# Shepherd of Hermas: Visions - Author: [Hermas](https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/authors/hermas/) - Latin title: *Pastor Hermae, Visiones* - Date: ca. 100–150 (disputed) - Source: Kirsopp Lake, ed. and trans., The Apostolic Fathers, vol. 2, LCL 25 (London: Heinemann; New York: Macmillan, 1913), 6–71 (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-vis/ - Passages: 155 ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 1.1.1 (1.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/1/1/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:6 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Hermas, once a slave, meets again his former owner Rhoda. ### Greek text Ὁ θρέψας με πέπρακέν με Ῥόδῃ τινὶ εἰς Ῥώμην. μετὰ πολλὰ ἔτη ταύτην ἀνεγνωρισάμην καὶ ἠρξάμην αὐτὴν ἀγαπᾶν ὡς ἀδελφήν. ### English translation (Claude) The man who brought me up sold me to a certain Rhoda in Rome. After many years I met her again and began to love her as a sister. ### Translation notes - The Shepherd of Hermas is a long visionary work written in Rome by Hermas, a former slave. It is in three parts: Visions, Mandates (commandments), and Similitudes (parables). The Visions are narrated by Hermas himself. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 1.1.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/1/1/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 1.1.2 (1.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/1/1/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:6 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Seeing Rhoda bathing, Hermas wishes he had such a wife. ### Greek text μετὰ χρόνον τινὰ λουομένην εἰς τὸν ποταμὸν τὸν Τίβεριν εἶδον καὶ ἐπέδωκα αὐτῇ τὴν χεῖρα καὶ ἐξήγαγον αὐτὴν ἐκ τοῦ ποταμοῦ. ταύτης οὖν ἰδὼν τὸ κάλλος διελογιζόμην ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ μου λέγων· Μακάριος ἤμην, εἰ τοιαύτην γυναῖκα εἶχον καὶ τῷ κάλλει καὶ τῷ τρόπῳ. μόνον τοῦτο ἐβουλευσάμην, ἕτερον δὲ οὐδὲ ἕν. ### English translation (Claude) After some time I saw her bathing in the river Tiber, and I gave her my hand and helped her out of the river. When I saw her beauty I reasoned in my heart, saying, “How happy I would be if I had a wife like this, both in beauty and in character.” This was all I thought, and nothing else at all. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 1.1.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/1/1/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 1.1.3 (1.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/1/1/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:6–8 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: On the road to Cumae a spirit carries Hermas away, and he prays. ### Greek text μετὰ χρόνον τινὰ πορευομένου μου εἰς Κώμας καὶ δοξάζοντος τὰς κτίσεις τοῦ θεοῦ, ὡς μεγάλαι καὶ ἐκπρεπεῖς καὶ δυναταί εἰσιν, περιπατῶν ἀφύπνωσα. καὶ πνεῦμά με ἔλαβεν καὶ ἀπήνεγκέ με διʼ ἀνοδίας τινός, διʼ ἧς ἄνθρωπος οὐκ ἐδύνατο ὁδεῦσαι· ἦν δὲ ὁ τόπος κρημνώδης καὶ ἀπερρηγὼς ἀπὸ τῶν ὑδάτων. διαβὰς οὖν τὸν ποταμὸν ἐκεῖνον ἦλθον εἰς τὰ ὁμαλὰ καὶ τιθῶ τὰ γόνατα καὶ ἠρξάμην προσεύχεσθαι τῷ κυρίῳ καὶ ἐξομολογεῖσθαί μου τὰς ἁμαρτίας. ### English translation (Claude) After some time, as I was going to Cumae and glorifying God's creatures, how great and splendid and mighty they are, I fell asleep as I walked. And a spirit took me and carried me away through a pathless place, through which no one could walk; the place was steep and broken up by the waters. When I had crossed that river I came to level ground, and I knelt and began to pray to the Lord and to confess my sins. ### Translation notes - “Cumae”: probably the town near Naples, or possibly a village near Rome; the name (Κῶμαι) can also mean “villages.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 1.1.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/1/1/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 1.1.4 (1.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/1/1/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:8 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Rhoda appears to Hermas from heaven. ### Greek text προσευχομένου δέ μου ἠνοίγη ὁ οὐρανός, καὶ βλέπω τὴν γυναῖκα ἐκείνην, ἣν ἐπεθύμησα, ἀσπαζομένην με ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ, λέγουσαν· Ἑρμᾶ χαῖρε. ### English translation (Claude) As I was praying, the heaven opened, and I saw that woman whom I had desired greeting me from heaven, saying, “Hermas, greetings.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 1.1.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/1/1/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 1.1.5 (1.5) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/1/1/5/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:8 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Rhoda says she was taken up to accuse him. ### Greek text βλέψας δὲ εἰς αὐτὴν λέγω αὐτῇ· Κυρία, τί σὺ ὧδε ποιεῖς; ἡ δὲ ἀπεκρίθη μοι· Ἀνελήμφθην, ἵνα σοῦ τὰς ἁμαρτίας ἐλέγξω πρὸς τὸν κύριον. ### English translation (Claude) Looking at her, I said to her, “Lady, what are you doing here?” She answered me, “I was taken up to accuse you of your sins before the Lord.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 1.1.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/1/1/5/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 1.1.6 (1.6) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/1/1/6/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:8 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: God is angry with Hermas for sinning against Rhoda. ### Greek text λέγω αὐτῇ· Νῦν σύ μου ἔλεγχος εἶ; Οὔ, φησίν, ἀλλὰ ἄκουσον τὰ ῥήματα, ἅ σοι μέλλω λέγειν. ὁ θεὸς ὁ ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς κατοικῶν καὶ κτίσας ἐκ τοῦ μὴ ὄντος τὰ ὄντα καὶ πληθύνας καὶ αὐξήσας ἕνεκεν τῆς ἁγίας ἐκκλησίας αὐτοῦ ὀργίζεταί σοι, ὅτι ἥμαρτες εἰς ἐμέ. ### English translation (Claude) I said to her, “Are you now my accuser?” “No,” she said, “but listen to the words I am going to say to you. God, who dwells in the heavens and created out of what does not exist the things that exist, and increased and multiplied them for the sake of his holy church, is angry with you because you sinned against me.” ### Scripture references - Rom 4:17: echo, low confidence ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 1.1.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/1/1/6/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 1.1.7 (1.7) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/1/1/7/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:8 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Hermas protests his innocence. ### Greek text ἀποκριθεὶς αὐτῇ λέγω· Εἰς σὲ ἥμαρτον; ποίῳ τόπῳ ἢ πότε σοι αἰσχρὸν ῥῆμα ἐλάλησα; οὐ πάντοτέ σε ὡς θεὰν ἡγησάμην; οὐ πάντοτέ σε ἐνετράπην ὡς ἀδελφήν; τί μου καταψεύδῃ, ὦ γύναι, τὰ πονηρὰ ταῦτα καὶ ἀκάθαρτα; ### English translation (Claude) I answered her, “I sinned against you? In what place, or when, did I ever speak a shameful word to you? Did I not always regard you as a goddess? Did I not always respect you as a sister? Why do you falsely accuse me, lady, of these evil and impure things?” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 1.1.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/1/1/7/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 1.1.8 (1.8) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/1/1/8/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:8–10 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Even an evil desire in the heart is a great sin. ### Greek text γελάσασά μοι λέγει· Ἐπὶ τὴν καρδίαν σου ἀνέβη ἡ ἐπιθυμία τῆς πονηρίας. ἢ οὐ δοκεῖ σοι ἀνδρὶ δικαίῳ πονηρὸν πρᾶγμα εἶναι, ἐὰν ἀναβῇ αὐτοῦ ἐπὶ τὴν καρδίαν ἡ πονηρὰ ἐπιθυμία; ἁμαρτία γέ ἐστιν, καὶ μεγάλη, φησίν. ὁ γὰρ δίκαιος ἀνὴρ δίκαια βουλεύεται. ἐν τῷ οὖν δίκαια βουλεύεσθαι αὐτὸν κατορθοῦται ἡ δόξα αὐτοῦ ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς καὶ εὐκατάλλακτον ἔχει τὸν κύριον ἐν παντὶ πράγματι αὐτοῦ· οἱ δὲ πονηρὰ βουλευόμενοι ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις αὐτῶν θάνατον καὶ αἰχμαλωτισμὸν ἑαυτοῖς ἐπισπῶνται, μάλιστα οἱ τὸν αἰῶνα τοῦτον περιποιούμενοι καὶ γαυριῶντες ἐν τῷ πλούτῳ αὐτῶν καὶ μὴ ἀντεχόμενοι τῶν ἀγαθῶν τῶν μελλόντων. ### English translation (Claude) She laughed and said to me, “The desire for wickedness rose up in your heart. Or do you not think it an evil thing for a righteous man if an evil desire rises up in his heart? It is indeed a sin,” she said, “and a great one. For the righteous man plans righteous things. By planning righteous things his glory is established in the heavens, and he finds the Lord easily reconciled in everything he does. But those who plan evil in their hearts bring death and captivity upon themselves, especially those who acquire this world for themselves and pride themselves in their wealth and do not hold fast to the good things to come. ### Scripture references - Matt 5:28: echo, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 1.1.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/1/1/8/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 1.1.9 (1.9) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/1/1/9/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:10 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Pray to God, and he will heal your sins. ### Greek text μετανοήσουσιν αἱ ψυχαὶ αὐτῶν, οἵτινες οὐκ ἔχουσιν ἐλπίδα, ἀλλὰ ἑαυτοὺς ἀπεγνώκασιν καὶ τὴν ζωὴν αὐτῶν. ἀλλὰ σὺ προσεύχου πρὸς τὸν θεόν, καὶ ἰάσεται τὰ ἁμαρτήματά σου καὶ ὅλου τοῦ οἴκου σου καὶ πάντων τῶν ἁγίων. ### English translation (Claude) Their souls will regret it, for they have no hope but have despaired of themselves and their life. But you, pray to God, and he will heal your sins and those of your whole household and of all the saints.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 1.1.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/1/1/9/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 1.2.1 (2.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/1/2/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:10 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Hermas despairs of forgiveness. ### Greek text Μετὰ τὸ λαλῆσαι αὐτὴν τὰ ῥήματα ταῦτα ἐκλείσθησαν οἱ οὐρανοί· κἀγὼ ὅλος ἤμην πεφρικὼς καὶ λυπούμενος. ἔλεγον δὲ ἐν ἐμαυτῷ· Εἰ αὕτη μοι ἡ ἁμαρτία ἀναγράφεται, πῶς δυνήσομαι σωθῆναι; ἢ πῶς ἐξιλάσομαι τὸν θεὸν περὶ τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν μου τῶν τελείων; ἢ ποίοις ῥήμασιν ἐρωτήσω τὸν κύριον, ἵνα ἱλατεύσηταί μοι; ### English translation (Claude) After she had spoken these words the heavens were shut; and I was all shuddering and grieving. And I said to myself, “If this sin is recorded against me, how can I be saved? Or how shall I appease God for my sins that are complete? Or with what words shall I ask the Lord to be merciful to me?” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 1.2.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/1/2/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 1.2.2 (2.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/1/2/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:10 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: An elderly woman with a book appears on a white chair. ### Greek text ταῦτά μου συμβουλευομένου καὶ διακρίνοντος ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ μου, βλέπω κατέναντί μου καθέδραν λευκὴν ἐξ ἐρίων χιονίνων γεγονυῖαν μεγάλην· καὶ ἦλθεν γυνὴ πρεσβῦτις ἐν ἱματισμῷ λαμπροτάτῳ, ἔχουσα βιβλίον εἰς τὰς χεῖρας, καὶ ἐκάθισεν μόνη καὶ ἀσπάζεταί με· Ἑρμᾶ, χαῖρε. κἀγὼ λυπούμενος καὶ κλαίων εἶπον· Κυρία, χαῖρε. ### English translation (Claude) While I was pondering and weighing these things in my heart, I saw in front of me a great white chair made of snow-white wool; and an elderly woman came in a very bright garment, with a book in her hands, and sat down alone and greeted me: “Hermas, greetings.” And I, grieving and weeping, said, “Lady, greetings.” ### Translation notes - The elderly woman is later revealed to be the church (Vis. 2.4.1). ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 1.2.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/1/2/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 1.2.3 (2.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/1/2/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:10 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The woman asks why Hermas is sad. ### Greek text καὶ εἶπέν μοι· Τί στυγνός, Ἑρμᾶ; ὁ μακρόθυμος καὶ ἀστομάχητος, ὁ πάντοτε γελῶν, τί οὕτω κατηφὴς τῇ ἰδέᾳ καὶ οὐχ ἱλαρός; κἀγὼ εἶπον αὐτῇ· Ὑπὸ γυναικὸς ἀγαθωτάτης λεγούσης, ὅτι ἥμαρτον εἰς αὐτήν. ### English translation (Claude) And she said to me, “Why so gloomy, Hermas? You who are patient and even-tempered, who are always laughing, why is your face so downcast and not cheerful?” And I said to her, “Because of a most excellent woman, who says that I sinned against her.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 1.2.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/1/2/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 1.2.4 (2.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/1/2/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:10–12 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Such a thought is sinful even for a tested servant of God. ### Greek text ἡ δὲ ἔφη· Μηδαμῶς ἐπὶ τὸν δοῦλον τοῦ θεοῦ τὸ πρᾶγμα τοῦτο. ἀλλὰ πάντως ἐπὶ τὴν καρδίαν σου ἀνέβη περὶ αὐτῆς. ἔστιν μὲν τοῖς δούλοις τοῦ θεοῦ ἡ τοιαύτη βουλὴ ἁμαρτίαν ἐπιφέρουσα· πονηρὰ γὰρ βουλὴ καὶ ἔκπληκτος εἰς πάνσεμνον πνεῦμα καὶ ἤδη δεδοκιμασμένον, ἐὰν ἐπιθυμήσῃ πονηρὸν ἔργον, καὶ μάλιστα Ἑρμᾶς ὁ ἐγκρατής, ὁ ἀπεχόμενος πάσης ἐπιθυμίας πονηρᾶς καὶ πλήρης πάσης ἁπλότητος καὶ ἀκακίας μεγάλης. ### English translation (Claude) And she said, “Far be this thing from the servant of God! But certainly it rose up in your heart about her. For God's servants such a thought brings sin; for it is an evil and shocking thought for a most reverent spirit, already tested, to desire an evil deed, and especially for Hermas the self-controlled, who abstains from every evil desire and is full of all simplicity and great innocence. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 1.2.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/1/2/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 1.3.1 (3.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/1/3/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:12 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: God is angry because Hermas failed to correct his family. ### Greek text Ἀλλʼ οὐχ ἕνεκα τούτου ὀργίζεταί σοι ὁ θεός, ἀλλʼ ἵνα τὸν οἶκόν σου τὸν ἀνομήσαντα εἰς τὸν κύριον καὶ εἰς ὑμᾶς τοὺς γονεῖς αὐτῶν ἐπιστρέψῃς. ἀλλὰ φιλότεκνος ὢν οὐκ ἐνουθέτεις σου τὸν οἶκον, ἀλλὰ ἀφῆκες αὐτὸν καταφθαρῆναι, διὰ τοῦτό σοι ὀργίζεται ὁ κύριος· ἀλλὰ ἰάσεταί σου πάντα τὰ προγεγονότα πονηρὰ ἐν τῷ οἴκῳ σου· διὰ γὰρ τὰς ἐκείνων ἁμαρτίας καὶ ἀνομήματα σὺ κατεφθάρης ἀπὸ τῶν βιωτικῶν πράξεων. ### English translation (Claude) But it is not for this that God is angry with you, but so that you may turn your household, which has sinned against the Lord and against you, their parents. But being fond of your children you did not admonish your household, but let it become thoroughly corrupt. For this reason the Lord is angry with you; but he will heal all the past evils in your household. For because of their sins and transgressions you have been corrupted by the affairs of this life. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 1.3.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/1/3/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 1.3.2 (3.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/1/3/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:12–14 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Keep admonishing your children; if they repent they will be written in the book of life. ### Greek text ἀλλʼ ἡ πολυσπλαγχνία τοῦ κυρίου ἠλέησέν σε καὶ τὸν οἶκόν σου καὶ ἰσχυροποιήσει σε καὶ θεμελιώσει σε ἐν τῇ δόξῃ αὐτοῦ. σὺ μόνον μὴ ῥᾳθυμήσῃς, ἀλλὰ εὐψύχει καὶ ἰσχυροποίει σου τὸν οἶκον. ὡς γὰρ ὁ χαλκεὺς σφυροκοπῶν τὸ ἔργον αὐτοῦ περιγίνεται τοῦ πράγματος οὗ θέλει, οὕτω καὶ ὁ λόγος ὁ καθημερινὸς ὁ δίκαιος περιγίνεται πάσης πονηρίας. μὴ διαλίπῃς οὖν νουθετῶν σου τὰ τέκνα. οἶδα γάρ, ὅτι, ἐὰν μετανοήσουσιν ἐξ ὅλης καρδίας αὐτῶν, ἐνγραφήσονται εἰς τὰς βίβλους τῆς ζωῆς μετὰ τῶν ἁγίων. ### English translation (Claude) But the great mercy of the Lord has had pity on you and your household, and will strengthen you and establish you in his glory. Only do not be careless, but take courage and strengthen your household. For as the smith hammering his work masters the thing he wants, so also the daily righteous word masters all wickedness. Do not stop admonishing your children. For I know that if they repent with all their heart, they will be enrolled in the books of life with the saints.” ### Scripture references - Phil 4:3: echo, low confidence - Rev 3:5: echo, low confidence ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 1.3.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/1/3/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 1.3.3 (3.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/1/3/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:14 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The woman reads to Hermas from her book. ### Greek text μετὰ τὸ παῆναι αὐτῆς τὰ ῥήματα ταῦτα λέγει μοι· Θέλεις ἀκοῦσαί μου ἀναγινωσκούσης; λέγω κἀγώ· Θέλω, κυρία. λέγει μοι· Γενοῦ ἀκροατὴς καὶ ἄκουε τὰς δόξας τοῦ θεοῦ. ἤκουσα μεγάλως καὶ θαυμαστῶς, ὃ οὐκ ἴσχυσα μνημονεῦσαι· πάντα γὰρ τὰ ῥήματα ἔκφρικτα, ἃ οὐ δύναται ἄνθρωπος βαστάσαι. τὰ οὖν ἔσχατα ῥήματα ἐμνημόνευσα· ἦν γὰρ ἡμῖν σύμφορα καὶ ἥμερα· ### English translation (Claude) When she had finished these words she said to me, “Do you want to hear me read?” And I said, “I do, lady.” She said to me, “Listen, then, and hear the glories of God.” I heard great and marvelous things, which I could not remember; for all the words were terrifying, such as a man cannot bear. But I remembered the last words, for they were helpful to us and gentle: ### Translation notes - “Finished” (παῆναι): Hermas uses the late, non-classical aorist of παύω, “stop”; it is not a slip. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 1.3.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/1/3/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 1.3.4 (3.