις δὲ πολλοὺς ἐξ αὐτῶν καὶ μετανενοηκότας, ἀφʼ ἧς ἐλάλησα αὐτοῖς τὰς ἐντολάς μου· καὶ ἔτι μετανοήσουσιν. ὅσοι δὲ οὐ μετανοήσουσιν, ἀπώλεσαν τὴν ζωὴν αὐτῶν. ὅσοι δὲ μετενόησαν ἐξ αὐτῶν, ἀγαθοὶ ἐγένοντο, καὶ ἐγένετο ἡ κατοικία αὐτῶν εἰς τὰ τείχη τὰ πρῶτα· τινὲς δὲ καὶ εἰς τὸν πύργον ἀνέβησαν. βλέπεις οὖν, φησίν, ὅτι ἡ μετάνοια τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν ζωὴν ἔχει, τὸ δὲ μὴ μετανοῆσαι θάνατον. ### English translation (Claude) And you see that many of them have repented since I spoke my commandments to them; and more will repent. But those who do not repent have lost their life. And those of them who repented became good, and their dwelling was in the first walls; and some even went up into the tower. You see, then,” he said, “that repentance from sins has life, but not to repent has death. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.6.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/6/6/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.7.1 (73.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/7/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:206 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Half-dry sticks are the double-minded. ### Greek text Ὅσοι δὲ ἡμιξήρους ἐπέδωκαν καὶ ἐν αὐταῖς σχισμὰς εἶχον, ἄκουε καὶ περὶ αὐτῶν. ὅσων ἦσαν αἱ ῥάβδοι ἡμίξηροι, δίψυχοί εἰσιν· οὔτε γὰρ ζῶσιν οὔτε τεθνήκασιν. ### English translation (Claude) And hear about those who gave them in half-dry and with cracks in them. Those whose sticks were half-dry are double-minded; for they are neither alive nor dead. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.7.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/7/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.7.2 (73.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/7/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:206 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Doubting slanderers may still repent. ### Greek text οἱ δὲ ἡμιξήρους ἔχοντες καὶ ἐν αὐταῖς σχισμάς, οὗτοι καὶ δίψυχοι καὶ κατάλαλοί εἰσι καὶ μηδέποτε εἰρηνεύοντες εἰς ἑαυτούς, ἀλλὰ διχοστατοῦντες πάντοτε. ἀλλὰ καὶ τούτοις, φησίν, ἐπίκειται μετάνοια. βλέπεις, φησί, τινὰς ἐξ αὐτῶν μετανενοηκότας. καὶ ἔτι, φησίν, ἐστὶν ἐν αὐτοῖς ἐλπὶς μετανοίας. ### English translation (Claude) And those who had them half-dry and with cracks in them are both double-minded and slanderers, and never at peace among themselves, but always causing divisions. But for these too,” he said, “repentance is laid down. You see,” he said, “that some of them have repented. And there is still,” he said, “hope of repentance among them. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.7.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/7/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.7.3 (73.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/7/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:206 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Quick repentance leads to the tower, slower to the walls. ### Greek text καὶ ὅσοι, φησίν, ἐξ αὐτῶν μετανενοήκασι, τὴν κατοικίαν εἰς τὸν πύργον ἕξουσιν· ὅσοι δὲ ἐξ αὐτῶν βραδύτερον μετανενοήκασιν, εἰς τὰ τείχη κατοικήσουσιν· ὅσοι δὲ οὐ μετανοοῦσιν, ἀλλʼ ἐμμένουσι ταῖς πράξεσιν αὐτῶν, θανάτῳ ἀποθανοῦνται. ### English translation (Claude) And those of them,” he said, “who have repented will have their dwelling in the tower; those of them who have repented more slowly will dwell in the walls; but those who do not repent, but remain in their deeds, will surely die. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.7.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/7/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.7.4 (73.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/7/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:206–208 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Green but cracked sticks are good people jealous for first place. ### Greek text οἱ δὲ χλωρὰς ἐπιδεδωκότες τὰς ῥάβδους αὐτῶν καὶ σχισμὰς ἐχούσας, πάντοτε οὗτοι πιστοὶ καὶ ἀγαθοὶ ἐγένοντο, ἔχοντες δὲ ζῆλόν τινα ἐν ἀλλήλοις περὶ πρωτείων καὶ περὶ δόξης τινός· ἀλλὰ πάντες οὗτοι μωροί εἰσιν, ἐν ἀλλήλοις ἔχοντες ζῆλον περὶ πρωτείων. ### English translation (Claude) And those who gave in their sticks green and with cracks have always been faithful and good, but had some jealousy among themselves about first places and about some glory; but all these are foolish, having jealousy among themselves about first places. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.7.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/7/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.7.5 (73.5) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/7/5/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:208 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: They repented quickly; relapse into division would cost them life. ### Greek text ἀλλὰ καὶ οὗτοι ἀκούσαντες τῶν ἐντολῶν μου, ἀγαθοὶ ὄντες, ἐκαθάρισαν ἑαυτοὺς καὶ μετενόησαν ταχύ. ἐγένετο οὖν ἡ κατοίκησις αὐτῶν εἰς τὸν πύργον· ἐὰν δέ τις πάλιν ἐπιστρέψῃ εἰς τὴν διχοστασίαν, ἐκβληθήσεται ἀπὸ τοῦ πύργου καὶ ἀπολέσει τὴν ζωὴν αὐτοῦ. ### English translation (Claude) But these too, when they heard my commandments, being good, cleansed themselves and repented quickly. So their dwelling was in the tower; but if anyone turns again to division, he will be cast out of the tower and will lose his life. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.7.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/7/5/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.7.6 (73.6) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/7/6/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:208 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: God's commandments concern humility, not rank. ### Greek text ἡ ζωὴ πάντων ἐστὶ τῶν τὰς ἐντολὰς τοῦ κυρίου φυλασσόντων· ἐν ταῖς ἐντολαῖς δὲ περὶ πρωτείων ἢ περὶ δόξης τινός οὐκ ἔστιν, ἀλλὰ περὶ μακροθυμίας καὶ περὶ ταπεινοφρονήσεως ἀνδρός. ἐν τοῖς τοιούτοις οὖν ἡ ζωὴ τοῦ κυρίου, ἐν τοῖς διχοστάταις δὲ καὶ παρανόμοις θάνατος. ### English translation (Claude) Life belongs to all who keep the Lord's commandments; and in the commandments there is nothing about first places or about any glory, but about patience and a person's humility. In such people, then, is the life of the Lord, but in those who cause divisions and break the law, death. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.7.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/7/6/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.8.1 (74.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/8/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:208 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Half-green, half-dry sticks are those absorbed in business. ### Greek text Οἱ δὲ ἐπιδεδωκότες τὰς ῥάβδους ἥμισυ μὲν χλωράς, ἥμισυ δὲ ξηράς, οὗτοί εἰσιν οἱ ἐν ταῖς πραγματείαις ἐμπεφυρμένοι καὶ μὴ κολλώμενοι τοῖς ἁγίοις· διὰ τοῦτο τὸ ἥμισυ αὐτῶν ζῇ, τὸ δὲ ἥμισυ νεκρόν ἐστι. ### English translation (Claude) Those who gave in their sticks half green and half dry are those who are mixed up in business affairs and do not cling to the saints; for this reason half of them lives and half is dead. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.8.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/8/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.8.2 (74.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/8/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:208–210 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Some repented; others denied the Lord for business and are lost. ### Greek text πολλοὶ οὖν ἀκούσαντές μου τῶν ἐντολῶν μετενόησαν. ὅσοι γοῦν μετενόησαν, ἡ κατοικία αὐτῶν εἰς τὸν πύργον. τινὲς δὲ αὐτῶν εἰς τέλος ἀπέστησαν. οὗτοι οὖν μετάνοιαν οὐκ ἔχουσιν· διὰ γὰρ τὰς πραγματείας αὐτῶν ἐβλασφήμησαν τὸν κύριον καὶ ἀπηρνήσαντο. ἀπώλεσαν οὖν τὴν ζωὴν αὐτῶν διὰ τὴν πονηρίαν, ἣν ἔπραξαν. ### English translation (Claude) Many, then, when they heard my commandments, repented. Those, then, who repented have their dwelling in the tower. But some of them finally fell away. These, then, have no repentance; for because of their business affairs they blasphemed the Lord and denied him. They have lost their life, then, because of the wickedness they did. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.8.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/8/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.8.3 (74.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/8/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:210 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The doubters may still repent. ### Greek text πολλοὶ δὲ ἐξ αὐτῶν ἐδιψύχησαν. οὗτοι ἔτι ἔχουσι μετάνοιαν, ἐὰν ταχὺ μετανοήσωσι, καὶ ἔσται αὐτῶν ἡ κατοικία εἰς τὸν πύργον· ἐὰν δὲ βραδύτερον μετανοήσωσι, κατοικήσουσιν εἰς τὰ τείχη· ἐὰν δὲ μὴ μετανοήσωσι, καὶ αὐτοὶ ἀπώλεσαν τὴν ζωὴν αὐτῶν. ### English translation (Claude) And many of them were double-minded. These still have repentance, if they repent quickly, and their dwelling will be in the tower; but if they repent more slowly, they will dwell in the walls; and if they do not repent, they too have lost their life. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.8.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/8/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.8.4 (74.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/8/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:210 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Two-thirds green sticks are those who denied in various ways. ### Greek text οἱ δὲ τὰ δύο μέρη χλωρά, τὸ δὲ τρίτον ξηρὸν ἐπιδεδωκότες, οὗτοί εἰσιν οἱ ἀρνησάμενοι ποικίλαις ἀρνήσεσι. ### English translation (Claude) And those who gave them in two parts green and the third dry are those who have denied with denials of various kinds. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.8.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/8/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.8.5 (74.5) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/8/5/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:210 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Some repented, some fell away, some still may repent. ### Greek text πολλοὶ οὖν μετενόησαν ἐξ αὐτῶν, καὶ ἀπῆλθον εἰς τὸν πύργον κατοικεῖν· πολλοὶ δὲ ἀπέστησαν εἰς τέλος τοῦ θεοῦ· οὗτοι τὸ ζῆν εἰς τέλος ἀπώλεσαν. τινὲς δὲ ἐξ αὐτῶν ἐδιψύχησαν καὶ ἐδιχοστάτησαν. τούτοις οὖν ἐστὶ μετάνοια, ἐὰν ταχὺ μετανοήσωσι καὶ μὴ ἐπιμείνωσι ταῖς ἡδοναῖς αὐτῶν· ἐὰν δὲ ἐπιμείνωσι ταῖς πράξεσιν αὐτῶν, καὶ οὗτοι θάνατον ἑαυτοῖς κατεργάζονται. ### English translation (Claude) Many of them, then, repented and went away to dwell in the tower; but many finally departed from God; these have finally lost life. And some of them were double-minded and caused divisions. For these, then, there is repentance, if they repent quickly and do not remain in their pleasures; but if they remain in their deeds, these too are bringing death on themselves. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.8.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/8/5/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.9.1 (75.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/9/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:210 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Two-thirds dry sticks are believers who grew rich and proud and lived like pagans. ### Greek text Οἱ δὲ ἐπιδεδωκότες τὰς ῥάβδους τὰ μὲν δύο μέρη ξηρά, τὸ δὲ τρίτον χλωρόν, οὗτοί εἰσι πιστοὶ μὲν γεγονότες, πλουτήσαντες δὲ καὶ γενόμενοι ἔνδοξοι παρὰ τοῖς ἔθνεσιν· ὑπερηφανίαν μεγάλην ἐνεδύσαντο καὶ ὑψηλόφρονες ἐγένοντο καὶ κατέλιπον τὴν ἀλήθειαν καὶ οὐκ ἐκολλήθησαν τοῖς δικαίοις, ἀλλὰ μετὰ τῶν ἐθνῶν συνέζησαν, καὶ αὕτη ἡ ὁδὸς ἡδυτέρα αὐτοῖς ἐγένετο· ἀπὸ δὲ τοῦ θεοῦ οὐκ ἀπέστησαν, ἀλλʼ ἐνέμειναν τῇ πίστει, μὴ ἐργαζόμενοι τὰ ἔργα τῆς πίστεως. ### English translation (Claude) Those who gave in their sticks two parts dry and the third green are those who became believers but grew rich and became honored among the Gentiles; they put on great arrogance and became proud, and abandoned the truth and did not cling to the righteous, but lived together with the Gentiles, and this way became more pleasant to them; yet they did not depart from God, but remained in the faith, though not doing the works of faith. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.9.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/9/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.9.2 (75.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/9/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:210 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Many repented. ### Greek text πολλοὶ οὖν ἐξ αὐτῶν μετενόησαν, καὶ ἐγένετο ἡ κατοίκησις αὐτῶν ἐν τῷ πύργῳ. ### English translation (Claude) Many of them, then, repented, and their dwelling was in the tower. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.9.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/9/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.9.3 (75.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/9/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:210–212 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Others became pagans. ### Greek text ἕτεροι δὲ εἰς τέλος μετὰ τῶν ἐθνῶν συζῶντες καὶ φθειρόμενοι ταῖς κενοδοξίαις τῶν ἐθνῶν ἀπέστησαν ἀπὸ τοῦ θεοῦ καὶ ἔπραξαν τὰς πράξεις τῶν ἐθνῶν. οὗτοι μετὰ τῶν ἐθνῶν ἐλογίσθησαν. ### English translation (Claude) But others, living with the Gentiles to the end and being corrupted by the vanities of the Gentiles, departed from God and did the deeds of the Gentiles. These were reckoned with the Gentiles. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.9.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/9/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.9.4 (75.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/9/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:212 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Doubters may still repent quickly; for the unrepentant, death is near. ### Greek text ἕτεροι δὲ ἐξ αὐτῶν ἐδιψύχησαν μὴ ἐλπίζοντες σωθῆναι διὰ τὰς πράξεις, ἃς ἔπραξαν· ἕτεροι δὲ ἐδιψύχησαν καὶ σχίσματα ἐν ἑαυτοῖς ἐποίησαν. τούτοις οὖν τοῖς διψυχήσασι διὰ τὰς πράξεις αὐτῶν μετάνοια ἔτι ἐστίν· ἀλλʼ ἡ μετάνοια αὐτῶν ταχινὴ ὀφείλει εἶναι, ἵνα ἡ κατοικία αὐτῶν γένηται εἰς τὸν πύργον· τῶν δὲ μὴ μετανοούντων, ἀλλʼ ἐπιμενόντων ταῖς ἡδοναῖς, ὁ θάνατος ἐγγύς. ### English translation (Claude) And others of them were double-minded, not hoping to be saved because of the deeds they had done; and others were double-minded and made divisions among themselves. For these, then, who were double-minded because of their deeds, there is still repentance; but their repentance ought to be quick, so that their dwelling may be in the tower; but for those who do not repent but remain in their pleasures, death is near. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.9.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/9/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.10.1 (76.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/10/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:212 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Good people with small faults repented quickly. ### Greek text Οἱ δὲ τὰς ῥάβδους ἐπιδεδωκότες χλωράς, αὐτὰ δὲ τὰ ἄκρα ξηρὰ καὶ σχισμὰς ἔχοντα, οὗτοι πάντοτε ἀγαθοὶ καὶ πιστοὶ καὶ ἔνδοξοι παρὰ τῷ θεῷ ἐγένοντο, ἐλάχιστον δὲ ἐξήμαρτον διὰ μικρὰς ἐπιθυμίας καὶ μικρὰ κατʼ ἀλλήλων ἔχοντες· ἀλλʼ ἀκούσαντές μου τῶν ῥημάτων τὸ πλεῖστον μέρος ταχὺ μετενόησαν, καὶ ἐγένετο ἡ κατοικία αὐτῶν εἰς τὸν πύργον. ### English translation (Claude) Those who gave in their sticks green, but with the tips themselves dry and with cracks, have always been good and faithful and glorious before God, but they sinned a very little because of small desires and having small grievances against one another. But when they heard my words, most of them quickly repented, and their dwelling was in the tower. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.10.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/10/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.10.2 (76.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/10/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:212 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Even their doubters have hope. ### Greek text τινὲς δὲ ἐξ αὐτῶν ἐδιψύχησαν, τινὲς δὲ διψυχήσαντες διχοστασίαν μείζονα ἐποίησαν. ἐν τούτοις οὖν ἔνεστι μετανοίας ἐλπίς, ὅτι ἀγαθοὶ πάντοτε ἐγένοντο· δυσκόλως δέ τις αὐτῶν ἀποθανεῖται. ### English translation (Claude) But some of them were double-minded, and some, being double-minded, made a greater division. In these, then, there is hope of repentance, because they have always been good; it will be hard for any of them to die. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.10.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/10/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.10.3 (76.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/10/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:212–214 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Those who believed but sinned, yet were hospitable, repented at once. ### Greek text οἱ δὲ τὰς ῥάβδους αὐτῶν ξηρὰς ἐπιδεδωκότες, ἐλάχιστον δὲ χλωρὸν ἐχούσας, οὗτοί εἰσιν οἱ πιστεύσαντες μόνον, τὰ δὲ ἔργα τῆς ἀνομίας ἐργασάμενοι· οὐδέποτε δὲ ἀπὸ τοῦ θεοῦ ἀπέστησαν καὶ τὸ ὄνομα ἡδέως ἐβάστασαν καὶ εἰς τοὺς οἴκους αὐτῶν ἡδέως ὑπεδέξαντο τοὺς δούλους τοῦ θεοῦ. ἀκούσαντες οὖν ταύτην τὴν μετάνοιαν ἀδιστάκτως μετενόησαν, καὶ ἐργάζονται πᾶσαν ἀρετὴν καὶ δικαιοσύνην. ### English translation (Claude) And those who gave in their sticks dry, but with a very little green, are those who only believed, but did the works of lawlessness; but they never departed from God, and they gladly bore the name, and gladly welcomed God's servants into their homes. Having heard, then, of this repentance, they repented without hesitation and do every virtue and righteousness. ### Scripture references - Heb 13:2: echo, low confidence ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.10.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/10/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.10.4 (76.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/10/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:214 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: They will dwell in the tower. ### Greek text τινὲς δὲ ἐξ αὐτῶν καὶ φοβοῦνται, γινώσκοντες τὰς πράξεις αὐτῶν, ἃς ἔπραξαν. τούτων οὖν πάντων ἡ κατοικία εἰς τὸν πύργον ἔσται. ### English translation (Claude) And some of them are even afraid, knowing the deeds they did. The dwelling of all these, then, will be in the tower. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.10.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/10/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.11.1 (77.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/11/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:214 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Tell everyone to repent; God, being patient, wills all the called to be saved. ### Greek text Καὶ μετὰ τὸ συντελέσαι αὐτὸν τὰς ἐπιλύσεις πασῶν τῶν ῥάβδων λέγει μοι· Ὕπαγε καὶ πᾶσιν λέγε, ἵνα μετανοήσωσιν, καὶ ζήσωνται τῷ θεῷ· ὅτι ὁ κύριος ἔπεμψέ με σπλαγχνισθεὶς πᾶσι δοῦναι τὴν μετάνοιαν, καίπερ τινῶν μὴ ὄντων ἀξίων διὰ τὰ ἔργα αὐτῶν· ἀλλὰ μακρόθυμος ὢν ὁ κύριος θέλει τὴν κλῆσιν τὴν γενομένην διὰ τοῦ υἱοῦ αὐτοῦ σώζεσθαι. ### English translation (Claude) And after he had finished the explanations of all the sticks, he said to me, “Go and tell everyone to repent, and they will live to God; for the Lord, having compassion, sent me to give repentance to all, although some are not worthy because of their deeds; but the Lord, being patient, wishes the calling that came through his Son to be saved.” ### Scripture references - 2 Pet 3:9: echo, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.11.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/11/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.11.2 (77.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/11/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:214 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Hermas hopes all will repent. ### Greek text λέγω αὐτῷ· Κύριε, ἐλπίζω, ὅτι πάντες ἀκούσαντες αὐτὰ μετανοήσουσι· πείθομαι γάρ, ὅτι εἷς ἕκαστος τὰ ἴδια ἔργα ἐπιγνοὺς καὶ φοβηθεὶς τὸν θεὸν μετανοήσει. ### English translation (Claude) I said to him, “Sir, I hope that all who hear these things will repent; for I am persuaded that each one, recognizing his own deeds and fearing God, will repent.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.11.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/11/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.11.3 (77.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/11/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:214–216 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The wholehearted penitent are healed; those who keep sinning condemn themselves. ### Greek text ἀποκριθείς μοι λέγει· Ὅσοι, φησίν, ἐξ ὅλης καρδίας αὐτῶν μετανοήσωσι καὶ καθαρίσωσιν ἑαυτοὺς ἀπὸ τῶν πονηριῶν αὐτῶν τῶν προειρημένων καὶ μηκέτι μηδὲν προσθῶσι ταῖς ἁμαρτίαις αὐτῶν, λήψονται ἴασιν παρὰ τοῦ κυρίου τῶν προτέρων ἁμαρτιῶν, ἐὰν μὴ διψυχήσωσιν ἐπὶ ταῖς ἐντολαῖς ταύταις, καὶ ζήσονται τῷ θεῷ. ὅσοι δέ, φησίν, προσθῶσι ταῖς ἁμαρτίαις αὐτῶν καὶ πορευθῶσιν ἐν ταῖς ἐπιθυμίαις τοῦ αἰῶνος τούτου, θανάτῳ ἑαυτοὺς κατακρινοῦσιν. ### English translation (Claude) He answered me, “All,” he said, “who repent with their whole heart and cleanse themselves from the wicked things mentioned before and add nothing more to their sins will receive healing from the Lord for their former sins, if they are not double-minded about these commandments, and they will live to God. But all,” he said, “who add to their sins and walk in the desires of this world will condemn themselves to death. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.11.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/11/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.11.4 (77.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/11/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:216 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Walk in the commandments and live. ### Greek text σὺ δὲ πορεύου ἐν ταῖς ἐντολαῖς μου, καὶ ζήσῃ τῷ θεῷ· καὶ ὅσοι ἂν πορευθῶσιν ἐν αὐταῖς καὶ ἐργάσωνται ὀρθῶς, ζήσονται τῷ θεῷ. ### English translation (Claude) But you, walk in my commandments, and you will live to God; and all who walk in them and do rightly will live to God.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.11.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/11/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 8.11.5 (77.5) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/11/5/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:216 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: More will be shown later. ### Greek text ταῦτά μοι δείξας καὶ λαλήσας πάντα λέγει μοι· Τὰ δὲ λοιπὰ ἐπιδείξω μετʼ ὀλίγας ἡμέρας. ### English translation (Claude) When he had shown and told me all these things, he said to me, “The rest I will show you after a few days.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 8.11.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/8/11/5/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.1.1 (78.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/1/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:216 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The Spirit who spoke as the church is the Son of God. ### Greek text Μετὰ τὸ γράψαι με τὰς ἐντολὰς καὶ παραβολὰς τοῦ ποιμένος, τοῦ ἀγγέλου τῆς μετανοίας, ἦλθε πρός με καὶ λέγει μοι· Θέλω σοι δεῖξαι, ὅσα σοι ἔδειξε τὸ πνεῦμα τὸ ἅγιον τὸ λαλῆσαν μετὰ σοῦ ἐν μορφῇ τῆς Ἐκκλησίας· ἐκεῖνο γὰρ τὸ πνεῦμα ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ θεοῦ ἐστιν. ### English translation (Claude) After I had written down the commandments and parables of the shepherd, the angel of repentance, he came to me and said to me, “I wish to show you all that the Holy Spirit showed you, who spoke with you in the form of the church; for that Spirit is the Son of God. ### Translation notes - “That Spirit is the Son of God”: as in Sim. 5.6.5, Hermas identifies the divine Spirit with the Son; his language about Son and Spirit is not yet the later, precise language of the Trinity. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.1.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/1/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.1.2 (78.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/1/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:216 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Hermas, now strengthened, sees through an angel what he saw before through the church. ### Greek text ἐπειδὴ γὰρ ἀσθενέστερος τῇ σαρκὶ ἦς, οὐκ ἐδηλώθη σοι διʼ ἀγγέλου. ὅτε οὖν ἐνεδυναμώθης διὰ τοῦ πνεύματος καὶ ἴσχυσας τῇ ἰσχύϊ σου, ὥστε δύνασθαί σε καὶ ἄγγελον ἰδεῖν, τότε μὲν οὖν ἐφανερώθη σοι διὰ τῆς Ἐκκλησίας ἡ οἰκοδομὴ τοῦ πύργου· καλῶς καὶ σεμνῶς πάντα ὡς ὑπὸ παρθένου ἑώρακας. νῦν δὲ ὑπὸ ἀγγέλου βλέπεις διὰ τοῦ αὐτοῦ μὲν πνεύματος· ### English translation (Claude) For since you were weaker in the flesh, it was not made clear to you through an angel. But when you were strengthened through the Spirit and grew strong in your strength, so that you could see even an angel, then the building of the tower was made manifest to you through the church. You saw everything well and reverently, as from a virgin. But now you see through an angel, though by the same Spirit; ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.1.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/1/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.1.3 (78.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/1/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:216–218 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The Shepherd will teach him everything more exactly. ### Greek text δεῖ δέ σε παρʼ ἐμοῦ ἀκριβέστερον πάντα μαθεῖν. εἰς τοῦτο γὰρ καὶ ἐδόθην ὑπὸ τοῦ ἐνδόξου ἀγγέλου εἰς τὸν οἶκόν σου κατοικῆσαι, ἵνα δυνατῶς πάντα ἴδῃς, μηδὲν δειλαινόμενος καὶ ὡς τὸ πρότερον. ### English translation (Claude) but you must learn everything more exactly from me. For this is why I was given by the glorious angel to dwell in your house, so that you might see everything powerfully, not being afraid in anything as before. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.1.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/1/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.1.4 (78.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/1/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:218 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: In Arcadia he sees a plain surrounded by twelve mountains. ### Greek text καὶ ἀπήγαγέ με εἰς τὴν Ἀρκαδίαν, εἰς ὄρος τι μαστῶδες καὶ ἐκάθισέ με ἐπὶ τὸ ἄκρον τοῦ ὄρους καὶ ἔδειξέ μοι πεδίον μέγα, κύκλῳ δὲ τοῦ πεδίου ὄρη δώδεκα, ἄλλην καὶ ἄλλην ἰδέαν ἔχοντα τὰ ὄρη. ### English translation (Claude) And he led me away to Arcadia, to a certain breast-shaped mountain, and set me on the top of the mountain and showed me a great plain, and around the plain twelve mountains, each mountain having a different appearance. ### Translation notes - “Arcadia”: a region of Greece; why the vision is placed there is unclear. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.1.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/1/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.1.5 (78.5) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/1/5/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:218 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The first three mountains: black, bare, and thorny. ### Greek text τὸ πρῶτον ἦν μέλαν ὡς ἀσβόλη· τὸ δὲ δεύτερον ψιλόν, βοτάνας μὴ ἔχον· τὸ δὲ τρίτον ἀκανθῶν καὶ τριβόλων πλῆρες· ### English translation (Claude) The first was black as soot; the second bare, having no vegetation; the third full of thorns and thistles; ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.1.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/1/5/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.1.6 (78.6) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/1/6/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:218 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The fourth has half-dry plants. ### Greek text τὸ δὲ τέταρτον βοτάνας ἔχον ἡμιξήρους, τὰ μὲν ἐπάνω τῶν βοτανῶν χλωρά, τὰ δὲ πρὸς ταῖς ῥίζαις ξηρά· τινὲς δὲ βοτάναι, ὅταν ὁ ἥλιος ἐπικεκαύκει, ξηραὶ ἐγίνοντο· ### English translation (Claude) the fourth had half-dry plants, the upper parts of the plants green but those near the roots dry; and some of the plants became dry when the sun had scorched them; ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.1.