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/1/3/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:14 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: A hymn to God the Creator, who made the church and will fulfill his promise. ### Greek text Ἰδού, ὁ θεὸς τῶν δυνάμεων, ὃν ἀγαπῶ, δυνάμει κραταιᾷ καὶ τῇ μεγάλῃ συνέσει αὐτοῦ κτίσας τὸν κόσμον καὶ τῇ ἐνδόξῳ βουλῇ περιθεὶς τὴν εὐπρέπειαν τῇ κτίσει αὐτοῦ καὶ τῷ ἰσχυρῷ ῥήματι πήξας τὸν οὐρανὸν καὶ θεμελιώσας τὴν γῆν ἐπὶ ὑδάτων καὶ τῇ ἰδίᾳ σοφίᾳ καὶ προνοίᾳ κτίσας τὴν ἁγίαν ἐκκλησίαν αὐτοῦ, ἣν καὶ ηὐλόγησεν, ἰδού, μεθιστάνει τοὺς οὐρανούς, καὶ τὰ ὄρη καὶ τοὺς βουνοὺς καὶ τὰς θαλάσσας, καὶ πάντα ὁμαλὰ γίνεται τοῖς ἐκλεκτοῖς αὐτοῦ, ἵνα ἀποδῷ αὐτοῖς τὴν ἐπαγγελίαν, ἣν ἐπηγγείλατο μετὰ πολλῆς δόξης καὶ χαρᾶς, ἐὰν τηρήσωσιν τὰ νόμιμα τοῦ θεοῦ, ἃ παρέλαβον ἐν μεγάλῃ πίστει. ### English translation (Claude) “Behold, the God of powers, whom I love, who by his mighty power and great understanding created the world, and by his glorious counsel clothed his creation with beauty, and by his strong word fixed the heaven and founded the earth upon the waters, and by his own wisdom and providence created his holy church, which he also blessed: behold, he is removing the heavens and the mountains and the hills and the seas, and all things are becoming level for his elect, so that he may give them the promise that he promised with much glory and joy, if they keep the ordinances of God that they received in great faith.” ### Scripture references - Ps 24:2 (23:2 LXX): echo, medium confidence - Ps 136:6 (135:6 LXX): echo, low confidence - Isa 40:4: echo, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 1.3.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/1/3/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 1.4.1 (4.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/1/4/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:14 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Four young men carry the chair away to the east. ### Greek text Ὅτε οὖν ἐτέλεσεν ἀναγινώσκουσα καὶ ἠγέρθη ἀπὸ τῆς καθέδρας, ἦλθαν τέσσαρες νεανίαι καὶ ἦραν τὴν καθέδραν καὶ ἀπῆλθον πρὸς τὴν ἀνατολήν. ### English translation (Claude) When she had finished reading and rose from the chair, four young men came and took up the chair and went away toward the east. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 1.4.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/1/4/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 1.4.2 (4.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/1/4/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:14–16 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The hard words are for pagans and apostates, the gentle for the righteous. ### Greek text προσκαλεῖται δέ με καὶ ἥψατο τοῦ στήθους μου καὶ λέγει μοι· Ἤρεσέν σοι ἡ ἀνάγνωσίς μου; καὶ λέγω αὐτῇ· Κυρία, ταῦτά μοι τὰ ἔσχατα ἀρέσκει, τὰ δὲ πρῶτα χαλεπὰ καὶ σκληρά. ἡ δὲ ἔφη μοι λέγουσα· Ταῦτα τὰ ἔσχατα τοῖς δικαίοις, τὰ δὲ πρῶτα τοῖς ἔθνεσιν καὶ τοῖς ἀποστάταις. ### English translation (Claude) And she called me to her and touched my breast and said to me, “Did my reading please you?” And I said to her, “Lady, these last things please me, but the first were hard and harsh.” And she said to me, “These last things are for the righteous, but the first for the Gentiles and the apostates.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 1.4.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/1/4/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 1.4.3 (4.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/1/4/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:16 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: She is led away and tells Hermas to be brave. ### Greek text λαλούσης αὐτῆς μετʼ ἐμοῦ δύο τινὲς ἄνδρες ἐφάνησαν καὶ ἦραν αὐτὴν τῶν ἀγκώνων καὶ ἀπῆλθαν, ὅπου ἡ καθέδρα, πρὸς τὴν ἀνατολήν. ἱλαρὰ δὲ ἀπῆλθεν καὶ ὑπάγουσα λέγει μοι· Ἀνδρίζου, Ἑρμᾶ. ### English translation (Claude) While she was speaking with me, two men appeared and took her by the arms and went away toward the east, where the chair had gone. She went away cheerfully, and as she went she said to me, “Be a man, Hermas.” ### Scripture references - 1 Cor 16:13: echo, low confidence ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 1.4.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/1/4/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 2.1.1 (5.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/2/1/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:16 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: A year later, Hermas is carried to the same place. ### Greek text Πορευομένου μου εἰς Κώμας κατὰ τὸν καιρόν, ὃν καὶ πέρυσι, περιπατῶν ἀνεμνήσθην τῆς περυσινῆς ὁράσεως, καὶ πάλιν με αἵρει πνεῦμα καὶ ἀποφέρει εἰς τὸν αὐτὸν τόπον, ὅπου καὶ πέρυσι. ### English translation (Claude) As I was going to Cumae at the same time as the year before, I remembered last year's vision as I walked; and again a spirit took me and carried me away to the same place as the year before. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 2.1.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/2/1/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 2.1.2 (5.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/2/1/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:16 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Hermas prays and thanks God. ### Greek text ἐλθὼν οὖν εἰς τὸν τόπον τιθῶ τὰ γόνατα καὶ ἠρξάμην προσεύχεσθαι τῷ κυρίῳ καὶ δοξάζειν αὐτοῦ τὸ ὄνομα, ὅτι με ἄξιον ἡγήσατο καὶ ἐγνώρισέν μοι τὰς ἁμαρτίας μου τὰς πρότερον. ### English translation (Claude) When I came to the place, I knelt and began to pray to the Lord and to glorify his name, because he had counted me worthy and had made known to me my former sins. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 2.1.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/2/1/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 2.1.3 (5.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/2/1/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:16–18 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The woman gives Hermas a little book to copy. ### Greek text μετὰ δὲ τὸ ἐγερθῆναί με ἀπὸ τῆς προσευχῆς βλέπω ἀπέναντί μου τὴν πρεσβυτέραν, ἣν καὶ πέρυσιν ἑωράκειν, περιπατοῦσαν καὶ ἀναγινώσκουσαν βιβλαρίδιον, καὶ λέγει μοι· Δύνῃ ταῦτα τοῖς ἐκλεκτοῖς τοῦ θεοῦ ἀναγγεῖλαι; λέγω αὐτῇ· Κυρία, τοσαῦτα μνημονεῦσαι οὐ δύναμαι· δὸς δέ μοι τὸ βιβλίδιον, ἵνα μεταγράψωμαι αὐτό. Λάβε, φησίν, καὶ ἀποδώσεις μοι. ### English translation (Claude) After I rose from prayer I saw in front of me the elderly woman whom I had seen the year before, walking and reading a little book. And she said to me, “Can you announce these things to God's elect?” I said to her, “Lady, I cannot remember so much; but give me the little book, so that I may copy it.” “Take it,” she said, “and give it back to me.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 2.1.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/2/1/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 2.1.4 (5.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/2/1/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:18 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Hermas copies the book letter by letter; it is snatched away. ### Greek text ἔλαβον ἐγώ, καὶ εἴς τινα τόπον τοῦ ἀγροῦ ἀναχωρήσας μετεγραψάμην πάντα πρὸς γράμμα· οὐχ ηὕρισκον γὰρ τὰς συλλαβάς. τελέσαντος οὖν τὰ γράμματα τοῦ βιβλιδίου ἐξαίφνης ἡρπάγη μου ἐκ τῆς χειρὸς τὸ βιβλίδιον· ὑπὸ τίνος δὲ οὐκ εἶδον. ### English translation (Claude) I took it, and withdrawing to a certain place in the field I copied it all letter by letter, for I could not make out the syllables. When I had finished the letters of the little book, suddenly the little book was snatched out of my hand; but by whom I did not see. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 2.1.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/2/1/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 2.2.1 (6.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/2/2/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:18 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: After fasting, Hermas understands the writing. ### Greek text Μετὰ δὲ δέκα καὶ πέντε ἡμέρας νηστεύσαντός μου καὶ πολλὰ ἐρωτήσαντος τὸν κύριον ἀπεκαλύφθη μοι ἡ γνῶσις τῆς γραφῆς. ἦν δὲ γεγραμμένα ταῦτα· ### English translation (Claude) After fifteen days, when I had fasted and prayed much to the Lord, the knowledge of the writing was revealed to me. And this is what was written: ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 2.2.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/2/2/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 2.2.2 (6.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/2/2/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:18 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Hermas's children have rejected God and betrayed their parents. ### Greek text Τὸ σπέρμα σου, Ἑρμᾶ, ἠθέτησαν εἰς τὸν θεὸν καὶ ἐβλασφήμησαν εἰς τὸν κύριον καὶ προέδωκαν τοὺς γονεῖς αὐτῶν ἐν πονηρίᾳ μεγάλῃ καὶ ἤκουσαν προδόται γονέων καὶ προδόντες οὐκ ὠφελήθησαν, ἀλλὰ ἔτι προσέθηκαν ταῖς ἁμαρτίαις αὐτῶν τὰς ἀσελγείας καὶ συμφυρμοὺς πονηρίας, καὶ οὕτως ἐπλήσθησαν αἱ ἀνομίαι αὐτῶν. ### English translation (Claude) “Your offspring, Hermas, have rejected God and blasphemed the Lord and betrayed their parents in great wickedness, and they have been called betrayers of parents, and in betraying they did not profit, but they have added to their sins acts of licentiousness and heaps of wickedness, and so their lawless deeds have been filled up. ### Translation notes - “Betrayed their parents”: perhaps by informing against them in a persecution; the circumstances are not explained. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 2.2.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/2/2/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 2.2.3 (6.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/2/2/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:18 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Hermas must warn his children and his wife. ### Greek text ἀλλὰ γνώρισον ταῦτα τὰ ῥήματα τοῖς τέκνοις σου πᾶσιν καὶ τῇ συμβίῳ σου τῇ μελλούσῃ ἀδελφῇ· καὶ γὰρ αὕτη οὐκ ἀπέχεται τῆς γλώσσης, ἐν ᾗ πονηρεύεται· ἀλλὰ ἀκούσασα τὰ ῥήματα ταῦτα ἀφέξεται καὶ ἕξει ἔλεος. ### English translation (Claude) But make known these words to all your children, and to your wife, who is to be as your sister; for she too does not restrain her tongue, with which she does evil. But when she hears these words she will restrain it and will find mercy. ### Translation notes - “Your wife, who is to be as your sister”: probably a call for Hermas and his wife to live in continence from now on; the sense is debated. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 2.2.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/2/2/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 2.2.4 (6.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/2/2/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:18–20 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Sins committed until now will be forgiven if they repent fully. ### Greek text μετὰ τὸ γνωρίσαι σε ταῦτα τὰ ῥήματα αὐτοῖς, ἃ ἐνετείλατό μοι ὁ δεσπότης ἵνα σοι ἀποκαλυφθῇ, τότε ἀφίενται αὐτοῖς αἱ ἁμαρτίαι πᾶσαι, ἃς πρότερον ἥμαρτον, καὶ πᾶσιν τοῖς ἁγίοις τοῖς ἁμαρτήσασιν μέχρι ταύτης τῆς ἡμέρας, ἐὰν ἐξ ὅλης τῆς καρδίας μετανοήσωσιν καὶ ἄρωσιν ἀπὸ τῆς καρδίας αὐτῶν τὰς διψυχίας. ### English translation (Claude) After you have made these words known to them, which the Master commanded me to reveal to you, then all the sins they have committed before will be forgiven them, and to all the saints who have sinned up to this day, if they repent with their whole heart and remove double-mindedness from their hearts. ### Translation notes - “Double-mindedness” (διψυχία): doubting, divided loyalty to God; a key word of Hermas. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 2.2.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/2/2/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 2.2.5 (6.5) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/2/2/5/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:20 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: For believers there is a limited time for repentance; for the Gentiles, until the last day. ### Greek text ὤμοσεν γὰρ ὁ δεσπότης κατὰ τῆς δόξης αὐτοῦ ἐπὶ τοὺς ἐκλεκτοὺς αὐτοῦ· ἐὰν ὡρισμένης τῆς ἡμέρας ταύτης ἔτι ἁμάρτησις γένηται, μὴ ἔχειν αὐτοὺς σωτηρίαν· ἡ γὰρ μετάνοια τοῖς δικαίοις ἔχει τέλος· πεπλήρωνται αἱ ἡμέραι μετανοίας πᾶσιν τοῖς ἁγίοις· καὶ τοῖς δὲ ἔθνεσιν μετάνοιά ἐστιν ἕως ἐσχάτης ἡμέρας. ### English translation (Claude) For the Master has sworn by his glory concerning his elect: if, now that this day has been set, there is still sin, they shall not have salvation; for repentance for the righteous has an end; the days of repentance are fulfilled for all the saints; but for the Gentiles there is repentance until the last day. ### Translation notes - A central and much-discussed teaching of Hermas: a single, final opportunity for repentance after baptism is being offered now (compare Mand. 4.3.1–6). ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 2.2.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/2/2/5/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 2.2.6 (6.6) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/2/2/6/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:20 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The church's leaders must walk in righteousness. ### Greek text ἐρεῖς οὖν τοῖς προηγουμένοις τῆς ἐκκλησίας, ἵνα κατορθώσωνται τὰς ὁδοὺς αὐτῶν ἐν δικαιοσύνῃ, ἵνα ἀπολάβωσιν ἐκ πλήρους τὰς ἐπαγγελίας μετὰ πολλῆς δόξης. ### English translation (Claude) You shall say, then, to the leaders of the church that they should set their ways straight in righteousness, so that they may receive the promises in full with much glory. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 2.2.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/2/2/6/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 2.2.7 (6.7) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/2/2/7/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:20 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Blessed are those who endure the coming tribulation. ### Greek text ἐμμείνατε οὖν οἱ ἐργαζόμενοι τὴν δικαιοσύνην καὶ μὴ διψυχήσητε, ἵνα γένηται ὑμῶν ἡ πάροδος μετὰ τῶν ἀγγέλων τῶν ἁγίων. μακάριοι ὑμεῖς, ὅσοι ὑπομένετε τὴν θλῖψιν τὴν ἐρχομένην τὴν μεγάλην καὶ ὅσοι οὐκ ἀρνήσονται τὴν ζωὴν αὐτῶν. ### English translation (Claude) Stand fast, then, you who work righteousness, and do not be double-minded, so that your passage may be with the holy angels. Blessed are you, all who endure the great tribulation that is coming, and all who will not deny their life. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 2.2.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/2/2/7/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 2.2.8 (6.8) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/2/2/8/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:20–22 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Those who deny Christ in the coming days lose life; earlier deniers find mercy. ### Greek text ὤμοσεν γὰρ κύριος κατὰ τοῦ υἱοῦ αὐτοῦ, τοὺς ἀρνησαμένους τὸν Χριστὸν αὐτῶν ἀπεγνωρίσθαι ἀπὸ τῆς ζωῆς αὐτῶν, τοὺς νῦν μέλλοντας ἀρνεῖσθαι ταῖς ἐρχομέναις ἡμέραις· τοῖς δὲ πρότερον ἀρνησαμένοις, διὰ τὴν πολυσπλαγχνίαν ἵλεως ἐγένετο αὐτοῖς. ### English translation (Claude) For the Lord has sworn by his Son that those who have denied their Christ have been rejected from their life, that is, those who are now going to deny him in the days to come; but to those who denied him before, he has become merciful because of his great compassion. ### Translation notes - “Their life”: Christ, or their own salvation; the Greek allows both. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 2.2.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/2/2/8/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 2.3.1 (7.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/2/3/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:22 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Hermas must forgive his family and stop neglecting them. ### Greek text Σὺ δέ, Ἑρμᾶ, μηκέτι μνησικακήσῃς τοῖς τέκνοις σου μηδὲ τὴν ἀδελφήν σου ἐάσῃς, ἵνα καθαρισθῶσιν ἀπὸ τῶν προτέρων ἁμαρτιῶν αὐτῶν. παιδευθήσονται γὰρ παιδείᾳ δικαίᾳ, ἐὰν σὺ μὴ μνησικακήσῃς αὐτοῖς. μνησικακία θάνατον κατεργάζεται. σὺ δέ, Ἑρμᾶ, μεγάλας θλίψεις ἔσχες ἰδιωτικὰς διὰ τὰς παραβάσεις τοῦ οἴκου σου, ὅτι οὐκ ἐμέλησέν σοι περὶ αὐτῶν· ἀλλὰ παρενεθυμήθης καὶ ταῖς πραγματείαις σου συνανεφύρης ταῖς πονηραῖς· ### English translation (Claude) But you, Hermas, no longer bear a grudge against your children, nor neglect your sister, so that they may be cleansed from their former sins. For they will be disciplined with righteous discipline, if you do not bear a grudge against them. Bearing a grudge works death. But you, Hermas, have had great troubles of your own because of the transgressions of your household, because you did not care about them; but you were negligent and got entangled in your evil business dealings. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 2.3.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/2/3/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 2.3.2 (7.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/2/3/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:22 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Faithfulness, simplicity, and self-control save Hermas. ### Greek text ἀλλὰ σώζει σε τὸ μὴ ἀποστῆναί σε ἀπὸ θεοῦ ζῶντος καὶ ἡ ἁπλότης σου καὶ ἡ πολλὴ ἐγκράτεια· ταῦτα σέσωκέν σε, ἐὰν ἐμμείνῃς, καὶ πάντας σώζει τοὺς τὰ τοιαῦτα ἐργαζομένους καὶ πορευομένους ἐν ἀκακίᾳ καὶ ἁπλότητι. οὗτοι κατισχύσουσιν πάσης πονηρίας καὶ παραμενοῦσιν εἰς ζωὴν αἰώνιον. ### English translation (Claude) But what saves you is that you did not depart from the living God, and your simplicity and great self-control; these have saved you, if you remain in them, and they save all who do such things and walk in innocence and simplicity. These will prevail over all wickedness and will continue to eternal life. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 2.3.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/2/3/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 2.3.3 (7.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/2/3/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:22 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Those who do right will never be destroyed. ### Greek text μακάριοι πάντες οἱ ἐργαζόμενοι τὴν δικαιοσύνην. οὐ διαφθαρήσονται ἕως αἰῶνος. ### English translation (Claude) Blessed are all who work righteousness. They will not be destroyed forever. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 2.3.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/2/3/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 2.3.4 (7.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/2/3/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:22–24 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: A warning to Maximus, and a citation of the Book of Eldad and Modat. ### Greek text ἐρεῖς δὲ Μαξίμῳ· Ἰδού, θλῖψις ἔρχεται· ἐάν σοι φανῇ, πάλιν ἄρνησαι. Ἐγγὺς κύριος τοῖς ἐπιστρεφομένοις, ὡς γέγραπται ἐν τῷ Ἐλδὰδ καὶ Μωδάτ, τοῖς προφητεύσασιν ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ τῷ λαῷ. ### English translation (Claude) And you shall say to Maximus: Behold, tribulation is coming; if it seems good to you, deny again. The Lord is near to those who turn to him, as it is written in Eldad and Modat, who prophesied to the people in the wilderness.” ### Scripture references - Num 11:26: allusion, medium confidence - Ps 34:18 (33:19 LXX): echo, low confidence ### Extrabiblical texts - Eld. Mod. (Eldad and Modad): quotation, high confidence ### Translation notes - “Maximus”: evidently a believer who had denied the faith in an earlier persecution; the words are ironic. - Eldad and Modat (Medad) prophesied in the camp (Num 11:26–29). The book cited here, attributed to them, is lost; this is its only surviving quotation. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 2.3.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/2/3/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 2.4.1 (8.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/2/4/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:24 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The elderly woman is the church, created first of all. ### Greek text Ἀπεκαλύφθη δέ μοι, ἀδελφοί, κοιμωμένῳ ὑπὸ νεανίσκου εὐειδεστάτου λέγοντός μοι· Τὴν πρεσβυτέραν, παρʼ ἧς ἔλαβες τὸ βιβλίδιον, τίνα δοκεῖς εἶναι; ἐγώ φημι· Τὴν Σίβυλλαν. Πλανᾶσαι, φησίν, οὐκ ἔστιν. Τίς οὖν ἐστιν; φημί. Ἡ Ἐκκλησία, φησίν. εἶπον αὐτῷ· Διατί οὖν πρεσβυτέρα; Ὅτι, φησίν, πάντων πρώτη ἐκτίσθη· διὰ τοῦτο πρεσβυτέρα· καὶ διὰ ταύτην ὁ κόσμος κατηρτίσθη. ### English translation (Claude) And it was revealed to me, brothers, while I slept, by a very handsome young man who said to me, “The elderly woman from whom you received the little book: who do you think she is?” I said, “The Sibyl.” “You are wrong,” he said, “she is not.” “Who is she, then?” I said. “The church,” he said. I said to him, “Why, then, is she elderly?” “Because,” he said, “she was created first of all; that is why she is elderly; and for her sake the world was formed.” ### Translation notes - “The Sibyl”: a legendary prophetess of Greek and Roman tradition, associated with Cumae. - “Created first of all”: compare 2 Clem. 14.1, the church “created before the sun and moon.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 2.4.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/2/4/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 2.4.2 (8.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/2/4/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:24 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The woman has more to add before the book is given to the presbyters. ### Greek text μετέπειτα δὲ ὅρασιν εἶδον ἐν τῷ οἴκῳ μου. ἦλθεν ἡ πρεσβυτέρα καὶ ἠρώτησέν με, εἰ ἤδη τὸ βιβλίον δέδωκα τοῖς πρεσβυτέροις. ἠρνησάμην δεδωκέναι. Καλῶς, φησίν, πεποίηκας· ἔχω γὰρ ῥήματα προσθεῖναι. ὅταν οὖν ἀποτελέσω τὰ ῥήματα πάντα, διὰ σοῦ γνωρισθήσεται τοῖς ἐκλεκτοῖς πᾶσιν. ### English translation (Claude) Afterward I saw a vision in my house. The elderly woman came and asked me whether I had already given the book to the presbyters. I said I had not given it. “You have done well,” she said, “for I have words to add. When I have finished all the words, they will be made known through you to all the elect. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 2.4.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/2/4/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 2.4.3 (8.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/2/4/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:24 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Copies go to Clement for other cities and to Grapte for widows and orphans. ### Greek text γράψεις οὖν δύο βιβλαρίδια καὶ πέμψεις ἓν Κλήμεντι καὶ ἓν Γραπτῇ. πέμψει οὖν Κλήμης εἰς τὰς ἔξω πόλεις, ἐκείνῳ γὰρ ἐπιτέτραπται· Γραπτὴ δὲ νουθετήσει τὰς χήρας καὶ τοὺς ὀρφανούς. σὺ δὲ ἀναγνώσῃ εἰς ταύτην τὴν πόλιν μετὰ τῶν πρεσβυτέρων τῶν προϊσταμένων τῆς ἐκκλησίας. ### English translation (Claude) So you shall write two little books, and send one to Clement and one to Grapte. Clement will send it to the cities abroad, for that is his task; and Grapte will admonish the widows and the orphans. But you shall read it in this city with the presbyters who preside over the church.” ### Translation notes - “Clement”: probably the Clement associated with 1 Clement, who wrote on behalf of the Roman church to other churches. - “Grapte”: evidently a woman with a ministry to widows and orphans. - “The presbyters who preside over the church”: in Rome at this time the church seems to have been led by a group of presbyters. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 2.4.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/2/4/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.1.1 (9.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/1/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:24 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The third vision begins. ### Greek text Ἣν εἶδον, ἀδελφοί, τοιαύτη. ### English translation (Claude) What I saw, brothers, was this. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.1.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/1/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.1.2 (9.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/1/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:24–26 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The woman tells Hermas to meet her in his field. ### Greek text νηστεύσας πολλάκις καὶ δεηθεὶς τοῦ κυρίου, ἵνα μοι φανερώσῃ τὴν ἀποκάλυψιν, ἥν μοι ἐπηγγείλατο δεῖξαι διὰ τῆς πρεσβυτέρας ἐκείνης, αὐτῇ τῇ νυκτί μοι ὦπται ἡ πρεσβυτέρα καὶ εἶπέν μοι· Ἐπεὶ οὕτως ἐνδεὴς εἶ καὶ σπουδαῖος εἰς τὸ γνῶναι πάντα, ἐλθὲ εἰς τὸν ἀγρόν, ὅπου χονδρίζεις, καὶ περὶ ὥραν πέμπτην ἐμφανισθήσομαί σοι καὶ δείξω σοι, ἃ δεῖ σε ἰδεῖν. ### English translation (Claude) After fasting often and asking the Lord to show me the revelation that he had promised to show me through that elderly woman, that very night the elderly woman appeared to me and said, “Since you are so needy and eager to know everything, come into the field where you farm, and at about the fifth hour I will appear to you and show you what you must see.” ### Translation notes - “Where you farm” (ὅπου χονδρίζεις): literally “where you grow grain”; the meaning is not certain. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.1.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/1/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.1.3 (9.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/1/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:26 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: She knows the place Hermas has chosen. ### Greek text ἠρώτησα αὐτὴν λέγων· Κυρία, εἰς ποῖον τόπον τοῦ ἀγροῦ; Ὅπου, φησίν, θέλεις. ἐξελεξάμην τόπον καλὸν ἀνακεχωρηκότα. πρὶν δὲ λαλῆσαι αὐτῇ καὶ εἰπεῖν τὸν τόπον, λέγει μοι· Ἥξω ἐκεῖ, ὅπου θέλεις. ### English translation (Claude) I asked her, saying, “Lady, in what part of the field?” “Wherever you wish,” she said. I chose a beautiful, secluded spot. But before I could speak to her and name the place, she said to me, “I will come there, where you wish.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.1.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/1/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.1.4 (9.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/1/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:26 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Hermas finds an ivory couch prepared in the field. ### Greek text ἐγενόμην οὖν, ἀδελφοί, εἰς τὸν ἀγρὸν καὶ συνεψήφισα τὰς ὥρας καὶ ἦλθον εἰς τὸν τόπον, ὅπου διεταξάμην αὐτῇ ἐλθεῖν, καὶ βλέπω συμψέλιον κείμενον ἐλεφάντινον, καὶ ἐπὶ τοῦ συμψελίου ἔκειτο κερβικάριον λινοῦν καὶ ἐπάνω λέντιον ἐξηπλωμένον λινοῦν καρπάσιον. ### English translation (Claude) So, brothers, I went to the field and counted the hours, and came to the place where I had arranged for her to come; and I saw an ivory couch set there, and on the couch lay a linen cushion, and over it a covering of fine linen spread out. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.1.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/1/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.1.5 (9.5) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/1/5/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:26 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Afraid, Hermas kneels and confesses his sins. ### Greek text ἰδὼν ταῦτα κείμενα καὶ μηδένα ὄντα ἐν τῷ τόπῳ ἔκθαμβος ἐγενόμην, καὶ ὡσεὶ τρόμος με ἔλαβεν καὶ αἱ τρίχες μου ὀρθαί· καὶ ὡσεὶ φρίκη μοι προσῆλθεν μόνου μου ὄντος. ἐν ἐμαυτῷ οὖν γενόμενος καὶ μνησθεὶς τῆς δόξης τοῦ θεοῦ καὶ λαβὼν θάρσος, θεὶς τὰ γόνατα ἐξωμολογούμην τῷ κυρίῳ πάλιν τὰς ἁμαρτίας μου ὡς καὶ πρότερον. ### English translation (Claude) When I saw these things lying there and no one in the place, I was amazed, and a kind of trembling seized me and my hair stood on end; and a kind of shuddering came over me, since I was alone. But when I came to myself and remembered the glory of God and took courage, I knelt and again confessed my sins to the Lord as before. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.1.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/1/5/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.1.6 (9.6) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/1/6/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:26–28 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: She tells him to pray also for righteousness. ### Greek text ἡ δὲ ἦλθεν μετὰ νεανίσκων ἕξ, οὓς καὶ πρότερον ἑωράκειν, καὶ ἐστάθη μοι καὶ κατηκροᾶτο προσευχομένου καὶ ἐξομολογουμένου τῷ κυρίῳ τὰς ἁμαρτίας μου. καὶ ἁψαμένη μου λέγει· Ἑρμᾶ, παῦσαι περὶ τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν σου πάντα ἐρωτῶν· ἐρώτα καὶ περὶ δικαιοσύνης, ἵνα λάβῃς μέρος τι ἐξ αὐτῆς εἰς τὸν οἶκόν σου. ### English translation (Claude) And she came with six young men, whom I had seen before, and stood beside me and listened to me as I prayed and confessed my sins to the Lord. And she touched me and said, “Hermas, stop asking only about your sins; ask also about righteousness, so that you may take some part of it to your household.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.1.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/1/6/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.1.7 (9.7) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/1/7/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:28 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: She sends the young men to build. ### Greek text καὶ ἐξεγείρει με τῆς χειρὸς καὶ ἄγει με πρὸς τὸ συμψέλιον καὶ λέγει τοῖς νεανίσκοις· Ὑπάγετε καὶ οἰκοδομεῖτε. ### English translation (Claude) And she raised me by the hand and led me to the couch and said to the young men, “Go and build.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.1.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/1/7/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.1.8 (9.8) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/1/8/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:28 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Hermas defers to the presbyters, but she tells him to sit. ### Greek text καὶ μετὰ τὸ ἀναχωρῆσαι τοὺς νεανίσκους καὶ μόνων ἡμῶν γεγονότων λέγει μοι· Κάθισον ὧδε. λέγω αὐτῇ· Κυρία, ἄφες τοὺς πρεσβυτέρους πρῶτον καθίσαι. Ὅ σοι λέγω, φησίν, κάθισον. ### English translation (Claude) And after the young men had gone away and we were alone, she said to me, “Sit here.” I said to her, “Lady, let the presbyters sit first.” “Do what I tell you,” she said; “sit.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.1.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/1/8/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.1.9 (9.9) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/1/9/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:28 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The right side is for those who suffered for the name. ### Greek text θέλοντος οὖν μου καθίσαι εἰς τὰ δεξιὰ μέρη οὐκ εἴασέ με, ἀλλʼ ἐννεύει μοι τῇ χειρί, ἵνα εἰς τὰ ἀριστερὰ μέρη καθίσω. διαλογιζομένου μου οὖν καὶ λυπουμένου, ὅτι οὐκ εἴασέ με εἰς τὰ δεξιὰ μέρη καθίσαι, λέγει μοι· Λυπῇ, Ἑρμᾶ; ὁ εἰς τὰ δεξιὰ μέρη τόπος ἄλλων ἐστίν, τῶν ἤδη εὐαρεστηκότων τῷ θεῷ καὶ παθόντων εἵνεκα τοῦ ὀνόματος· σοὶ δὲ πολλὰ λείπει ἵνα μετʼ αὐτῶν καθίσῃς· ἀλλὰ ὡς μένεις τῇ ἁπλότητί σου, μεῖνον, καὶ καθιῇ μετʼ αὐτῶν καὶ ὅσοι ἐὰν ἐργάσωνται τὰ ἐκείνων ἔργα καὶ ὑπενέγκωσιν, ἃ καὶ ἐκεῖνοι ὑπήνεγκαν. ### English translation (Claude) When I wished to sit on the right side, she did not let me, but motioned to me with her hand to sit on the left side. As I was pondering this and grieving because she did not let me sit on the right, she said to me, “Are you grieved, Hermas? The place on the right belongs to others, to those who have already pleased God and suffered for the sake of the name. But you lack much before you can sit with them. But as you remain in your simplicity, remain so, and you will sit with them, and so will all who do their works and endure what they endured.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.1.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/1/9/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.2.1 (10.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/2/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:28–30 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The martyrs sit on the right, but all receive the same gifts. ### Greek text Τί, φημί, ὑπήνεγκαν; Ἄκουε, φησίν· μάστιγας, φυλακάς, θλίψεις μεγάλας, σταυρούς, θηρία εἵνεκεν τοῦ ὀνόματος· διὰ τοῦτο ἐκείνων ἐστὶν τὰ δεξιὰ μέρη τοῦ ἁγιάσματος καὶ ὃς ἐὰν πάθῃ διὰ τὸ ὄνομα· τῶν δὲ λοιπῶν τὰ ἀριστερὰ μέρη ἐστίν. ἀλλὰ ἀμφοτέρων, καὶ τῶν ἐκ δεξιῶν καὶ τῶν ἀριστερῶν καθημένων, τὰ αὐτὰ δῶρα καὶ αἱ αὐταὶ ἐπαγγελίαι· μόνον ἐκεῖνοι ἐκ δεξιῶν κάθηνται καὶ ἔχουσιν δόξαν τινά. ### English translation (Claude) “What,” I said, “did they endure?” “Listen,” she said: “scourges, prisons, great tribulations, crosses, wild beasts, for the sake of the name. For this reason the right side of holiness belongs to them, and to anyone who suffers for the name; the left side belongs to the rest. But both, those sitting on the right and on the left, have the same gifts and the same promises; only they sit on the right and have a certain glory.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.2.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/2/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.2.2 (10.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/2/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:30 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Hermas and all who do not doubt will be cleansed of their sins. ### Greek text σὺ δὲ κατεπιθυμεῖς καθίσαι ἐκ δεξιῶν μετʼ αὐτῶν, ἀλλὰ τὰ ὑστερήματά σου πολλά. καθαρισθήσῃ δὲ ἀπὸ τῶν ὑστερημάτων σου· καὶ πάντες οἱ μὴ διψυχοῦντες καθαρισθήσονται ἀπὸ πάντων τῶν ἁμαρτημάτων εἰς ταύτην τὴν ἡμέραν. ### English translation (Claude) But you long to sit on the right with them, but your shortcomings are many. But you will be cleansed from your shortcomings; and all who are not double-minded will be cleansed from all their sins up to this day. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.2.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/2/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.2.3 (10.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/2/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:30 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Hermas begs to see the promised vision. ### Greek text ταῦτα εἴπασα ἤθελεν ἀπελθεῖν· πεσὼν δὲ αὐτῆς πρὸς τοὺς πόδας ἠρώτησα αὐτὴν κατὰ τοῦ κυρίου, ἵνα μοι ἐπιδείξῃ ὃ ἐπηγγείλατο ὅραμα. ### English translation (Claude) When she had said this she wished to go away; but I fell at her feet and begged her by the Lord to show me the vision she had promised. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.2.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/2/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.2.4 (10.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/2/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:30 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: She shows him a great tower being built on the waters. ### Greek text ἡ δὲ πάλιν ἐπελάβετό μου τῆς χειρὸς καὶ ἐγείρει με καὶ καθίζει ἐπὶ τὸ συμψέλιον ἐξ εὐωνύμων· ἐκαθέζετο δὲ καὶ αὐτὴ ἐκ δεξιῶν. καὶ ἐπάρασα ῥάβδον τινὰ λαμπρὰν λέγει μοι· Βλέπεις μέγα πρᾶγμα; λέγω αὐτῇ· Κυρία, οὐδὲν βλέπω. λέγει μοι· Σύ, ἰδού, οὐχ ὁρᾷς κατέναντί σου πύργον μέγαν οἰκοδομούμενον ἐπὶ ὑδάτων λίθοις τετραγώνοις λαμπροῖς; ### English translation (Claude) And again she took me by the hand and raised me up and seated me on the couch on the left; and she herself sat on the right. And raising a shining rod, she said to me, “Do you see a great thing?” I said to her, “Lady, I see nothing.” She said to me, “Look: do you not see in front of you a great tower being built upon the waters with shining square stones?” ### Translation notes - The tower is the church (3.3.3); the vision of the tower is developed at length in Similitude 9. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.2.