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/1/6/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.1.7 (78.7) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/1/7/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:218 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The fifth is rugged; the sixth is full of cracks. ### Greek text τὸ δὲ πέμπτον ὄρος ἔχον βοτάνας χλωρὰς καὶ τραχὺ ὄν. τὸ δὲ ἕκτον ὄρος σχισμῶν ὅλως ἔγεμεν, ὧν μὲν μικρῶν, ὧν δὲ μεγάλων· εἶχον δὲ βοτάνας αἱ σχισμαί, οὐ λίαν δὲ ἦσαν εὐθαλεῖς αἱ βοτάναι, μᾶλλον δὲ ὡς μεμαραμμέναι ἦσαν. ### English translation (Claude) the fifth mountain had green plants and was rugged. The sixth mountain was full of cracks, some small and some large; and the cracks had plants in them, but the plants were not very flourishing, but rather as if withered. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.1.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/1/7/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.1.8 (78.8) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/1/8/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:218 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The seventh flourishes; the eighth is full of springs. ### Greek text τὸ δὲ ἕβδομον ὄρος εἶχε βοτάνας ἱλαράς, καὶ ὅλον τὸ ὄρος εὐθηνοῦν ἦν, καὶ πᾶν γένος κτηνῶν καὶ ὀρνέων ἐνέμοντο εἰς τὸ ὄρος ἐκεῖνο· καὶ ὅσον ἐβόσκοντο τὰ κτήνη καὶ τὰ πετεινά, μᾶλλον καὶ μᾶλλον αἱ βοτάναι τοῦ ὄρους ἐκείνου ἔθαλλον. τὸ δὲ ὄγδοον ὄρος πηγῶν πλῆρες ἦν, καὶ πᾶν γένος τῆς κτίσεως τοῦ κυρίου ἐποτίζοντο ἐκ τῶν πηγῶν τοῦ ὄρους ἐκείνου. ### English translation (Claude) The seventh mountain had cheerful plants, and the whole mountain was flourishing, and every kind of cattle and bird fed on that mountain; and the more the cattle and the birds fed, the more the plants of that mountain flourished. The eighth mountain was full of springs, and every kind of the Lord's creation drank from the springs of that mountain. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.1.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/1/8/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.1.9 (78.9) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/1/9/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:218–220 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The ninth is a desert with deadly beasts; the tenth is shady, with resting sheep. ### Greek text τὸ δὲ ἔννατον ὄρος ὅλως ὕδωρ οὐκ εἶχεν καὶ ὅλον ἐρημῶδες ἦν. εἶχε δὲ ἐν αὐτῷ θηρία καὶ ἑρπετὰ θανάσιμα διαφθείροντα ἀνθρώπους. τὸ δὲ δέκατον ὄρος εἶχε δένδρα μέγιστα καὶ ὅλον κατάσκιον ἦν, καὶ ὑπὸ τὴν σκέπην τῶν δένδρων πρόβατα κατέκειντο ἀναπαυόμενα καὶ μαρυκώμενα. ### English translation (Claude) The ninth mountain had no water at all and was altogether desert. It had in it wild beasts and deadly reptiles that destroy people. The tenth mountain had very great trees and was all shady, and under the shade of the trees sheep lay resting and chewing the cud. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.1.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/1/9/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.1.10 (78.10) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/1/10/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:220 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The eleventh is full of fruit trees; the twelfth is white and beautiful. ### Greek text τὸ δὲ ἑνδέκατον ὄρος λίαν σύνδενδρον ἦν, καὶ τὰ δένδρα ἐκεῖνα κατάκαρπα ἦν, ἄλλοις καὶ ἄλλοις καρποῖς κεκοσμημένα, ἵνα ἰδών τις αὐτὰ ἐπιθυμήσῃ φαγεῖν ἐκ τῶν καρπῶν αὐτῶν. τὸ δὲ δωδέκατον ὄρος ὅλον ἦν λευκόν, καὶ ἡ πρόσοψις αὐτοῦ ἱλαρὰ ἦν· καὶ εὐπρεπέστατον ἦν ἐν αὑτῷ τὸ ὄρος. ### English translation (Claude) The eleventh mountain was very thickly wooded, and those trees were full of fruit, adorned with various fruits, so that anyone who saw them would long to eat of their fruit. The twelfth mountain was all white, and its appearance was cheerful; and the mountain was very beautiful in itself. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.1.10 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/1/10/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.2.1 (79.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/2/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:220 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: A great white square rock rises in the middle of the plain. ### Greek text Εἰς μέσον δὲ τοῦ πεδίου ἔδειξέ μοι πέτραν μεγάλην λευκὴν ἐκ τοῦ πεδίου ἀναβεβηκυῖαν. ἡ δὲ πέτρα ὑψηλοτέρα ἦν τῶν ὀρέων, τετράγωνος, ὥστε δύνασθαι ὅλον τὸν κόσμον χωρῆσαι. ### English translation (Claude) And in the middle of the plain he showed me a great white rock that had risen out of the plain. And the rock was higher than the mountains, and square, so that it could hold the whole world. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.2.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/2/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.2.2 (79.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/2/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:220 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The ancient rock has a newly cut, shining gate. ### Greek text παλαιὰ δὲ ἦν ἡ πέτρα ἐκείνη, πύλην ἐκκεκομμένην ἔχουσα· ὡς πρόσφατος δὲ ἐδόκει μοι εἶναι ἡ ἐκκόλαψις τῆς πύλης. ἡ δὲ πύλη οὕτως ἔστιλβεν ὑπὲρ τὸν ἥλιον, ὥστε με θαυμάζειν ἐπὶ τῇ λαμπηδόνι τῆς πύλης. ### English translation (Claude) That rock was old, having a gate cut out of it; but the cutting of the gate seemed to me to be recent. And the gate shone beyond the sun, so that I marveled at the brightness of the gate. ### Translation notes - The rock and the gate are later explained as the Son of God (9.12.1): the rock is old because he is older than creation, the gate new because he was revealed in the last days. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.2.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/2/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.2.3 (79.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/2/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:220 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Twelve virgins stand around the gate. ### Greek text κύκλῳ δὲ τῆς πύλης εἱστήκεισαν παρθένοι δώδεκα. αἱ οὖν τέσσαρες αἱ εἰς τὰς γωνίας ἑστηκυῖαι ἐνδοξότεραί μοι ἐδόκουν εἶναι· καὶ αἱ ἄλλαι δὲ ἔνδοξοι ἦσαν. εἱστήκεισαν δὲ εἰς τὰ τέσσαρα μέρη τῆς πύλης, ἀνὰ μέσον αὐτῶν ἀνὰ δύο παρθένοι. ### English translation (Claude) And around the gate stood twelve virgins. The four who stood at the corners seemed to me more glorious; but the others also were glorious. They stood at the four sides of the gate, with two virgins between each of them. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.2.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/2/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.2.4 (79.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/2/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:220–222 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The virgins are ready to carry loads. ### Greek text ἐνδεδυμέναι δὲ ἦσαν λινοῦς χιτῶνας καὶ περιεζωσμέναι ἦσαν εὐπρεπῶς, ἔξω τοὺς ὤμους ἔχουσαι τοὺς δεξιοὺς ὡς μέλλουσαι φορτίον τι βαστάζειν. οὕτως ἕτοιμοι ἦσαν· λίαν γὰρ ἱλαραὶ ἦσαν καὶ πρόθυμοι. ### English translation (Claude) They were dressed in linen tunics and were girded becomingly, with their right shoulders bare, as if about to carry some load. So ready were they; for they were very cheerful and eager. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.2.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/2/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.2.5 (79.5) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/2/5/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:222 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Hermas marvels at the strong, delicate virgins. ### Greek text μετὰ τὸ ἰδεῖν με ταῦτα ἐθαύμαζον ἐν ἐμαυτῷ, ὅτι μεγάλα καὶ ἔνδοξα πράγματα βλέπω. καὶ πάλιν διηπόρουν ἐπὶ ταῖς παρθένοις, ὅτι τρυφεραὶ οὕτως οὖσαι ἀνδρείως εἱστήκεισαν ὡς μέλλουσαι ὅλον τὸν οὐρανὸν βαστάζειν. ### English translation (Claude) After I saw these things I marveled to myself, because I was seeing great and glorious things. And again I was perplexed about the virgins, that though they were so delicate they stood like men, as if about to carry the whole heaven. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.2.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/2/5/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.2.6 (79.6) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/2/6/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:222 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Do not strain to understand; ask the Lord. ### Greek text καὶ λέγει μοι ὁ ποιμήν· Τί ἐν σεαυτῷ διαλογίζῃ καὶ διαπορῇ καὶ σεαυτῷ λύπην ἐπισπάσαι; ὅσα γὰρ οὐ δύνασαι νοῆσαι, μὴ ἐπιχείρει, συνετὸς ὤν, ἀλλʼ ἐρώτα τὸν κύριον, ἵνα λαβὼν σύνεσιν νοῇς αὐτά. ### English translation (Claude) And the shepherd said to me, “Why are you reasoning and perplexed within yourself and bringing grief on yourself? For whatever you cannot understand, do not attempt, if you are wise, but ask the Lord, so that you may receive understanding and understand them. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.2.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/2/6/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.2.7 (79.7) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/2/7/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:222 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Master what you see; the Shepherd will explain. ### Greek text τὰ ὀπίσω σου ἰδεῖν οὐ δύνῃ, τὰ δὲ ἔμπροσθέν σου βλέπεις. ἃ οὖν ἰδεῖν οὐ δύνασαι, ἔασον, καὶ μὴ στρέβλου σεαυτόν· ἃ δὲ βλέπεις, ἐκείνων κατακυρίευε καὶ περὶ τῶν λοιπῶν μὴ περιεργάζου· πάντα δέ σοι ἐγὼ δηλώσω, ὅσα ἄν σοι δείξω. ἔμβλεπε οὖν τοῖς λοιποῖς. ### English translation (Claude) You cannot see what is behind you, but you see what is in front of you. What you cannot see, then, leave alone, and do not torment yourself; but master what you see, and do not be curious about the rest. But I will make clear to you everything that I show you. Look, then, at the rest.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.2.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/2/7/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.3.1 (80.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/3/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:222–224 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Six glorious men order a multitude to build a tower on the rock. ### Greek text Εἶδον ἓξ ἄνδρας ἐληλυθότας ὑψηλοὺς καὶ ἐνδόξους καὶ ὁμοίους τῇ ἰδέᾳ· καὶ ἐκάλεσαν πλῆθός τι ἀνδρῶν. κἀκεῖνοι δὲ οἱ ἐληλυθότες ὑψηλοὶ ἦσαν ἄνδρες καὶ καλοὶ καὶ δυνατοί· καὶ ἐκέλευσαν αὐτοὺς οἱ ἓξ ἄνδρες οἰκοδομεῖν ἐπάνω τῆς πέτρας πύργον τινά. ἦν δὲ θόρυβος τῶν ἀνδρῶν ἐκείνων μέγας τῶν ἐληλυθότων οἰκοδομεῖν τὸν πύργον ὧδε κἀκεῖσε περιτρεχόντων κύκλῳ τῆς πύλης. ### English translation (Claude) I saw six men come, tall and glorious and alike in appearance; and they called a multitude of men. And those who came were also tall men, handsome and strong; and the six men ordered them to build a tower above the rock. And there was a great commotion of those men who had come to build the tower, running here and there around the gate. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.3.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/3/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.3.2 (80.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/3/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:224 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The virgins urge on the builders. ### Greek text αἱ δὲ παρθένοι ἑστηκυῖαι κύκλῳ τῆς πύλης ἔλεγον τοῖς ἀνδράσι σπεύδειν τὸν πύργον οἰκοδομεῖσθαι· ἐκπεπετάκεισαν δὲ τὰς χεῖρας αἱ παρθένοι ὡς μέλλουσαί τι λαμβάνειν παρὰ τῶν ἀνδρῶν. ### English translation (Claude) And the virgins standing around the gate told the men to hurry the building of the tower; and the virgins had spread out their hands as if about to receive something from the men. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.3.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/3/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.3.3 (80.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/3/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:224 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Ten shining stones rise from the deep. ### Greek text οἱ δὲ ἓξ ἄνδρες ἐκέλευον ἐκ βυθοῦ τινος λίθους ἀναβαίνειν καὶ ὑπάγειν εἰς τὴν οἰκοδομὴν τοῦ πύργου. ἀνέβησαν δὲ λίθοι δέκα τετράγωνοι λαμπροί, μὴ λελατομημένοι. ### English translation (Claude) And the six men ordered stones to come up from a certain deep and go into the building of the tower. And ten square, shining stones came up, not hewn. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.3.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/3/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.3.4 (80.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/3/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:224 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The virgins must carry every stone through the gate. ### Greek text οἱ δὲ ἓξ ἄνδρες ἐκάλουν τὰς παρθένους καὶ ἐκέλευσαν αὐτὰς τοὺς λίθους πάντας τοὺς μέλλοντας εἰς τὴν οἰκοδομὴν ὑπάγειν τοῦ πύργου βαστάζειν καὶ διαπορεύεσθαι διὰ τῆς πύλης καὶ ἐπιδιδόναι τοῖς ἀνδράσι τοῖς μέλλουσιν οἰκοδομεῖν τὸν πύργον. ### English translation (Claude) And the six men called the virgins and ordered them to carry all the stones that were to go into the building of the tower, and to pass through the gate and hand them to the men who were to build the tower. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.3.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/3/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.3.5 (80.5) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/3/5/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:224 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The virgins carry the first stones together. ### Greek text αἱ δὲ παρθένοι τοὺς δέκα λίθους τοὺς πρώτους τοὺς ἐκ τοῦ βυθοῦ ἀναβάντας ἐπετίθουν ἀλλήλαις καὶ κατὰ ἕνα λίθον ἐβάσταζον ὁμοῦ. ### English translation (Claude) And the virgins placed the first ten stones that came up from the deep upon one another and carried them together, one stone at a time. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.3.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/3/5/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.4.1 (81.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/4/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:224 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The virgins carry the stones through the gate to the builders. ### Greek text Καθὼς δὲ ἐστάθησαν ὁμοῦ κύκλῳ τῆς πύλης, οὕτως ἐβάσταζον αἱ δοκοῦσαι δυναταὶ εἶναι καὶ ὑπὸ τὰς γωνίας τοῦ λίθου ὑποδεδυκυῖαι ἦσαν. αἱ δὲ ἄλλαι ἐκ τῶν πλευρῶν τοῦ λίθου ὑποδεδύκεισαν καὶ οὕτως ἐβάσταζον πάντας τοὺς λίθους· διὰ δὲ τῆς πύλης διέφερον αὐτούς, καθὼς ἐκελεύσθησαν, καὶ ἐπεδίδουν τοῖς ἀνδράσιν εἰς τὸν πύργον· ἐκεῖνοι δὲ ἔχοντες τοὺς λίθους ᾠκοδόμουν. ### English translation (Claude) And as they had stood together around the gate, so they carried them, those who seemed to be strong having gone under the corners of the stone, and the others under its sides; and so they carried all the stones. They brought them through the gate, as they had been ordered, and handed them to the men for the tower; and they took the stones and built. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.4.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/4/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.4.2 (81.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/4/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:224–226 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The ten stones form the foundation; the rock and gate bear the whole tower. ### Greek text ἡ οἰκοδομὴ δὲ τοῦ πύργου ἐγένετο ἐπὶ τὴν πέτραν τὴν μεγάλην καὶ ἐπάνω τῆς πύλης. ἡρμόσθησαν οὖν οἱ δέκα λίθοι ἐκεῖνοι καὶ ἐνέπλησαν ὅλην τὴν πέτραν· καὶ ἐγένοντο ἐκεῖνοι θεμέλιος τῆς οἰκοδομῆς τοῦ πύργου· ἡ δὲ πέτρα καὶ ἡ πύλη ἦν βαστάζουσα ὅλον τὸν πύργον· ### English translation (Claude) The building of the tower was on the great rock and above the gate. Those ten stones were fitted together and filled the whole rock; and they became the foundation of the building of the tower; and the rock and the gate were supporting the whole tower. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.4.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/4/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.4.3 (81.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/4/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:226 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Twenty, thirty-five, and forty more stones make four foundation courses. ### Greek text μετὰ δὲ τοὺς δέκα λίθους ἄλλοι ἀνέβησαν ἐκ τοῦ βυθοῦ εἴκοσι λίθοι· καὶ οὗτοι ἡρμόσθησαν εἰς τὴν οἰκοδομὴν τοῦ πύργου, βασταζόμενοι ὑπὸ τῶν παρθένων καθὼς καὶ οἱ πρότεροι. μετὰ δὲ τούτους ἀνέβησαν λε, καὶ οὗτοι ὁμοίως ἡρμόσθησαν εἰς τὸν πύργον. μετὰ δὲ τούτους ἕτεροι ἀνέβησαν λίθοι μ, καὶ οὗτοι πάντες ἐβλήθησαν εἰς τὴν οἰκοδομὴν τοῦ πύργου· ἐγένοντο οὖν στοῖχοι τέσσαρες ἐν τοῖς θεμελίοις τοῦ πύργου. ### English translation (Claude) After the ten stones, twenty other stones came up from the deep; and these were fitted into the building of the tower, carried by the virgins as the first were. After these, thirty-five came up, and these likewise were fitted into the tower. After these, forty other stones came up, and these were all put into the building of the tower; so there were four courses in the foundations of the tower. ### Translation notes - The four courses (10, 25, 35, 40) are explained in 9.15.4 as the first and second generations of the righteous, the prophets, and the apostles and teachers. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.4.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/4/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.4.4 (81.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/4/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:226 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Now stones are brought from the mountains. ### Greek text καὶ ἐπαύσαντο ἐκ τοῦ βυθοῦ ἀναβαίνοντες· ἐπαύσαντο δὲ καὶ οἱ οἰκοδομοῦντες μικρόν. καὶ πάλιν ἐπέταξαν οἱ ἓξ ἄνδρες τῷ πλήθει τοῦ ὄχλου ἐκ τῶν ὀρέων παραφέρειν λίθους εἰς τὴν οἰκοδομὴν τοῦ πύργου. ### English translation (Claude) And they stopped coming up from the deep; and the builders also stopped for a little. And again the six men commanded the multitude of the crowd to bring stones from the mountains for the building of the tower. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.4.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/4/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.4.5 (81.5) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/4/5/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:226 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Stones of many colors, carried through the gate, all become white. ### Greek text παρεφέροντο οὖν ἐκ πάντων τῶν ὀρέων χρόαις ποικίλαις λελατομημένοι ὑπὸ τῶν ἀνδρῶν καὶ ἐπεδίδοντο ταῖς παρθένοις· αἱ δὲ παρθένοι διέφερον αὐτοὺς διὰ τῆς πύλης καὶ ἐπεδίδουν εἰς τὴν οἰκοδομὴν τοῦ πύργου. καὶ ὅταν εἰς τὴν οἰκοδομὴν ἐτέθησαν οἱ λίθοι οἱ ποικίλοι, ὅμοιοι ἐγένοντο λευκοὶ καὶ τὰς χρόας τὰς ποικίλας ἤλλασσον. ### English translation (Claude) So they were brought from all the mountains, of various colors, hewn by the men, and were handed to the virgins; and the virgins carried them through the gate and handed them over for the building of the tower. And when the various stones were put into the building, they became alike and white and changed their various colors. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.4.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/4/5/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.4.6 (81.6) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/4/6/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:226–228 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Stones not carried through the gate by the virgins stay unsightly. ### Greek text τινὲς δὲ λίθοι ἐπεδίδοντο ὑπὸ τῶν ἀνδρῶν εἰς τὴν οἰκοδομὴν καὶ οὐκ ἐγίνοντο λαμπροί, ἀλλʼ οἷοι ἐτέθησαν, τοιοῦτοι καὶ εὑρέθησαν· οὐ γὰρ ἦσαν ὑπὸ τῶν παρθένων ἐπιδεδομένοι οὐδὲ διὰ τῆς πύλης παρενηνεγμένοι. οὗτοι οὖν οἱ λίθοι ἀπρεπεῖς ἦσαν ἐν τῇ οἰκοδομῇ τοῦ πύργου. ### English translation (Claude) But some stones were handed over by the men for the building and did not become bright, but as they were put in, so they were found; for they had not been handed over by the virgins, nor brought through the gate. These stones, then, were unsightly in the building of the tower. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.4.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/4/6/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.4.7 (81.7) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/4/7/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:228 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The unsightly stones are removed. ### Greek text ἰδόντες δὲ οἱ ἓξ ἄνδρες τοὺς λίθους τοὺς ἀπρεπεῖς ἐν τῇ οἰκοδομῇ ἐκέλευσαν αὐτοὺς ἀρθῆναι καὶ ἀπαχθῆναι κάτω εἰς τὸν ἴδιον τόπον, ὅθεν ἠνέχθησαν. ### English translation (Claude) When the six men saw the unsightly stones in the building, they ordered them to be taken away and carried down to their own place from which they had been brought. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.4.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/4/7/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.4.8 (81.8) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/4/8/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:228 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Only stones carried by the virgins through the gate can change. ### Greek text καὶ λέγουσι τοῖς ἀνδράσι τοῖς παρεμφέρουσι τοὺς λίθους· Ὅλως ὑμεῖς μὴ ἐπιδίδοτε εἰς τὴν οἰκοδομὴν λίθους· τίθετε δὲ αὐτοὺς παρὰ τὸν πύργον, ἵνα αἱ παρθένοι διὰ τῆς πύλης παρενέγκωσιν αὐτοὺς καὶ ἐπιδιδῶσιν εἰς τὴν οἰκοδομήν. ἐὰν γάρ, φασί, διὰ τῶν χειρῶν τῶν παρθένων τούτων μὴ παρενεχθῶσι διὰ τῆς πύλης, τὰς χρόας αὐτῶν ἀλλάξαι οὐ δύνανται· μὴ κοπιᾶτε οὖν, φασίν, εἰς μάτην. ### English translation (Claude) And they said to the men who were bringing the stones, “Do not yourselves hand over any stones at all for the building; but put them beside the tower, so that the virgins may carry them through the gate and hand them over for the building. For if,” they said, “they are not carried through the gate by the hands of these virgins, they cannot change their colors; do not labor in vain, then.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.4.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/4/8/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.5.1 (82.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/5/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:228 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The building pauses; the virgins guard the tower. ### Greek text Καὶ ἐτελέσθη τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ἐκείνῃ ἡ οἰκοδομή, οὐκ ἀπετελέσθη δὲ ὁ πύργος· ἔμελλε γὰρ πάλιν ἐποικοδομεῖσθαι· καὶ ἐγένετο ἀνοχὴ τῆς οἰκοδομῆς. ἐκέλευσαν δὲ οἱ ἓξ ἄνδρες τοὺς οἰκοδομοῦντας ἀναχωρῆσαι μικρὸν πάντας καὶ ἀναπαυθῆναι· ταῖς δὲ παρθένοις ἐπέταξαν ἀπὸ τοῦ πύργου μὴ ἀναχωρῆσαι. ἐδόκει δέ μοι τὰς παρθένους καταλελεῖφθαι τοῦ φυλάσσειν τὸν πύργον. ### English translation (Claude) And the building was finished on that day, but the tower was not completed; for it was to be built up further; and there was a pause in the building. And the six men ordered all the builders to withdraw a little and rest; but they commanded the virgins not to withdraw from the tower. And it seemed to me that the virgins had been left to guard the tower. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.5.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/5/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.5.2 (82.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/5/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:228–230 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The tower awaits its lord's inspection. ### Greek text μετὰ δὲ τὸ ἀναχωρῆσαι πάντας καὶ ἀναπαυθῆναι λέγω τῷ ποιμένι· Τί ὅτι, φημί, κύριε, οὐ συνετελέσθη ἡ οἰκοδομὴ τοῦ πύργου; Οὔπω, φησί, δύναται ἀποτελεσθῆναι ὁ πύργος, ἐὰν μὴ ἔλθῃ ὁ κύριος αὐτοῦ καὶ δοκιμάσῃ τὴν οἰκοδομὴν ταύτην, ἵνα, ἐάν τινες λίθοι σαπροὶ εὑρεθῶσιν, ἀλλάξῃ αὐτούς· πρὸς γὰρ τὸ ἐκείνου θέλημα οἰκοδομεῖται ὁ πύργος. ### English translation (Claude) After all had withdrawn and rested, I said to the shepherd, “Why, sir,” I said, “was the building of the tower not finished?” “The tower cannot yet be completed,” he said, “unless its lord comes and tests this building, so that if any stones are found rotten he may change them; for the tower is built according to his will.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.5.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/5/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.5.3 (82.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/5/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:230 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Hermas asks the meaning of everything. ### Greek text Ἤθελον, φημί, κύριε, τούτου τοῦ πύργου γνῶναι τί ἐστιν ἡ οἰκοδομὴ αὕτη, καὶ περὶ τῆς πέτρας καὶ πύλης καὶ τῶν ὀρέων καὶ τῶν παρθένων καὶ τῶν λίθων τῶν ἐκ τοῦ βυθοῦ ἀναβεβηκότων καὶ μὴ λελατομημένων, ἀλλʼ οὕτως ἀπελθόντων εἰς τὴν οἰκοδομήν. ### English translation (Claude) “I would like to know, sir,” I said, “what this building of this tower is, and about the rock and gate and the mountains and the virgins and the stones that came up from the deep and were not hewn, but went as they were into the building. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.5.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/5/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.5.4 (82.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/5/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:230 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: He asks about the foundation stones and the rejected stones. ### Greek text καὶ διατί πρῶτον εἰς τὰ θεμέλια ι λίθοι ἐτέθησαν, εἶτα κ, εἶτα λε, εἶτα μ, καὶ περὶ τῶν λίθων τῶν ἀπεληλυθότων εἰς τὴν οἰκοδομὴν καὶ πάλιν ἠρμένων καὶ εἰς τόπον ἴδιον ἀποτεθειμένων· περὶ πάντων τούτων ἀνάπαυσον τὴν ψυχήν μου, κύριε, καὶ γνώρισόν μοι αὐτά. ### English translation (Claude) And why first ten stones were placed in the foundations, then twenty, then thirty-five, then forty, and about the stones that went into the building and were taken out again and put away in their own place: about all these things set my soul at rest, sir, and make them known to me.” ### Translation notes - The Greek numerals here are ι (10), κ (20), λε (35), μ (40); in 9.4.3 the second number is given as twenty (εἴκοσι), but 9.15.4 speaks of twenty-five: the text is inconsistent. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.5.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/5/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.5.5 (82.5) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/5/5/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:230 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: He will show him more in a few days. ### Greek text Ἐάν, φησί, κενόσπουδος μὴ εὑρεθῇς, πάντα γνώσῃ· μετʼ ὀλίγας γὰρ ἡμέρας ἐλευσόμεθα ἐνθάδε, καὶ τὰ λοιπὰ ὄψει τὰ ἐπερχόμενα τῷ πύργῳ τούτῳ καὶ πάσας τὰς παραβολὰς ἀκριβῶς γνώσῃ. ### English translation (Claude) “If,” he said, “you are not found to be vainly curious, you will know everything; for after a few days we shall come here, and you will see the rest of what happens to this tower and will know all the parables exactly.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.5.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/5/5/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.5.6 (82.6) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/5/6/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:230 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: They return to the tower for the owner's inspection. ### Greek text καὶ μετʼ ὀλίγας ἡμέρας ἤλθομεν εἰς τὸν τόπον, οὗ κεκαθίκαμεν, καὶ λέγει μοι· Ἄγωμεν πρὸς τὸν πύργον· ὁ γὰρ αὐθέντης τοῦ πύργου ἔρχεται κατανοῆσαι αὐτόν. καὶ ἤλθομεν πρὸς τὸν πύργον· καὶ ὅλως οὐδεὶς ἦν πρὸς αὐτὸν εἰ μὴ αἱ παρθένοι μόναι. ### English translation (Claude) And after a few days we came to the place where we had sat, and he said to me, “Let us go to the tower; for the owner of the tower is coming to inspect it.” And we came to the tower; and there was no one at all by it except the virgins alone. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.5.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/5/6/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.5.7 (82.7) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/5/7/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:230 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The master is about to come. ### Greek text καὶ ἐπερωτᾷ ὁ ποιμὴν τὰς παρθένους, εἰ ἄρα παρεγεγόνει ὁ δεσπότης τοῦ πύργου. αἱ δὲ ἔφησαν μέλλειν αὐτὸν ἔρχεσθαι κατανοῆσαι τὴν οἰκοδομήν. ### English translation (Claude) And the shepherd asked the virgins whether the master of the tower had arrived. And they said that he was about to come to inspect the building. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.5.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/5/7/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.6.1 (83.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/6/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:230–232 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: A man taller than the tower comes with a great company. ### Greek text Καὶ ἰδοὺ μετὰ μικρὸν βλέπω παράταξιν πολλῶν ἀνδρῶν ἐρχομένων· καὶ εἰς τὸ μέσον ἀνήρ τις ὑψηλὸς τῷ μεγέθει, ὥστε τὸν πύργον ὑπερέχειν. ### English translation (Claude) And behold, after a little I saw an array of many men coming; and in the middle was a man so tall in stature that he towered above the tower. ### Translation notes - The tall man is the Son of God (9.12.8). ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.6.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/6/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.6.2 (83.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/6/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:232 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The builders attend him; the virgins greet him. ### Greek text καὶ οἱ ἓξ ἄνδρες οἱ εἰς τὴν οἰκοδομὴν ἐφεστῶτες ἐκ δεξιῶν τε καὶ ἀριστερῶν περιεπάτησαν μετʼ αὐτοῦ, καὶ πάντες οἱ εἰς τὴν οἰκοδομὴν ἐργασάμενοι μετʼ αὐτοῦ ἦσαν καὶ ἕτεροι πολλοὶ κύκλῳ αὐτοῦ ἔνδοξοι. αἱ δὲ παρθένοι αἱ τηροῦσαι τὸν πύργον προσδραμοῦσαι κατεφίλησαν αὐτὸν καὶ ἤρξαντο ἐγγὺς αὐτοῦ περιπατεῖν κύκλῳ τοῦ πύργου. ### English translation (Claude) And the six men who were in charge of the building walked with him on the right and on the left, and all who had worked on the building were with him, and many other glorious ones around him. And the virgins who were guarding the tower ran up and kissed him and began to walk near him around the tower. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.6.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/6/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.6.3 (83.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/6/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:232 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: He inspects every stone by striking it with a rod. ### Greek text κατενόει δὲ ὁ ἀνὴρ ἐκεῖνος τὴν οἰκοδομὴν ἀκριβῶς, ὥστε αὐτὸν καθʼ ἕνα λίθον ψηλαφᾶν. κρατῶν δέ τινα ῥάβδον τῇ χειρὶ κατὰ ἕνα λίθον τῶν ᾠκοδομημένων ἔτυπτε. ### English translation (Claude) And that man examined the building carefully, so that he felt each stone. And holding a rod in his hand, he struck each stone that had been built in. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.6.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/6/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.6.4 (83.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/6/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:232 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The struck stones reveal their flaws. ### Greek text καὶ ὅταν ἐπάτασσεν, ἐγένοντο αὐτῶν τινὲς μέλανες ὡσεὶ ἀσβόλη, τινὲς δὲ ἐψωριακότες, τινὲς δὲ σχισμὰς ἔχοντες, τινὲς δὲ κολοβοί, τινὲς δὲ οὔτε λευκοὶ οὔτε μέλανες, τινὲς δὲ τραχεῖς καὶ μὴ συμφωνοῦντες τοῖς ἑτέροις λίθοις, τινὲς δὲ σπίλους πολλοὺς ἔχοντες· αὗται ἦσαν αἱ ποικιλίαι τῶν λίθων τῶν σαπρῶν εὑρεθέντων εἰς τὴν οἰκοδομήν. ### English translation (Claude) And when he struck them, some of them became black as soot, some rough, some with cracks, some cut short, some neither white nor black, some rough and not fitting with the other stones, and some with many spots. These were the varieties of the stones that were found rotten in the building. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.6.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/6/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.6.5 (83.5) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/6/5/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:232 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The flawed stones are removed and replaced. ### Greek text ἐκέλευσεν οὖν πάντας τούτους ἐκ τοῦ πύργου μετενεχθῆναι καὶ τεθῆναι παρὰ τὸν πύργον καὶ ἑτέρους ἐνεχθῆναι λίθους καὶ ἐμβληθῆναι εἰς τὸν τόπον αὐτῶν. ### English translation (Claude) He ordered, then, all these to be removed from the tower and put beside the tower, and other stones to be brought and put in their place. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.6.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/6/5/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.6.6 (83.6) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/6/6/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:232 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: New stones come from a nearby plain. ### Greek text καὶ ἐπηρώτησαν αὐτὸν οἱ οἰκοδομοῦντες, ἐκ τίνος ὄρους θέλῃ ἐνεχθῆναι λίθους καὶ ἐμβληθῆναι εἰς τὸν τόπον αὐτῶν. καὶ ἐκ μὲν τῶν ὀρέων οὐκ ἐκέλευσεν ἐνεχθῆναι, ἐκ δέ τινος πεδίου ἐγγὺς ὄντος ἐκέλευσεν ἐνεχθῆναι. ### English translation (Claude) And the builders asked him from which mountain he wished stones to be brought and put in their place. And he did not order them to be brought from the mountains, but ordered them to be brought from a certain plain nearby. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.6.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/6/6/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.6.7 (83.7) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/6/7/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:232–234 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Square and round stones are dug from the plain. ### Greek text καὶ ὠρύγη τὸ πεδίον, καὶ εὑρέθησαν λίθοι λαμπροὶ τετράγωνοι, τινὲς δὲ καὶ στρογγύλοι. ὅσοι δέ ποτε ἦσαν λίθοι ἐν τῷ πεδίῳ ἐκείνῳ, πάντες ἠνέχθησαν καὶ διὰ τῆς πύλης ἐβαστάζοντο ὑπὸ τῶν παρθένων. ### English translation (Claude) And the plain was dug, and shining square stones were found, and some round ones too. And all the stones that there were in that plain were brought and carried through the gate by the virgins. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.6.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/6/7/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.6.8 (83.8) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/6/8/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:234 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The round stones are set aside to be hewn later. ### Greek text καὶ ἐλατομήθησαν οἱ τετράγωνοι λίθοι καὶ ἐτέθησαν εἰς τὸν τόπον τῶν ἠρμένων· οἱ δὲ στρογγύλοι οὐκ ἐτέθησαν εἰς τὴν οἰκοδομήν, ὅτι σκληροὶ ἦσαν εἰς τὸ λατομηθῆναι αὐτοὺς καὶ βραδέως ἐγένοντο. ἐτέθησαν δὲ παρὰ τὸν πύργον, ὡς μελλόντων αὐτῶν λατομεῖσθαι καὶ τίθεσθαι εἰς τὴν οἰκοδομήν· λίαν γὰρ λαμπροὶ ἦσαν. ### English translation (Claude) And the square stones were hewn and put in the place of those that had been removed; but the round ones were not put into the building, because they were hard to hew and took a long time. But they were put beside the tower, as though they were to be hewn and put into the building; for they were very bright. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.6.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/6/8/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.7.1 (84.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/7/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:234 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The lord of the tower hands the rejected stones to the Shepherd. ### Greek text Ταῦτα οὖν συντελέσας ὁ ἀνὴρ ὁ ἔνδοξος καὶ κύριος ὅλου τοῦ πύργου προσεκαλέσατο τὸν ποιμένα καὶ παρέδωκεν αὐτῷ τοὺς λίθους πάντας τοὺς παρὰ τὸν πύργον κειμένους, τοὺς ἀποβεβλημένους ἐκ τῆς οἰκοδομῆς, καὶ λέγει αὐτῷ· ### English translation (Claude) When, then, the glorious man, the lord of the whole tower, had finished these things, he called the shepherd and handed over to him all the stones lying beside the tower, those that had been rejected from the building, and said to him, ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.7.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/7/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.7.2 (84.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/7/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:234 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The Shepherd must cleanse the stones and use those that fit. ### Greek text Ἐπιμελῶς καθάρισον τοὺς λίθους τούτους καὶ θὲς αὐτοὺς εἰς τὴν οἰκοδομὴν τοῦ πύργου, τοὺς δυναμένους ἁρμόσαι τοῖς λοιποῖς· τοὺς δὲ μὴ ἁρμόζοντας ῥῖψον μακρὰν ἀπὸ τοῦ πύργου. ### English translation (Claude) “Cleanse these stones carefully and put into the building of the tower those that can fit with the rest; but those that do not fit, throw far from the tower.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.7.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/7/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.7.3 (84.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/7/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:234 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The lord leaves; the virgins keep guard. ### Greek text ταῦτα κελεύσας τῷ ποιμένι ἀπῄει ἀπὸ τοῦ πύργου μετὰ πάντων, μεθʼ ὧν ἐληλύθει· αἱ δὲ παρθένοι κύκλῳ τοῦ πύργου εἱστήκεισαν τηροῦσαι αὐτόν. ### English translation (Claude) Having commanded the shepherd these things, he went away from the tower with all with whom he had come; but the virgins stood around the tower guarding it. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.7.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/7/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.7.4 (84.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/7/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:234–236 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The Shepherd will reshape most of the rejected stones. ### Greek text λέγω τῷ ποιμένι· Πῶς οὗτοι οἱ λίθοι δύνανται εἰς τὴν οἰκοδομὴν τοῦ πύργου ἀπελθεῖν ἀποδεδοκιμασμένοι; ἀποκριθείς μοι λέγει· Βλέπεις, φησί, τοὺς λίθους τούτους; Βλέπω, φημί, κύριε. Ἐγώ, φησί, τὸ πλεῖστον μέρος τῶν λίθων τούτων λατομήσω καὶ βαλῶ εἰς τὴν οἰκοδομήν, καὶ ἁρμόσουσι μετὰ τῶν λοιπῶν λίθων. ### English translation (Claude) I said to the shepherd, “How can these stones go into the building of the tower after being rejected?” He answered me, “Do you see,” he said, “these stones?” “I see them, sir,” I said. “I,” he said, “will hew the greater part of these stones and put them into the building, and they will fit with the rest of the stones.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.7.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/7/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.7.5 (84.5) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/7/5/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:236 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Smaller stones go inside, larger outside. ### Greek text Πῶς, φημί, κύριε, δύνανται περικοπέντες τὸν αὐτὸν τόπον πληρῶσαι; ἀποκριθεὶς λέγει μοι· Ὅσοι μικροὶ εὑρεθήσονται, εἰς μέσην τὴν οἰκοδομὴν βληθήσονται, ὅσοι δὲ μείζονες, ἐξώτεροι τεθήσονται καὶ συγκρατήσουσιν αὐτούς. ### English translation (Claude) “How, sir,” I said, “can they fill the same place when they have been cut down?” He answered me, “Those that are found small will be put into the middle of the building, and those that are larger will be put on the outside and will hold them together.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.7.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/7/5/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.7.6 (84.6) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/7/6/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:236 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The stones must be cleansed before the master returns unexpectedly. ### Greek text ταῦτά μοι λαλήσας λέγει μοι· Ἄγωμεν καὶ μετὰ ἡμέρας δύο ἔλθωμεν καὶ καθαρίσωμεν τοὺς λίθους τούτους καὶ βάλωμεν αὐτοὺς εἰς τὴν οἰκοδομήν· τὰ γὰρ κύκλῳ τοῦ πύργου πάντα καθαρισθῆναι δεῖ, μήποτε ὁ δεσπότης ἐξάπινα ἔλθῃ καὶ τὰ περὶ τὸν πύργον ῥυπαρὰ εὕρῃ καὶ προσοχθίσῃ, καὶ οὗτοι οἱ λίθοι οὐκ ἀπελεύσονται εἰς τὴν οἰκοδομὴν τοῦ πύργου, κἀγὼ ἀμελὴς δόξω εἶναι παρὰ τῷ δεσπότῃ. ### English translation (Claude) Having said these things to me, he said to me, “Let us go, and after two days let us come and cleanse these stones and put them into the building; for everything around the tower must be cleansed, lest the master come suddenly and find the surroundings of the tower dirty and be offended, and these stones not go into the building of the tower, and I seem negligent to the master.” ### Scripture references - Mark 13:36: echo, low confidence ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.7.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/7/6/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.7.7 (84.7) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/7/7/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:236 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: They examine the stones. ### Greek text καὶ μετὰ ἡμέρας δύο ἤλθομεν πρὸς τὸν πύργον καὶ λέγει μοι· Κατανοήσωμεν τοὺς λίθους πάντας καὶ ἴδωμεν τοὺς δυναμένους εἰς τὴν οἰκοδομὴν ἀπελθεῖν. λέγω αὐτῷ· Κύριε, κατανοήσωμεν. ### English translation (Claude) And after two days we came to the tower, and he said to me, “Let us examine all the stones and see those that can go into the building.” I said to him, “Sir, let us examine them.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.7.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/7/7/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.8.1 (85.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/8/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:236 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The black stones are unchanged and set apart. ### Greek text Καὶ ἀρξάμενοι πρῶτον τοὺς μέλανας κατενοοῦμεν λίθους. καὶ οἷοι ἐκ τῆς οἰκοδομῆς ἐτέθησαν, τοιοῦτοι καὶ εὑρέθησαν. καὶ ἐκέλευσεν αὐτοὺς ὁ ποιμὴν ἐκ τοῦ πύργου μετενεχθῆναι καὶ χωρισθῆναι. ### English translation (Claude) And beginning first with the black stones, we examined them. And as they had been put out of the building, so they were found. And the shepherd ordered them to be removed from the tower and set apart. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.8.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/8/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.8.2 (85.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/8/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:236–238 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Many rough stones are hewn and used; the rest are black. ### Greek text εἶτα κατενόησε τοὺς ἐψωριακότας, καὶ λαβὼν ἐλατόμησε πολλοὺς ἐξ αὐτῶν καὶ ἐκέλευσε τὰς παρθένους ἆραι αὐτοὺς καὶ βαλεῖν εἰς τὴν οἰκοδομήν. καὶ ἦραν αὐτοὺς αἱ παρθένοι καὶ ἔθηκαν εἰς τὴν οἰκοδομὴν τοῦ πύργου μέσου. τοὺς δὲ λοιποὺς ἐκέλευσε μετὰ τῶν μελάνων τεθῆναι· καὶ γὰρ καὶ οὗτοι μέλανες εὑρέθησαν. ### English translation (Claude) Then he examined the rough ones, and he took and hewed many of them, and ordered the virgins to take them up and put them into the building. And the virgins took them up and put them into the middle of the building of the tower. The rest he ordered to be put with the black ones; for these too were found black. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.8.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/8/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.8.3 (85.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/8/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:238 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Some cracked stones are used; the badly cracked are rejected. ### Greek text εἶτα κατενόει τοὺς τὰς σχισμὰς ἔχοντας· καὶ ἐκ τούτων πολλοὺς ἐλατόμησε καὶ ἐκέλευσε διὰ τῶν παρθένων εἰς τὴν οἰκοδομὴν ἀπενεχθῆναι· ἐξώτεροι δὲ ἐτέθησαν, ὅτι ὑγιέστεροι εὑρέθησαν. οἱ δὲ λοιποὶ διὰ τὸ πλῆθος τῶν σχισμάτων οὐκ ἠδυνήθησαν λατομηθῆναι· διὰ ταύτην οὖν τὴν αἰτίαν ἀπεβλήθησαν ἀπὸ τῆς οἰκοδομῆς τοῦ πύργου. ### English translation (Claude) Then he examined those that had cracks; and he hewed many of these, and ordered them to be carried away by the virgins into the building; and they were placed on the outside, because they were found to be sounder. But the rest could not be hewn because of the number of their cracks; for this reason, then, they were rejected from the building of the tower. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.8.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/8/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.8.4 (85.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/8/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:238 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Some shortened stones are rejected; the rest are used inside. ### Greek text εἶτα κατενόει τοὺς κολοβούς, καὶ εὑρέθησαν πολλοὶ ἐν αὐτοῖς μέλανες, τινὲς δὲ σχισμὰς μεγάλας πεποιηκότες· καὶ ἐκέλευσε καὶ τούτους τεθῆναι μετὰ τῶν ἀποβεβλημένων. τοὺς δὲ περισσεύοντας αὐτῶν καθαρίσας καὶ λατομήσας ἐκέλευσεν εἰς τὴν οἰκοδομὴν τεθῆναι. αἱ δὲ παρθένοι αὐτοὺς ἄρασαι εἰς μέσην τὴν οἰκοδομὴν τοῦ πύργου ἥρμοσαν· ἀσθενέστεροι γὰρ ἦσαν. ### English translation (Claude) Then he examined the ones cut short, and many among them were found black, and some had developed great cracks; and he ordered these too to be put with the rejected ones. The rest of them he cleansed and hewed and ordered to be put into the building. And the virgins took them up and fitted them into the middle of the building of the tower; for they were weaker. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.8.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/8/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.8.5 (85.5) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/8/5/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:238 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The white ones are placed on the outside for strength. ### Greek text εἶτα κατενόει τοὺς ἡμίσεις λευκούς, ἡμίσεις δὲ μέλανας· καὶ πολλοὶ ἐξ αὐτῶν εὑρέθησαν μέλανες. ἐκέλευσε δὲ καὶ τούτους ἀρθῆναι μετὰ τῶν ἀποβεβλημένων. οἱ δὲ λοιποὶ πάντες ἤρθησαν ὑπὸ τῶν παρθένων· λευκοὶ γὰρ ὄντες ἡρμόσθησαν ὑπʼ αὐτῶν τῶν παρθένων εἰς τὴν οἰκοδομήν· ἐξώτεροι δὲ ἐτέθησαν, ὅτι ὑγιεῖς εὑρέθησαν, ὥστε δύνασθαι αὐτοὺς κρατεῖν τοὺς εἰς τὸ μέσον τεθέντας· ὅλως γὰρ ἐξ αὐτῶν οὐδὲν ἐκολοβώθη. ### English translation (Claude) Then he examined those half white and half black; and many of them were found black. And he ordered these too to be taken away with the rejected ones. But all the rest were taken up by the virgins; for being white they were fitted into the building by the virgins themselves; and they were put on the outside, because they were found sound, so that they could hold together those put in the middle; for nothing at all of them had been cut short. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.8.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/8/5/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.8.6 (85.6) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/8/6/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:238–240 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Most rough stones are hewn and used inside. ### Greek text εἶτα κατενόει τοὺς τραχεῖς καὶ σκληρούς· καὶ ὀλίγοι ἐξ αὐτῶν ἀπεβλήθησαν διὰ τὸ μὴ δύνασθαι λατομηθῆναι· σκληροὶ γὰρ λίαν εὑρέθησαν. οἱ δὲ λοιποὶ αὐτῶν ἐλατομήθησαν καὶ ἤρθησαν ὑπὸ τῶν παρθένων καὶ εἰς μέσην τὴν οἰκοδομὴν τοῦ πύργου ἡρμόσθησαν· ἀσθενέστεροι γὰρ ἦσαν. ### English translation (Claude) Then he examined the rough and hard ones; and a few of them were rejected because they could not be hewn; for they were found very hard. The rest of them were hewn and taken up by the virgins and fitted into the middle of the building of the tower; for they were weaker. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.8.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/8/6/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.8.7 (85.7) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/8/7/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:240 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Most spotted stones are sound and placed outside. ### Greek text εἶτα κατενόει τοὺς ἔχοντας τοὺς σπίλους, καὶ ἐκ τούτων ἐλάχιστοι ἐμελάνησαν καὶ ἀπεβλήθησαν πρὸς τοὺς λοιπούς. οἱ δὲ περισσεύοντες λαμπροὶ καὶ ὑγιεῖς εὑρέθησαν· καὶ οὗτοι ἡρμόσθησαν ὑπὸ τῶν παρθένων εἰς τὴν οἰκοδομήν, ἐξώτεροι δὲ ἐτέθησαν διὰ τὴν ἰσχυρότητα αὐτῶν. ### English translation (Claude) Then he examined those that had spots; and of these very few had turned black and were thrown out with the rest. But the remainder were found bright and sound; and these were fitted into the building by the virgins, and were put on the outside because of their strength. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.8.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/8/7/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.9.1 (86.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/9/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:240 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The Shepherd asks about the round stones. ### Greek text Εἶτα ἦλθε κατανοῆσαι τοὺς λευκοὺς καὶ στρογγύλους λίθους καὶ λέγει μοι· Τί ποιοῦμεν περὶ τούτων τῶν λίθων; Τί, φημί, ἐγὼ γινώσκω, κύριε; Οὐδὲν οὖν ἐπινοεῖς περὶ αὐτῶν; ### English translation (Claude) Then he came to examine the white and round stones and said to me, “What shall we do about these stones?” “How should I know, sir?” I said. “Do you not have any idea about them, then?” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.9.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/9/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.9.2 (86.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/9/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:240 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The round stones need much cutting, but some must be used. ### Greek text Ἐγώ, φημί, κύριε, ταύτην τὴν τέχνην οὐκ ἔχω, οὐδὲ λατόμος εἰμὶ οὐδὲ δύναμαι νοῆσαι. Οὐ βλέπεις αὐτούς, φησί, λίαν στρογγύλους ὄντας; καὶ ἐὰν αὐτοὺς θελήσω τετραγώνους ποιῆσαι, πολὺ δεῖ ἀπʼ αὐτῶν ἀποκοπῆναι· δεῖ δὲ ἐξ αὐτῶν ἐξ ἀνάγκης τινὰς εἰς τὴν οἰκοδομὴν τεθῆναι. ### English translation (Claude) “I, sir,” I said, “do not have this skill; I am not a stonecutter, nor can I understand it.” “Do you not see,” he said, “that they are very round? And if I wish to make them square, much must be cut from them; but some of them must necessarily be put into the building.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.9.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/9/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.9.3 (86.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/9/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:240 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: He chooses and hews the larger round stones. ### Greek text Εἰ οὖν, φημί, κύριε, ἀνάγκη ἐστί, τί σεαυτὸν βασανίζεις καὶ οὐκ ἐκλέγεις εἰς τὴν οἰκοδομὴν οὓς θέλεις καὶ ἁρμόζεις εἰς αὐτήν; ἐξελέξατο ἐξ αὐτῶν τοὺς μείζονας καὶ λαμπροὺς καὶ ἐλατόμησεν αὐτούς· αἱ δὲ παρθένοι ἄρασαι ἥρμοσαν εἰς τὰ ἐξώτερα μέρη τῆς οἰκοδομῆς. ### English translation (Claude) “If, then, sir,” I said, “it is necessary, why do you torment yourself, and not choose for the building those you wish and fit them into it?” He chose from them the larger and bright ones and hewed them; and the virgins took them up and fitted them into the outer parts of the building. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.9.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/9/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.9.4 (86.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/9/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:240–242 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The remaining round stones are kept for the rest of the tower. ### Greek text οἱ δὲ λοιποὶ οἱ περισσεύσαντες ἤρθησαν καὶ ἀπετέθησαν εἰς τὸ πεδίον, ὅθεν ἠνέχθησαν· οὐκ ἀπεβλήθησαν δέ, Ὅτι, φησί, λείπει τῷ πύργῳ ἔτι μικρὸν οἰκοδομηθῆναι. πάντας δὲ θέλει ὁ δεσπότης τοῦ πύργου τούτους ἁρμοσθῆναι τοὺς λίθους εἰς τὴν οἰκοδομήν, ὅτι λαμπροί εἰσι λίαν. ### English translation (Claude) And the rest that remained were taken up and put back in the plain from which they had been brought; but they were not thrown away, “because,” he said, “a little of the tower still remains to be built. And the master of the tower wishes all these stones to be fitted into the building, because they are very bright.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.9.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/9/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.9.5 (86.5) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/9/5/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:242 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Twelve women in black carry away the rejected stones. ### Greek text ἐκλήθησαν δὲ γυναῖκες δώδεκα, εὐειδέσταται τῷ χαρακτῆρι, μέλανα ἐνδεδυμέναι, περιεζωσμέναι καὶ ἔξω τοὺς ὤμους ἔχουσαι καὶ τὰς τρίχας λελυμέναι· ἐδοκοῦσαν δέ μοι αἱ γυναῖκες αὗται ἄγριαι εἶναι. ἐκέλευσε δὲ αὐτὰς ὁ ποιμὴν ἆραι τοὺς λίθους τοὺς ἀποβεβλημένους ἐκ τῆς οἰκοδομῆς καὶ ἀπενεγκεῖν αὐτοὺς εἰς τὰ ὄρη, ὅθεν καὶ ἠνέχθησαν. ### English translation (Claude) And twelve women were called, very beautiful in form, dressed in black, girded, with their shoulders bare and their hair loose; and these women seemed to me to be wild. And the shepherd ordered them to take up the stones rejected from the building and carry them away to the mountains from which they had been brought. ### Translation notes - The twelve women in black are the vices, opposites of the twelve virgins (9.15.3). ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.9.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/9/5/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.9.6 (86.6) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/9/6/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:242 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: They inspect the finished tower. ### Greek text αἱ δὲ ἱλαραὶ ἦραν καὶ ἀπήνεγκαν πάντας τοὺς λίθους καὶ ἔθηκαν, ὅθεν ἐλήφθησαν. καὶ μετὰ τὸ ἀρθῆναι πάντας τοὺς λίθους καὶ μηκέτι κεῖσθαι λίθον κύκλῳ τοῦ πύργου, λέγει μοι ὁ ποιμήν· Κυκλώσωμεν τὸν πύργον καὶ ἴδωμεν, μή τι ἐλάττωμά ἐστιν ἐν αὐτῷ. καὶ ἐκύκλευον ἐγὼ μετʼ αὐτοῦ. ### English translation (Claude) And they cheerfully took up and carried away all the stones and put them back where they had been taken from. And after all the stones had been taken away and no stone lay any longer around the tower, the shepherd said to me, “Let us go around the tower and see whether there is any defect in it.” And I went around with him. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.9.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/9/6/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.9.7 (86.7) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/9/7/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:242 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The tower looks like a single stone carved from the rock. ### Greek text ἰδὼν δὲ ὁ ποιμὴν τὸν πύργον εὐπρεπῆ ὄντα τῇ οἰκοδομῇ λίαν ἱλαρὸς ἦν· ὁ γὰρ πύργος οὕτως ἦν ᾠκοδομημένος, ὥστε με ἰδόντα ἐπιθυμεῖν τὴν οἰκοδομὴν αὐτοῦ· οὕτω γὰρ ἦν ᾠκοδομημένος, ὡσὰν ἐξ ἑνὸς λίθου μὴ ἔχων μίαν ἁρμογὴν ἐν ἑαυτῷ. ἐφαίνετο δὲ ὁ λίθος ὡς ἐκ τῆς πέτρας ἐκκεκολαμμένος· μονόλιθος γάρ μοι ἐδόκει εἶναι. ### English translation (Claude) And when the shepherd saw that the tower was beautiful in its building, he was very cheerful; for the tower was so built that when I saw it I longed for its building; for it was built as if of one stone, not having a single joint in it. And the stone looked as if it had been hewn out of the rock; for it seemed to me to be a single stone. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.9.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/9/7/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.10.1 (87.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/10/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:242–244 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The Shepherd fills the holes left by the removed stones. ### Greek text Κἀγὼ περιπατῶν μετʼ αὐτοῦ ἱλαρὸς ἤμην τοιαῦτα ἀγαθὰ βλέπων. λέγει δέ μοι ὁ ποιμήν· Ὕπαγε καὶ φέρε ἄσβεστον καὶ ὄστρακον λεπτόν, ἵνα τοὺς τύπους τῶν λίθων τῶν ἠρμένων καὶ εἰς τὴν οἰκοδομὴν βεβλημένων ἀναπληρώσω· δεῖ γὰρ τοῦ πύργου τὰ κύκλῳ πάντα ὁμαλὰ γενέσθαι. ### English translation (Claude) And I, walking with him, was cheerful at seeing such good things. And the shepherd said to me, “Go and bring lime and fine clay, so that I may fill up the marks of the stones that were taken out and put into the building; for everything around the tower must be made level.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.10.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/10/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.10.2 (87.