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/2/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.2.5 (10.5) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/2/5/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:30 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Six young men build the tower with stones brought by countless others. ### Greek text ἐν τετραγώνῳ δὲ ᾠκοδομεῖτο ὁ πύργος ὑπὸ τῶν ἓξ νεανίσκων τῶν ἐληλυθότων μετʼ αὐτῆς· ἄλλαι δὲ μυριάδες ἀνδρῶν παρέφερον λίθους, οἱ μὲν ἐκ τοῦ βυθοῦ, οἱ δὲ ἐκ τῆς γῆς, καὶ ἐπεδίδουν τοῖς ἓξ νεανίσκοις· ἐκεῖνοι δὲ ἐλάμβανον καὶ ᾠκοδόμουν. ### English translation (Claude) The tower was being built foursquare by the six young men who had come with her; and countless thousands of other men were bringing stones, some from the deep and some from the land, and handing them to the six young men; and they took them and built. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.2.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/2/5/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.2.6 (10.6) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/2/6/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:30–32 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The stones from the deep fit perfectly, like a single stone. ### Greek text τοὺς μὲν ἐκ τοῦ βυθοῦ λίθους ἑλκομένους πάντας οὕτως ἐτίθεσαν εἰς τὴν οἰκοδομήν· ἡρμοσμένοι γὰρ ἦσαν καὶ συνεφώνουν τῇ ἁρμογῇ μετὰ τῶν ἑτέρων· καὶ οὕτως ἐκολλῶντο ἀλλήλοις, ὥστε τὴν ἁρμογὴν αὐτῶν μὴ φαίνεσθαι. ἐφαίνετο δὲ ἡ οἰκοδομὴ τοῦ πύργου ὡς ἐξ ἑνὸς λίθου ᾠκοδομημένη. ### English translation (Claude) All the stones dragged from the deep they placed as they were into the building; for they were shaped and fitted in their joining with the others; and they fitted together so closely that their joints could not be seen. And the building of the tower looked as if it were built of a single stone. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.2.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/2/6/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.2.7 (10.7) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/2/7/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:32 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Some stones from the land are used, others rejected. ### Greek text τοὺς δὲ ἑτέρους λίθους τοὺς φερομένους ἀπὸ τῆς ξηρᾶς τοὺς μὲν ἀπέβαλλον, τοὺς δὲ ἐτίθουν εἰς τὴν οἰκοδομήν· ἄλλους δὲ κατέκοπτον καὶ ἔρριπτον μακρὰν ἀπὸ τοῦ πύργου. ### English translation (Claude) But of the other stones brought from the dry land, some they threw away, some they put into the building, and others they broke up and threw far from the tower. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.2.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/2/7/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.2.8 (10.8) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/2/8/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:32 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Flawed stones lie around the tower unused. ### Greek text ἄλλοι δὲ λίθοι πολλοὶ κύκλῳ τοῦ πύργου ἔκειντο, καὶ οὐκ ἐχρῶντο αὐτοῖς ἐπὶ τὴν οἰκοδομήν· ἦσαν γάρ τινες ἐξ αὐτῶν ἐψωριακότες, ἕτεροι δὲ σχισμὰς ἔχοντες, ἄλλοι δὲ κεκολοβωμένοι, ἄλλοι δὲ λευκοὶ καὶ στρογγύλοι, μὴ ἁρμόζοντες εἰς τὴν οἰκοδομήν. ### English translation (Claude) And many other stones lay around the tower, and they did not use them for the building; for some of them were rough, others had cracks, others were cut short, and others were white and round, not fitting into the building. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.2.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/2/8/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.2.9 (10.9) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/2/9/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:32 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Other stones fall away, burn, or cannot reach the water. ### Greek text ἔβλεπον δὲ ἑτέρους λίθους ῥιπτομένους μακρὰν ἀπὸ τοῦ πύργου καὶ ἐρχομένους εἰς τὴν ὁδὸν καὶ μὴ μένοντας ἐν τῇ ὁδῷ, ἀλλὰ κυλιομένους ἐκ τῆς ὁδοῦ εἰς τὴν ἀνοδίαν· ἑτέρους δὲ ἐπὶ πῦρ ἐμπίπτοντας καὶ καιομένους· ἑτέρους δὲ πίπτοντας ἐγγὺς ὑδάτων καὶ μὴ δυναμένους κυλισθῆναι εἰς τὸ ὕδωρ, καίπερ θελόντων κυλισθῆναι καὶ ἐλθεῖν εἰς τὸ ὕδωρ. ### English translation (Claude) And I saw other stones thrown far from the tower, coming to the road and not staying on the road, but rolling from the road into the pathless ground; others falling into fire and burning; others falling near waters and unable to roll into the water, though they wished to roll and come to the water. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.2.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/2/9/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.3.1 (11.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/3/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:32–34 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Hermas asks for the meaning, to tell the brothers. ### Greek text Δείξασά μοι ταῦτα ἤθελεν ἀποτρέχειν. λέγω αὐτῇ· Κυρία, τί μοι ὄφελος ταῦτα ἑωρακότι καὶ μὴ γινώσκοντι, τί ἐστιν τὰ πράγματα; ἀποκριθεῖσά μοι λέγει· Πανοῦργος εἶ ἄνθρωπος, θέλων γινώσκειν τὰ περὶ τὸν πύργον. Ναί, φημί, κυρία, ἵνα τοῖς ἀδελφοῖς ἀναγγείλω καὶ ἱλαρώτεροι γένωνται καὶ ταῦτα ἀκούσαντες γινώσκωσιν τὸν κύριον ἐν πολλῇ δόξῃ. ### English translation (Claude) When she had shown me these things she wished to hurry away. I said to her, “Lady, what use is it to me to have seen these things and not to know what they mean?” She answered me, “You are a cunning man, wanting to know about the tower.” “Yes, lady,” I said, “so that I may announce it to the brothers and they may become more cheerful, and when they hear these things may know the Lord in great glory.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.3.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/3/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.3.2 (11.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/3/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:34 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: She will explain the tower, but warns him not to keep asking. ### Greek text ἡ δὲ ἔφη· Ἀκούσονται μὲν πολλοί· ἀκούσαντες δέ τινες ἐξ αὐτῶν χαρήσονται, τινὲς δὲ κλαύσονται· ἀλλὰ καὶ οὗτοι, ἐὰν ἀκούσωσιν καὶ μετανοήσωσιν, καὶ αὐτοὶ χαρήσονται. ἄκουε οὖν τὰς παραβολὰς τοῦ πύργου· ἀποκαλύψω γάρ σοι πάντα. καὶ μηκέτι μοι κόπους πάρεχε περὶ ἀποκαλύψεως· αἱ γὰρ ἀποκαλύψεις αὗται τέλος ἔχουσιν· πεπληρωμέναι γάρ εἰσιν. ἀλλʼ οὐ παύσῃ αἰτούμενος ἀποκαλύψεις· ἀναιδὴς γὰρ εἶ. ### English translation (Claude) And she said, “Many will hear; and when they hear, some of them will rejoice, and some will weep; but even these, if they hear and repent, will themselves rejoice. Listen, then, to the parables of the tower; for I will reveal everything to you. And do not trouble me any longer about revelation; for these revelations have an end, for they are completed. But you will not stop asking for revelations, for you are shameless.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.3.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/3/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.3.3 (11.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/3/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:34 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The tower is the church. ### Greek text ὁ μὲν πύργος, ὃν βλέπεις οἰκοδομούμενον, ἐγώ εἰμι ἡ Ἐκκλησία, ἡ ὀφθεῖσά σοι καὶ νῦν καὶ τὸ πρότερον· ὃ ἂν οὖν θελήσῃς, ἐπερώτα περὶ τοῦ πύργου, καὶ ἀποκαλύψω σοι, ἵνα χαρῇς μετὰ τῶν ἁγίων. ### English translation (Claude) The tower that you see being built is I, the church, who appeared to you both now and before. Ask, then, whatever you wish about the tower, and I will reveal it to you, so that you may rejoice with the saints. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.3.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/3/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.3.4 (11.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/3/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:34 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: What may be revealed will be, if his heart is with God. ### Greek text λέγω αὐτῇ· Κυρία, ἐπεὶ ἅπαξ ἄξιόν με ἡγήσω τοῦ πάντα μοι ἀποκαλύψαι, ἀποκάλυψον. ἡ δὲ λέγει μοι· Ὃ ἐὰν ἐνδέχηταί σοι ἀποκαλυφθῆναι, ἀποκαλυφθήσεται. μόνον ἡ καρδία σου πρὸς τὸν θεὸν ἤτω καὶ μὴ διψυχήσεις, ὃ ἂν ἴδῃς. ### English translation (Claude) I said to her, “Lady, since you have once counted me worthy to reveal everything to me, reveal it.” And she said to me, “Whatever can be revealed to you will be revealed. Only let your heart be toward God, and do not be double-minded about whatever you see.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.3.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/3/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.3.5 (11.5) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/3/5/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:34 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The tower stands on water because life is saved through the water of baptism. ### Greek text ἐπηρώτησα αὐτήν· Διατί ὁ πύργος ἐπὶ ὑδάτων ᾠκοδόμηται, κυρία; Εἶπά σοι, φησίν, καὶ τὸ πρότερον, καὶ ἐκζητεῖς ἐπιμελῶς· ἐκζητῶν οὖν εὑρίσκεις τὴν ἀλήθειαν. διατί οὖν ἐπὶ ὑδάτων ᾠκοδόμηται ὁ πύργος, ἄκουε· ὅτι ἡ ζωὴ ὑμῶν διὰ ὕδατος ἐσώθη καὶ σωθήσεται. τεθεμελίωται δὲ ὁ πύργος τῷ ῥήματι τοῦ παντοκράτορος καὶ ἐνδόξου ὀνόματος, κρατεῖται δὲ ὑπὸ τῆς ἀοράτου δυνάμεως τοῦ δεσπότου. ### English translation (Claude) I asked her, “Why is the tower built upon waters, lady?” “I told you before,” she said, “and you seek carefully; so by seeking you find the truth. Hear, then, why the tower is built upon waters: because your life was saved through water, and will be saved. And the tower has been founded by the word of the almighty and glorious name, and it is held together by the invisible power of the Master.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.3.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/3/5/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.4.1 (12.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/4/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:34–36 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The six builders are the first-created angels. ### Greek text Ἀποκριθεὶς λέγω αὐτῇ· Κυρία, μεγάλως καὶ θαυμαστῶς ἔχει τὸ πρᾶγμα τοῦτο· οἱ δὲ νεανίσκοι οἱ ἓξ οἱ οἰκοδομοῦντες, τίνες εἰσίν, κυρία; Οὗτοί εἰσιν οἱ ἅγιοι ἄγγελοι τοῦ θεοῦ οἱ πρῶτοι κτισθέντες, οἷς παρέδωκεν ὁ κύριος πᾶσαν τὴν κτίσιν αὐτοῦ αὔξειν καὶ οἰκοδομεῖν καὶ δεσπόζειν τῆς κτίσεως πάσης· διὰ τούτων οὖν τελεσθήσεται ἡ οἰκοδομὴ τοῦ πύργου. ### English translation (Claude) I answered her, “Lady, this thing is great and marvelous. But the six young men who are building, who are they, lady?” “These are the holy angels of God who were created first, to whom the Lord handed over all his creation to increase and build up and rule over all creation. Through them, then, the building of the tower will be completed.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.4.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/4/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.4.2 (12.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/4/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:36 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The stone-bearers are also angels; all will rejoice when the tower is complete. ### Greek text Οἱ δὲ ἕτεροι οἱ παραφέροντες τοὺς λίθους, τίνες εἰσίν; Καὶ αὐτοὶ ἅγιοι ἄγγελοι τοῦ θεοῦ· οὗτοι δὲ οἱ ἓξ ὑπερέχοντες αὐτούς εἰσιν· συντελεσθήσεται οὖν ἡ οἰκοδομὴ τοῦ πύργου, καὶ πάντες ὁμοῦ εὐφρανθήσονται κύκλῳ τοῦ πύργου καὶ δοξάσουσιν τὸν θεόν, ὅτι ἐτελέσθη ἡ οἰκοδομὴ τοῦ πύργου. ### English translation (Claude) “And the others who are bringing the stones, who are they?” “They too are holy angels of God; but these six are superior to them. So the building of the tower will be completed, and all together will rejoice around the tower and glorify God that the building of the tower has been completed.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.4.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/4/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.4.3 (12.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/4/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:36 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The visions are given for the doubters' sake; tell them all is true. ### Greek text ἐπηρώτησα αὐτὴν λέγων· Κυρία, ἤθελον γνῶναι τῶν λίθων τὴν ἔξοδον καὶ τὴν δύναμιν αὐτῶν, ποταπή ἐστιν. ἀποκριθεῖσά μοι λέγει· Οὐχ ὅτι σὺ ἐκ πάντων ἀξιώτερος εἶ, ἵνα σοι ἀποκαλυφθῇ. ἄλλοι γάρ σου πρότεροί εἰσιν καὶ βελτίονές σου, οἷς ἔδει ἀποκαλυφθῆναι τὰ ὁράματα ταῦτα· ἀλλʼ ἵνα δοξασθῇ τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ θεοῦ, σοὶ ἀπεκαλύφθη καὶ ἀποκαλυφθήσεται διὰ τοὺς διψύχους, τοὺς διαλογιζομένους ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις αὐτῶν, εἰ ἄρα ἔστιν ταῦτα ἢ οὐκ ἔστιν. λέγε αὐτοῖς, ὅτι ταῦτα πάντα ἐστὶν ἀληθῆ καὶ οὐθὲν ἔξωθέν ἐστιν τῆς ἀληθείας, ἀλλὰ πάντα ἰσχυρὰ καὶ βέβαια καὶ τεθεμελιωμένα ἐστίν. ### English translation (Claude) I asked her, saying, “Lady, I would like to know the outcome of the stones and their meaning, what it is.” She answered me, “It is not that you are more worthy than all others that this should be revealed to you. For there are others before you and better than you, to whom these visions should have been revealed; but so that the name of God may be glorified, it has been revealed to you and will be revealed, because of the double-minded, who debate in their hearts whether these things are so or not. Tell them that all these things are true, and nothing is outside the truth, but everything is strong and sure and well founded. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.4.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/4/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.5.1 (13.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/5/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:36–38 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The well-fitted stones are the apostles, bishops, teachers, and deacons who lived in harmony. ### Greek text Ἄκουε νῦν περὶ τῶν λίθων τῶν ὑπαγόντων εἰς τὴν οἰκοδομήν. οἱ μὲν οὖν λίθοι οἱ τετράγωνοι καὶ λευκοὶ καὶ συμφωνοῦντες ταῖς ἁρμογαῖς αὐτῶν, οὗτοί εἰσιν οἱ ἀπόστολοι καὶ ἐπίσκοποι καὶ διδάσκαλοι καὶ διάκονοι οἱ πορευθέντες κατὰ τὴν σεμνότητα τοῦ θεοῦ καὶ ἐπισκοπήσαντες καὶ διδάξαντες καὶ διακονήσαντες ἁγνῶς καὶ σεμνῶς τοῖς ἐκλεκτοῖς τοῦ θεοῦ, οἱ μὲν κεκοιμημένοι, οἱ δὲ ἔτι ὄντες· καὶ πάντοτε ἑαυτοῖς συνεφώνησαν καὶ ἐν ἑαυτοῖς εἰρήνην ἔσχον καὶ ἀλλήλων ἤκουον· διὰ τοῦτο ἐν τῇ οἰκοδομῇ τοῦ πύργου συμφωνοῦσιν αἱ ἁρμογαὶ αὐτῶν. ### English translation (Claude) Hear now about the stones that go into the building. The stones that are square and white and fit together in their joints are the apostles and bishops and teachers and deacons who have walked in the holiness of God, and have served as bishops and taught and served as deacons purely and reverently for God's elect: some have fallen asleep, and some are still living. And they always agreed with one another, and had peace among themselves, and listened to one another; for this reason their joints fit together in the building of the tower. ### Translation notes - The ministries named (apostles, bishops, teachers, deacons) reflect the Roman church of Hermas's time; presbyters are named elsewhere (Vis. 2.4.2–3). “Bishops” here is plural, as in 1 Clement. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.5.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/5/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.5.2 (13.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/5/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:38 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The stones from the deep are the martyrs. ### Greek text Οἱ δὲ ἐκ τοῦ βυθοῦ ἑλκόμενοι καὶ ἐπιτιθέμενοι εἰς τὴν οἰκοδομὴν καὶ συμφωνοῦντες ταῖς ἁρμογαῖς αὐτῶν μετὰ τῶν ἑτέρων λίθων τῶν ἤδη ᾠκοδομημένων, τίνες εἰσίν; Οὗτοί εἰσιν οἱ παθόντες ἕνεκεν τοῦ ὀνόματος τοῦ κυρίου. ### English translation (Claude) “And those that are dragged from the deep and placed into the building and fit in their joints with the other stones already built in, who are they?” “These are those who suffered for the name of the Lord.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.5.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/5/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.5.3 (13.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/5/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:38 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Uncut stones are those who kept the Lord's commandments. ### Greek text Τοὺς δὲ ἑτέρους λίθους τοὺς φερομένους ἀπὸ τῆς ξηρᾶς θέλω γνῶναι, τίνες εἰσίν, κυρία. ἔφη· Τοὺς μὲν εἰς τὴν οἰκοδομὴν ὑπάγοντας καὶ μὴ λατομουμένους, τούτους ὁ κύριος ἐδοκίμασεν, ὅτι ἐπορεύθησαν ἐν τῇ εὐθύτητι τοῦ κυρίου καὶ κατωρθώσαντο τὰς ἐντολὰς αὐτοῦ. ### English translation (Claude) “And the other stones brought from the dry land, I wish to know who they are, lady.” She said, “Those that go into the building without being cut, these the Lord has approved, because they walked in the uprightness of the Lord and carried out his commandments.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.5.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/5/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.5.4 (13.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/5/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:38 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Other stones are new believers still being corrected. ### Greek text Οἱ δὲ ἀγόμενοι καὶ τιθέμενοι εἰς τὴν οἰκοδομήν, τίνες εἰσίν; Νέοι εἰσὶν ἐν τῇ πίστει καὶ πιστοί. νουθετοῦνται δὲ ὑπὸ τῶν ἀγγέλων εἰς τὸ ἀγαθοποιεῖν, διότι εὑρέθη ἐν αὐτοῖς πονηρία. ### English translation (Claude) “And those that are brought and placed in the building, who are they?” “They are young in the faith, and faithful. But they are admonished by the angels to do good, because some wickedness was found in them.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.5.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/5/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.5.5 (13.5) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/5/5/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:38–40 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Rejected stones near the tower are sinners who may still repent while the tower is being built. ### Greek text Οὓς δὲ ἀπέβαλλον καὶ ἐρίπτουν, τίνες εἰσίν; Οὗτοί εἰσιν ἡμαρτηκότες καὶ θέλοντες μετανοῆσαι· διὰ τοῦτο μακρὰν οὐκ ἀπερίφησαν ἔξω τοῦ πύργου, ὅτι εὔχρηστοι ἔσονται εἰς τὴν οἰκοδομήν, ἐὰν μετανοήσωσιν. οἱ οὖν μέλλοντες μετανοεῖν, ἐὰν μετανοήσωσιν, ἰσχυροὶ ἔσονται ἐν τῇ πίστει, ἐὰν νῦν μετανοήσωσιν, ἐν ᾧ οἰκοδομεῖται ὁ πύργος. ἐὰν δὲ τελεσθῇ ἡ οἰκοδομή, οὐκέτι ἔχουσιν τόπον, ἀλλʼ ἔσονται ἔκβολοι· μόνον δὲ τοῦτο ἔχουσιν, παρὰ τῷ πύργῳ κεῖσθαι. ### English translation (Claude) “And those they rejected and threw away, who are they?” “These are those who have sinned and wish to repent; for this reason they were not thrown far from the tower, because they will be useful for the building if they repent. Those, then, who are going to repent, if they repent, will be strong in the faith, if they repent now, while the tower is being built. But if the building is finished, they no longer have a place, but will be castaways; they have only this, to lie beside the tower.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.5.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/5/5/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.6.1 (14.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/6/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:40 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Stones thrown far away are hypocrites without salvation. ### Greek text Τοὺς δὲ κατακοπτομένους καὶ μακρὰν ῥιπτομένους ἀπὸ τοῦ πύργου θέλεις γνῶναι; οὗτοί εἰσιν οἱ υἱοὶ τῆς ἀνομίας· ἐπίστευσαν δὲ ἐν ὑποκρίσει, καὶ πᾶσα πονηρία οὐκ ἀπέστη ἀπʼ αὐτῶν· διὰ τοῦτο οὐκ ἔχουσιν σωτηρίαν, ὅτι οὐκ εἰσὶν εὔχρηστοι εἰς οἰκοδομὴν διὰ τὰς πονηρίας αὐτῶν. διὰ τοῦτο συνεκόπησαν καὶ πόρρω ἀπερίφησαν διὰ τὴν ὀργὴν τοῦ κυρίου, ὅτι παρώργισαν αὐτόν. ### English translation (Claude) “Do you wish to know about those that are broken up and thrown far from the tower? These are the sons of lawlessness; they believed in hypocrisy, and no wickedness departed from them. For this reason they have no salvation, because they are not useful for building because of their wickedness. Therefore they were broken up and thrown far away because of the anger of the Lord, because they provoked him to anger. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.6.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/6/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.6.2 (14.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/6/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:40 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Rough stones are those who knew the truth but did not remain in it. ### Greek text τοὺς δὲ ἑτέρους, οὓς ἑώρακας πολλοὺς κειμένους, μὴ ὑπάγοντας εἰς τὴν οἰκοδομήν, οὗτοι οἱ μὲν ἐψωριακότες εἰσίν, οἱ ἐγνωκότες τὴν ἀλήθειαν, μὴ ἐπιμένοντας δὲ ἐν αὐτῇ. ### English translation (Claude) And the others, which you have seen lying in great numbers and not going into the building: those that are rough are those who have known the truth but did not remain in it. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.6.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/6/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.6.3 (14.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/6/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:40 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Cracked stones are those who keep grudges behind a show of peace. ### Greek text Οἱ δὲ τὰς σχισμὰς ἔχοντες, τίνες εἰσίν; Οὗτοί εἰσιν οἱ κατʼ ἀλλήλων ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ἔχοντες καὶ μὴ εἰρηνεύοντες ἐν ἑαυτοῖς, ἀλλὰ πρόσωπον εἰρήνης ἔχοντες, ὅταν δὲ ἀπʼ ἀλλήλων ἀποχωρήσωσιν, αἱ πονηρίαι αὐτῶν ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ἐμμένουσιν· αὗται οὖν αἱ σχισμαί εἰσιν, ἃς ἔχουσιν οἱ λίθοι. ### English translation (Claude) “And those that have cracks, who are they?” “These are those who hold things against one another in their hearts and are not at peace among themselves, but have an appearance of peace; and when they leave one another, their wickedness remains in their hearts. These are the cracks that the stones have. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.6.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/6/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.6.4 (14.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/6/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:40 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Shortened stones are believers with some lawlessness remaining. ### Greek text οἱ δὲ κεκολοβωμένοι, οὗτοί εἰσιν πεπιστευκότες μὲν καὶ τὸ πλεῖον μέρος ἔχουσιν ἐν τῇ δικαιοσύνῃ, τινὰ δὲ μέρη ἔχουσιν τῆς ἀνομίας· διὰ τοῦτο κολοβοὶ καὶ οὐχ ὁλοτελεῖς εἰσιν. ### English translation (Claude) And those that are cut short are those who have believed and have most of their part in righteousness, but have some parts of lawlessness; for this reason they are cut short and not complete. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.6.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/6/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.6.5 (14.5) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/6/5/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:40–42 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Round stones are the rich, who deny the Lord in persecution to keep their wealth. ### Greek text Οἱ δὲ λευκοὶ καὶ στρογγύλοι καὶ μὴ ἁρμόζοντες εἰς τὴν οἰκοδομήν, τίνες εἰσίν, κυρία; ἀποκριθεῖσά μοι λέγει· Ἕως πότε μωρὸς εἶ καὶ ἀσύνετος, καὶ πάντα ἐπερωτᾷς καὶ οὐδὲν νοεῖς; οὗτοί εἰσιν ἔχοντες μὲν πίστιν, ἔχοντες δὲ καὶ πλοῦτον τοῦ αἰῶνος τούτου· ὅταν γένηται θλῖψις, διὰ τὸν πλοῦτον αὐτῶν καὶ διὰ τὰς πραγματείας ἀπαρνοῦνται τὸν κύριον αὐτῶν. ### English translation (Claude) “And the white and round ones that do not fit into the building, who are they, lady?” She answered me, “How long will you be foolish and without understanding, asking about everything and understanding nothing? These are those who have faith, but also have the wealth of this world; when tribulation comes, because of their wealth and their business affairs they deny their Lord.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.6.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/6/5/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.6.6 (14.6) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/6/6/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:42 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The rich become useful to God only when their wealth is cut away. ### Greek text καὶ ἀποκριθεὶς αὐτῇ λέγω· Κυρία, πότε οὖν εὔχρηστοι ἔσονται εἰς τὴν οἰκοδομήν; Ὅταν, φησίν, περικοπῇ αὐτῶν ὁ πλοῦτος ὁ ψυχαγωγῶν αὐτούς, τότε εὔχρηστοι ἔσονται τῷ θεῷ. ὥσπερ γὰρ ὁ λίθος ὁ στρογγύλος, ἐὰν μὴ περικοπῇ καὶ ἀποβάλῃ ἐξ αὐτοῦ τι, οὐ δύναται τετράγωνος γενέσθαι, οὕτω καὶ οἱ πλουτοῦντες ἐν τούτῳ τῷ αἰῶνι, ἐὰν μὴ περικοπῇ αὐτῶν ὁ πλοῦτος, οὐ δύνανται τῷ κυρίῳ εὔχρηστοι γενέσθαι. ### English translation (Claude) And I answered her, “Lady, when, then, will they be useful for the building?” “When,” she said, “the wealth that leads their souls astray is cut away from them, then they will be useful to God. For just as the round stone cannot become square unless it is cut and loses something of itself, so also those who are rich in this world cannot become useful to the Lord unless their wealth is cut away from them. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.6.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/6/6/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.6.7 (14.7) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/6/7/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:42 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Hermas himself became useful once he lost his wealth. ### Greek text ἀπὸ σεαυτοῦ πρῶτον. γνῶθι· ὅτε ἐπλούτεις, ἄχρηστος ἦς, νῦν δὲ εὔχρηστος εἶ καὶ ὠφέλιμος τῇ ζωῇ. εὔχρηστοι γίνεσθε τῷ θεῷ· καὶ γὰρ σὺ αὐτὸς χρᾶσαι ἐκ τῶν αὐτῶν λίθων. ### English translation (Claude) Learn first from yourself: when you were rich, you were useless, but now you are useful and profitable for life. Become useful to God; for you yourself also are made from the same stones. ### Translation notes - “Useless… useful” (ἄχρηστος… εὔχρηστος): a play on words, as in Phlm 11. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.6.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/6/7/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.7.1 (15.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/7/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:42–44 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Stones rolling off the road are doubters who leave the true way. ### Greek text Τοὺς δὲ ἑτέρους λίθους, οὓς εἶδες μακρὰν ἀπὸ τοῦ πύργου ῥιπτομένους καὶ πίπτοντας εἰς τὴν ὁδὸν καὶ κυλιομένους ἐκ τῆς ὁδοῦ εἰς τὰς ἀνοδίας· οὗτοί εἰσιν οἱ πεπιστευκότες μέν, ἀπὸ δὲ τῆς διψυχίας αὐτῶν ἀφίουσιν τὴν ὁδὸν αὐτῶν τὴν ἀληθινήν· δοκοῦντες οὖν βελτίονα ὁδὸν δύνασθαι εὑρεῖν, πλανῶνται καὶ ταλαιπωροῦσιν περιπατοῦντες ἐν ταῖς ἀνοδίαις. ### English translation (Claude) And the other stones, which you saw thrown far from the tower and falling onto the road and rolling from the road into the pathless places: these are those who have believed, but because of their double-mindedness they abandon their true way; thinking, then, that they can find a better way, they go astray and are miserable, walking in pathless places. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.7.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/7/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.7.2 (15.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/7/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:44 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Stones in the fire are those who have finally abandoned God. ### Greek text οἱ δὲ πίπτοντες εἰς τὸ πῦρ καὶ καιόμενοι, οὗτοί εἰσιν οἱ εἰς τέλος ἀποστάντες τοῦ θεοῦ τοῦ ζῶντος, καὶ οὐκέτι αὐτοῖς ἀνέβη ἐπὶ τὴν καρδίαν τοῦ μετανοῆσαι διὰ τὰς ἐπιθυμίας τῆς ἀσελγείας αὐτῶν καὶ τῶν πονηριῶν ὧν εἰργάσαντο. ### English translation (Claude) And those falling into the fire and burning are those who have finally departed from the living God, and it no longer enters their heart to repent because of the desires of their licentiousness and the wicked deeds they have done. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.7.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/7/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.7.3 (15.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/7/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:44 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Stones that cannot reach the water are those who draw back from baptism. ### Greek text τοὺς δὲ ἑτέρους τοὺς πίπτοντας ἐγγὺς τῶν ὑδάτων καὶ μὴ δυναμένους κυλισθῆναι εἰς τὸ ὕδωρ θέλεις γνῶναι, τίνες εἰσίν; οὗτοί εἰσιν οἱ τὸν λόγον ἀκούσαντες καὶ θέλοντες βαπτισθῆναι εἰς τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ κυρίου· εἶτα ὅταν αὐτοῖς ἔλθῃ εἰς μνείαν ἡ ἁγνότης τῆς ἀληθείας, μετανοοῦσιν καὶ πορεύονται πάλιν ὀπίσω τῶν ἐπιθυμιῶν αὐτῶν τῶν πονηρῶν. ### English translation (Claude) Do you wish to know who the others are, those falling near the waters and unable to roll into the water? These are those who have heard the word and wish to be baptized in the name of the Lord; then, when the purity of the truth comes to their mind, they change their minds and go back again after their evil desires. ### Scripture references - Acts 19:5: echo, low confidence ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.7.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/7/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.7.4 (15.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/7/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:44 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The explanation of the tower ends. ### Greek text ἐτέλεσεν οὖν τὴν ἐξήγησιν τοῦ πύργου. ### English translation (Claude) So she finished the explanation of the tower. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.7.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/7/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.7.5 (15.5) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/7/5/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:44 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The rejected stones can repent, but will not fit into this tower. ### Greek text ἀναιδευσάμενος ἔτι αὐτὴν ἐπηρώτησα, εἰ ἄρα πάντες οἱ λίθοι οὗτοι οἱ ἀποβεβλημένοι καὶ μὴ ἁρμόζοντες εἰς τὴν οἰκοδομὴν τοῦ πύργου, εἰ ἔστιν αὐτοῖς μετάνοια καὶ ἔχουσιν τόπον εἰς τὸν πύργον τοῦτον. Ἔχουσιν, φησίν, μετάνοιαν, ἀλλὰ εἰς τοῦτον τὸν πύργον οὐ δύνανται ἁρμόσαι· ### English translation (Claude) Being still shameless, I asked her whether all these stones that had been rejected and did not fit into the building of the tower have repentance and a place in this tower. “They have repentance,” she said, “but they cannot fit into this tower. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.7.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/7/5/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.7.6 (15.6) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/7/6/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:44–46 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: They will find a lesser place after a time of punishment, if they repent. ### Greek text ἑτέρῳ δὲ τόπῳ ἁρμόσουσιν πολὺ ἐλάττονι, καὶ τοῦτο ὅταν βασανισθῶσιν καὶ ἐκπληρώσωσιν τὰς ἡμέρας τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν αὐτῶν. καὶ διὰ τοῦτο μετατεθήσονται, ὅτι μετέλαβον τοῦ ῥήματος τοῦ δικαίου. καὶ τότε αὐτοῖς συμβήσεται μετατεθῆναι ἐκ τῶν βασάνων αὐτῶν, διὰ τὰ ἔργα ἃ εἰργάσαντο πονηρά. ἐὰν δὲ μὴ ἀναβῇ ἐπὶ τὴν καρδίαν αὐτῶν, οὐ σώζονται διὰ τὴν σκληροκαρδίαν αὐτῶν. ### English translation (Claude) But they will fit into another, much lesser place, and that only when they have been tormented and have fulfilled the days of their sins. And they will be moved for this reason, that they shared in the righteous word. And then it will happen that they are moved out of their torments, because of the evil deeds they have done. But if it does not enter their heart, they are not saved, because of their hardness of heart.” ### Translation notes - The sense of this sentence is uncertain; it appears to describe a lesser place of salvation after a period of suffering for sin. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.7.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/7/6/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.8.1 (16.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/8/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:46 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: She offers to show him more. ### Greek text Ὅτε οὖν ἐπαυσάμην ἐρωτῶν αὐτὴν περὶ πάντων τούτων, λέγει μοι· Θέλεις ἄλλο ἰδεῖν; κατεπίθυμος ὢν τοῦ θεάσασθαι περιχαρὴς ἐγενόμην τοῦ ἰδεῖν. ### English translation (Claude) When, then, I stopped asking her about all these things, she said to me, “Do you wish to see something else?” Being very eager to see, I was delighted to see it. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.8.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/8/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.8.2 (16.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/8/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:46 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Seven women support the tower. ### Greek text ἐμβλέψασά μοι ὑπεμειδίασεν καὶ λέγει μοι· Βλέπεις ἑπτὰ γυναῖκας κύκλῳ τοῦ πύργου; Βλέπω, φημί, κυρία. Ὁ πύργος οὗτος ὑπὸ τούτων βαστάζεται κατʼ ἐπιταγὴν τοῦ κυρίου. ### English translation (Claude) Looking at me, she smiled and said to me, “Do you see seven women around the tower?” “I see them, lady,” I said. “This tower is supported by them at the command of the Lord. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.8.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/8/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.8.3 (16.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/8/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:46 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The first woman is Faith. ### Greek text ἄκουε νῦν τὰς ἐνεργείας αὐτῶν. ἡ μὲν πρώτη αὐτῶν, ἡ κρατοῦσα τὰς χεῖρας, Πίστις καλεῖται· διὰ ταύτης σώζονται οἱ ἐκλεκτοὶ τοῦ θεοῦ. ### English translation (Claude) Hear now their functions. The first of them, the one clasping her hands, is called Faith; through her God's elect are saved. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.8.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/8/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.8.4 (16.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/8/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:46 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The second is Self-control, daughter of Faith. ### Greek text ἡ δὲ ἑτέρα, ἡ περιεζωσμένη καὶ ἀνδριζομένη, Ἐγκράτεια καλεῖται· αὕτη θυγάτηρ ἐστὶν τῆς Πίστεως. ὃς ἂν οὖν ἀκολουθήσῃ αὐτῇ, μακάριος γίνεται ἐν τῇ ζωῇ αὐτοῦ, ὅτι πάντων τῶν πονηρῶν ἔργων ἀφέξεται, πιστεύων ὅτι, ἐὰν ἀφέξηται πάσης ἐπιθυμίας πονηρᾶς, κληρονομήσει ζωὴν αἰώνιον. ### English translation (Claude) And the next, who is girded and acts like a man, is called Self-control; she is the daughter of Faith. Whoever follows her becomes blessed in his life, because he will abstain from all evil deeds, believing that if he abstains from every evil desire he will inherit eternal life.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.8.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/8/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.8.5 (16.5) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/8/5/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:46 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The others are Simplicity, Knowledge, Innocence, Reverence, and Love. ### Greek text Αἱ δὲ ἕτεραι, κυρία, τίνες εἰσίν; Θυγατέρες ἀλλήλων εἰσίν· καλοῦνται δὲ ἡ μὲν Ἁπλότης, ἡ δὲ Ἐπιστήμη, ἡ δὲ Ἀκακία, ἡ δὲ Σεμνότης, ἡ δὲ Ἀγάπη. ὅταν οὖν τὰ ἔργα τῆς μητρὸς αὐτῶν πάντα ποιήσῃς, δύνασαι ζῆσαι. ### English translation (Claude) “And the others, lady, who are they?” “They are daughters of one another; they are called Simplicity, Knowledge, Innocence, Reverence, and Love. When, then, you do all the works of their mother, you can live.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.8.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/8/5/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.8.6 (16.6) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/8/6/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:46 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: He asks about their powers. ### Greek text Ἤθελον, φημί, γνῶναι, κυρία, τίς τίνα δύναμιν ἔχει αὐτῶν. Ἄκουε, φησίν, τὰς δυνάμεις, ἃς ἔχουσιν. ### English translation (Claude) “I would like to know, lady,” I said, “which of them has what power.” “Hear,” she said, “the powers they have. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.8.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/8/6/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.8.7 (16.7) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/8/7/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:46–48 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Each virtue is born from the one before, from Faith to Love. ### Greek text κρατοῦνται δὲ ὑπʼ ἀλλήλων αἱ δυνάμεις αὐτῶν καὶ ἀκολουθοῦσιν ἀλλήλαις, καθὼς καὶ γεγεννημέναι εἰσίν. ἐκ τῆς Πίστεως γεννᾶται Ἐγκράτεια, ἐκ τῆς Ἐγκρατείας Ἁπλότης, ἐκ τῆς Ἁπλότητος Ἀκακία, ἐκ τῆς Ἀκακίας Σεμνότης, ἐκ τῆς Σεμνότητος Ἐπιστήμη, ἐκ τῆς Ἐπιστήμης Ἀγάπη. τούτων οὖν τὰ ἔργα ἁγνὰ καὶ σεμνὰ καὶ θεῖά ἐστιν. ### English translation (Claude) Their powers are held together by one another, and they follow one another in the order in which they were born. From Faith is born Self-control, from Self-control Simplicity, from Simplicity Innocence, from Innocence Reverence, from Reverence Knowledge, from Knowledge Love. Their works, then, are pure and reverent and divine. ### Scripture references - 2 Pet 1:5: echo, medium confidence - 2 Pet 1:7: echo, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.8.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/8/7/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.8.8 (16.8) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/8/8/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:48 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Those who serve these virtues will dwell in the tower. ### Greek text ὃς ἂν οὖν δουλεύσῃ ταύταις καὶ ἰσχύσῃ κρατῆσαι τῶν ἔργων αὐτῶν, ἐν τῷ πύργῳ ἕξει τὴν κατοίκησιν μετὰ τῶν ἁγίων τοῦ θεοῦ. ### English translation (Claude) Whoever, then, serves them and is able to hold fast to their works will have his dwelling in the tower with the saints of God.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.8.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/8/8/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.8.9 (16.9) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/8/9/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:48 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The end will come when the tower is finished, and that will be soon. ### Greek text ἐπηρώτων δὲ αὐτὴν περὶ τῶν καιρῶν, εἰ ἤδη συντέλειά ἐστιν. ἡ δὲ ἀνέκραγε φωνῇ μεγάλῃ λέγουσα· Ἀσύνετε ἄνθρωπε, οὐχ ὁρᾷς τὸν πύργον ἔτι οἰκοδομούμενον; ὡς ἐὰν οὖν συντελεσθῇ ὁ πύργος οἰκοδομούμενος, ἔχει τέλος. ἀλλὰ ταχὺ ἐποικοδομηθήσεται. μηκέτι με ἐπερώτα μηδέν· ἀρκετή σοι ἡ ὑπόμνησις αὕτη καὶ τοῖς ἁγίοις καὶ ἡ ἀνακαίνωσις τῶν πνευμάτων ὑμῶν. ### English translation (Claude) And I asked her about the times, whether it is already the end. But she cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Foolish man, do you not see the tower still being built? When the tower has been finished, then comes the end. But it will be built quickly. Ask me nothing more; this reminder and the renewal of your spirits are enough for you and for the saints. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.8.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/8/9/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.8.10 (16.10) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/8/10/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:48 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The revelation is for everyone. ### Greek text ἀλλʼ οὐ σοὶ μόνῳ ταῦτα ἀπεκαλύφθη, ἀλλʼ ἵνα πᾶσιν δηλώσῃς αὐτά, ### English translation (Claude) But these things were not revealed for you alone, but so that you may make them known to all, ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.8.10 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/8/10/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.8.11 (16.11) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/8/11/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:48 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Hermas must speak these words to all the saints. ### Greek text μετὰ τρεῖς ἡμέρας, νοῆσαί σε γὰρ δεῖ πρῶτον. ἐντέλλομαι δέ σοι πρῶτον, Ἑρμᾶ, τὰ ῥήματα ταῦτα, ἅ σοι μέλλω λέγειν, λαλῆσαι αὐτὰ πάντα εἰς τὰ ὦτα τῶν ἁγίων, ἵνα ἀκούσαντες αὐτὰ καὶ ποιήσαντες καθαρισθῶσιν ἀπὸ τῶν πονηριῶν αὐτῶν καὶ σὺ δὲ μετʼ αὐτῶν. ### English translation (Claude) after three days, for you must first understand them. And I command you first, Hermas, to speak all these words that I am about to say to you into the ears of the saints, so that when they hear them and do them they may be cleansed from their wickedness, and you with them. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.8.11 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/8/11/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.9.1 (17.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/9/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:48–50 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The church speaks as a mother: you have been nurtured in righteousness but will not stop sinning. ### Greek text Ἀκούσατέ μου, τέκνα· ἐγὼ ὑμᾶς ἐξέθρεψα ἐν πολλῇ ἁπλότητι καὶ ἀκακίᾳ καὶ σεμνότητι διὰ τὸ ἔλεος τοῦ κυρίου τοῦ ἐφʼ ὑμᾶς στάξαντος τὴν δικαιοσύνην, ἵνα δικαιωθῆτε καὶ ἁγιασθῆτε ἀπὸ πάσης πονηρίας καὶ ἀπὸ πάσης σκολιότητος· ὑμεῖς δὲ οὐ θέλετε παῆναι ἀπὸ τῆς πονηρίας ὑμῶν. ### English translation (Claude) Listen to me, children: I brought you up in much simplicity and innocence and reverence through the mercy of the Lord, who has dropped righteousness upon you, so that you may be justified and sanctified from all wickedness and from all crookedness. But you do not wish to stop your wickedness. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.9.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/9/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.9.2 (17.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/9/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:50 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Share food with the needy; do not consume in excess alone. ### Greek text νῦν οὖν ἀκούσατέ μου καὶ εἰρηνεύετε ἐν ἑαυτοῖς καὶ ἐπισκέπτεσθε ἀλλήλους καὶ ἀντιλαμβάνεσθε ἀλλήλων, καὶ μὴ μόνοι τὰ κτίσματα τοῦ θεοῦ μεταλαμβάνετε ἐκ καταχύματος, ἀλλὰ μεταδίδοτε καὶ τοῖς ὑστερουμένοις· ### English translation (Claude) Now, then, listen to me, and be at peace among yourselves, and look after one another and help one another; and do not partake of God's creatures in excess by yourselves alone, but share them also with those in need. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.9.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/9/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.9.3 (17.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/9/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:50 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Excess harms the rich, want harms the poor. ### Greek text οἱ μὲν γὰρ ἀπὸ τῶν πολλῶν ἐδεσμάτων ἀσθένειαν τῇ σαρκὶ αὐτῶν ἐπισπῶνται καὶ λυμαίνονται τὴν σάρκα αὐτῶν· τῶν δὲ μὴ ἐχόντων ἐδέσματα λυμαίνεται ἡ σὰρξ αὐτῶν διὰ τὸ μὴ ἔχειν τὸ ἀρκετὸν τῆς τροφῆς, καὶ διαφθείρεται τὸ σῶμα αὐτῶν. ### English translation (Claude) For some bring illness upon their flesh from too much food and injure their flesh; while the flesh of those who have no food is injured because they do not have enough nourishment, and their body is ruined. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.9.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/9/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.9.4 (17.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/9/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:50 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Not sharing harms those who have. ### Greek text αὕτη οὖν ἡ ἀσυνκρασία βλαβερὰ ὑμῖν τοῖς ἔχουσι καὶ μὴ μεταδιδοῦσιν τοῖς ὑστερουμένοις. ### English translation (Claude) This lack of sharing, then, is harmful to you who have and do not share with those in need. ### Translation notes - “Lack of sharing” (ἀσυνκρασία): literally “lack of mixing,” an unequal distribution. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.9.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/9/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.9.5 (17.5) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/9/5/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:50 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Help the hungry now, before it is too late. ### Greek text βλέπετε τὴν κρίσιν τὴν ἐπερχομένην. οἱ ὑπερέχοντες οὖν ἐκζητεῖτε τοὺς πεινῶντας, ἕως οὔπω ὁ πύργος ἐτελέσθη· μετὰ γὰρ τὸ τελεσθῆναι τὸν πύργον θελήσετε ἀγαθοποιεῖν, καὶ οὐχ ἕξετε τόπον. ### English translation (Claude) Look at the judgment that is coming. You who have abundance, then, seek out the hungry while the tower is not yet finished; for after the tower is finished you will wish to do good and will have no opportunity. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.9.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/9/5/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.9.6 (17.6) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/9/6/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:50 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The groans of the poor will rise to God against the proud rich. ### Greek text βλέπετε οὖν ὑμεῖς οἱ γαυριώμενοι ἐν τῷ πλούτῳ ὑμῶν, μήποτε στενάξουσιν οἱ ὑστερούμενοι καὶ ὁ στεναγμὸς αὐτῶν ἀναβήσεται πρὸς τὸν κύριον καὶ ἐκκλεισθήσεσθε μετὰ τῶν ἀγαθῶν ὑμῶν ἔξω τῆς θύρας τοῦ πύργου. ### English translation (Claude) Look out, then, you who pride yourselves in your wealth, lest those in need groan, and their groaning go up to the Lord, and you with your goods be shut outside the door of the tower. ### Scripture references - Jas 5:4: echo, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.9.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/9/6/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.9.7 (17.7) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/9/7/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:50 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Church leaders must not carry poison in their hearts. ### Greek text νῦν οὖν ὑμῖν λέγω τοῖς προηγουμένοις τῆς ἐκκλησίας καὶ τοῖς πρωτοκαθεδρίταις· μὴ γίνεσθε ὅμοιοι τοῖς φαρμακοῖς. οἱ φαρμακοὶ μὲν οὖν τὰ φάρμακα ἑαυτῶν εἰς τὰς πυξίδας βαστάζουσιν, ὑμεῖς δὲ τὸ φάρμακον ὑμῶν καὶ τὸν ἰὸν εἰς τὴν καρδίαν. ### English translation (Claude) Now, then, I say to you who lead the church and to those who occupy the chief seats: do not be like the sorcerers. For the sorcerers carry their drugs in boxes, but you carry your drug and your poison in your heart. ### Translation notes - “Those who occupy the chief seats” (πρωτοκαθεδρῖται): leaders who sat in the front seats of the assembly. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.9.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/9/7/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.9.8 (17.8) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/9/8/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:50 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Leaders must cleanse their hearts and be of one mind. ### Greek text ἐνεσκιρωμένοι ἐστὲ καὶ οὐ θέλετε καθαρίσαι τὰς καρδίας ὑμῶν καὶ συνκεράσαι ὑμῶν τὴν φρόνησιν ἐπὶ τὸ αὐτὸ ἐν καθαρᾷ καρδίᾳ, ἵνα σχῆτε ἔλεος παρὰ τοῦ βασιλέως τοῦ μεγάλου. ### English translation (Claude) You are hardened and do not wish to cleanse your hearts and to blend your thinking together in a pure heart, so that you may obtain mercy from the great King. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.9.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/9/8/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.9.9 (17.9) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/9/9/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:50–52 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Divisions may cost you your life. ### Greek text βλέπετε οὖν, τέκνα, μήποτε αὗται αἱ διχοστασίαι ἀποστερήσουσιν τὴν ζωὴν ὑμῶν. ### English translation (Claude) Look out, then, children, lest these divisions deprive you of your life. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.9.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/9/9/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.9.10 (17.10) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/9/10/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:52 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Discipline one another and keep peace, so that the church may give a good account. ### Greek text πῶς ὑμεῖς παιδεύειν θέλετε τοὺς ἐκλεκτοὺς κυρίου, αὐτοὶ μὴ ἔχοντες παιδείαν; παιδεύετε οὖν ἀλλήλους καὶ εἰρηνεύετε ἐν αὑτοῖς ἵνα κἀγὼ κατέναντι τοῦ πατρὸς ἱλαρὰ σταθεῖσα λόγον ἀποδῶ ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν πάντων τῷ κυρίῳ. ### English translation (Claude) How do you wish to discipline the Lord's elect, when you yourselves have no discipline? Discipline one another, then, and be at peace among yourselves, so that I too may stand cheerfully before the Father and give an account for all of you to the Lord.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.9.10 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/9/10/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.10.1 (18.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/10/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:52 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The builders carry her back to the tower. ### Greek text Ὅτε οὖν ἐπαύσατο μετʼ ἐμοῦ λαλοῦσα, ἦλθον οἱ ἓξ νεανίσκοι οἱ οἰκοδομοῦντες καὶ ἀπήνεγκαν αὐτὴν πρὸς τὸν πύργον, καὶ ἄλλοι τέσσαρες ἦραν τὸ συμψέλιον καὶ ἀπήνεγκαν καὶ αὐτὸ πρὸς τὸν πύργον. τούτων τὸ πρόσωπον οὐκ εἶδον, ὅτι ἀπεστραμμένοι ἦσαν. ### English translation (Claude) When, then, she had stopped speaking with me, the six young men who were building came and carried her away to the tower, and four others took up the couch and carried it also to the tower. I did not see their faces, because they were turned away. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.10.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/10/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.10.2 (18.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/10/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:52 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Hermas asks about her three forms; she refers him to another. ### Greek text ὑπάγουσαν δὲ αὐτὴν ἠρώτων, ἵνα μοι ἀποκαλύψῃ περὶ τῶν τριῶν μορφῶν, ἐν αἷς μοι ἐνεφανίσθη. ἀποκριθεῖσά μοι λέγει· Περὶ τούτων ἕτερον δεῖ σε ἐπερωτῆσαι, ἵνα σοι ἀποκαλυφθῇ. ### English translation (Claude) As she was going I asked her to reveal to me about the three forms in which she had appeared to me. She answered me, “About these you must ask someone else, so that it may be revealed to you.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.10.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/10/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.10.3 (18.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/10/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:52 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: In the first vision she was very old and seated. ### Greek text ὤφθη δέ μοι, ἀδελφοί, τῇ μὲν πρώτῃ ὁράσει τῇ περυσινῇ λίαν πρεσβυτέρα καὶ ἐν καθέδρᾳ καθημένη. ### English translation (Claude) She appeared to me, brothers, in the first vision last year as very old and seated on a chair. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.10.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/10/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.10.4 (18.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/10/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:52 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: In the second she was younger in face, standing and more cheerful. ### Greek text τῇ δὲ ἑτέρᾳ ὁράσει τὴν μὲν ὄψιν νεωτέραν εἶχεν, τὴν δὲ σάρκα καὶ τὰς τρίχας πρεσβυτέρας, καὶ ἑστηκυῖά μοι ἐλάλει· ἱλαρωτέρα δὲ ἦν ἢ τὸ πρότερον. ### English translation (Claude) In the second vision her face was younger, but her flesh and her hair were old, and she spoke to me standing; and she was more cheerful than before. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.10.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/10/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.10.5 (18.5) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/10/5/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:52 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: In the third she was young and beautiful, seated on a couch. ### Greek text τῇ δὲ τρίτῃ ὁράσει ὅλη νεωτέρα καὶ κάλλει ἐκπρεπεστάτη, μόνας δὲ τὰς τρίχας πρεσβυτέρας εἶχεν· ἱλαρὰ δὲ εἰς τέλος ἦν καὶ ἐπὶ συμψελίου καθημένη. ### English translation (Claude) In the third vision she was entirely younger and exceedingly beautiful, and only her hair was old; and she was altogether cheerful and was seated on a couch. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.10.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/10/5/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.10.6 (18.6) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/10/6/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:52–54 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: She tells him to fast and ask humbly. ### Greek text περὶ τούτων περίλυπος ἤμην λίαν τοῦ γνῶναί με τὴν ἀποκάλυψιν ταύτην, καὶ βλέπω τὴν πρεσβυτέραν ἐν ὁράματι τῆς νυκτὸς λέγουσάν μοι· Πᾶσα ἐρώτησις ταπεινοφροσύνης χρῄζει. νήστευσον οὖν, καὶ λήμψῃ ὃ αἰτεῖς παρὰ τοῦ κυρίου. ### English translation (Claude) I was very distressed about these things, wishing to know this revelation; and I saw the elderly woman in a vision of the night, saying to me, “Every request needs humility. Fast, then, and you will receive what you ask from the Lord.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.10.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/10/6/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.10.7 (18.7) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/10/7/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:54 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: A young man warns him not to harm his body by excessive fasting. ### Greek text ἐνήστευσα οὖν μίαν ἡμέραν, καὶ αὐτῇ τῇ νυκτί μοι ὤφθη νεανίσκος καὶ λέγει μοι· Τί σὺ ὑπὸ χεῖρα αἰτεῖς ἀποκαλύψεις ἐν δεήσει; βλέπε, μήποτε πολλὰ αἰτούμενος βλάψῃς σου τὴν σάρκα. ### English translation (Claude) So I fasted one day, and that very night a young man appeared to me and said, “Why do you keep asking for revelations in prayer? See that by asking many things you do not harm your flesh. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.10.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/10/7/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.10.8 (18.8) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/10/8/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:54 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The revelations he has are enough. ### Greek text ἀρκοῦσίν σοι αἱ ἀποκαλύψεις αὗται. μήτι δύνῃ ἰσχυροτέρας ἀποκαλύψεις ὧν ἑώρακας ἰδεῖν; ### English translation (Claude) These revelations are enough for you. Can you see more powerful revelations than those you have seen?” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.10.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/10/8/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.10.9 (18.9) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/10/9/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:54 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Doubt keeps them from understanding. ### Greek text ἀποκριθεὶς αὐτῷ λέγω· Κύριε, τοῦτο μόνον αἰτοῦμαι, περὶ τῶν τριῶν μορφῶν τῆς πρεσβυτέρας ἵνα ἀποκάλυψις ὁλοτελὴς γένηται. ἀποκριθείς μοι λέγει· Μέχρι τίνος ἀσύνετοί ἐστε; ἀλλʼ αἱ διψυχίαι ὑμῶν ἀσυνέτους ὑμᾶς ποιοῦσιν καὶ τὸ μὴ ἔχειν τὴν καρδίαν ὑμῶν πρὸς τὸν κύριον. ### English translation (Claude) I answered him, “Sir, I ask only this, about the three forms of the elderly woman, so that the revelation may be complete.” He answered me, “How long will you be without understanding? It is your double-mindedness that makes you without understanding, and not having your heart toward the Lord.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.10.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/10/9/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.10.10 (18.10) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/10/10/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:54 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Hermas asks him to explain. ### Greek text ἀποκριθεὶς αὐτῷ πάλιν εἶπον· Ἀλλʼ ἀπὸ σοῦ, κύριε, ἀκριβέστερον αὐτὰ γνωσόμεθα. ### English translation (Claude) I answered him again, “But from you, sir, we shall learn them more exactly.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.10.10 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/10/10/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.11.1 (19.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/11/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:54 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The young man explains the three forms. ### Greek text Ἄκουε, φησίν, περὶ τῶν μορφῶν ὧν ἐπιζητεῖς. ### English translation (Claude) “Hear,” he said, “about the forms you are asking about. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.11.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/11/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.11.2 (19.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/11/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:54 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: She was old because their spirit was weak and doubting. ### Greek text τῇ μὲν πρώτῃ ὁράσει διατί πρεσβυτέρα ὤφθη σοι καὶ ἐπὶ καθέδραν καθημένη; ὅτι τὸ πνεῦμα ὑμῶν πρεσβύτερον καὶ ἤδη μεμαραμμένον καὶ μὴ ἔχον δύναμιν ἀπὸ τῶν μαλακιῶν ὑμῶν καὶ διψυχιῶν· ### English translation (Claude) In the first vision, why did she appear to you old and seated on a chair? Because your spirit was old and already withered and without power because of your weaknesses and double-mindedness. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.11.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/11/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.11.3 (19.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/11/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:54–56 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Worn down by worldly cares, they grew old in spirit. ### Greek text ὥσπερ γὰρ οἱ πρεσβύτεροι, μηκέτι ἔχοντες ἐλπίδα τοῦ ἀνανεῶσαι, οὐδὲν ἄλλο προσδοκῶσιν εἰ μὴ τὴν κοίμησιν αὐτῶν, οὕτως καὶ ὑμεῖς μαλακισθέντες ἀπὸ τῶν βιωτικῶν πραγμάτων παρεδώκατε ἑαυτοὺς εἰς τὰς ἀκηδίας καὶ οὐκ ἐπερίψατε ἑαυτῶν τὰς μερίμνας ἐπὶ τὸν κύριον· ἀλλὰ ἐθραύσθη ὑμῶν ἡ διάνοια καὶ ἐπαλαιώθητε ταῖς λύπαις ὑμῶν. ### English translation (Claude) For just as old people, no longer having hope of renewal, expect nothing but their falling asleep, so also you, weakened by the affairs of this life, gave yourselves over to apathy and did not cast your cares upon the Lord; but your mind was broken and you grew old in your sorrows. ### Scripture references - Ps 55:22 (54:23 LXX): echo, medium confidence - 1 Pet 5:7: echo, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.11.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/11/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.11.4 (19.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/11/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:56 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: She sat because the weak need support. ### Greek text Διατί οὖν ἐν καθέδρᾳ ἐκάθητο, ἤθελον γνῶναι, κύριε. Ὅτι πᾶς ἀσθενὴς εἰς καθέδραν καθέζεται διὰ τὴν ἀσθένειαν αὐτοῦ, ἵνα συνκρατηθῇ ἡ ἀσθένεια τοῦ σώματος αὐτοῦ. ἔχεις τὸν τύπον τῆς πρώτης ὁράσεως. ### English translation (Claude) “Why, then, did she sit on a chair? I would like to know, sir.” “Because every sick person sits on a chair because of his weakness, so that the weakness of his body may be supported. You have the meaning of the first vision. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.11.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/11/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.12.1 (20.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/12/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:56 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The meaning of the second vision. ### Greek text Τῇ δὲ δευτέρᾳ ὁράσει εἶδες αὐτὴν ἑστηκυῖαν καὶ τὴν ὄψιν νεωτέραν ἔχουσαν καὶ ἱλαρωτέραν παρὰ τὸ πρότερον, τὴν δὲ σάρκα καὶ τὰς τρίχας πρεσβυτέρας. ἄκουε, φησίν, καὶ ταύτην τὴν παραβολήν· ### English translation (Claude) In the second vision you saw her standing, with a younger and more cheerful face than before, but her flesh and hair old. Hear,” he said, “this parable also. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.12.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/12/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.12.2 (20.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/12/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:56 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Like an old man who inherits a fortune, they were renewed by the revelation. ### Greek text ὅταν πρεσβύτερός τις, ἤδη ἀφηλπικὼς ἑαυτὸν διὰ τὴν ἀσθένειαν αὐτοῦ καὶ τὴν πτωχότητα, οὐδὲν ἕτερον προσδέχεται εἰ μὴ τὴν ἐσχάτην ἡμέραν τῆς ζωῆς αὐτοῦ· εἶτα ἐξαίφνης κατελείφθη αὐτῷ κληρονομία, ἀκούσας δὲ ἐξηγέρθη καὶ περιχαρὴς γενόμενος ἐνεδύσατο τὴν ἰσχύν· καὶ οὐκέτι ἀνακεῖται, ἀλλὰ ἕστηκεν, καὶ ἀνανεοῦται αὐτοῦ τὸ πνεῦμα τὸ ἤδη ἐφθαρμένον ἀπὸ τῶν προτέρων αὐτοῦ πράξεων, καὶ οὐκέτι κάθηται, ἀλλὰ ἀνδρίζεται· οὕτως καὶ ὑμεῖς, ἀκούσαντες τὴν ἀποκάλυψιν, ἣν ὑμῖν ὁ κύριος ἀπεκάλυψεν, ### English translation (Claude) When an old man, already despairing of himself because of his weakness and poverty, expects nothing but the last day of his life, and then suddenly an inheritance is left to him: when he hears it he rises up and, overjoyed, puts on strength; and he no longer lies down, but stands, and his spirit, already worn out by his former circumstances, is renewed, and he no longer sits but acts like a man. So also you, when you heard the revelation that the Lord revealed to you, ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.12.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/12/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.12.3 (20.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/12/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:56–58 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: God rejoiced at their renewed strength and will show more if they keep peace. ### Greek text ὅτι ἐσπλαγχνίσθη ἐφʼ ὑμᾶς, καὶ ἀνενεώσατο τὰ πνεύματα ὑμῶν καὶ ἀπέθεσθε τὰς μαλακίας ὑμῶν, καὶ προσῆλθεν ὑμῖν ἰσχυρότης καὶ ἐνεδυναμώθητε ἐν τῇ πίστει, καὶ ἰδὼν ὁ κύριος τὴν ἰσχυροποίησιν ὑμῶν ἐχάρη· καὶ διὰ τοῦτο ἐδήλωσεν ὑμῖν τὴν οἰκοδομὴν τοῦ πύργου καὶ ἕτερα δηλώσει, ἐὰν ἐξ ὅλης καρδίας εἰρηνεύετε ἐν ἑαυτοῖς. ### English translation (Claude) because he had compassion on you, your spirits were renewed and you laid aside your weaknesses, and strength came to you and you were strengthened in faith; and the Lord, seeing your strengthening, rejoiced. For this reason he showed you the building of the tower, and he will show you other things, if you are at peace among yourselves with your whole heart. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.12.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/12/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.13.1 (21.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/13/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:58 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The meaning of the third vision. ### Greek text Τῇ δὲ τρίτῃ ὁράσει εἶδες αὐτὴν νεωτέραν καὶ καλὴν καὶ ἱλαρὰν καὶ καλὴν τὴν μορφὴν αὐτῆς· ### English translation (Claude) In the third vision you saw her younger and beautiful and cheerful, and her form beautiful. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.13.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/13/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.13.2 (21.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/13/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:58 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Good news renews a grieving person; so the visions renewed them. ### Greek text ὡς ἐὰν γάρ τινι λυπουμένῳ ἔλθῃ ἀγγελία ἀγαθή τις, εὐθὺς ἐπελάθετο τῶν προτέρων λυπῶν καὶ οὐδὲν ἄλλο προσδέχεται εἰ μὴ τὴν ἀγγελίαν, ἣν ἤκουσεν, καὶ ἰσχυροποιεῖται λοιπὸν εἰς τὸ ἀγαθὸν καὶ ἀνανεοῦται αὐτοῦ τὸ πνεῦμα διὰ τὴν χαράν, ἣν ἔλαβεν· οὕτως καὶ ὑμεῖς ἀνανέωσιν εἰλήφατε τῶν πνευμάτων ὑμῶν ἰδόντες ταῦτα τὰ ἀγαθά. ### English translation (Claude) For just as when good news comes to someone who is grieving, he immediately forgets his former griefs and expects nothing but the news he has heard, and from then on is strengthened for good, and his spirit is renewed because of the joy he has received: so also you have received a renewal of your spirits by seeing these good things. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.13.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/13/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.13.3 (21.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/13/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:58 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The four-legged couch stands firm, like the world of four elements. ### Greek text καὶ ὅτι ἐπὶ συμψελίου εἶδες καθημένην, ἰσχυρὰ ἡ θέσις, ὅτι τέσσαρας πόδας ἔχει τὸ συμψέλιον καὶ ἰσχυρῶς ἕστηκεν· καὶ γὰρ ὁ κόσμος διὰ τεσσάρων στοιχείων κρατεῖται. ### English translation (Claude) And as for your seeing her seated on a couch, the position is firm, because the couch has four feet and stands firmly; for the world too is held together by four elements. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.13.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/13/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 3.13.4 (21.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/13/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:58 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Those who fully repent will be young again; the revelation is complete. ### Greek text οἱ οὖν μετανοήσαντες ὁλοτελῶς νέοι ἔσονται καὶ τεθεμελιωμένοι, οἱ ἐξ ὅλης καρδίας μετανοήσαντες. ἀπέχεις ὁλοτελῆ τὴν ἀποκάλυψιν· μηκέτι μηδὲν αἰτήσῃς περὶ ἀποκαλύψεως, ἐάν τι δὲ δέῃ, ἀποκαλυφθήσεταί σοι. ### English translation (Claude) Those, then, who have repented completely will be young and well founded, those who have repented with their whole heart. You have the complete revelation. Ask nothing more about revelation; but if anything is needed, it will be revealed to you.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 3.13.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/3/13/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 4.1.1 (22.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/4/1/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:60 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The fourth vision: a type of the coming tribulation. ### Greek text Ἣν εἶδον, ἀδελφοί, μετὰ ἡμέρας εἴκοσι τῆς προτέρας ὁράσεως τῆς γενομένης, εἰς τύπον τῆς θλίψεως τῆς ἐπερχομένης. ### English translation (Claude) What I saw, brothers, twenty days after the previous vision, as a type of the coming tribulation: ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 4.1.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/4/1/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 4.1.2 (22.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/4/1/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:60 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Hermas walks along the Via Campana. ### Greek text ὑπῆγον εἰς ἀγρὸν τῇ ὁδῷ τῇ καμπανῇ. ἀπὸ τῆς ὁδοῦ τῆς δημοσίας ἐστὶν ὡσεὶ στάδια δέκα· ῥᾳδίως δὲ ὁδεύεται ὁ τόπος. ### English translation (Claude) I was going into the country by the Campanian Way. It is about ten stades from the public road, and the place is easily reached. ### Translation notes - The Via Campana ran from Rome toward the southwest; ten stades is a little over a mile. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 4.1.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/4/1/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 4.1.3 (22.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/4/1/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:60 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Hermas prays for the completion of the revelations. ### Greek text μόνος οὖν περιπατῶν ἀξιῶ τὸν κύριον, ἵνα τὰς ἀποκαλύψεις καὶ τὰ ὁράματα, ἅ μοι ἔδειξεν διὰ τῆς ἁγίας Ἐκκλησίας αὐτοῦ, τελειώσῃ, ἵνα με ἰσχυροποιήσῃ καὶ δῷ τὴν μετάνοιαν τοῖς δούλοις αὐτοῦ τοῖς ἐσκανδαλισμένοις, ἵνα δοξασθῇ τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ τὸ μέγα καὶ ἔνδοξον, ὅτι με ἄξιον ἡγήσατο τοῦ δεῖξαί μοι τὰ θαυμάσια αὐτοῦ. ### English translation (Claude) So, walking alone, I asked the Lord to complete the revelations and visions that he had shown me through his holy church, so that he might strengthen me and give repentance to his servants who had stumbled, so that his great and glorious name might be glorified, because he counted me worthy to show me his wonders. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 4.1.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/4/1/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 4.1.4 (22.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/4/1/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:60 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: A voice tells him not to doubt. ### Greek text καὶ δοξάζοντός μου καὶ εὐχαριστοῦντος αὐτῷ, ὡς ἦχος φωνῆς μοι ἀπεκρίθη· Μὴ διψυχήσεις, Ἑρμᾶ. ἐν ἐμαυτῷ ἠρξάμην διαλογίζεσθαι καὶ λέγειν· Ἐγὼ τί ἔχω διψυχῆσαι, οὕτω τεθεμελιωμένος ὑπὸ τοῦ κυρίου καὶ ἰδὼν ἔνδοξα πράγματα; ### English translation (Claude) And as I was glorifying and thanking him, something like the sound of a voice answered me: “Do not be double-minded, Hermas.” I began to reason within myself and to say, “Why should I be double-minded, so firmly founded by the Lord and having seen glorious things?” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 4.1.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/4/1/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 4.1.5 (22.5) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/4/1/5/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:60 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Hermas sees a huge cloud of dust. ### Greek text καὶ προσέβην μικρόν, ἀδελφοί, καὶ ἰδού, βλέπω κονιορτὸν ὡς εἰς τὸν οὐρανὸν καὶ ἠρξάμην λέγειν ἐν ἐμαυτῷ· Μήποτε κτήνη ἔρχονται καὶ κονιορτὸν ἐγείρουσιν; οὕτω δὲ ἦν ἀπʼ ἐμοῦ ὡς ἀπὸ σταδίου. ### English translation (Claude) And I went on a little, brothers, and behold, I saw a cloud of dust reaching as it were to heaven, and I began to say to myself, “Are cattle coming and raising dust?” It was about a stade from me. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 4.1.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/4/1/5/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 4.1.6 (22.6) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/4/1/6/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:60–62 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: A monstrous beast appears, with fiery locusts from its mouth. ### Greek text γινομένου μείζονος καὶ μείζονος κονιορτοῦ ὑπενόησα εἶναί τι θεῖον· μικρὸν ἐξέλαμψεν ὁ ἥλιος καὶ ἰδού, βλέπω θηρίον μέγιστον ὡσεὶ κῆτός τι, καὶ ἐκ τοῦ στόματος αὐτοῦ ἀκρίδες πύριναι ἐξεπορεύοντο· ἦν δὲ τὸ θηρίον τῷ μήκει ὡσεὶ ποδῶν ρ, τὴν δὲ κεφαλὴν εἶχεν ὡσεὶ κεράμου. ### English translation (Claude) As the cloud of dust grew greater and greater, I suspected that it was something divine. The sun shone out a little, and behold, I saw a huge beast like a sea monster, and fiery locusts were coming out of its mouth. The beast was about a hundred feet long, and its head was like a clay jar. ### Scripture references - Rev 9:3: echo, low confidence ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 4.1.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/4/1/6/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 4.1.7 (22.7) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/4/1/7/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:62 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Hermas prays and remembers: do not doubt. ### Greek text καὶ ἠρξάμην κλαίειν καὶ ἐρωτᾶν τὸν κύριον, ἵνα με λυτρώσηται ἐξ αὐτοῦ· καὶ ἐπανεμνήσθην τοῦ ῥήματος οὗ ἀκηκόειν· Μὴ διψυχήσεις, Ἑρμᾶ. ### English translation (Claude) And I began to weep and to ask the Lord to rescue me from it; and I remembered the word I had heard: “Do not be double-minded, Hermas.