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/10/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:244 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The area around the tower is cleaned. ### Greek text καὶ ἐποίησα καθὼς ἐκέλευσε, καὶ ἤνεγκα πρὸς αὐτόν. Ὑπηρέτει μοι, φησί, καὶ ἐγγὺς τὸ ἔργον τελεσθήσεται. ἐπλήρωσεν οὖν τοὺς τύπους τῶν λίθων τῶν εἰς τὴν οἰκοδομὴν ἀπεληλυθότων καὶ ἐκέλευσε σαρωθῆναι τὰ κύκλῳ τοῦ πύργου καὶ καθαρὰ γενέσθαι· ### English translation (Claude) And I did as he ordered and brought them to him. “Serve me,” he said, “and the work will soon be finished.” So he filled up the marks of the stones that had gone into the building and ordered the area around the tower to be swept and made clean. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.10.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/10/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.10.3 (87.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/10/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:244 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The virgins sweep and sprinkle water. ### Greek text αἱ δὲ παρθένοι λαβοῦσαι σάρους ἐσάρωσαν καὶ πάντα τὰ κόπρια ἦραν ἐκ τοῦ πύργου καὶ ἔρραναν ὕδωρ, καὶ ἐγένετο ὁ τόπος ἱλαρὸς καὶ εὐπρεπέστατος τοῦ πύργου. ### English translation (Claude) And the virgins took brooms and swept, and removed all the refuse from the tower and sprinkled water, and the place of the tower became cheerful and very beautiful. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.10.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/10/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.10.4 (87.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/10/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:244 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: All is clean; the Shepherd prepares to leave. ### Greek text λέγει μοι ὁ ποιμήν· Πάντα, φησί, κεκάθαρται· ἐὰν ἔλθῃ ὁ κύριος ἐπισκέψασθαι τὸν πύργον, οὐκ ἔχει ἡμῖν οὐδὲν μέμψασθαι. ταῦτα εἰπὼν ἤθελεν ὑπάγειν. ### English translation (Claude) The shepherd said to me, “Everything,” he said, “has been cleansed; if the lord comes to inspect the tower, he has nothing to blame us for.” Having said this he wished to go away. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.10.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/10/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.10.5 (87.5) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/10/5/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:244 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Hermas holds him back and begs for an explanation. ### Greek text ἐγὼ δὲ ἐπελαβόμην αὐτοῦ τῆς πήρας καὶ ἠρξάμην αὐτὸν ὁρκίζειν κατὰ τοῦ κυρίου, ἵνα μοι ἐπιλύσῃ, ἃ ἔδειξέ μοι. λέγει μοι· Μικρὸν ἔχω ἀκαιρεθῆναι καὶ πάντα σοι ἐπιλύσω· ἔκδεξαί με ὧδε, ἕως ἔρχομαι. ### English translation (Claude) But I took hold of his bag and began to adjure him by the Lord to explain to me what he had shown me. He said to me, “I have to be busy for a little, and I will explain everything to you; wait for me here until I come.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.10.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/10/5/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.10.6 (87.6) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/10/6/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:244 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The Shepherd entrusts Hermas to the virgins. ### Greek text λέγω αὐτῷ· Κύριε, μόνος ὢν ὧδε ἐγὼ τί ποιήσω; Οὐκ εἶ, φησί, μόνος· αἱ γὰρ παρθένοι αὗται μετὰ σοῦ εἰσί. Παράδος οὖν, φημί, αὐταῖς με. προσκαλεῖται αὐτὰς ὁ ποιμὴν καὶ λέγει αὐταῖς· Παρατίθεμαι ὑμῖν τοῦτον ἕως ἔρχομαι· καὶ ἀπῆλθεν. ### English translation (Claude) I said to him, “Sir, what shall I do, alone here?” “You are not alone,” he said; “for these virgins are with you.” “Hand me over to them, then,” I said. The shepherd called them and said to them, “I entrust him to you until I come”; and he went away. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.10.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/10/6/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.10.7 (87.7) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/10/7/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:244–246 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The virgins are kind to him. ### Greek text ἐγὼ δὲ ἤμην μόνος μετὰ τῶν παρθένων· ἦσαν δὲ ἱλαρώτεραι καὶ πρὸς ἐμὲ εὖ εἶχον· μάλιστα δὲ αἱ τέσσαρες αἱ ἐνδοξότεραι αὐτῶν. ### English translation (Claude) And I was alone with the virgins; and they were more cheerful and were well disposed toward me, especially the four more glorious of them. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.10.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/10/7/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.11.1 (88.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/11/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:246 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The virgins tell him to wait. ### Greek text Λέγουσί μοι αἱ παρθένοι· Σήμερον ὁ ποιμὴν ὧδε οὐκ ἔρχεται. Τί οὖν, φημί, ποιήσω ἐγώ; Μέχρις ὀψέ, φασίν, περίμεινον αὐτόν· καὶ ἐὰν ἔλθῃ, λαλήσει μετὰ σοῦ, ἐὰν δὲ μὴ ἔλθῃ, μενεῖς μεθʼ ἡμῶν ὧδε ἕως ἔρχεται. ### English translation (Claude) The virgins said to me, “Today the shepherd is not coming here.” “What, then, shall I do?” I said. “Wait for him until evening,” they said; “and if he comes, he will speak with you, but if he does not come, you will stay with us here until he comes.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.11.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/11/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.11.2 (88.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/11/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:246 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: They will not let him leave. ### Greek text λέγω αὐταῖς· Ἐκδέξομαι αὐτὸν ἕως ὀψέ· ἐὰν δὲ μὴ ἔλθῃ, ἀπελεύσομαι εἰς τὸν οἶκον καὶ πρωῒ ἐπανήξω. αἱ δὲ ἀποκριθεῖσαι λέγουσί μοι· Ἡμῖν παρεδόθης· οὐ δύνασαι ἀφʼ ἡμῶν ἀναχωρῆσαι. ### English translation (Claude) I said to them, “I will wait for him until evening; but if he does not come, I will go away home and come back early in the morning.” And they answered me, “You have been entrusted to us; you cannot go away from us.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.11.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/11/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.11.3 (88.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/11/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:246 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: They invite him to stay with them as a brother. ### Greek text Ποῦ οὖν, φημί, μενῶ; Μεθʼ ἡμῶν, φασί, κοιμηθήσῃ ὡς ἀδελφός, καὶ οὐχ ὡς ἀνήρ· ἡμέτερος γὰρ ἀδελφὸς εἶ, καὶ τοῦ λοιποῦ μέλλομεν μετὰ σοῦ κατοικεῖν, λίαν γάρ σε ἀγαπῶμεν. ἐγὼ δὲ ᾐσχυνόμην μετʼ αὐτῶν μένειν. ### English translation (Claude) “Where, then,” I said, “shall I stay?” “With us,” they said, “you will sleep as a brother, and not as a husband; for you are our brother, and from now on we are going to dwell with you, for we love you very much.” But I was ashamed to stay with them. ### Translation notes - The scene is allegorical: the virgins are holy spirits, the powers of the Son of God (9.13.2), with whom the believer is to live. The emphasis is on purity: “as a brother, and not as a husband.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.11.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/11/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.11.4 (88.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/11/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:246 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The virgins welcome him warmly. ### Greek text καὶ ἡ δοκοῦσα πρώτη αὐτῶν εἶναι ἤρξατό με καταφιλεῖν καὶ περιπλέκεσθαι. αἱ δὲ ἄλλαι ὁρῶσαι ἐκείνην περιπλεκομένην μοι καὶ αὐταὶ ἤρξαντό με καταφιλεῖν καὶ περιάγειν κύκλῳ τοῦ πύργου καὶ παίζειν μετʼ ἐμοῦ. ### English translation (Claude) And the one who seemed to be first among them began to kiss and embrace me. And the others, seeing her embracing me, themselves began to kiss me and lead me around the tower and play with me. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.11.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/11/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.11.5 (88.5) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/11/5/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:246 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Made young again, he walks joyfully with them. ### Greek text κἀγὼ ὡσεὶ νεώτερος ἐγεγόνειν καὶ ἠρξάμην καὶ αὐτὸς παίζειν μετʼ αὐτῶν· αἱ μὲν γὰρ ἐχόρευον, αἱ δὲ ὠρχοῦντο, αἱ δὲ ᾖδον· ἐγὼ δὲ σιγὴν ἔχων μετʼ αὐτῶν κύκλῳ τοῦ πύργου περιεπάτουν καὶ ἱλαρὸς ἤμην μετʼ αὐτῶν. ### English translation (Claude) And I had become as it were younger, and I too began to play with them; for some danced, some moved in rhythm, and some sang; and I, keeping silence, walked with them around the tower and was cheerful with them. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.11.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/11/5/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.11.6 (88.6) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/11/6/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:246 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: He stays the night beside the tower. ### Greek text ὀψίας δὲ γενομένης ἤθελον εἰς τὸν οἶκον ὑπάγειν· αἱ δὲ οὐκ ἀφῆκαν, ἀλλὰ κατέσχον με. καὶ ἔμεινα μετʼ αὐτῶν τὴν νύκτα καὶ ἐκοιμήθην παρὰ τὸν πύργον. ### English translation (Claude) When evening came I wanted to go home; but they did not let me, but kept me back. And I stayed with them that night and slept beside the tower. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.11.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/11/6/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.11.7 (88.7) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/11/7/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:246–248 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: They spend the night in prayer. ### Greek text ἔστρωσαν γὰρ αἱ παρθένοι τοὺς λινοῦς χιτῶνας ἑαυτῶν χαμαὶ καὶ ἐμὲ ἀνέκλιναν εἰς τὸ μέσον αὐτῶν, καὶ οὐδὲν ὅλως ἐποίουν εἰ μὴ προσηύχοντο· κἀγὼ μετʼ αὐτῶν ἀδιαλείπτως προσηυχόμην καὶ οὐκ ἔλασσον ἐκείνων. καὶ ἔχαιρον αἱ παρθένοι οὕτω μου προσευχομένου. καὶ ἔμεινα ἐκεῖ μέχρι τῆς αὔριον ἕως ὥρας δευτέρας μετὰ τῶν παρθένων. ### English translation (Claude) For the virgins spread their linen tunics on the ground and made me lie down in their midst, and they did nothing at all but pray; and I prayed with them without ceasing, and no less than they. And the virgins rejoiced that I prayed so. And I stayed there with the virgins until the next day, until the second hour. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.11.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/11/7/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.11.8 (88.8) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/11/8/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:248 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Hermas feasted all night on the words of the Lord. ### Greek text εἶτα παρῆν ὁ ποιμήν, καὶ λέγει ταῖς παρθένοις· Μή τινα αὐτῷ ὕβριν πεποιήκατε; Ἐρώτα, φασίν, αὐτόν. λέγω αὐτῷ· Κύριε, εὐφράνθην μετʼ αὐτῶν μείνας. Τί, φησίν, ἐδείπνησας; Ἐδείπνησα, φημί, κύριε, ῥήματα κυρίου ὅλην τὴν νύκτα. Καλῶς, φησίν, ἔλαβόν σε; Ναί, φημί, κύριε. ### English translation (Claude) Then the shepherd came, and said to the virgins, “You have not done him any insult?” “Ask him,” they said. I said to him, “Sir, I rejoiced to stay with them.” “What,” he said, “did you have for supper?” “I had for supper, sir,” I said, “the words of the Lord all night long.” “Did they receive you well?” he said. “Yes, sir,” I said. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.11.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/11/8/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.11.9 (88.9) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/11/9/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:248 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The Shepherd will explain everything in order. ### Greek text Νῦν, φησί, τί θέλεις πρῶτον ἀκοῦσαι; Καθώς, φημί, κύριε, ἀπʼ ἀρχῆς ἔδειξας· ἐρωτῶ σε, κύριε, ἵνα, καθὼς ἄν σε ἐπερωτήσω, οὕτω μοι καὶ δηλώσῃς. Καθὼς βούλει, φησίν, οὕτω σοι καὶ ἐπιλύσω, καὶ οὐδὲν ὅλως ἀποκρύψω ἀπὸ σοῦ. ### English translation (Claude) “Now,” he said, “what do you want to hear first?” “As you showed it from the beginning, sir,” I said; “I ask you, sir, that as I ask you, so you make it clear to me.” “As you wish,” he said, “so I will explain to you, and I will hide nothing at all from you.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.11.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/11/9/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.12.1 (89.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/12/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:248 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The rock and the gate are the Son of God. ### Greek text Πρῶτον, φημί, πάντων, κύριε, τοῦτό μοι δήλωσον· ἡ πέτρα καὶ ἡ πύλη τίς ἐστιν; Ἡ πέτρα, φησίν, αὕτη καὶ ἡ πύλη ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ θεοῦ ἐστί. Πῶς, φημί, κύριε, ἡ πέτρα παλαιά ἐστιν, ἡ δὲ πύλη καινή; Ἄκουε, φησί, καὶ σύνιε, ἀσύνετε. ### English translation (Claude) “First of all, sir,” I said, “make this clear to me: what is the rock and the gate?” “This rock,” he said, “and the gate is the Son of God.” “How, sir,” I said, “is the rock old, but the gate new?” “Hear,” he said, “and understand, you who do not understand. ### Scripture references - John 10:9: echo, medium confidence - 1 Cor 10:4: echo, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.12.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/12/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.12.2 (89.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/12/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:248 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The rock is old because the Son is older than all creation and was the Father's counselor in creating. ### Greek text ὁ μὲν υἱὸς τοῦ θεοῦ πάσης τῆς κτίσεως αὐτοῦ προγενέστερός ἐστιν, ὥστε σύμβουλον αὐτὸν γενέσθαι τῷ πατρὶ τῆς κτίσεως αὐτοῦ· διὰ τοῦτο καὶ παλαιὰ ἡ πέτρα. Ἡ δὲ πύλη διατί καινή, φημί, κύριε; ### English translation (Claude) The Son of God is older than all his creation, so that he became the Father's counselor for his creation; this is why the rock is old.” “And why is the gate new, sir?” I said. ### Scripture references - Col 1:15: allusion, medium confidence - Col 1:17: allusion, medium confidence - Prov 8:30: echo, medium confidence - John 1:3: echo, medium confidence ### Translation notes - The pre-existence of the Son and his role in creation; compare Prov 8:22–31; John 1:1–3; Col 1:15–17. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.12.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/12/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.12.3 (89.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/12/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:248–250 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The gate is new because the Son was revealed in the last days. ### Greek text Ὅτι, φησίν, ἐπʼ ἐσχάτων τῶν ἡμερῶν τῆς συντελείας φανερὸς ἐγένετο, διὰ τοῦτο καινὴ ἐγένετο ἡ πύλη, ἵνα οἱ μέλλοντες σώζεσθαι διʼ αὐτῆς εἰς τὴν βασιλείαν εἰσέλθωσι τοῦ θεοῦ. ### English translation (Claude) “Because,” he said, “he was made manifest in the last days of the consummation; this is why the gate was made new, so that those who are to be saved may enter the kingdom of God through it. ### Scripture references - 1 Pet 1:20: allusion, medium confidence - Heb 1:2: echo, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.12.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/12/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.12.4 (89.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/12/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:250 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: No one enters God's kingdom without receiving the name of the Son. ### Greek text εἶδες, φησίν, τοὺς λίθους τοὺς διὰ τῆς πύλης εἰσεληλυθότας εἰς τὴν οἰκοδομὴν τοῦ πύργου βεβλημένους, τοὺς δὲ μὴ εἰσεληλυθότας πάλιν ἀποβεβλημένους εἰς τὸν ἴδιον τόπον; Εἶδον, φημί, κύριε. Οὕτω, φησίν, εἰς τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ θεοῦ οὐδεὶς εἰσελεύσεται, εἰ μὴ λάβοι τὸ ὄνομα τὸ ἅγιον αὐτοῦ. ### English translation (Claude) Did you see,” he said, “that the stones that came in through the gate were put into the building of the tower, but those that did not come in were thrown back again to their own place?” “I saw, sir,” I said. “So,” he said, “no one will enter the kingdom of God unless he receives his holy name. ### Scripture references - Acts 4:12: echo, medium confidence ### Translation notes - “Receives his holy name”: in baptism (compare 9.16.3–4). ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.12.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/12/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.12.5 (89.5) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/12/5/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:250 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: As a walled city has one gate, so the only way into God's kingdom is the name of his beloved Son. ### Greek text ἐὰν γὰρ εἰς πόλιν θελήσῃς εἰσελθεῖν τινα κἀκείνη ἡ πόλις περιτετειχισμένη κύκλῳ καὶ μίαν ἔχει πύλην, μήτι δύνῃ εἰς ἐκείνην τὴν πόλιν εἰσελθεῖν, εἰ μὴ διὰ τῆς πύλης ἧς ἔχει; Πῶς γάρ, φημί, κύριε, δύναται γενέσθαι ἄλλως; Εἰ οὖν εἰς τὴν πόλιν οὐ δύνῃ εἰσελθεῖν εἰ μὴ διὰ τῆς πύλης ἧς ἔχει, οὕτω, φησί, καὶ εἰς τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ θεοῦ ἄλλως εἰσελθεῖν οὐ δύναται ἄνθρωπος εἰ μὴ διὰ τοῦ ὀνόματος τοῦ υἱοῦ αὐτοῦ τοῦ ἠγαπημένου ὑπʼ αὐτοῦ. ### English translation (Claude) For if you wish to enter a city, and that city is walled all around and has one gate, can you enter that city except through the gate it has?” “How, sir,” I said, “could it be otherwise?” “If, then, you cannot enter the city except through the gate it has, so,” he said, “a person cannot enter the kingdom of God in any other way than through the name of his Son, who is loved by him. ### Scripture references - John 14:6: echo, medium confidence - John 10:9: allusion, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.12.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/12/5/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.12.6 (89.6) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/12/6/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:250 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The Son of God is the one entrance to the Lord. ### Greek text Εἶδες, φησί, τὸν ὄχλον τὸν οἰκοδομοῦντα τὸν πύργον; Εἶδον, φημί, κύριε. Ἐκεῖνοι, φησί, πάντες ἄγγελοι ἔνδοξοί εἰσι· τούτοις οὖν περιτετείχισται ὁ κύριος. ἡ δὲ πύλη ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ θεοῦ ἐστιν· αὕτη μία εἴσοδός ἐστι πρὸς τὸν κύριον. ἄλλως οὖν οὐδεὶς εἰσελεύσεται πρὸς αὐτὸν εἰ μὴ διὰ τοῦ υἱοῦ αὐτοῦ. ### English translation (Claude) Did you see,” he said, “the crowd that was building the tower?” “I saw, sir,” I said. “They,” he said, “are all glorious angels; by these, then, the Lord is walled around. And the gate is the Son of God; this is the one entrance to the Lord. No one, then, will enter to him in any other way than through his Son. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.12.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/12/6/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.12.7 (89.7) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/12/7/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:250 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The great man among the six. ### Greek text Εἶδες, φησί, τοὺς ἓξ ἄνδρας καὶ τὸν μέσον αὐτῶν ἔνδοξον καὶ μέγαν ἄνδρα τὸν περιπατοῦντα περὶ τὸν πύργον καὶ τοὺς λίθους ἀποδοκιμάσαντα ἐκ τῆς οἰκοδομῆς; Εἶδον, φημί, κύριε. ### English translation (Claude) Did you see,” he said, “the six men, and the glorious and great man in the middle of them, who walked around the tower and rejected the stones from the building?” “I saw, sir,” I said. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.12.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/12/7/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.12.8 (89.8) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/12/8/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:250–252 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The great man is the Son of God; even angels come to God only through him. ### Greek text Ὁ ἔνδοξος, φησίν, ἀνὴρ ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ θεοῦ ἐστι, κἀκεῖνοι οἱ ἓξ οἱ ἔνδοξοι ἄγγελοί εἰσι δεξιὰ καὶ εὐώνυμα συγκρατοῦντες αὐτόν. τούτων, φησί, τῶν ἀγγέλων τῶν ἐνδόξων οὐδεὶς εἰσελεύσεται πρὸς τὸν θεὸν ἄτερ αὐτοῦ· ὃς ἂν τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ μὴ λάβῃ, οὐκ εἰσελεύσεται εἰς τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ θεοῦ. ### English translation (Claude) “The glorious man,” he said, “is the Son of God, and those six are the glorious angels who support him on the right and on the left. Of these glorious angels,” he said, “not one will enter to God without him; whoever does not receive his name will not enter the kingdom of God.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.12.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/12/8/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.13.1 (90.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/13/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:252 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The tower is the church. ### Greek text Ὁ δὲ πύργος, φημί, τίς ἐστιν; Ὁ πύργος, φησίν, οὗτος ἡ ἐκκλησία ἐστίν. ### English translation (Claude) “And the tower,” I said, “what is it?” “This tower,” he said, “is the church.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.13.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/13/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.13.2 (90.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/13/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:252 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The virgins are holy spirits, powers of the Son of God; the name without their garment is useless. ### Greek text Αἱ δὲ παρθένοι αὗται τίνες εἰσίν; Αὗται, φησίν, ἅγια πνεύματά εἰσι· καὶ ἄλλως ἄνθρωπος οὐ δύναται εὑρεθῆναι εἰς τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ θεοῦ, ἐὰν μὴ αὗται αὐτὸν ἐνδύσωσι τὸ ἔνδυμα αὐτῶν· ἐὰν γὰρ τὸ ὄνομα μόνον λάβῃς, τὸ δὲ ἔνδυμα παρὰ τούτων μὴ λάβῃς, οὐδὲν ὠφελήσῃ· αὗται γὰρ αἱ παρθένοι δυνάμεις εἰσὶ τοῦ υἱοῦ τοῦ θεοῦ. ἐὰν τὸ ὄνομα φορῇς, τὴν δὲ δύναμιν μὴ φορῇς αὐτοῦ, εἰς μάτην ἔσῃ τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ φορῶν. ### English translation (Claude) “And these virgins, who are they?” “They,” he said, “are holy spirits; and a person cannot be found in the kingdom of God in any other way unless they clothe him with their garment. For if you receive only the name, but do not receive the garment from them, you will gain nothing; for these virgins are powers of the Son of God. If you bear the name but do not bear his power, you will bear his name in vain. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.13.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/13/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.13.3 (90.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/13/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:252 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The rejected bore the Son's name but not the virtues' names. ### Greek text τοὺς δὲ λίθους, φησίν, οὓς εἶδες ἀποβεβλημένους, οὗτοι τὸ μὲν ὄνομα ἐφόρεσαν, τὸν δὲ ἱματισμὸν τῶν παρθένων οὐκ ἐνεδύσαντο. Ποῖος, φημί, ἱματισμὸς αὐτῶν ἐστί, κύριε; Αὐτὰ τὰ ὀνόματα, φησίν, ἱματισμός ἐστιν αὐτῶν. ὃς ἂν τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ υἱοῦ τοῦ θεοῦ φορῇ, καὶ τούτων ὀφείλει τὰ ὀνόματα φορεῖν· καὶ γὰρ αὐτὸς ὁ υἱὸς τὰ ὀνόματα τῶν παρθένων τούτων φορεῖ. ### English translation (Claude) And the stones,” he said, “that you saw rejected are those who bore the name, but did not put on the clothing of the virgins.” “What is their clothing, sir?” I said. “Their very names,” he said, “are their clothing. Whoever bears the name of the Son of God ought to bear their names too; for the Son himself bears the names of these virgins. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.13.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/13/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.13.4 (90.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/13/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:252–254 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Those who stay in the building have put on the virtues' power. ### Greek text ὅσους, φησί, λίθους εἶδες εἰς τὴν οἰκοδομὴν τοῦ πύργου εἰσεληλυθότας, ἐπιδεδομένους διὰ τῶν χειρῶν αὐτῶν καὶ μείναντας εἰς τὴν οἰκοδομήν, τούτων τῶν παρθένων τὴν δύναμιν ἐνδεδυμένοι εἰσί. ### English translation (Claude) All the stones,” he said, “that you saw come into the building of the tower, handed over by their hands and remaining in the building, are clothed with the power of these virgins. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.13.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/13/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.13.5 (90.5) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/13/5/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:254 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Believers clothed with the virtues become one spirit and one body. ### Greek text διὰ τοῦτο βλέπεις τὸν πύργον μονόλιθον γεγονότα μετὰ τῆς πέτρας· οὕτω καὶ οἱ πιστεύσαντες τῷ κυρίῳ διὰ τοῦ υἱοῦ αὐτοῦ καὶ ἐνδιδυσκόμενοι τὰ πνεύματα ταῦτα ἔσονται εἰς ἓν πνεῦμα, ἓν σῶμα, καὶ μία χρόα τῶν ἱματίων αὐτῶν. τῶν τοιούτων δὲ τῶν φορούντων τὰ ὀνόματα τῶν παρθένων ἐστὶν ἡ κατοικία εἰς τὸν πύργον. ### English translation (Claude) This is why you see the tower become a single stone with the rock; so also those who have believed in the Lord through his Son and are clothed with these spirits will become one spirit, one body, and their garments of one color. And the dwelling of such as bear the names of the virgins is in the tower. ### Scripture references - Eph 4:4: allusion, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.13.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/13/5/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.13.6 (90.6) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/13/6/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:254 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Why were some stones, once built in, rejected? ### Greek text Οἱ οὖν, φημί, κύριε, ἀποβεβλημένοι λίθοι διατί ἀπεβλήθησαν; διῆλθον γὰρ διὰ τῆς πύλης, καὶ διὰ τῶν χειρῶν τῶν παρθένων ἐτέθησαν εἰς τὴν οἰκοδομὴν τοῦ πύργου. Ἐπειδὴ πάντα σοι, φησί, μέλει, καὶ ἀκριβῶς ἐξετάζεις, ἄκουε περὶ τῶν ἀποβεβλημένων λίθων. ### English translation (Claude) “The stones that were rejected, then, sir,” I said, “why were they rejected? For they passed through the gate and were put into the building of the tower by the hands of the virgins.” “Since you care about everything,” he said, “and examine it carefully, hear about the rejected stones. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.13.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/13/6/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.13.7 (90.7) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/13/7/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:254 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: They once had the name and the virtues, and lived in unity. ### Greek text οὗτοι, φησί, πάντες τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ υἱοῦ τοῦ θεοῦ ἔλαβον, ἔλαβον δὲ καὶ τὴν δύναμιν τῶν παρθένων τούτων. λαβόντες οὖν τὰ πνεύματα ταῦτα ἐνεδυναμώθησαν καὶ ἦσαν μετὰ τῶν δούλων τοῦ θεοῦ, καὶ ἦν αὐτῶν ἓν πνεῦμα καὶ ἓν σῶμα καὶ ἓν ἔνδυμα· τὰ γὰρ αὐτὰ ἐφρόνουν καὶ δικαιοσύνην εἰργάζοντο. ### English translation (Claude) These,” he said, “all received the name of the Son of God, and also received the power of these virgins. Having received these spirits, then, they were strengthened and were with the servants of God, and they had one spirit and one body and one garment; for they thought the same things and did righteousness. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.13.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/13/7/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.13.8 (90.8) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/13/8/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:254 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: They were seduced by the women in black and stripped off the virtues. ### Greek text μετὰ οὖν χρόνον τινὰ ἀνεπείσθησαν ὑπὸ τῶν γυναικῶν ὧν εἶδες μέλανα ἱμάτια ἐνδεδυμένων, τοὺς ὤμους ἔξω ἐχουσῶν καὶ τὰς τρίχας λελυμένας καὶ εὐμόρφων· ταύτας ἰδόντες ἐπεθύμησαν αὐτῶν καὶ ἐνεδύσαντο τὴν δύναμιν αὐτῶν, τῶν δὲ παρθένων ἀπεδύσαντο τὸ ἔνδυμα καὶ τὴν δύναμιν. ### English translation (Claude) After some time, then, they were persuaded by the women whom you saw dressed in black garments, with their shoulders bare and their hair loose, and beautiful; seeing them, they desired them and put on their power, and stripped off the garment and power of the virgins. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.13.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/13/8/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.13.9 (90.9) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/13/9/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:254–256 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: They were cast out; those not deceived remained. ### Greek text οὗτοι οὖν ἀπεβλήθησαν ἀπὸ τοῦ οἴκου τοῦ θεοῦ καὶ ἐκείναις παρεδόθησαν· οἱ δὲ μὴ ἀπατηθέντες τῷ κάλλει τῶν γυναικῶν τούτων ἔμειναν ἐν τῷ οἴκῳ τοῦ θεοῦ. ἔχεις, φησί, τὴν ἐπίλυσιν τῶν ἀποβεβλημένων. ### English translation (Claude) These, then, were cast out of the house of God and handed over to those women; but those who were not deceived by the beauty of these women remained in the house of God. You have,” he said, “the explanation of the rejected stones.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.13.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/13/9/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.14.1 (91.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/14/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:256 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Can they return if they repent? ### Greek text Τί οὖν, φημί, κύριε, ἐὰν οὗτοι οἱ ἄνθρωποι, τοιοῦτοι ὄντες, μετανοήσωσι καὶ ἀποβάλωσι τὰς ἐπιθυμίας τῶν γυναικῶν τούτων, καὶ ἐπανακάμψωσιν ἐπὶ τὰς παρθένους καὶ ἐν τῇ δυνάμει αὐτῶν καὶ ἐν τοῖς ἔργοις αὐτῶν πορευθῶσιν, οὐκ εἰσελεύσονται εἰς τὸν οἶκον τοῦ θεοῦ; ### English translation (Claude) “What, then, sir,” I said, “if these people, being such, repent and cast off the desires of these women, and return to the virgins and walk in their power and in their works, will they not enter the house of God?” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.14.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/14/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.14.2 (91.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/14/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:256 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: They may return if they repent; the building paused to give them time. ### Greek text Εἰσελεύσονται, φησίν, ἐὰν τούτων τῶν γυναικῶν ἀποβάλωσι τὰ ἔργα, τῶν δὲ παρθένων ἀναλάβωσι τὴν δύναμιν καὶ ἐν τοῖς ἔργοις αὐτῶν πορευθῶσι· διὰ τοῦτο γὰρ καὶ τῆς οἰκοδομῆς ἀνοχὴ ἐγένετο, ἵνα, ἐὰν μετανοήσωσιν οὗτοι, ἀπέλθωσιν εἰς τὴν οἰκοδομὴν τοῦ πύργου. ἐὰν δὲ μὴ μετανοήσωσι, τότε ἄλλοι εἰσελεύσονται, καὶ οὗτοι εἰς τέλος ἐκβληθήσονται. ### English translation (Claude) “They will enter,” he said, “if they cast off the works of these women and take up again the power of the virgins and walk in their works. For this is why there was also a pause in the building, so that if these repent they may go into the building of the tower. But if they do not repent, then others will enter, and these will be cast out finally.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.14.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/14/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.14.3 (91.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/14/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:256 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Hermas thanks God for sending the angel of repentance. ### Greek text ἐπὶ τούτοις πᾶσιν ηὐχαρίστησα τῷ κυρίῳ, ὅτι ἐσπλαγχνίσθη ἐπὶ πᾶσι τοῖς ἐπικαλουμένοις τῷ ὀνόματι αὐτοῦ καὶ ἐξαπέστειλε τὸν ἄγγελον τῆς μετανοίας εἰς ἡμᾶς τοὺς ἁμαρτήσαντας εἰς αὐτὸν καὶ ἀνεκαίνισεν ἡμῶν τὸ πνεῦμα καὶ ἤδη κατεφθαρμένων ἡμῶν καὶ μὴ ἐχόντων ἐλπίδα τοῦ ζῆν ἀνενέωσε τὴν ζωὴν ἡμῶν. ### English translation (Claude) For all these things I gave thanks to the Lord, because he had compassion on all who call on his name, and sent the angel of repentance to us who had sinned against him, and renewed our spirit, and, when we were already corrupted and had no hope of living, restored our life. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.14.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/14/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.14.4 (91.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/14/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:256 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Why is the tower built on the rock and gate? ### Greek text Νῦν, φημί, κύριε, δήλωσόν μοι, διατί ὁ πύργος χαμαὶ οὐκ ᾠκοδόμηται, ἀλλʼ ἐπὶ τὴν πέτραν καὶ ἐπὶ τὴν πύλην. Ἔτι, φησίν, ἄφρων εἶ καὶ ἀσύνετος; Ἀνάγκην ἔχω, φημί, κύριε, πάντα ἐπερωτᾶν σε, ὅτι οὐδʼ ὅλως οὐδὲν δύναμαι νοῆσαι· τὰ γὰρ πάντα μεγάλα καὶ ἔνδοξά ἐστι καὶ δυσνόητα τοῖς ἀνθρώποις. ### English translation (Claude) “Now, sir,” I said, “make clear to me why the tower is not built on the ground, but on the rock and on the gate.” “Are you still foolish and without understanding?” he said. “I have to ask you everything, sir,” I said, “because I cannot understand anything at all; for all things are great and glorious and hard for people to understand.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.14.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/14/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.14.5 (91.5) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/14/5/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:256–258 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The Son's name sustains all creation. ### Greek text Ἄκουε, φησί· τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ υἱοῦ τοῦ θεοῦ μέγα ἐστὶ καὶ ἀχώρητον καὶ τὸν κόσμον ὅλον βαστάζει. εἰ οὖν πᾶσα ἡ κτίσις διὰ τοῦ υἱοῦ τοῦ θεοῦ βαστάζεται, τί δοκεῖς τοὺς κεκλημένους ὑπʼ αὐτοῦ καὶ τὸ ὄνομα φοροῦντας τοῦ υἱοῦ τοῦ θεοῦ καὶ πορευομένους ταῖς ἐντολαῖς αὐτοῦ; ### English translation (Claude) “Hear,” he said: “the name of the Son of God is great and incomprehensible and sustains the whole world. If, then, all creation is sustained by the Son of God, what do you think of those who are called by him and bear the name of the Son of God and walk in his commandments? ### Scripture references - Heb 1:3: allusion, medium confidence - Col 1:17: echo, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.14.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/14/5/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.14.6 (91.6) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/14/6/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:258 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The Son is the foundation of those who bear his name wholeheartedly. ### Greek text βλέπεις οὖν, ποίους βαστάζει; τοὺς ἐξ ὅλης καρδίας φοροῦντας τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ. αὐτὸς οὖν θεμέλιος αὐτοῖς ἐγένετο καὶ ἡδέως αὐτοὺς βαστάζει, ὅτι οὐκ ἐπαισχύνονται τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ φορεῖν. ### English translation (Claude) You see, then, whom he sustains? Those who bear his name with their whole heart. He himself, then, has become their foundation and gladly sustains them, because they are not ashamed to bear his name. ### Scripture references - 1 Cor 3:11: echo, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.14.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/14/6/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.15.1 (92.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/15/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:258 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Hermas asks the names of the virgins and the women. ### Greek text Δήλωσόν μοι, φημί, κύριε, τῶν παρθένων τὰ ὀνόματα καὶ τῶν γυναικῶν τῶν τὰ μέλανα ἱμάτια ἐνδεδυμένων. Ἄκουε, φησίν, τῶν παρθένων τὰ ὀνόματα τῶν ἰσχυροτέρων, τῶν εἰς τὰς γωνίας σταθεισῶν. ### English translation (Claude) “Make known to me, sir,” I said, “the names of the virgins and of the women dressed in the black garments.” “Hear,” he said, “the names of the stronger virgins, those stationed at the corners. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.15.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/15/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.15.2 (92.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/15/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:258 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The twelve virgins are Faith, Self-control, Power, Patience, Simplicity, Innocence, Purity, Cheerfulness, Truth, Understanding, Concord, and Love. ### Greek text ἡ μὲν πρώτη Πίστις, ἡ δὲ δευτέρα Ἐγκράτεια, ἡ δὲ τρίτη Δύναμις, ἡ δὲ τετάρτη Μακροθυμία· αἱ δὲ ἕτεραι ἀνὰ μέσον τούτων σταθεῖσαι ταῦτα ἔχουσι τὰ ὀνόματα· Ἁπλότης, Ἀκακία, Ἁγνεία, Ἱλαρότης, Ἀλήθεια, Σύνεσις, Ὁμόνοια, Ἀγάπη. ταῦτα τὰ ὀνόματα ὁ φορῶν καὶ τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ υἱοῦ τοῦ θεοῦ δυνήσεται εἰς τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ θεοῦ εἰσελθεῖν. ### English translation (Claude) The first is Faith, the second Self-control, the third Power, the fourth Patience; and the others, stationed between them, have these names: Simplicity, Innocence, Purity, Cheerfulness, Truth, Understanding, Concord, Love. Whoever bears these names and the name of the Son of God will be able to enter the kingdom of God. ### Scripture references - Gal 5:22: echo, medium confidence - 2 Pet 1:5: echo, low confidence ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.15.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/15/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.15.3 (92.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/15/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:258–260 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The twelve women are Unbelief, Incontinence, Disobedience, Deceit, and eight other vices. ### Greek text ἄκουε, φησί, καὶ τὰ ὀνόματα τῶν γυναικῶν τῶν τὰ ἱμάτια μέλανα ἐχουσῶν. καὶ ἐκ τούτων τέσσαρές εἰσι δυνατώτεραι. ἡ πρώτη Ἀπιστία, ἡ δευτέρα Ἀκρασία, ἡ δὲ τρίτη Ἀπείθεια, ἡ δὲ τετάρτη Ἀπάτη. αἱ δὲ ἀκόλουθοι αὐτῶν καλοῦνται Λύπη, Πονηρία, Ἀσέλγεια, Ὀξυχολία, Ψεῦδος, Ἀφροσύνη, Καταλαλιά, Μῖσος. ταῦτα τὰ ὀνόματα ὁ φορῶν τοῦ θεοῦ δοῦλος τὴν βασιλείαν μὲν ὄψεται τοῦ θεοῦ, εἰς αὐτὴν δὲ οὐκ εἰσελεύσεται. ### English translation (Claude) Hear,” he said, “also the names of the women with the black garments. Of these too four are more powerful: the first is Unbelief, the second Incontinence, the third Disobedience, the fourth Deceit. And their followers are called Grief, Wickedness, Licentiousness, Bad temper, Falsehood, Folly, Slander, Hatred. The servant of God who bears these names will see the kingdom of God, but will not enter it.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.15.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/15/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.15.4 (92.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/15/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:260 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The foundation stones are the first and second generations of the righteous, the prophets, and the apostles and teachers. ### Greek text Οἱ λίθοι δέ, φημί, κύριε, οἱ ἐκ τοῦ βυθοῦ ἡρμοσμένοι εἰς τὴν οἰκοδομὴν τίνες εἰσίν; Οἱ μὲν πρῶτοι, φησίν, οἱ ι οἱ εἰς τὰ θεμέλια τεθειμένοι, πρώτη γενεά· οἱ δὲ κε δευτέρα γενεὰ ἀνδρῶν δικαίων· οἱ δὲ λε προφῆται τοῦ θεοῦ καὶ διάκονοι αὐτοῦ· οἱ δὲ μ ἀπόστολοι καὶ διδάσκαλοι τοῦ κηρύγματος τοῦ υἱοῦ τοῦ θεοῦ. ### English translation (Claude) “And the stones, sir,” I said, “that were fitted into the building from the deep, who are they?” “The first,” he said, “the ten placed in the foundations, are the first generation; the twenty-five the second generation of righteous men; the thirty-five the prophets of God and his ministers; and the forty the apostles and teachers of the preaching of the Son of God.” ### Translation notes - “Twenty-five”: in 9.4.3 the second course was said to be twenty stones; the text is inconsistent. - “Ministers” (διάκονοι): here servants of God in general, not the church office. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.15.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/15/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.15.5 (92.5) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/15/5/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:260 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Why did the virgins carry even these stones? ### Greek text Διατί οὖν, φημί, κύριε, αἱ παρθένοι καὶ τούτους τοὺς λίθους ἐπέδωκαν εἰς τὴν οἰκοδομὴν τοῦ πύργου, διενέγκασαι διὰ τῆς πύλης; ### English translation (Claude) “Why, then, sir,” I said, “did the virgins hand over these stones too for the building of the tower, carrying them through the gate?” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.15.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/15/5/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.15.6 (92.6) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/15/6/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:260 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: They bore the virtues all their lives. ### Greek text Οὗτοι γάρ, φησί, πρῶτοι ταῦτα τὰ πνεύματα ἐφόρεσαν καὶ ὅλως ἀπʼ ἀλλήλων οὐκ ἀπέστησαν, οὔτε τὰ πνεύματα ἀπὸ τῶν ἀνθρώπων οὔτε οἱ ἄνθρωποι ἀπὸ τῶν πνευμάτων, ἀλλὰ παρέμειναν τὰ πνεύματα αὐτοῖς μέχρι τῆς κοιμήσεως αὐτῶν. καὶ εἰ μὴ ταῦτα τὰ πνεύματα μετʼ αὐτῶν ἐσχήκεισαν, οὐκ ἂν εὔχρηστοι γεγόνεισαν τῇ οἰκοδομῇ τοῦ πύργου τούτου. ### English translation (Claude) “Because these,” he said, “were the first to bear these spirits, and they never departed from one another, neither the spirits from the men nor the men from the spirits, but the spirits remained with them until they fell asleep. And if they had not had these spirits with them, they would not have been useful for the building of this tower.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.15.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/15/6/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.16.1 (93.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/16/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:260 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Why did the righteous of old have to come up from the deep? ### Greek text Ἔτι μοι, φημί, κύριε, δήλωσον. Τί, φησίν, ἐπιζητεῖς; Διατί, φημί, κύριε, οἱ λίθοι ἐκ τοῦ βυθοῦ ἀνέβησαν καὶ εἰς τὴν οἰκοδομὴν τοῦ πύργου ἐτέθησαν, πεφορηκότες τὰ πνεύματα ταῦτα; ### English translation (Claude) “Make something more clear to me, sir,” I said. “What are you asking?” he said. “Why, sir,” I said, “did the stones come up from the deep and were put into the building of the tower, when they had already borne these spirits?” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.16.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/16/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.16.2 (93.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/16/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:260–262 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: They had to come up through water to be made alive. ### Greek text Ἀνάγκην, φησίν, εἶχον διʼ ὕδατος ἀναβῆναι, ἵνα ζωοποιηθῶσιν· οὐκ ἠδύναντο γὰρ ἄλλως εἰσελθεῖν εἰς τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ θεοῦ, εἰ μὴ τὴν νέκρωσιν ἀπέθεντο τῆς ζωῆς αὐτῶν τῆς προτέρας. ### English translation (Claude) “They had to come up through water,” he said, “so that they might be made alive; for they could not enter the kingdom of God in any other way unless they put off the deadness of their former life. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.16.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/16/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.16.3 (93.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/16/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:262 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Before receiving the seal a person is dead; with it he receives life. ### Greek text ἔλαβον οὖν καὶ οὗτοι οἱ κεκοιμημένοι τὴν σφραγῖδα τοῦ υἱοῦ τοῦ θεοῦ καὶ εἰσῆλθον εἰς τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ θεοῦ· πρὶν γάρ, φησί, φορέσαι τὸν ἄνθρωπον τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ υἱοῦ τοῦ θεοῦ, νεκρός ἐστιν· ὅταν δὲ λάβῃ τὴν σφραγῖδα, ἀποτίθεται τὴν νέκρωσιν καὶ ἀναλαμβάνει τὴν ζωήν. ### English translation (Claude) So these too, who had fallen asleep, received the seal of the Son of God and entered the kingdom of God. For before a person bears the name of the Son of God,” he said, “he is dead; but when he receives the seal, he puts off deadness and takes up life. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.16.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/16/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.16.4 (93.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/16/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:262 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The seal is the water of baptism: they go down dead and come up alive. ### Greek text ἡ σφραγὶς οὖν τὸ ὕδωρ ἐστίν· εἰς τὸ ὕδωρ οὖν καταβαίνουσι νεκροὶ καὶ ἀναβαίνουσι ζῶντες. κἀκείνοις οὖν ἐκηρύχθη ἡ σφραγὶς αὕτη καὶ ἐχρήσαντο αὐτῇ, ἵνα εἰσέλθωσιν εἰς τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ θεοῦ. ### English translation (Claude) The seal, then, is the water; they go down into the water dead and come up alive. So to them too this seal was preached, and they made use of it, so that they might enter the kingdom of God.” ### Scripture references - Rom 6:4: echo, medium confidence - Col 2:12: echo, medium confidence ### Translation notes - A clear early statement that “the seal” means baptism. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.16.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/16/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.16.5 (93.5) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/16/5/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:262 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The apostles, after death, preached to those who had died before and gave them the seal. ### Greek text Διατί, φημί, κύριε, καὶ οἱ μ λίθοι μετʼ αὐτῶν ἀνέβησαν ἐκ τοῦ βυθοῦ, ἤδη ἐσχηκότες τὴν σφραγῖδα; Ὅτι, φησίν, οὗτοι οἱ ἀπόστολοι καὶ οἱ διδάσκαλοι οἱ κηρύξαντες τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ υἱοῦ τοῦ θεοῦ, κοιμηθέντες ἐν δυνάμει καὶ πίστει τοῦ υἱοῦ τοῦ θεοῦ ἐκήρυξαν καὶ τοῖς προκεκοιμημένοις καὶ αὐτοὶ ἔδωκαν αὐτοῖς τὴν σφραγῖδα τοῦ κηρύγματος. ### English translation (Claude) “Why, sir,” I said, “did the forty stones also come up with them from the deep, when they already had the seal?” “Because,” he said, “these apostles and teachers who preached the name of the Son of God, having fallen asleep in the power and faith of the Son of God, preached also to those who had fallen asleep before, and they themselves gave them the seal of the preaching. ### Scripture references - 1 Pet 3:19: allusion, medium confidence - 1 Pet 4:6: allusion, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Hermas teaches that the apostles and teachers, after their own deaths, preached to and baptized the righteous who had died before Christ. Compare 1 Pet 3:19; 4:6, and the later tradition of Christ's descent to the dead. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.16.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/16/5/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.16.6 (93.6) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/16/6/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:262 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The apostles went down alive; the earlier dead went down dead and came up alive. ### Greek text κατέβησαν οὖν μετʼ αὐτῶν εἰς τὸ ὕδωρ καὶ πάλιν ἀνέβησαν· ἀλλʼ οὗτοι μὲν ζῶντες κατέβησαν καὶ ζῶντες ἀνέβησαν· ἐκεῖνοι δὲ οἱ προκεκοιμημένοι νεκροὶ κατέβησαν, ζῶντες δὲ ἀνέβησαν. ### English translation (Claude) So they went down with them into the water and came up again; but these went down alive and came up alive, while those who had fallen asleep before went down dead but came up alive. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.16.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/16/6/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.16.7 (93.7) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/16/7/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:262–264 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The righteous dead, now sealed, were built in without hewing. ### Greek text διὰ τούτων οὖν ἐζωοποιήθησαν καὶ ἐπέγνωσαν τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ υἱοῦ τοῦ θεοῦ· διὰ τοῦτο καὶ συνανέβησαν μετʼ αὐτῶν, καὶ συνηρμόσθησαν εἰς τὴν οἰκοδομὴν τοῦ πύργου, καὶ ἀλατόμητοι συνῳκοδομήθησαν· ἐν δικαιοσύνῃ γὰρ ἐκοιμήθησαν καὶ ἐν μεγάλῃ ἁγνείᾳ· μόνον δὲ τὴν σφραγῖδα ταύτην οὐκ εἶχον. ἔχεις οὖν καὶ τὴν τούτων ἐπίλυσιν. Ἔχω, φημί, κύριε. ### English translation (Claude) Through these, then, they were made alive and came to know the name of the Son of God; this is why they came up with them and were fitted together into the building of the tower, and were built in with them without being hewn; for they had fallen asleep in righteousness and in great purity; only they did not have this seal. You have, then, the explanation of these also.” “I have, sir,” I said. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.16.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/16/7/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.17.1 (94.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/17/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:264 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The twelve mountains are the twelve tribes of the whole world, to whom the apostles preached. ### Greek text Νῦν οὖν, κύριε, περὶ τῶν ὀρέων μοι δήλωσον· διατί ἄλλαι καὶ ἄλλαι εἰσὶν αἱ ἰδέαι καὶ ποικίλαι; Ἄκουε, φησί· τὰ ὄρη ταῦτα τὰ δώδεκα φυλαί εἰσιν αἱ κατοικοῦσαι ὅλον τὸν κόσμον. ἐκηρύχθη οὖν εἰς ταύτας ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ θεοῦ διὰ τῶν ἀποστόλων. ### English translation (Claude) “Now, then, sir, make clear to me about the mountains: why are their appearances different and various?” “Hear,” he said: “these twelve mountains are the twelve tribes that inhabit the whole world. The Son of God was preached to these through the apostles.” ### Scripture references - Matt 28:19: echo, medium confidence - Jas 1:1: echo, low confidence ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.17.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/17/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.17.2 (94.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/17/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:264 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The tribes are nations of varied minds. ### Greek text Διατί δὲ ποικίλα καὶ ἄλλη καὶ ἄλλη ἰδέα ἐστὶ τὰ ὄρη, δήλωσόν μοι, κύριε. Ἄκουε, φησίν· αἱ δώδεκα φυλαὶ αὗται αἱ κατοικοῦσαι ὅλον τὸν κόσμον δώδεκα ἔθνη εἰσί· ποικίλα δέ εἰσι τῇ φρονήσει καὶ τῷ νοΐ· οἷα οὖν εἶδες τὰ ὄρη ποικίλα, τοιαῦταί εἰσι καὶ τούτων αἱ ποικιλίαι τοῦ νοὸς τῶν ἐθνῶν καὶ ἡ φρόνησις. δηλώσω δέ σοι καὶ ἑνὸς ἑκάστου τὴν πρᾶξιν. ### English translation (Claude) “But why are the mountains various, each of a different appearance? Make it clear to me, sir.” “Hear,” he said: “these twelve tribes that inhabit the whole world are twelve nations; and they are various in understanding and in mind; so as you saw the mountains various, so also are the varieties of mind and understanding of these nations. And I will make clear to you the conduct of each one.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.17.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/17/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.17.3 (94.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/17/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:264 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Why did all the stones become one color? ### Greek text Πρῶτον, φημί, κύριε, τοῦτο δήλωσον, διατί οὕτω ποικίλα ὄντα τὰ ὄρη, εἰς τὴν οἰκοδομὴν ὅταν ἐτέθησαν οἱ λίθοι αὐτῶν, μιᾷ χρόᾳ ἐγένοντο λαμπροί, ὡς καὶ οἱ ἐκ τοῦ βυθοῦ ἀναβεβηκότες λίθοι; ### English translation (Claude) “First, sir,” I said, “make this clear: why, though the mountains are so various, when their stones were put into the building, they became bright with one color, like the stones that had come up from the deep?” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.17.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/17/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.17.4 (94.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/17/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:264–266 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Sealed by baptism, all nations became one in mind, faith, and love. ### Greek text Ὅτι, φησί, πάντα τὰ ἔθνη τὰ ὑπὸ τὸν οὐρανὸν κατοικοῦντα, ἀκούσαντα καὶ πιστεύσαντα ἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματι ἐκλήθησαν τοῦ υἱοῦ τοῦ θεοῦ. λαβόντες οὖν τὴν σφραγῖδα μίαν φρόνησιν ἔσχον καὶ ἕνα νοῦν, καὶ μία πίστις αὐτῶν ἐγένετο καὶ μία ἀγάπη, καὶ τὰ πνεύματα τῶν παρθένων μετὰ τοῦ ὀνόματος ἐφόρεσαν· διὰ τοῦτο ἡ οἰκοδομὴ τοῦ πύργου μιᾷ χρόᾳ ἐγένετο λαμπρὰ ὡς ὁ ἥλιος. ### English translation (Claude) “Because,” he said, “all the nations that dwell under heaven, having heard and believed, were called by the name of the Son of God. So having received the seal, they had one understanding and one mind, and their faith became one and their love one, and they bore the spirits of the virgins along with the name; this is why the building of the tower became bright with one color like the sun. ### Scripture references - Eph 4:5: echo, medium confidence - Acts 4:32: echo, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.17.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/17/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.17.5 (94.5) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/17/5/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:266 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Some defiled themselves and became worse than before. ### Greek text μετὰ δὲ τὸ εἰσελθεῖν αὐτοὺς ἐπὶ τὸ αὐτὸ καὶ γενέσθαι ἓν σῶμα, τινὲς ἐξ αὐτῶν ἐμίαναν ἑαυτοὺς καὶ ἐξεβλήθησαν ἐκ τοῦ γένους τῶν δικαίων καὶ πάλιν ἐγένοντο, οἷοι πρότερον ἦσαν, μᾶλλον δὲ καὶ χείρονες. ### English translation (Claude) But after they had come in together and become one body, some of them defiled themselves and were cast out of the race of the righteous, and became again as they had been before, or rather even worse.” ### Scripture references - 2 Pet 2:20: echo, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.17.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/17/5/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.18.1 (95.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/18/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:266 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Those who know God are more accountable. ### Greek text Πῶς, φημί, κύριε, ἐγένοντο χείρονες, θεὸν ἐπεγνωκότες; Ὁ μὴ γινώσκων, φησί, θεὸν καὶ πονηρευόμενος ἔχει κόλασίν τινα τῆς πονηρίας αὐτοῦ, ὁ δὲ θεὸν ἐπιγνοὺς οὐκέτι ὀφείλει πονηρεύεσθαι, ἀλλʼ ἀγαθοποιεῖν. ### English translation (Claude) “How, sir,” I said, “did they become worse, having come to know God?” “The one who does not know God,” he said, “and does evil has some punishment for his wickedness; but the one who has come to know God ought no longer to do evil, but to do good. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.18.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/18/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.18.2 (95.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/18/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:266 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Those who knew God and still do evil will be punished doubly. ### Greek text ἐὰν οὖν ὁ ὀφείλων ἀγαθοποιεῖν πονηρεύηται, οὐ δοκεῖ πλείονα πονηρίαν ποιεῖν παρὰ τὸν μὴ γινώσκοντα τὸν θεόν; διὰ τοῦτο οἱ μὴ ἐγνωκότες θεὸν καὶ πονηρευόμενοι κεκριμένοι εἰσὶν εἰς θάνατον, οἱ δὲ τὸν θεὸν ἐγνωκότες καὶ τὰ μεγαλεῖα αὐτοῦ ἑωρακότες καὶ πονηρευόμενοι δισσῶς κολασθήσονται καὶ ἀποθανοῦνται εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα. οὕτως οὖν καθαρισθήσεται ἡ ἐκκλησία τοῦ θεοῦ. ### English translation (Claude) If, then, the one who ought to do good does evil, does he not seem to do greater wickedness than the one who does not know God? This is why those who have not known God and do evil are condemned to death, but those who have known God and seen his mighty works and do evil will be doubly punished and will die forever. In this way, then, the church of God will be cleansed. ### Scripture references - Luke 12:47: echo, medium confidence - Luke 12:48: echo, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.18.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/18/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.18.3 (95.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/18/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:266–268 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The church will be cleansed of the wicked and become one body. ### Greek text ὡς δὲ εἶδες ἐκ τοῦ πύργου τοὺς λίθους ἠρμένους καὶ παραδεδομένους τοῖς πνεύμασι τοῖς πονηροῖς καὶ ἐκεῖθεν ἐκβληθέντας· ʽκαὶ ἔσται ἓν σῶμα τῶν κεκαθαρμένων, ὥσπερ καὶ ὁ πύργος ἐγένετο ὡς ἐξ ἑνὸς λίθου γεγονὼς μετὰ τὸ καθαρισθῆναι αὐτόν· ʼ οὕτως ἔσται καὶ ἡ ἐκκλησία τοῦ θεοῦ μετὰ τὸ καθαρισθῆναι αὐτὴν καὶ ἀποβληθῆναι τοὺς πονηροὺς καὶ ὑποκριτὰς καὶ βλασφήμους καὶ διψύχους καὶ πονηρευομένους ποικίλαις πονηρίαις. ### English translation (Claude) And as you saw the stones removed from the tower and handed over to the evil spirits and cast out from there (and there will be one body of those who are cleansed, just as the tower became as if made of one stone after it was cleansed), so also will the church of God be, after it has been cleansed and the wicked and hypocrites and blasphemers and double-minded and those who do various kinds of wickedness have been cast out. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.18.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/18/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.18.4 (95.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/18/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:268 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The cleansed church will be one body, and the Son will rejoice in it. ### Greek text μετὰ τὸ τούτους ἀποβληθῆναι ἔσται ἡ ἐκκλησία τοῦ θεοῦ ἓν σῶμα, μία φρόνησις, εἷς νοῦς, μία πίστις, μία ἀγάπη· καὶ τότε ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ θεοῦ ἀγαλλιάσεται καὶ εὐφρανθήσεται ἐν αὐτοῖς ἀπειληφὼς τὸν λαὸν αὐτοῦ καθαρόν. Μεγάλως, φημί, κύριε, καὶ ἐνδόξως πάντα ἔχει. ### English translation (Claude) After these have been cast out, the church of God will be one body, one understanding, one mind, one faith, one love; and then the Son of God will rejoice and be glad in them, having received back his people pure.” “Great and glorious, sir,” I said, “are all these things.” ### Scripture references - Eph 4:4: allusion, medium confidence - Eph 5:27: echo, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.18.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/18/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.18.5 (95.5) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/18/5/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:268 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: He will explain each mountain. ### Greek text Ἔτι, φημί, κύριε, τῶν ὀρέων ἑνὸς ἑκάστου δήλωσόν μοι τὴν δύναμιν καὶ τὰς πράξεις, ἵνα πᾶσα ψυχὴ πεποιθυῖα ἐπὶ τὸν κύριον ἀκούσασα δοξάσῃ τὸ μέγα καὶ θαυμαστὸν καὶ ἔνδοξον ὄνομα αὐτοῦ. Ἄκουε, φησί, τῶν ὀρέων τὴν ποικιλίαν καὶ τῶν δώδεκα ἐθνῶν. ### English translation (Claude) “Further, sir,” I said, “make clear to me the power and the conduct of each of the mountains, so that every soul that trusts in the Lord, when it hears, may glorify his great and marvelous and glorious name.” “Hear,” he said, “the variety of the mountains and of the twelve nations. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.18.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/18/5/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.19.1 (96.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/19/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:268 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The black mountain: apostates and betrayers, without repentance. ### Greek text Ἐκ τοῦ πρώτου ὄρους τοῦ μέλανος οἱ πιστεύσαντες τοιοῦτοί εἰσιν· ἀποστάται καὶ βλάσφημοι εἰς τὸν κύριον καὶ προδόται τῶν δούλων τοῦ θεοῦ. τούτοις δὲ μετάνοια οὐκ ἔστι, θάνατος δὲ ἔστι, καὶ διὰ τοῦτο καὶ μέλανές εἰσι· καὶ γὰρ τὸ γένος αὐτῶν ἄνομόν ἐστιν. ### English translation (Claude) Those who believed from the first mountain, the black one, are such as these: apostates and blasphemers against the Lord and betrayers of God's servants. For these there is no repentance, but there is death, and this is why they are black; for their kind is lawless. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.19.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/19/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.19.2 (96.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/19/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:268–270 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The bare mountain: hypocrites and false teachers, who may still repent quickly. ### Greek text ἐκ δὲ τοῦ δευτέρου ὄρους τοῦ ψιλοῦ οἱ πιστεύσαντες τοιοῦτοί εἰσιν· ὑποκριταὶ καὶ διδάσκαλοι πονηρίας. καὶ οὗτοι οὖν τοῖς προτέροις ὅμοιοί εἰσι, μὴ ἔχοντες καρπὸν δικαιοσύνης· ὡς γὰρ τὸ ὄρος αὐτῶν ἄκαρπον, οὕτω καὶ οἱ ἄνθρωποι οἱ τοιοῦτοι ὄνομα μὲν ἔχουσιν, ἀπὸ δὲ τῆς πίστεως κενοί εἰσι καὶ οὐδεὶς ἐν αὐτοῖς καρπὸς ἀληθείας. τούτοις οὖν μετάνοια κεῖται, ἐὰν ταχὺ μετανοήσωσιν· ἐὰν δὲ βραδύνωσι, μετὰ τῶν προτέρων ἔσται ὁ θάνατος αὐτῶν. ### English translation (Claude) Those who believed from the second mountain, the bare one, are such as these: hypocrites and teachers of wickedness. And these, then, are like the former, having no fruit of righteousness; for as their mountain is fruitless, so such people have a name, but are empty of faith, and there is no fruit of truth in them. For these, then, repentance is laid down, if they repent quickly; but if they delay, their death will be with the former.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.19.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/19/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.19.3 (96.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/19/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:270 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: They did not blaspheme or betray, so they may repent, though they will be punished. ### Greek text Διατί, φημί, κύριε, τούτοις μετάνοιά ἐστι, τοῖς δὲ πρώτοις οὐκ ἔστι; παρά τι γὰρ αἱ αὐταὶ αἱ πράξεις αὐτῶν εἰσί. Διὰ τοῦτο, φησί, τούτοις μετάνοια κεῖται, ὅτι οὐκ ἐβλασφήμησαν τὸν κύριον αὐτῶν οὐδὲ ἐγένοντο προδόται τῶν δούλων τοῦ θεοῦ· διὰ δὲ τὴν ἐπιθυμίαν τοῦ λήμματος ὑπεκρίθησαν καὶ ἐδίδαξεν ἕκαστος κατὰ τὰς ἐπιθυμίας τῶν ἀνθρώπων τῶν ἁμαρτανόντων. ἀλλὰ τίσουσι δίκην τινά· κεῖται δὲ αὐτοῖς μετάνοια διὰ τὸ μὴ γενέσθαι αὐτοὺς βλασφήμους μηδὲ προδότας. ### English translation (Claude) “Why, sir,” I said, “is there repentance for these, but not for the first? For their deeds are almost the same.” “This is why,” he said, “repentance is laid down for these: because they did not blaspheme their Lord nor become betrayers of God's servants; but through desire for gain they played the hypocrite, and each taught according to the desires of sinful people. But they will pay some penalty; yet repentance is laid down for them because they did not become blasphemers or betrayers. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.19.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/19/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.20.1 (97.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/20/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:270 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The thorny mountain: the rich and the overbusy. ### Greek text Ἐκ δὲ τοῦ ὄρους τοῦ τρίτου τοῦ ἔχοντος ἀκάνθας καὶ τριβόλους οἱ πιστεύσαντες τοιοῦτοί εἰσιν. ἐξ αὐτῶν οἱ μὲν πλούσιοι, οἱ δὲ πραγματείαις πολλαῖς ἐμπεφυρμένοι. οἱ μὲν τρίβολοί εἰσιν οἱ πλούσιοι, αἱ δὲ ἄκανθαι οἱ ἐν ταῖς πραγματείαις ταῖς ποικίλαις ἐμπεφυρμένοι. ### English translation (Claude) Those who believed from the third mountain, which has thorns and thistles, are such as these: some of them are rich, and others mixed up in many business affairs. The thistles are the rich, and the thorns are those mixed up in various business affairs. ### Scripture references - Matt 13:22: allusion, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.20.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/20/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.20.2 (97.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/20/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:270 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The rich avoid fellow believers for fear of being asked for help. ### Greek text οὗτοι οὖν, οἱ ἐν πολλαῖς καὶ ποικίλαις πραγματείαις ἐμπεφυρμένοι, οὐ κολλῶνται τοῖς δούλοις τοῦ θεοῦ, ἀλλʼ ἀποπλανῶνται πνιγόμενοι ὑπὸ τῶν πράξεων αὐτῶν· οἱ δὲ πλούσιοι δυσκόλως κολλῶνται τοῖς δούλοις τοῦ θεοῦ, φοβούμενοι, μή τι αἰτισθῶσιν ὑπʼ αὐτῶν· οἱ τοιοῦτοι οὖν δυσκόλως εἰσελεύσονται εἰς τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ θεοῦ. ### English translation (Claude) These, then, who are mixed up in many and various business affairs, do not cling to God's servants, but go astray, choked by their activities; and the rich cling to God's servants with difficulty, fearing that they will be asked for something by them. Such people, then, will enter the kingdom of God with difficulty. ### Scripture references - Mark 10:23: allusion, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.20.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/20/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.20.3 (97.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/20/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:270–272 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: It is hard for the rich to enter God's kingdom. ### Greek text ὥσπερ γὰρ ἐν τριβόλοις γυμνοῖς ποσὶ περιπατεῖν δύσκολόν ἐστιν, οὕτω καὶ τοῖς τοιούτοις δύσκολόν ἐστιν εἰς τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ θεοῦ εἰσελθεῖν. ### English translation (Claude) For just as it is hard to walk among thistles with bare feet, so also it is hard for such people to enter the kingdom of God. ### Scripture references - Matt 19:23: echo, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.20.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/20/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.20.4 (97.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/20/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:272 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: They can still repent if they do good quickly. ### Greek text ἀλλὰ τούτοις πᾶσι μετάνοιά ἐστι, ταχινὴ δέ, ἵνʼ ὃ τοῖς προτέροις χρόνοις οὐκ εἰργάσαντο νῦν ἀναδράμωσιν ταῖς ἡμέραις καὶ ἀγαθόν τι ποιήσωσιν. ἐὰν οὖν μετανοήσωσι καὶ ἀγαθόν τι ποιήσωσι, ζήσονται τῷ θεῷ· ἐὰν δὲ ἐπιμείνωσι ταῖς πράξεσιν αὐτῶν, παραδοθήσονται ταῖς γυναιξὶν ἐκείναις, αἵτινες αὐτοὺς θανατώσουσιν. ### English translation (Claude) But for all these there is repentance, but it must be quick, so that what they did not do in former times they may now make up in these days, and do some good. If, then, they repent and do some good, they will live to God; but if they remain in their deeds, they will be handed over to those women, who will put them to death. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.20.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/20/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.21.1 (98.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/21/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:272 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The fourth mountain: the double-minded and those who honor God only with their lips. ### Greek text Ἐκ δὲ τοῦ τετάρτου ὄρους τοῦ ἔχοντος βοτάνας πολλάς, τὰ μὲν ἐπάνω τῶν βοτανῶν χλωρά, τὰ δὲ πρὸς ταῖς ῥίζαις ξηρά, τινὲς δὲ καὶ ἀπὸ τοῦ ἡλίου ξηραινόμεναι, οἱ πιστεύσαντες τοιοῦτοί εἰσιν· οἱ μὲν δίψυχοι, οἱ δὲ τὸν κύριον ἔχοντες ἐπὶ τὰ χείλη, ἐπὶ τὴν καρδίαν δὲ μὴ ἔχοντες. ### English translation (Claude) Those who believed from the fourth mountain, which has much vegetation, the upper parts of the plants green but the parts near the roots dry, and some being dried up by the sun, are such as these: some are double-minded, and others have the Lord on their lips but do not have him in their heart. ### Scripture references - Isa 29:13: echo, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.21.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/21/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.21.2 (98.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/21/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:272 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Their words live but their works are dead. ### Greek text διὰ τοῦτο τὰ θεμέλια αὐτῶν ξηρά ἐστι καὶ δύναμιν μὴ ἔχοντα, καὶ τὰ ῥήματα αὐτῶν μόνα ζῶσι, τὰ δὲ ἔργα αὐτῶν νεκρά ἐστιν. οἱ τοιοῦτοι οὔτε ζῶσιν οὔτε τεθνήκασιν. ὅμοιοι οὖν εἰσὶ τοῖς διψύχοις· καὶ γὰρ οἱ δίψυχοι οὔτε χλωροί εἰσιν οὔτε ξηροί· οὔτε γὰρ ζῶσιν οὔτε τεθνήκασιν. ### English translation (Claude) This is why their foundations are dry and without power, and only their words live, but their works are dead. Such people are neither alive nor dead. They are like the double-minded; for the double-minded too are neither green nor dry; for they are neither alive nor dead. ### Scripture references - Jas 2:17: echo, medium confidence - Rev 3:15: echo, low confidence ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.21.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/21/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.21.3 (98.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/21/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:272 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: In persecution the doubters give way to idolatry. ### Greek text ὥσπερ γὰρ αὗται αἱ βοτάναι ἥλιον ἰδοῦσαι ἐξηράνθησαν, οὕτω καὶ οἱ δίψυχοι, ὅταν θλῖψιν ἀκούσωσι, διὰ τὴν δειλίαν αὐτῶν εἰδωλολατροῦσι καὶ τὸ ὄνομα ἐπαισχύνονται τοῦ κυρίου αὐτῶν. ### English translation (Claude) For just as these plants withered when they saw the sun, so also the double-minded, when they hear of tribulation, commit idolatry because of their cowardice and are ashamed of the name of their Lord. ### Scripture references - Matt 13:6: allusion, medium confidence - Matt 13:21: allusion, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.21.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/21/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.21.4 (98.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/21/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:272–274 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: They can live if they repent quickly. ### Greek text οἱ τοιοῦτοι οὖν οὔτε ζῶσιν οὔτε τεθνήκασιν. ἀλλὰ καὶ οὗτοι ἐὰν ταχὺ μετανοήσωσιν, δυνήσονται ζῆσαι· ἐὰν δὲ μὴ μετανοήσωσιν, ἤδη παραδεδομένοι εἰσὶ ταῖς γυναιξὶ ταῖς ἀποφερομέναις τὴν ζωὴν αὐτῶν. ### English translation (Claude) Such people, then, are neither alive nor dead. But these too, if they repent quickly, will be able to live; but if they do not repent, they have already been handed over to the women who take away their life. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.21.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/21/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.22.1 (99.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/22/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:274 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The rugged mountain: self-willed believers who think they know everything. ### Greek text Ἐκ δὲ τοῦ ὄρους τοῦ πέμπτου τοῦ ἔχοντος βοτάνας χλωρὰς καὶ τραχέος ὄντος οἱ πιστεύσαντες τοιοῦτοί εἰσι· πιστοὶ μέν, δυσμαθεῖς δὲ καὶ αὐθάδεις καὶ ἑαυτοῖς ἀρέσκοντες, θέλοντες πάντα γινώσκειν, καὶ οὐδὲν ὅλως γινώσκουσι. ### English translation (Claude) Those who believed from the fifth mountain, which has green plants and is rugged, are such as these: believers, but slow to learn and self-willed and pleasing themselves, wishing to know everything, and they know nothing at all. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.22.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/22/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.22.2 (99.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/22/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:274 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: They want to be teachers but lack understanding. ### Greek text διὰ τὴν αὐθάδειαν αὐτῶν ταύτην ἀπέστη ἀπʼ αὐτῶν ἡ σύνεσις, καὶ εἰσῆλθεν εἰς αὐτοὺς ἀφροσύνη μωρά. ἐπαινοῦσι δὲ ἑαυτοὺς ὡς σύνεσιν ἔχοντας καὶ θέλουσιν ἐθελοδιδάσκαλοι εἶναι, ἄφρονες ὄντες. ### English translation (Claude) Because of this self-will of theirs, understanding has departed from them, and foolish folly has entered into them. And they praise themselves as having understanding, and wish to be self-appointed teachers, though they are fools. ### Scripture references - Jas 3:1: echo, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.22.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/22/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.22.3 (99.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/22/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:274 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Some repented and submitted to those with understanding. ### Greek text διὰ ταύτην οὖν τὴν ὑψηλοφροσύνην πολλοὶ ἐκενώθησαν ὑψοῦντες ἑαυτούς· μέγα γὰρ δαιμόνιόν ἐστιν ἡ αὐθάδεια καὶ ἡ κενὴ πεποίθησις· ἐκ τούτων οὖν πολλοὶ ἀπεβλήθησαν, τινὲς δὲ μετενόησαν καὶ ἐπίστευσαν καὶ ὑπέταξαν ἑαυτοὺς τοῖς ἔχουσι σύνεσιν, γνόντες τὴν ἑαυτῶν ἀφροσύνην. ### English translation (Claude) Through this haughtiness, then, many have been emptied, exalting themselves; for self-will and vain confidence are a great demon. Of these, then, many were rejected, but some repented and believed and submitted themselves to those who have understanding, recognizing their own folly. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.22.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/22/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.22.4 (99.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/22/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:274–276 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Their fault is folly, not wickedness; they may repent. ### Greek text καὶ τοῖς λοιποῖς δὲ τοῖς τοιούτοις κεῖται μετάνοια· οὐκ ἐγένοντο γὰρ πονηροί, μᾶλλον δὲ μωροὶ καὶ ἀσύνετοι. οὗτοι οὖν ἐὰν μετανοήσωσι, ζήσονται τῷ θεῷ· ἐὰν δὲ μὴ μετανοήσωσι, κατοικήσουσι μετὰ τῶν γυναικῶν τῶν πονηρευομένων εἰς αὐτούς. ### English translation (Claude) And for the rest of such people repentance is laid down; for they did not become wicked, but rather foolish and without understanding. These, then, if they repent, will live to God; but if they do not repent, they will dwell with the women who do evil to them. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.22.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/22/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.23.1 (100.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/23/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:276 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The cracked mountain. ### Greek text Οἱ δὲ ἐκ τοῦ ὄρους τοῦ ἕκτου τοῦ ἔχοντος σχισμὰς μεγάλας καὶ μικρὰς καὶ ἐν ταῖς σχισμαῖς βοτάνας μεμαραμμένας πιστεύσαντες τοιοῦτοί εἰσιν. ### English translation (Claude) Those who believed from the sixth mountain, which has great and small cracks, and withered plants in the cracks, are such as these. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.23.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/23/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.23.2 (100.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/23/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:276 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Small cracks: minor grudges and slander; they will repent. ### Greek text οἱ μὲν τὰς σχισμὰς τὰς μικρὰς ἔχοντες, οὗτοί εἰσιν οἱ κατʼ ἀλλήλων ἔχοντες, καὶ ἀπὸ τῶν καταλαλιῶν ἑαυτῶν μεμαραμμένοι εἰσὶν ἐν τῇ πίστει· ἀλλὰ μετενόησαν ἐκ τούτων πολλοί. καὶ οἱ λοιποὶ δὲ μετανοήσουσιν, ὅταν ἀκούσωσί μου τὰς ἐντολάς· μικραὶ γὰρ αὐτῶν εἰσιν αἱ καταλαλιαί, καὶ ταχὺ μετανοήσουσιν. ### English translation (Claude) Those who have the small cracks are those who hold things against one another, and from their slanders they are withered in the faith; but many of them have repented. And the rest will repent when they hear my commandments; for their slanders are small, and they will repent quickly. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.23.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/23/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.23.3 (100.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/23/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:276 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Great cracks: persistent slanderers, rejected from the tower. ### Greek text οἱ δὲ μεγάλας ἔχοντες σχισμάς, οὗτοι παράμονοί εἰσι ταῖς καταλαλιαῖς αὐτῶν καὶ μνησίκακοι γίνονται μηνιῶντες ἀλλήλοις· οὗτοι οὖν ἀπὸ τοῦ πύργου ἀπερρίφησαν καὶ ἀπεδοκιμάσθησαν τῆς οἰκοδομῆς αὐτοῦ. οἱ τοιοῦτοι οὖν δυσκόλως ζήσονται. ### English translation (Claude) But those who have great cracks persist in their slanders and become grudge-bearers, raging against one another; these, then, were thrown away from the tower and rejected from its building. Such people, then, will live with difficulty. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.23.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/23/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.23.4 (100.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/23/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:276 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: If God forgives those who confess, how can a sinner hold a grudge? ### Greek text εἰ ὁ θεὸς καὶ ὁ κύριος ἡμῶν ὁ πάντων κυριεύων καὶ ἔχων πάσης τῆς κτίσεως αὐτοῦ τὴν ἐξουσίαν οὐ μνησικακεῖ τοῖς ἐξομολογουμένοις τὰς ἁμαρτίας αὐτῶν, ἀλλʼ ἵλεως γίνεται, ἄνθρωπος φθαρτὸς ὢν καὶ πλήρης ἁμαρτιῶν ἀνθρώπῳ μνησικακεῖ ὡς δυνάμενος ἀπολέσαι ἢ σῶσαι αὐτόν; ### English translation (Claude) If God and our Lord, who rules over all and has authority over all his creation, bears no grudge against those who confess their sins, but is merciful, does a man, who is mortal and full of sins, bear a grudge against a man, as though he could destroy or save him? ### Scripture references - Matt 18:33: echo, medium confidence - Jas 4:12: echo, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.23.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/23/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.23.5 (100.5) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/23/5/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:276–278 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Put away grudges, and the Lord will heal your sins. ### Greek text λέγω δὲ ὑμῖν, ὁ ἄγγελος τῆς μετανοίας· ὅσοι ταύτην ἔχετε τὴν αἵρεσιν ἀπόθεσθε αὐτὴν καὶ μετανοήσατε, καὶ ὁ κύριος ἰάσεται ὑμῶν τὰ πρότερα ἁμαρτήματα, ἐὰν καθαρίσητε ἑαυτοὺς ἀπὸ τούτου τοῦ δαιμονίου· εἰ δὲ μή, παραδοθήσεσθε αὐτῷ εἰς θάνατον. ### English translation (Claude) I, the angel of repentance, say to you: all of you who have this attitude, put it away and repent, and the Lord will heal your former sins, if you cleanse yourselves from this demon; but if not, you will be handed over to it for death. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.23.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/23/5/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.24.1 (101.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/24/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:278 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The flourishing seventh mountain. ### Greek text Ἐκ δὲ τοῦ ἑβδόμου ὄρους, ἐν ᾧ βοτάναι χλωραὶ καὶ ἱλαραί, καὶ ὅλον τὸ ὄρος εὐθηνοῦν καὶ πᾶν γένος κτηνῶν καὶ τὰ πετεινὰ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ ἐνέμοντο τὰς βοτάνας ἐν τούτῳ τῷ ὄρει, καὶ αἱ βοτάναι, ἃς ἐνέμοντο, μᾶλλον εὐθαλεῖς ἐγίνοντο, οἱ πιστεύσαντες τοιοῦτοί εἰσι. ### English translation (Claude) Those who believed from the seventh mountain, on which the plants are green and cheerful, and the whole mountain flourishing, and every kind of cattle and the birds of heaven fed on the plants on this mountain, and the plants they fed on became more flourishing, are such as these. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.24.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/24/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.24.2 (101.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/24/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:278 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The simple and generous who share with all without hesitation. ### Greek text πάντοτε ἁπλοῖ καὶ ἄκακοι καὶ μακάριοι ἐγίνοντο, μηδὲν κατʼ ἀλλήλων ἔχοντες, ἀλλὰ πάντοτε ἀγαλλιώμενοι ἐπὶ τοῖς δούλοις τοῦ θεοῦ καὶ ἐνδεδυμένοι τὸ πνεῦμα τὸ ἅγιον τούτων τῶν παρθένων καὶ πάντοτε σπλάγχνον ἔχοντες ἐπὶ πάντα ἄνθρωπον, καὶ ἐκ τῶν κόπων αὐτῶν παντὶ ἀνθρώπῳ ἐχορήγησαν ἀνονειδίστως καὶ ἀδιστάκτως. ### English translation (Claude) They have always been simple and innocent and blessed, holding nothing against one another, but always rejoicing in God's servants and clothed with the holy spirit of these virgins, and always having compassion on every person, and from their labors they supplied every person without reproach and without hesitation. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.24.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/24/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.24.3 (101.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/24/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:278 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: God blessed their work. ### Greek text ὁ οὖν κύριος ἰδὼν τὴν ἁπλότητα αὐτῶν καὶ πᾶσαν νηπιότητα ἐπλήθυνεν αὐτοὺς ἐν τοῖς κόποις τῶν χειρῶν αὐτῶν καὶ ἐχαρίτωσεν αὐτοὺς ἐν πάσῃ πράξει αὐτῶν. ### English translation (Claude) The Lord, then, seeing their simplicity and complete childlikeness, multiplied them in the labors of their hands and gave them favor in all they did. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.24.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/24/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.24.4 (101.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/24/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:278 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The simple and generous are enrolled with the angels and will dwell with the Son of God. ### Greek text λέγω δὲ ὑμῖν τοῖς τοιούτοις οὖσιν ἐγὼ ὁ ἄγγελος τῆς μετανοίας· διαμείνατε τοιοῦτοι, καὶ οὐκ ἐξαλειφθήσεται τὸ σπέρμα ὑμῶν ἕως αἰῶνος· ἐδοκίμασε γὰρ ὑμᾶς ὁ κύριος καὶ ἐνέγραψεν ὑμᾶς εἰς τὸν ἀριθμὸν τὸν ἡμέτερον, καὶ ὅλον τὸ σπέρμα ὑμῶν κατοικήσει μετὰ τοῦ υἱοῦ τοῦ θεοῦ· ἐκ γὰρ τοῦ πνεύματος αὐτοῦ ἐλάβετε. ### English translation (Claude) And I, the angel of repentance, say to you who are such: remain such, and your seed will not be blotted out forever; for the Lord has tested you and enrolled you in our number, and all your seed will dwell with the Son of God; for you have received of his Spirit. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.24.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/24/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.25.1 (102.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/25/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:278–280 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The mountain of springs. ### Greek text Ἐκ δὲ τοῦ ὄρους τοῦ ὀγδόου, οὗ ἦσαν αἱ πολλαὶ πηγαὶ καὶ πᾶσα ἡ κτίσις τοῦ κυρίου ἐποτίζετο ἐκ τῶν πηγῶν, οἱ πιστεύσαντες τοιοῦτοί εἰσιν· ### English translation (Claude) Those who believed from the eighth mountain, where the many springs were and all the creation of the Lord drank from the springs, are such as these: ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.25.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/25/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.25.2 (102.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/25/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:280 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The springs are the apostles and teachers who taught purely; their place is with the angels. ### Greek text ἀπόστολοι καὶ διδάσκαλοι οἱ κηρύξαντες εἰς ὅλον τὸν κόσμον καὶ οἱ διδάξαντες σεμνῶς καὶ ἁγνῶς τὸν λόγον τοῦ κυρίου καὶ μηδὲν ὅλως νοσφισάμενοι εἰς ἐπιθυμίαν πονηράν, ἀλλὰ πάντοτε ἐν δικαιοσύνῃ καὶ ἀληθείᾳ πορευθέντες, καθὼς καὶ παρέλαβον τὸ πνεῦμα τὸ ἅγιον. τῶν τοιούτων οὖν ἡ πάροδος μετὰ τῶν ἀγγέλων ἐστίν. ### English translation (Claude) apostles and teachers who preached to the whole world and who taught the word of the Lord reverently and purely, and did not misappropriate anything at all for evil desire, but always walked in righteousness and truth, as they had received the Holy Spirit. The passage of such people, then, is with the angels. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.25.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/25/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.26.1 (103.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/26/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:280 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The desert mountain with deadly beasts. ### Greek text Ἐκ δὲ τοῦ ὄρους τοῦ ἐνάτου τοῦ ἐρημώδους, τοῦ τὰ ἑρπετὰ καὶ θηρία ἐν αὐτῷ ἔχοντος τὰ διαφθείροντα τοὺς ἀνθρώπους, οἱ πιστεύσαντες τοιοῦτοί εἰσιν· ### English translation (Claude) Those who believed from the ninth mountain, the desert one, which has in it the reptiles and wild beasts that destroy people, are such as these: ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.26.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/26/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.26.2 (103.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/26/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:280 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Spotted stones are deacons who embezzled from widows and orphans. ### Greek text οἱ μὲν τοὺς σπίλους ἔχοντες διάκονοί εἰσι κακῶς διακονήσαντες καὶ διαρπάσαντες χηρῶν καὶ ὀρφανῶν τὴν ζωὴν καὶ ἑαυτοῖς περιποιησάμενοι ἐκ τῆς διακονίας ἧς ἔλαβον διακονῆσαι· ἐὰν οὖν ἐπιμείνωσι τῇ αὐτῇ ἐπιθυμίᾳ, ἀπέθανον καὶ οὐδεμία αὐτοῖς ἐλπὶς ζωῆς· ἐὰν δὲ ἐπιστρέψωσι καὶ ἁγνῶς τελειώσωσι τὴν διακονίαν αὐτῶν, δυνήσονται ζῆσαι. ### English translation (Claude) those who have the spots are deacons who served badly and plundered the livelihood of widows and orphans and made gain for themselves from the ministry they had received to perform. If, then, they persist in the same desire, they are dead, and there is no hope of life for them; but if they turn back and complete their ministry purely, they will be able to live. ### Scripture references - Acts 6:1: echo, medium confidence ### Translation notes - Deacons administered the church's care for widows and orphans; compare Acts 6:1–6. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.26.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/26/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.26.3 (103.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/26/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:280 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Rough stones are deniers who live alone apart from the church. ### Greek text οἱ δὲ ἐψωριακότες, οὗτοι οἱ ἀρνησάμενοί εἰσι καὶ μὴ ἐπιστρέψαντες ἐπὶ τὸν κύριον ἑαυτῶν, ἀλλὰ χερσωθέντες καὶ γενόμενοι ἐρημώδεις· μὴ κολλώμενοι τοῖς δούλοις τοῦ θεοῦ, ἀλλὰ μονάζοντες ἀπολλύουσι τὰς ἑαυτῶν ψυχάς. ### English translation (Claude) And those who are rough are those who have denied and have not turned back to their Lord, but have become barren and desolate; not clinging to God's servants, but living alone, they destroy their own souls. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.26.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/26/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.26.4 (103.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/26/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:280–282 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Like a neglected vine, they grow wild. ### Greek text ὡς γὰρ ἄμπελος ἐν φραγμῷ τινι καταλειφθεῖσα ἀμελείας τυγχάνουσα καταφθείρεται καὶ ὑπὸ τῶν βοτανῶν ἐρημοῦται καὶ τῷ χρόνῳ ἀγρία γίνεται, καὶ οὐκέτι εὔχρηστός ἐστι τῷ δεσπότῃ ἑαυτῆς, οὕτω καὶ οἱ τοιοῦτοι ἄνθρωποι ἑαυτοὺς ἀπεγνώκασι καὶ γίνονται ἄχρηστοι τῷ κυρίῳ ἑαυτῶν ἀγριωθέντες. ### English translation (Claude) For just as a vine left in some hedge and neglected is ruined and made desolate by weeds and in time becomes wild, and is no longer useful to its owner, so also such people have given themselves up and become useless to their Lord, having grown wild. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.26.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/26/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.26.5 (103.5) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/26/5/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:282 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Those who did not deny from the heart may repent. ### Greek text τούτοις οὖν μετάνοια γίνεται, ἐὰν μὴ ἐκ καρδίας εὑρεθῶσιν ἠρνημένοι· ἐὰν δὲ ἐκ καρδίας εὑρεθῇ ἠρνημένος τις, οὐκ οἶδα, εἰ δύναται ζῆσαι. ### English translation (Claude) For these, then, there is repentance, if they are not found to have denied from the heart; but if anyone is found to have denied from the heart, I do not know whether he can live. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.26.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/26/5/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.26.6 (103.6) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/26/6/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:282 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Repentance is offered for past denials, not for those who deny now. ### Greek text καὶ τοῦτο οὐκ εἰς ταύτας τὰς ἡμέρας λέγω, ἵνα τις ἀρνησάμενος μετάνοιαν λάβῃ· ἀδύνατον γάρ ἐστι σωθῆναι τὸν μέλλοντα νῦν ἀρνεῖσθαι τὸν κύριον ἑαυτοῦ· ἀλλʼ ἐκείνοις τοῖς πάλαι ἠρνημένοις δοκεῖ κεῖσθαι μετάνοια. εἴ τις οὖν μέλλει μετανοεῖν, ταχινὸς γενέσθω πρὶν τὸν πύργον ἀποτελεσθῆναι· εἰ δὲ μή, ὑπὸ τῶν γυναικῶν καταφθαρήσεται εἰς θάνατον. ### English translation (Claude) And I do not say this about these days, that anyone who denies may receive repentance; for it is impossible for one who is now going to deny his Lord to be saved; but for those who denied long ago repentance seems to be laid down. If, then, anyone is going to repent, let him be quick, before the tower is completed; otherwise he will be destroyed by the women to death. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.26.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/26/6/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.26.7 (103.7) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/26/7/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:282 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The beasts are slanderers whose words kill. ### Greek text καὶ οἱ κολοβοί, οὗτοι δόλιοί εἰσι καὶ κατάλαλοι· καὶ τὰ θηρία, ἃ εἶδες εἰς τὸ ὄρος, οὗτοί εἰσιν. ὥσπερ γὰρ τὰ θηρία διαφθείρει τῷ ἑαυτῶν ἰῷ τὸν ἄνθρωπον καὶ ἀπολλύει, οὕτω καὶ τῶν τοιούτων ἀνθρώπων τὰ ῥήματα διαφθείρει τὸν ἄνθρωπον καὶ ἀπολλύει. ### English translation (Claude) And those cut short are deceitful and slanderers; and they are the wild beasts that you saw on the mountain. For just as the beasts destroy a person with their poison and kill him, so also the words of such people destroy a person and kill him. ### Scripture references - Jas 3:8: echo, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.26.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/26/7/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.26.8 (103.8) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/26/8/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:282 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Slanderers can still be saved by repentance. ### Greek text οὗτοι οὖν κολοβοί εἰσιν ἀπὸ τῆς πίστεως αὐτῶν διὰ τὴν πρᾶξιν, ἣν ἔχουσιν ἐν ἑαυτοῖς· τινὲς δὲ μετενόησαν καὶ ἐσώθησαν. καὶ οἱ λοιποὶ οἱ τοιοῦτοι ὄντες δύνανται σωθῆναι, ἐὰν μετανοήσωσιν· ἐὰν δὲ μὴ μετανοήσωσιν, ἀπὸ τῶν γυναικῶν ἐκείνων, ὧν τὴν δύναμιν ἔχουσιν, ἀποθανοῦνται. ### English translation (Claude) These, then, are cut short from their faith because of the conduct they have in them; but some repented and were saved. And the rest who are such can be saved if they repent; but if they do not repent, they will die at the hands of those women whose power they have. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.26.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/26/8/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.27.1 (104.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/27/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:282–284 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The mountain of sheltering trees. ### Greek text Ἐκ δὲ τοῦ ὄρους τοῦ δεκάτου, οὗ ἦσαν δένδρα σκεπάζοντα πρόβατά τινα, οἱ πιστεύσαντες τοιοῦτοί εἰσιν· ### English translation (Claude) Those who believed from the tenth mountain, where there were trees sheltering some sheep, are such as these: ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.27.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/27/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.27.2 (104.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/27/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:284 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Sheltering trees are hospitable bishops who cared for the needy and widows. ### Greek text ἐπίσκοποι καὶ φιλόξενοι, οἵτινες ἡδέως εἰς τοὺς οἴκους ἑαυτῶν πάντοτε ὑπεδέξαντο τοὺς δούλους τοῦ θεοῦ ἄτερ ὑποκρίσεως· οἱ δὲ ἐπίσκοποι πάντοτε τοὺς ὑστερημένους καὶ τὰς χήρας τῇ διακονίᾳ ἑαυτῶν ἀδιαλείπτως ἐσκέπασαν καὶ ἁγνῶς ἀνεστράφησαν πάντοτε. ### English translation (Claude) bishops and hospitable people, who always gladly received God's servants into their homes without hypocrisy; and the bishops always sheltered the needy and the widows by their ministry without ceasing, and always lived in purity. ### Scripture references - 1 Tim 3:2: echo, medium confidence ### Translation notes - “Bishops” (ἐπίσκοποι) here are praised for hospitality and care of the poor; compare 1 Tim 3:2. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.27.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/27/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.27.3 (104.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/27/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:284 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: They will be sheltered by the Lord forever. ### Greek text οὗτοι οὖν πάντες σκεπασθήσονται ὑπὸ τοῦ κυρίου διαπαντός. οἱ οὖν ταῦτα ἐργασάμενοι ἔνδοξοί εἰσι παρὰ τῷ θεῷ καὶ ἤδη ὁ τόπος αὐτῶν μετὰ τῶν ἀγγέλων ἐστίν, ἐὰν ἐπιμείνωσιν ἕως τέλους λειτουργοῦντες τῷ κυρίῳ. ### English translation (Claude) All these, then, will be sheltered by the Lord forever. Those who have done these things are glorious before God, and their place is already with the angels, if they continue serving the Lord to the end. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.27.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/27/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.28.1 (105.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/28/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:284 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The mountain of fruit trees. ### Greek text Ἐκ δὲ τοῦ ὄρους τοῦ ἑνδεκάτου, οὗ ἦσαν δένδρα καρπῶν πλήρη, ἄλλοις καὶ ἄλλοις καρποῖς κεκοσμημένα, οἱ πιστεύσαντες τοιοῦτοί εἰσιν. ### English translation (Claude) Those who believed from the eleventh mountain, where there were trees full of fruit, adorned with various fruits, are such as these: ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.28.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/28/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.28.2 (105.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/28/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:284 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Fruit trees are the martyrs. ### Greek text οἱ παθόντες ὑπὲρ τοῦ ὀνόματος τοῦ υἱοῦ τοῦ θεοῦ, οἳ καὶ προθύμως ἔπαθον ἐξ ὅλης τῆς καρδίας· καὶ παρέδωκαν τὰς ψυχὰς αὐτῶν. ### English translation (Claude) those who suffered for the name of the Son of God, who also suffered eagerly with their whole heart and gave up their lives. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.28.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/28/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.28.3 (105.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/28/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:284 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: All martyrs have their sins taken away. ### Greek text Διατί οὖν, φημί, κύριε, πάντα μὲν τὰ δένδρα καρποὺς ἔχει, τινὲς δὲ ἐξ αὐτῶν καρποὶ εὐειδέστεροί εἰσιν; Ἄκουε, φησίν· ὅσοι ποτὲ ἔπαθον διὰ τὸ ὄνομα, ἔνδοξοί εἰσι παρὰ τῷ θεῷ, καὶ πάντων αἱ ἁμαρτίαι ἀφῃρέθησαν, ὅτι ἔπαθον διὰ τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ υἱοῦ τοῦ θεοῦ. διατί δὲ οἱ καρποὶ αὐτῶν ποικίλοι εἰσίν, τινὲς δὲ ὑπερέχοντες, ἄκουε. ### English translation (Claude) “Why, then, sir,” I said, “do all the trees have fruit, but some of their fruits are more beautiful?” “Hear,” he said: “all who ever suffered for the name are glorious before God, and the sins of all have been taken away, because they suffered for the name of the Son of God. But hear why their fruits are various, and some surpassing. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.28.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/28/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.28.4 (105.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/28/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:284–286 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Martyrs who did not hesitate have the greater glory. ### Greek text ὅσοι, φησίν, ἐπʼ ἐξουσίαν ἀχθέντες ἐξητάσθησαν καὶ οὐκ ἠρνήσαντο, ἀλλʼ ἔπαθον προθύμως, οὗτοι μᾶλλον ἐνδοξότεροί εἰσι παρὰ τῷ κυρίῳ· τούτων ὁ καρπός ἐστιν ὁ ὑπερέχων· ὅσοι δὲ δειλοὶ καὶ ἐν δισταγμῷ ἐγένοντο καὶ ἐλογίσαντο ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις αὐτῶν, πότερον ἀρνήσονται ἢ ὁμολογήσουσι, καὶ ἔπαθον, τούτων οἱ καρποὶ ἐλάττους εἰσίν, ὅτι ἀνέβη ἐπὶ τὴν καρδίαν αὐτῶν ἡ βουλὴ αὕτη· πονηρὰ γὰρ ἡ βουλὴ αὕτη, ἵνα δοῦλος κύριον ἴδιον ἀρνήσηται. ### English translation (Claude) All,” he said, “who were brought before the authorities and examined and did not deny, but suffered eagerly, these are more glorious before the Lord; their fruit is the surpassing one. But all who were cowardly and hesitated, and reasoned in their hearts whether they should deny or confess, and suffered, their fruits are less, because this plan entered their heart; for this plan is evil, that a servant should deny his own Lord. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.28.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/28/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.28.5 (105.5) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/28/5/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:286 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Sufferers should glorify God, who counts them worthy. ### Greek text βλέπετε οὖν ὑμεῖς οἱ ταῦτα βουλευόμενοι, μήποτε ἡ βουλὴ αὕτη διαμείνῃ ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ὑμῶν καὶ ἀποθάνητε τῷ θεῷ. ὑμεῖς δὲ οἱ πάσχοντες ἕνεκεν τοῦ ὀνόματος δοξάζειν ὀφείλετε τὸν θεόν, ὅτι ἀξίους ὑμᾶς ἡγήσατο ὁ θεός, ἵνα τοῦτο τὸ ὄνομα βαστάζητε καὶ πᾶσαι ὑμῶν αἱ ἁμαρτίαι ἰαθῶσιν. ### English translation (Claude) Take care, then, you who are considering these things, lest this plan remain in your hearts and you die to God. But you who suffer for the name ought to glorify God, that God counted you worthy to bear this name and that all your sins might be healed. ### Scripture references - Acts 5:41: echo, medium confidence - 1 Pet 4:16: echo, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.28.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/28/5/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.28.6 (105.6) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/28/6/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:286 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Suffering for the name is God's gift of life, not the believer's great deed. ### Greek text οὐκοῦν μακαρίζετε ἑαυτούς· ἀλλὰ δοκεῖτε ἔργον μέγα πεποιηκέναι, ἐάν τις ὑμῶν διὰ τὸν θεὸν πάθῃ. ζωὴν ὑμῖν ὁ κύριος χαρίζεται, καὶ οὐ νοεῖτε· αἱ γὰρ ἁμαρτίαι ὑμῶν κατεβάρησαν, καὶ εἰ μὴ πεπόνθατε ἕνεκεν τοῦ ὀνόματος κυρίου, διὰ τὰς ἁμαρτίας ὑμῶν τεθνήκειτε ἂν τῷ θεῷ. ### English translation (Claude) So count yourselves blessed; but you think you have done a great work if any of you suffers for God's sake. The Lord is granting you life, and you do not understand; for your sins weighed you down, and if you had not suffered for the name of the Lord, you would have died to God because of your sins. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.28.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/28/6/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.28.7 (105.7) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/28/7/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:286 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Confess your Lord rather than deny him. ### Greek text ταῦτα ὑμῖν λέγω τοῖς διστάζουσι περὶ ἀρνήσεως ἢ ὁμολογήσεως· ὁμολογεῖτε, ὅτι κύριον ἔχετε, μήποτε ἀρνούμενοι παραδοθήσησθε εἰς δεσμωτήριον. ### English translation (Claude) I say these things to you who hesitate about denying or confessing: confess that you have a Lord, lest by denying you be handed over to prison. ### Scripture references - Matt 10:32: echo, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.28.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/28/7/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.28.8 (105.8) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/28/8/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:286 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: If masters punish disloyal slaves, how much more will the Lord? ### Greek text εἰ τὰ ἔθνη τοὺς δούλους αὐτῶν κολάζουσιν, ἐάν τις ἀρνήσηται τὸν κύριον ἑαυτοῦ, τί δοκεῖτε ποιήσει ὁ κύριος ὑμῖν, ὃς ἔχει πάντων τὴν ἐξουσίαν; ἄρατε τὰς βουλὰς ταύτας ἀπὸ τῶν καρδιῶν ὑμῶν, ἵνα διαπαντὸς ζήσητε τῷ θεῷ. ### English translation (Claude) If the Gentiles punish their slaves when one of them denies his master, what do you think the Lord will do to you, who has authority over all? Remove these plans from your hearts, so that you may live to God forever. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.28.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/28/8/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.29.1 (106.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/29/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:286–288 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The white mountain: those innocent as babies. ### Greek text Ἐκ δὲ τοῦ ὄρους τοῦ δωδεκάτου τοῦ λευκοῦ οἱ πιστεύσαντες τοιοῦτοί εἰσιν· ὡς νήπια βρέφη εἰσίν, οἷς οὐδεμία κακία ἀναβαίνει ἐπὶ τὴν καρδίαν οὐδὲ ἔγνωσαν, τί ἐστι πονηρία, ἀλλὰ πάντοτε ἐν νηπιότητι διέμειναν. ### English translation (Claude) Those who believed from the twelfth mountain, the white one, are such as these: they are like little babies, into whose heart no evil enters, nor have they known what wickedness is, but they have always remained in childlikeness. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.29.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/29/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.29.2 (106.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/29/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:288 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The childlike will surely dwell in God's kingdom. ### Greek text οἱ τοιοῦτοι οὖν ἀδιστάκτως κατοικήσουσιν ἐν τῇ βασιλείᾳ τοῦ θεοῦ, ὅτι ἐν οὐδενὶ πράγματι ἐμίαναν τὰς ἐντολὰς τοῦ θεοῦ, ἀλλὰ μετὰ νηπιότητος διέμειναν πάσας τὰς ἡμέρας τῆς ζωῆς αὐτῶν ἐν τῇ αὐτῇ φρονήσει. ### English translation (Claude) Such people, then, will dwell without doubt in the kingdom of God, because they did not defile God's commandments in anything, but remained in childlikeness all the days of their life in the same mind. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.29.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/29/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.29.3 (106.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/29/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:288 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Those like babies will be the most glorious. ### Greek text ὅσοι οὖν διαμενεῖτε, φησί, καὶ ἔσεσθε ὡς τὰ βρέφη, κακίαν μὴ ἔχοντες, πάντων τῶν προειρημένων ἐνδοξότεροι ἔσεσθε· πάντα γὰρ τὰ βρέφη ἔνδοξά ἐστι παρὰ τῷ θεῷ καὶ πρῶτα παρʼ αὐτῷ. μακάριοι οὖν ὑμεῖς, ὅσοι ἂν ἄρητε ἀφʼ ἑαυτῶν τὴν πονηρίαν, ἐνδύσησθε δὲ τὴν ἀκακίαν· πρῶτοι πάντων ζήσεσθε τῷ θεῷ. ### English translation (Claude) All of you, then, who remain,” he said, “and will be like babies, having no malice, will be more glorious than all those mentioned before; for all babies are glorious before God and first with him. Blessed, then, are you, whoever remove wickedness from yourselves and put on innocence; you will live to God first of all.” ### Scripture references - Matt 18:3: allusion, medium confidence - Matt 19:14: echo, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.29.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/29/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.29.4 (106.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/29/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:288 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Hermas asks about the stones from the plain. ### Greek text μετὰ τὸ συντελέσαι αὐτὸν τὰς παραβολὰς τῶν ὀρέων λέγω αὐτῷ· Κύριε, νῦν μοι δήλωσον περὶ τῶν λίθων τῶν ἠρμένων ἐκ τοῦ πεδίου καὶ εἰς τὴν οἰκοδομὴν τεθειμένων ἀντὶ τῶν λίθων τῶν ἠρμένων ἐκ τοῦ πύργου, καὶ τῶν στρογγύλων τῶν τεθέντων εἰς τὴν οἰκοδομήν, καὶ τῶν ἔτι στρογγύλων ὄντων. ### English translation (Claude) After he had finished the parables of the mountains, I said to him, “Sir, now make clear to me about the stones taken from the plain and put into the building in place of the stones taken out of the tower, and about the round ones put into the building, and those that are still round.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.29.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/29/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.30.1 (107.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/30/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:288 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The plain's stones are the roots of the white mountain. ### Greek text Ἄκουε, φησί, καὶ περὶ τούτων πάντων. οἱ λίθοι οἱ τοῦ πεδίου ἠρμένοι καὶ τεθειμένοι εἰς τὴν οἰκοδομὴν τοῦ πύργου ἀντὶ τῶν ἀποβεβλημένων, αἱ ῥίζαι εἰσὶ τοῦ ὄρους τοῦ λευκοῦ. ### English translation (Claude) “Hear,” he said, “about all these too. The stones taken from the plain and put into the building of the tower in place of those rejected are the roots of the white mountain. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.30.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/30/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.30.2 (107.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/30/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:288–290 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The innocent were chosen because they would stay bright. ### Greek text ἐπεὶ οὖν οἱ πιστεύσαντες, ἐκ τοῦ ὄρους τοῦ λευκοῦ πάντες ἄκακοι εὑρέθησαν, ἐκέλευσεν ὁ κύριος τοῦ πύργου τούτους ἐκ τῶν ῥιζῶν τοῦ ὄρους τούτου βληθῆναι εἰς τὴν οἰκοδομὴν τοῦ πύργου· ἔγνω γάρ, ὅτι, ἐὰν ἀπέλθωσιν εἰς τὴν οἰκοδομὴν τοῦ πύργου οἱ λίθοι οὗτοι, διαμενοῦσι λαμπροὶ καὶ οὐδεὶς αὐτῶν μελανήσει. ### English translation (Claude) Since, then, those who believed from the white mountain were all found innocent, the lord of the tower ordered these from the roots of this mountain to be put into the building of the tower; for he knew that if these stones went into the building of the tower, they would remain bright and none of them would turn black. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.30.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/30/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.30.3 (107.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/30/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:290 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Believers present and future are of one innocent race. ### Latin text quodsi de ceteris montibus adiecisset, necesse habuisset rursus visitare eam turrem atque purgare. hi autem omnes candidi inventi sunt, πιστεύσαντες καὶ οἱ μέλλοντες πιστεύειν· ἐκ τοῦ αὐτοῦ γὰρ γένους εἰσίν. μακάριον τὸ γένος τοῦτο, ὅτι ἄκακόν ἐστιν. ### English translation (Claude) But if he had added from the other mountains, he would have had to visit that tower again and cleanse it. But all these were found white, those who have believed and those who will believe; for they are of the same race. Blessed is this race, because it is innocent. ### Translation notes - From here the original Greek survives only in fragments. Lake prints the ancient Latin translation, with the surviving Greek where it exists; passages in Latin are translated from the Latin. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.30.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/30/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.30.4 (107.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/30/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:290 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The round stones are believers whose wealth dimmed them but who stayed faithful. ### Latin text ἄκουε νῦν καὶ περὶ τῶν λίθων τῶν στρογγύλων καὶ λαμπρῶν. καὶ αὐτοὶ πάντες ἐκ τοῦ ὄρους τοῦ λευκοῦ εἰσίν. audi autem, quare rotundi sunt reperti. divitiae suae eos pusillum obscuraverunt a veritate atque obfuscaverunt, a deo vero nunquam recesserunt, nec ullum verbum malum processit de ore eorum, sed omnis aequitas et virtus veritatis. ### English translation (Claude) Hear now also about the round and bright stones. These too are all from the white mountain. Hear, then, why they were found round. Their riches darkened them a little from the truth and dimmed them, but they never departed from God, nor did any evil word come out of their mouth, but all fairness and the virtue of truth. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.30.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/30/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.30.5 (107.5) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/30/5/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:290–292 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: God trimmed their wealth, leaving enough to do good. ### Latin text horum ergo mentem cum vidisset dominus posse eos veritati favere, bonos quoque permanere, iussit opes eorum circumcidi, non enim in totum eorum tolli, ut possint aliquid boni facere de eo, quod eis relictum est, et vivent deo, quoniam ex bono genere sunt. ideo ergo pusillum circumcisi sunt et positi sunt in structuram turris huius. ### English translation (Claude) When, then, the Lord saw their mind, that they could favor the truth and also remain good, he ordered their wealth to be cut away, not taken away entirely, so that they could do some good with what was left to them, and they will live to God, because they are of a good race. So they were cut a little and placed in the building of this tower. ### Translation notes - Translated from the Latin. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.30.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/30/5/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.31.1 (108.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/31/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:292 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Those still round have not yet received the seal of baptism. ### Latin text ceteri vero, qui adhuc rotundi remanserunt neque aptati sunt in eam structuram, quia nondum acceperunt sigillum, repositi sunt suo loco; valde enim rotundi reperti sunt. ### English translation (Claude) But the others, which still remained round and were not fitted into that building, because they have not yet received the seal, were put back in their place; for they were found very round. ### Translation notes - Translated from the Latin. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.31.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/31/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.31.2 (108.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/31/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:292 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Their worldliness must be cut away; none of this innocent race will perish. ### Latin text oportet autem circumcidi hoc saeculum ab illis et vanitates opum suarum, et tunc convenient in dei regnum. necesse est enim eos intrare in dei regnum; hoc enim genus innocuum benedixit dominus. ex hoc ergo genere non intercidet quisquam. etenim licet quis eorum temptatus a nequissimo diabolo aliquid deliquerit, cito recurret ad dominum suum. ### English translation (Claude) This world and the vanities of their riches must be cut away from them, and then they will fit into the kingdom of God. For they must enter the kingdom of God; for the Lord has blessed this innocent race. From this race, then, no one will perish. For even if one of them, tempted by the most wicked devil, commits some fault, he will quickly run back to his Lord. ### Translation notes - Translated from the Latin. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.31.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/31/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.31.3 (108.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/31/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:292 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Blessed are those innocent as infants. ### Latin text felices vos iudico omnes, ego nuntius paenitentiae, quicumque estis innocentes sicut infantes, quoniam pars vestra bona est et honorata apud deum. ### English translation (Claude) I judge you all happy, I the messenger of repentance, whoever of you are innocent as infants, because your portion is good and honored before God. ### Translation notes - Translated from the Latin. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.31.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/31/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.31.4 (108.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/31/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:292 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The baptized must keep simplicity, forgive offenses, and heal divisions. ### Latin text dico autem omnibus, vobis, quicumque sigillum hoc accepistis, simplicitatem habere neque offensarum memores esse neque in malitia vestra permanere aut in memoria offensarum amaritudinis, in unum quemque spiritum fieri et has malas scissuras permediare ac tollere a vobis, ut dominus pecorum gaudeat de his. ### English translation (Claude) And I say to all of you who have received this seal: have simplicity, and do not remember offenses, nor remain in your malice or in the memory of the bitterness of offenses; become each one of one spirit, and heal these evil divisions and take them away from you, so that the lord of the flocks may rejoice over them. ### Translation notes - Translated from the Latin. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.31.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/31/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.31.5 (108.5) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/31/5/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:292 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Woe to the shepherds if any sheep is lost. ### Greek text χαρήσεται δέ, ἐὰν πάντα ὑγιῆ εὑρεθῇ, καὶ μὴ διαπεπτωκότα ἐξ αὐτῶν. ἐὰν δὲ εὑρεθῇ τινα ἐξ αὐτῶν διαπεπτωκότα, οὐαὶ τοῖς ποιμέσιν ἔσται. ### English translation (Claude) And he will rejoice if all are found sound, and none of them has fallen away. But if any of them is found to have fallen away, woe to the shepherds. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.31.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/31/5/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.31.6 (108.6) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/31/6/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:292–294 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Shepherds of the church cannot blame the flock; they will give an account. ### Greek text ἐὰν δὲ καὶ αὐτοὶ οἱ ποιμένες εὑρεθῶσι διαπεπτωκότες, τί ἐροῦσι τῷ δεσπότῃ τοῦ ποιμνίου; ὅτι ἀπὸ τῶν προβάτων διέπεσαν; οὐ πιστευθήσονται· ἄπιστον γὰρ πρᾶγμά ἐστι ποιμένα ὑπὸ προβάτων παθεῖν τι· μᾶλλον δὲ κολασθήσονται διὰ τὸ ψεῦδος αὐτῶν. et ego sum pastor, et validissime oportet me de vobis reddere rationem. ### English translation (Claude) And if the shepherds themselves are found to have fallen away, what will they say to the master of the flock? That they fell away because of the sheep? They will not be believed; for it is an unbelievable thing for a shepherd to suffer anything from sheep; rather they will be punished for their lie. And I too am a shepherd, and I must most strictly give an account of you. ### Scripture references - Ezek 34:10: echo, medium confidence - Heb 13:17: echo, medium confidence ### Translation notes - The last sentence survives only in Latin. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.31.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/31/6/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.32.1 (109.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/32/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:294 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Repent while the tower is being built. ### Latin text remediate ergo vos, dum adhuc turris aedificatur. ### English translation (Claude) Heal yourselves, then, while the tower is still being built. ### Translation notes - Translated from the Latin. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.32.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/32/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.32.2 (109.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/32/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:294 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Return your spirit to God whole, as you received it. ### Latin text dominus habitat in viris amantibus pacem; ei enimvero pax cara est; a litigiosis vero et perditis malitiae longe abest. reddite igitur ei spiritum integrum, sicut accepistis. ### English translation (Claude) The Lord dwells in men who love peace; for peace is dear to him indeed; but he is far from the quarrelsome and those ruined by malice. Give back to him, then, the spirit whole, as you received it. ### Translation notes - Translated from the Latin. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.32.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/32/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.32.3 (109.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/32/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:294 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Parable: you would not accept a torn garment back from a cleaner. ### Latin text si enim dederis fulloni vestimentum novum integrum idque integrum iterum vis recipere, fullo autem scissum tibi illud reddet, recipies illud? nonne statim scandesces et eum convicio persequeris, dicens: vestimentum integrum tibi dedi; quare scidisti illud et inutile redegisti? et propter scissuram, quam in eo fecisti, in usu esse non potest. nonne haec omnia verba dices fulloni ergo et de scissura, quam in vestimento tuo fecerit? ### English translation (Claude) For if you give a fuller a new garment whole, and wish to receive it back whole, but the fuller gives it back to you torn, will you accept it? Will you not at once flare up and pursue him with reproach, saying, ‘I gave you a garment whole; why have you torn it and made it useless? Because of the tear you have made in it, it cannot be used.’ Will you not say all these words to the fuller about the tear he has made in your garment? ### Translation notes - Translated from the Latin. A fuller cleaned and finished cloth. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.32.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/32/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.32.4 (109.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/32/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:294 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: God gave a whole spirit; he will punish those who ruin it. ### Latin text si sic igitur tu doles de vestimento tuo et quereris, quod non illud integrum recipias, quid putas dominum tibi facturum, qui spiritum integrum tibi dedit, et tu eum totum inutilem redegisti, ita ut in nullo usu esse possit domino suo? inutilis enim esse coepit usus eius, cum sit corruptus a te. nonne igitur dominus spiritus eius propter hoc factum tuum morte te adficiet? ### English translation (Claude) If, then, you grieve so over your garment and complain that you do not receive it back whole, what do you think the Lord will do to you, who gave you the spirit whole, and you have made it wholly useless, so that it can be of no use to its Lord? For its use has become useless, since it has been corrupted by you. Will not, then, the Lord of that spirit punish you with death for this deed of yours?” ### Translation notes - Translated from the Latin. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.32.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/32/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.32.5 (109.5) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/32/5/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:294–296 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Do not trample God's patience; repent. ### Latin text plane, inquam, omnes eos, quoscumque invenerit in memoria offensarum permanere, adficiet. clementiam, inquit, eius calcare nolite, sed potius honorificate eum; quod tam patiens est ad delicta vestra et non est sicut vos. agite enim paenitentiam utilem vobis. ### English translation (Claude) “Certainly,” I said, “he will punish all whom he finds persisting in remembering offenses.” “Do not trample on his mercy,” he said, “but rather honor him, because he is so patient with your sins and is not like you. Do, then, the repentance that is useful to you.” ### Translation notes - Translated from the Latin. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.32.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/32/5/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.33.1 (110.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/33/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:296 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The Shepherd's message: repent and live. ### Latin text haec omnia, quae supra scripta sunt, ego pastor nuntius paenitentiae ostendi et locutus sum dei servis. si credideritis ergo et audieritis verba mea et ambulaveritis in his et correxeritis itinera vestra, vivere poteritis. sin autem permanseritis in malitia et memoria offensarum, nullus ex huiusmodi vivet deo. haec omnia a me dicenda dicta sunt vobis ### English translation (Claude) All these things written above I, the shepherd, the messenger of repentance, have shown and spoken to God's servants. If, then, you believe and hear my words and walk in them and correct your ways, you will be able to live. But if you remain in malice and in remembering offenses, none of such people will live to God. All these things that I had to say have been said to you. ### Translation notes - Translated from the Latin. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.33.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/33/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.33.2 (110.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/33/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:296 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Hermas forgot to ask about the filled-in marks. ### Latin text ait mihi ipse pastor: omnia a me interrogasti? et dixi: ita, domine. quare ergo non interrogasti me de forma lapidum in structura repositorum, quod explevimus formas? et dixi: oblitus sum, domine. ### English translation (Claude) The shepherd himself said to me, “Have you asked me everything?” And I said, “Yes, sir.” “Why, then, did you not ask me about the marks of the stones put in the building, where we filled in the marks?” And I said, “I forgot, sir.” ### Translation notes - Translated from the Latin. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.33.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/33/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 9.33.3 (110.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/33/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:296 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The filled marks are the sins of the repentant, blotted out. ### Latin text audi nunc, inquit, de illis. hi sunt qui nunc mandata mea audierunt et ex totis praecordiis egerunt paenitentiam. cumque vidisset dominus bonam atque puram esse paenitentiam eorum et posse eos in ea permanere, iussit priora peccata eorum deleri. hae enim formae peccata erant eorum, et exaequata sunt, ne apparerent. ### English translation (Claude) “Hear now,” he said, “about them. These are those who have now heard my commandments and repented with their whole heart. And when the Lord saw that their repentance was good and pure and that they could remain in it, he ordered their former sins to be blotted out. For these marks were their sins, and they were smoothed over, so that they would not appear.” ### Translation notes - Translated from the Latin. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 9.33.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/9/33/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 10.1.1 (111.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/10/1/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:298 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The glorious angel comes with the Shepherd. ### Latin text postquam perscripseram librum hunc, venit nuntius ille, qui me tradiderat huic pastori, in domum, in qua eram, et consedit supra lectum, et adstitit ad dexteram hic pastor. deinde vocavit me et haec mihi dixit: ### English translation (Claude) After I had written this book, the messenger who had handed me over to this shepherd came into the house where I was and sat on the bed, and this shepherd stood at his right hand. Then he called me and said this to me: ### Translation notes - Similitude 10, the conclusion of the work, survives complete only in Latin; it is translated from the Latin, with the few Greek fragments. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 10.1.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/10/1/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 10.1.2 (111.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/10/1/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:298 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Walk in the Shepherd's commandments and be protected. ### Latin text tradidi te, inquit, et domum tuam huic pastori, ut ab eo protegi possis. ita, inquam, domine. si vis ergo protegi, inquit, ab omni vexatione et ab omni saevitia, successum autem habere in omni opere bono atque verbo et omnem virtutem aequitatis, in mandatis huius ingredere, quae dedi tibi, et poteris dominari omni nequitiae. ### English translation (Claude) “I handed you and your household over to this shepherd,” he said, “so that you might be protected by him.” “Yes, sir,” I said. “If, then, you wish to be protected,” he said, “from all trouble and all cruelty, and to have success in every good work and word and every virtue of fairness, walk in his commandments, which I have given you, and you will be able to master all wickedness. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 10.1.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/10/1/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 10.1.3 (111.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/10/1/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:298 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The Shepherd alone has authority over repentance in the whole world. ### Latin text custodienti enim tibi mandata huius subiecta erit omnis cupiditas et dulcedo saeculi huius, successus vero in omni bono negotio te sequetur. maturitatem huius et modestiam suscipe in te et dic omnibus, in magno honore esse eum et dignitate apud dominum et magnae potestatis eum praesidem esse et potentem in officio suo. huic soli per totum orbem paenitentiae potestas tributa est. potensne tibi videtur esse? sed vos maturitatem huius et verecundiam, quam in vos habet, despicitis. ### English translation (Claude) For if you keep his commandments, every desire and sweetness of this world will be subject to you, and success will follow you in every good undertaking. Take on yourself his gravity and modesty, and tell all that he is in great honor and dignity with the Lord and is a ruler of great power and mighty in his office. To him alone in the whole world has authority over repentance been given. Does he seem to you powerful? But you despise his gravity and the modesty he shows toward you.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 10.1.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/10/1/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 10.2.1 (112.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/10/2/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:298–300 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Hermas asks whether he has offended the Shepherd. ### Latin text dico ei: interroga ipsum, domine, ex quo in domo mea est, an aliquid extra ordinem fecerim, ex quo eum offenderim. ### English translation (Claude) I said to him, “Ask him himself, sir, whether since he has been in my house I have done anything out of order, by which I have offended him.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 10.2.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/10/2/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 10.2.2 (112.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/10/2/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:300 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The angel knows Hermas has done well; he must tell others. ### Latin text et ego, inquit, scio nihil extra ordinem fecisse te neque esse facturum. et ideo haec loquor tecum, ut perseveres. bene enim de te hic apud me existimavit. tu autem ceteris haec verba dices, ut et illi, qui egerunt aut acturi sunt paenitentiam, eadem quae tu sentiant et hic apud me de his bene interpretetur et ego apud dominum. ### English translation (Claude) “I too know,” he said, “that you have done nothing out of order and will not do so. And that is why I speak these things with you, so that you may persevere. For he has thought well of you before me. But you shall tell these words to others, so that those who have repented or will repent may think as you do, and he may speak well of them to me, and I to the Lord.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 10.2.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/10/2/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 10.2.3 (112.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/10/2/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:300 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Hermas proclaims God's works and hopes all will repent. ### Latin text et ego, inquam, domine, omni homini indico magnalia domini; spero autem, quia omnes, qui antea peccaverunt, si haec audiant, libenter acturi sunt paenitentiam vitam recuperantes. ### English translation (Claude) “And I, sir,” I said, “declare to every person the mighty works of the Lord; and I hope that all who have sinned before, if they hear these things, will gladly repent and recover life.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 10.2.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/10/2/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 10.2.4 (112.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/10/2/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:300 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Those who keep the commandments have life; others bring death on themselves. ### Latin text permane ergo, inquit, in hoc ministerio et consumma illud. quicumque autem mandata huius efficiunt, habebunt vitam, et hic apud dominum magnum honorem. quicumque vero huius mandata non servant, fugiunt a sua vita et illum adversus; nec mandata eius sequuntur, sed morti se tradunt et unusquisque eorum reus fit sanguinis sui. tibi autem dico, ut servias mandatis his, et remedium peccatorum habebis. ### English translation (Claude) “Continue, then,” he said, “in this ministry and complete it. Whoever carries out his commandments will have life, and will have great honor with the Lord. But whoever does not keep his commandments flees from his own life and opposes him; they do not follow his commandments, but hand themselves over to death, and each of them becomes guilty of his own blood. But I tell you to serve these commandments, and you will have healing for your sins. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 10.2.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/10/2/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 10.3.1 (113.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/10/3/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:300–302 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The virgins (the virtues) will live with Hermas to help him keep the commandments. ### Latin text misi autem tibi has virgines, ut habitent tecum; vidi enim eas affabiles tibi esse. habes ergo eas adiutrices, quo magis possis huius mandata servare; non potest enim fieri, ut sine his virginibus haec mandata serventur. video autem eas libenter esse tecum; sed ego praecipiam eis, ut omnino a domo tua non discedant. ### English translation (Claude) And I have sent you these virgins to live with you; for I saw that they were friendly to you. You have them, then, as helpers, so that you may be better able to keep his commandments; for it is not possible for these commandments to be kept without these virgins. And I see that they are glad to be with you; but I will command them not to leave your house at all. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 10.3.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/10/3/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 10.3.2 (113.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/10/3/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:302 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The virtues remain only in a pure house. ### Latin text tu tantum communda domum tuam; in munda enim domo libenter habitabunt; mundae enim sunt atque castae et industriae et omnes habentes gratiam apud dominum. igitur si habuerint domum tuam puram, tecum permanebunt. sin autem pusillum aliquid inquinationis acciderit, protinus a domo tua recedent; hae enim virgines nullum omnino diligunt inquinationem. ### English translation (Claude) Only keep your house clean; for they will gladly live in a clean house; for they are clean and chaste and industrious and all have favor with the Lord. So if they find your house pure, they will remain with you. But if even a little defilement occurs, they will at once leave your house; for these virgins love no defilement at all.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 10.3.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/10/3/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 10.3.3 (113.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/10/3/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:302 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Hermas hopes to please them. ### Latin text dico ei: spero me, domine, placiturum eis, ita ut in domo mea libenter habitent semper. καὶ ὥσπερ οὗτος, ᾧ παρέδωκάς με, οὐ μέμφεταί με, οὐδὲ αὗται μέμψονταί με. ### English translation (Claude) I said to him, “I hope, sir, that I shall please them, so that they may always live gladly in my house. And just as this one, to whom you handed me over, does not find fault with me, neither will they find fault with me.” ### Translation notes - The last sentence survives in Greek. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 10.3.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/10/3/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 10.3.4 (113.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/10/3/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:302 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The angel trusts Hermas. ### Greek text λέγει τῷ ποιμένι· Οἶδα, ὅτι ὁ δοῦλος τοῦ θεοῦ θέλει ζῆν καὶ τηρήσει τὰς ἐντολὰς ταύτας καὶ τὰς παρθένους ἐν καθαρότητι καταστήσει. ### English translation (Claude) He said to the shepherd, “I know that the servant of God wishes to live and will keep these commandments and will settle the virgins in purity.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 10.3.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/10/3/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 10.3.5 (113.5) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/10/3/5/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:302 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The angel entrusts Hermas and his house to the virgins. ### Latin text ταῦτα εἰπὼν τῷ ποιμένι πάλιν παρέδωκέν με καὶ τὰς παρθένους καλέσας... λέγει αὐταῖς· quoniam video vos libenter in domo huius habitare, commendo eum vobis et domum eius, ut a domo eius non recedatis omnino. illae vero haec verba libenter audierunt. ### English translation (Claude) Having said this to the shepherd, he again handed me over, and calling the virgins, … he said to them, “Since I see that you are glad to live in this man's house, I commend him and his house to you, so that you may not leave his house at all.” And they heard these words gladly. ### Translation notes - The beginning of this section survives in Greek, the rest in Latin; a few words are lost where the two join. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 10.3.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/10/3/5/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 10.4.1 (114.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/10/4/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:302 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Hermas must proclaim God's works boldly. ### Latin text ait deinde mihi: viriliter in ministerio hoc conversare, omni homini indica magnalia domini, et habebis gratiam in hoc ministerio. quicumque ergo in his mandatis ambulaverit, vivet et felix erit in vita sua; quicumque vero neglexerit, non vivet et erit infelix in vita sua. ### English translation (Claude) Then he said to me, “Behave manfully in this ministry; declare to every person the mighty works of the Lord, and you will have favor in this ministry. Whoever, then, walks in these commandments will live and be happy in his life; but whoever neglects them will not live and will be unhappy in his life. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 10.4.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/10/4/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 10.4.2 (114.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/10/4/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:302–304 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Everyone should be rescued from hardship. ### Latin text dic omnibus, ut non cessent, quicumque recte facere possunt; bona opera exercere utile est illis. dico autem, omnem hominem de incommodis eripi oportere. et is enim, qui eget et in cotidiana vita patitur incommoda, in magno tormento est ac necessitate. ### English translation (Claude) Tell all who are able to do right not to stop; it is useful for them to practice good works. And I say that every person ought to be rescued from hardships. For the one who is in need and suffers hardships in daily life is in great torment and distress. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 10.4.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/10/4/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 10.4.3 (114.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/10/4/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:304 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Failing to rescue the desperate makes one guilty of their blood. ### Latin text qui igitur huiusmodi animam eripit de necessitate, magnum gaudium sibi adquirit. is enim, qui huiusmodi vexatur incommodo, pari tormento cruciatur atque torquet se qui in vincula est. multi enim propter huiusmodi calamitates, cum eas sufferre non possunt, mortem sibi adducunt. qui novit igitur calamitatem huiusmodi hominis et non eripit eum, magnum peccatum admittit et reus fit sanguinis eius. ### English translation (Claude) Whoever, then, rescues such a soul from distress gains great joy for himself. For the one who is troubled by such hardship is tortured with the same torment as one who is in chains. For many, because of such calamities, when they cannot bear them, bring death on themselves. Whoever, then, knows the calamity of such a person and does not rescue him commits a great sin and becomes guilty of his blood. ### Translation notes - “Bring death on themselves”: suicide under the pressure of poverty. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 10.4.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/10/4/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 10.4.4 (114.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/10/4/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:304 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Do good now, before the tower is completed and you are shut out. ### Latin text facite igitur opera bona, quicumque accepistis a domino, ne, dum tardatis facere, consummetur structura turris. propter vos enim intermissum est opus aedificationis eius. nisi festinetis igitur facere recte, consummabitur turris, et excludemini. ### English translation (Claude) Do good works, then, all of you who have received from the Lord, lest while you delay to do them the building of the tower be completed. For it is for your sake that the work of its building has been interrupted. Unless, then, you hasten to do right, the tower will be completed, and you will be shut out.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 10.4.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/10/4/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Similitude 10.4.5 (114.5) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/10/4/5/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:304 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The angel departs, promising to send back the Shepherd and the virgins. ### Latin text postquam vero locutus est mecum, surrexit de lecto et apprehenso pastore et virginibus abiit, dicens autem mihi, remissurum se pastorem illum et virgines in domum meam. ### English translation (Claude) After he had spoken with me, he rose from the bed, and taking the shepherd and the virgins he went away, saying to me that he would send that shepherd and the virgins back to my house. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Sim. 10.4.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-sim/10/4/5/).