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 4.1.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/4/1/7/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 4.1.8 (22.8) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/4/1/8/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:62 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: In faith, Hermas faces the beast. ### Greek text ἐνδυσάμενος οὖν, ἀδελφοί, τὴν πίστιν τοῦ κυρίου καὶ μνησθεὶς ὧν ἐδίδαξέν με μεγαλείων, θαρσήσας εἰς τὸ θηρίον ἐμαυτὸν ἔδωκα. οὕτω δὲ ἤρχετο τὸ θηρίον ῥοίζῳ, ὥστε δύνασθαι αὐτὸ πόλιν λυμᾶναι. ### English translation (Claude) So, brothers, putting on the faith of the Lord and remembering the great things he had taught me, I took courage and gave myself up to the beast. And the beast was coming on with such a rushing noise that it could have destroyed a city. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 4.1.8 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/4/1/8/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 4.1.9 (22.9) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/4/1/9/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:62 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The beast lies still and lets him pass. ### Greek text ἔρχομαι ἐγγὺς αὐτοῦ, καὶ τὸ τηλικοῦτο κῆτος ἐκτείνει ἑαυτὸ χαμαὶ καὶ οὐδὲν εἰ μὴ τὴν γλῶσσαν προέβαλλεν καὶ ὅλως οὐκ ἐκινήθη, μέχρις ὅτε παρῆλθον αὐτό· ### English translation (Claude) I came near it, and the huge sea monster stretched itself out on the ground and put out nothing but its tongue, and did not move at all until I had passed by it. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 4.1.9 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/4/1/9/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 4.1.10 (22.10) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/4/1/10/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:62 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The beast's head has four colors. ### Greek text εἶχεν δὲ τὸ θηρίον ἐπὶ τῆς κεφαλῆς χρώματα τέσσαρα· μέλαν, εἶτα πυροειδὲς καὶ αἱματῶδες, εἶτα χρυσοῦν, εἶτα λευκόν. ### English translation (Claude) And the beast had four colors on its head: black, then fiery and blood-red, then gold, then white. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 4.1.10 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/4/1/10/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 4.2.1 (23.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/4/2/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:62 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: A virgin dressed as a bride meets him. ### Greek text Μετὰ δὲ τὸ παρελθεῖν με τὸ θηρίον καὶ προελθεῖν ὡσεὶ πόδας λ, ἰδού, ὑπαντᾷ μοι παρθένος κεκοσμημένη ὡς ἐκ νυμφῶνος ἐκπορευομένη, ὅλη ἐν λευκοῖς καὶ ὑποδήμασιν λευκοῖς, κατακεκαλυμμένη ἕως τοῦ μετώπου, ἐν μίτρᾳ δὲ ἦν ἡ κατακάλυψις αὐτῆς· εἶχεν δὲ τὰς τρίχας αὐτῆς λευκάς. ### English translation (Claude) After I had passed the beast and gone on about thirty feet, behold, a virgin met me, adorned as if coming out of the bridal chamber, all in white and with white sandals, veiled down to her forehead, and her veil was a headband; and her hair was white. ### Scripture references - Rev 21:2: echo, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 4.2.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/4/2/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 4.2.2 (23.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/4/2/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:62 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: He recognizes the church. ### Greek text ἔγνων ἐγὼ ἐκ τῶν προτέρων ὁραμάτων, ὅτι ἡ Ἐκκλησία ἐστίν, καὶ ἱλαρώτερος ἐγενόμην. ἀσπάζεταί με λέγουσα· Χαῖρε σύ, ἄνθρωπε. καὶ ἐγὼ αὐτὴν ἀντησπασάμην· Κυρία, χαῖρε. ### English translation (Claude) I knew from the previous visions that she was the church, and I became more cheerful. She greeted me, saying, “Greetings, O man.” And I greeted her in return: “Lady, greetings.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 4.2.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/4/2/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 4.2.3 (23.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/4/2/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:62–64 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: He tells her he escaped the beast by God's power. ### Greek text ἀποκριθεῖσά μοι λέγει· Οὐδέν σοι ἀπήντησεν; λέγω αὐτῇ· Κυρία, τηλικοῦτο θηρίον, δυνάμενον λαοὺς διαφθεῖραι· ἀλλὰ τῇ δυνάμει τοῦ κυρίου καὶ τῇ πολυσπλαγχνίᾳ αὐτοῦ ἐξέφυγον αὐτό. ### English translation (Claude) She answered me, “Did nothing meet you?” I said to her, “Lady, such a beast, able to destroy peoples; but by the power of the Lord and his great mercy I escaped it.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 4.2.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/4/2/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 4.2.4 (23.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/4/2/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:64 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Faith saved him; an angel named Thegri shut the beast's mouth. ### Greek text Καλῶς ἐξέφυγες, φησίν, ὅτι τὴν μέριμνάν σου ἐπὶ τὸν θεὸν ἐπέριψας καὶ τὴν καρδίαν σου ἤνοιξας πρὸς τὸν κύριον, πιστεύσας, ὅτι διʼ οὐδενὸς δύνῃ σωθῆναι εἰ μὴ διὰ τοῦ μεγάλου καὶ ἐνδόξου ὀνόματος. διὰ τοῦτο ὁ κύριος ἀπέστειλεν τὸν ἄγγελον αὐτοῦ τὸν ἐπὶ τῶν θηρίων ὄντα, οὗ τὸ ὄνομά ἐστιν Θεγρί, καὶ ἐνέφραξεν τὸ στόμα αὐτοῦ, ἵνα μή σε λυμάνῃ. μεγάλην θλῖψιν ἐκπέφευγας διὰ τὴν πίστιν σου καὶ ὅτι τηλικοῦτο θηρίον ἰδὼν οὐκ ἐδιψύχησας· ### English translation (Claude) “You escaped it well,” she said, “because you cast your care upon God and opened your heart to the Lord, believing that you can be saved through nothing except the great and glorious name. For this reason the Lord sent his angel who is over the beasts, whose name is Thegri, and shut its mouth so that it would not harm you. You have escaped a great tribulation because of your faith, and because you did not doubt when you saw such a beast. ### Scripture references - Dan 6:22: allusion, medium confidence - Heb 11:33: echo, medium confidence - 1 Pet 5:7: echo, medium confidence ### Translation notes - “Thegri”: the name is otherwise unknown; its meaning is uncertain. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 4.2.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/4/2/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 4.2.5 (23.5) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/4/2/5/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:64 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The beast is a type of the coming great tribulation; repentance and trust will bring escape. ### Greek text ὕπαγε οὖν καὶ ἐξήγησαι τοῖς ἐκλεκτοῖς τοῦ κυρίου τὰ μεγαλεῖα αὐτοῦ καὶ εἰπὲ αὐτοῖς, ὅτι τὸ θηρίον τοῦτο τύπος ἐστὶν θλίψεως τῆς μελλούσης τῆς μεγάλης· ἐὰν οὖν προετοιμάσησθε καὶ μετανοήσητε ἐξ ὅλης καρδίας ὑμῶν πρὸς τὸν κύριον, δυνήσεσθε ἐκφυγεῖν αὐτήν, ἐὰν ἡ καρδία ὑμῶν γένηται καθαρὰ καὶ ἄμωμος καὶ τὰς λοιπὰς τῆς ζωῆς ἡμέρας ὑμῶν δουλεύσητε τῷ κυρίῳ ἀμέμπτως. ἐπιρίψατε τὰς μερίμνας ὑμῶν ἐπὶ τὸν κύριον, καὶ αὐτὸς κατορθώσει αὐτάς. ### English translation (Claude) Go, then, and tell the Lord's elect his great deeds, and tell them that this beast is a type of the great tribulation that is coming. If, then, you prepare yourselves beforehand and repent to the Lord with all your heart, you will be able to escape it, if your heart becomes pure and blameless, and you serve the Lord blamelessly for the rest of the days of your life. Cast your cares upon the Lord, and he will set them right. ### Scripture references - Ps 55:22 (54:23 LXX): allusion, medium confidence - 1 Pet 5:7: allusion, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 4.2.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/4/2/5/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 4.2.6 (23.6) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/4/2/6/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:64–66 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Doubters must believe; woe to those who disobey. ### Greek text πιστεύσατε τῷ κυρίῳ, οἱ δίψυχοι, ὅτι πάντα δύναται καὶ ἀποστρέφει τὴν ὀργὴν αὐτοῦ ἀφʼ ὑμῶν καὶ ἐξαποστέλλει μάστιγας ὑμῖν τοῖς διψύχοις. οὐαὶ τοῖς ἀκούσασιν τὰ ῥήματα ταῦτα καὶ παρακούσασιν· αἱρετώτερον ἦν αὐτοῖς τὸ μὴ γεννηθῆναι. ### English translation (Claude) Believe in the Lord, you double-minded, that he can do all things, and turns his anger away from you, and sends out scourges on you who are double-minded. Woe to those who have heard these words and disobeyed; it would have been better for them not to have been born.” ### Scripture references - Matt 26:24: echo, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 4.2.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/4/2/6/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 4.3.1 (24.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/4/3/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:66 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: He asks about the four colors. ### Greek text Ἠρώτησα αὐτὴν περὶ τῶν τεσσάρων χρωμάτων ὧν εἶχεν τὸ θηρίον εἰς τὴν κεφαλήν. ἡ δὲ ἀποκριθεῖσά μοι λέγει· Πάλιν περίεργος εἶ περὶ τοιούτων πραγμάτων. Ναί, φημί, κυρία· γνώρισόν μοι, τί ἐστιν ταῦτα. ### English translation (Claude) I asked her about the four colors that the beast had on its head. And she answered me, “Again you are curious about such things.” “Yes, lady,” I said; “make known to me what these things are.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 4.3.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/4/3/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 4.3.2 (24.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/4/3/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:66 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Black is this world. ### Greek text Ἄκουε, φησίν· τὸ μὲν μέλαν οὗτος ὁ κόσμος ἐστίν, ἐν ᾧ κατοικεῖτε· ### English translation (Claude) “Hear,” she said. “The black is this world in which you live. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 4.3.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/4/3/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 4.3.3 (24.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/4/3/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:66 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Red means the world will perish by blood and fire. ### Greek text τὸ δὲ πυροειδὲς καὶ αἱματῶδες, ὅτι δεῖ τὸν κόσμον τοῦτον διʼ αἵματος καὶ πυρὸς ἀπόλλυσθαι· ### English translation (Claude) The fiery and blood-red means that this world must perish through blood and fire. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 4.3.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/4/3/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 4.3.4 (24.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/4/3/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:66 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Gold stands for believers refined by trials. ### Greek text τὸ δὲ χρυσοῦν μέρος ὑμεῖς ἐστε οἱ ἐκφυγόντες τὸν κόσμον τοῦτον. ὥσπερ γὰρ τὸ χρυσίον δοκιμάζεται διὰ τοῦ πυρὸς καὶ εὔχρηστον γίνεται, οὕτως καὶ ὑμεῖς δοκιμάζεσθε οἱ κατοικοῦντες ἐν αὐτοῖς. οἱ οὖν μείναντες καὶ πυρωθέντες ὑπʼ αὐτῶν καθαρισθήσεσθε. ὥσπερ τὸ χρυσίον ἀποβάλλει τὴν σκωρίαν αὐτοῦ, οὕτω καὶ ὑμεῖς ἀποβαλεῖτε πᾶσαν λύπην καὶ στενοχωρίαν, καὶ καθαρισθήσεσθε καὶ χρήσιμοι ἔσεσθε εἰς τὴν οἰκοδομὴν τοῦ πύργου. ### English translation (Claude) The golden part is you who have escaped this world. For just as gold is tested by fire and becomes useful, so also you who dwell in it are being tested. Those, then, who remain and are refined by them will be cleansed. Just as gold casts off its dross, so also you will cast off all grief and distress, and you will be cleansed and will be useful for the building of the tower. ### Scripture references - 1 Pet 1:7: echo, medium confidence ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 4.3.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/4/3/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 4.3.5 (24.5) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/4/3/5/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:66 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: White is the age to come, home of God's elect. ### Greek text τὸ δὲ λευκὸν μέρος ὁ αἰὼν ὁ ἐπερχόμενός ἐστιν, ἐν ᾧ κατοικήσουσιν οἱ ἐκλεκτοὶ τοῦ θεοῦ· ὅτι ἄσπιλοι καὶ καθαροὶ ἔσονται οἱ ἐκλελεγμένοι ὑπὸ τοῦ θεοῦ εἰς ζωὴν αἰώνιον. ### English translation (Claude) The white part is the age to come, in which God's elect will dwell; for those chosen by God for eternal life will be spotless and pure. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 4.3.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/4/3/5/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 4.3.6 (24.6) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/4/3/6/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:66 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Tell the saints; the tribulation can be nothing if they are willing. ### Greek text σὺ οὖν μὴ διαλίπῃς λαλῶν εἰς τὰ ὦτα τῶν ἁγίων. ἔχετε καὶ τὸν τύπον τῆς θλίψεως τῆς ἐρχομένης μεγάλης. ἐὰν δὲ ὑμεῖς θελήσητε, οὐδὲν ἔσται. μνημονεύετε τὰ προγεγραμμένα. ### English translation (Claude) So do not stop speaking into the ears of the saints. You have also the type of the great tribulation that is coming. But if you are willing, it will be nothing. Remember what was written before.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 4.3.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/4/3/6/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 4.3.7 (24.7) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/4/3/7/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:66 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: She vanishes in a cloud. ### Greek text ταῦτα εἴπασα ἀπῆλθεν, καὶ οὐκ εἶδον, ποίῳ τόπῳ ἀπῆλθεν· νέφος γὰρ ἐγένετο· κἀγὼ ἐπεστράφην εἰς τὰ ὀπίσω φοβηθείς, δοκῶν ὅτι τὸ θηρίον ἔρχεται. ### English translation (Claude) Having said these things she went away, and I did not see where she went; for a cloud appeared; and I turned back in fear, thinking that the beast was coming. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 4.3.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/4/3/7/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 5.1 (25.1) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/5/1/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:68 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: A glorious man dressed as a shepherd visits Hermas. ### Greek text Προσευξαμένου μου ἐν τῷ οἴκῳ καὶ καθίσαντος εἰς τὴν κλίνην εἰσῆλθεν ἀνήρ τις ἔνδοξος τῇ ὄψει, σχήματι ποιμενικῷ, περικείμενος δέρμα αἴγειον λευκὸν καὶ πήραν ἔχων ἐπὶ τῶν ὤμων καὶ ῥάβδον εἰς τὴν χεῖρα. καὶ ἠσπάσατό με, κἀγὼ ἀντησπασάμην αὐτόν. ### English translation (Claude) While I was praying at home and sitting on my bed, a man of glorious appearance came in, dressed like a shepherd, wrapped in a white goatskin, with a bag on his shoulders and a staff in his hand. And he greeted me, and I greeted him in return. ### Translation notes - The fifth “vision” (called a “revelation” in the manuscripts) introduces the Shepherd, the angel of repentance, who gives Hermas the Mandates and Similitudes. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 5.1 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/5/1/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 5.2 (25.2) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/5/2/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:68 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The Shepherd has been sent to live with Hermas. ### Greek text καὶ εὐθὺς παρεκάθισέν μοι καὶ λέγει μοι· Ἀπεστάλην ὑπὸ τοῦ σεμνοτάτου ἀγγέλου, ἵνα μετὰ σοῦ οἰκήσω τὰς λοιπὰς ἡμέρας τῆς ζωῆς σου. ### English translation (Claude) And immediately he sat down beside me and said to me, “I have been sent by the most reverend angel to live with you for the rest of the days of your life.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 5.2 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/5/2/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 5.3 (25.3) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/5/3/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:68 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: He reveals he is the shepherd to whom Hermas was entrusted. ### Greek text ἔδοξα ἐγώ, ὅτι πάρεστιν ἐκπειράζων με, καὶ λέγω αὐτῷ· Σὺ γὰρ τίς εἶ; ἐγὼ γάρ, φημί, γινώσκω, ᾧ παρεδόθην. λέγει μοι· Οὐκ ἐπιγινώσκεις με; Οὔ, φημί. Ἐγώ, φησίν, εἰμὶ ὁ ποιμήν, ᾧ παρεδόθης. ### English translation (Claude) I thought that he had come to tempt me, and I said to him, “Who are you? For I know,” I said, “to whom I have been handed over.” He said to me, “Do you not recognize me?” “No,” I said. “I am,” he said, “the shepherd to whom you have been handed over.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 5.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/5/3/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 5.4 (25.4) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/5/4/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:68 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Hermas recognizes him and is ashamed. ### Greek text ἔτι λαλοῦντος αὐτοῦ ἠλλοιώθη ἡ ἰδέα αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἐπέγνων αὐτόν, ὅτι ἐκεῖνος ἦν, ᾧ παρεδόθην, καὶ εὐθὺς συνεχύθην καὶ φόβος με ἔλαβεν καὶ ὅλος συνεκόπην ἀπὸ τῆς λύπης, ὅτι οὕτως αὐτῷ ἀπεκρίθην πονηρῶς καὶ ἀφρόνως. ### English translation (Claude) While he was still speaking his appearance changed, and I recognized him, that it was he to whom I had been handed over; and immediately I was confused, and fear seized me, and I was completely overcome with grief that I had answered him so wickedly and foolishly. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 5.4 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/5/4/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 5.5 (25.5) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/5/5/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:68–70 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: The Shepherd tells Hermas to write down his commandments and parables. ### Greek text ὁ δὲ ἀποκριθείς μοι λέγει· Μὴ συγχύννου, ἀλλὰ ἰσχυροποιοῦ ἐν ταῖς ἐντολαῖς μου αἷς σοι μέλλω ἐντέλλεσθαι. ἀπεστάλην γάρ, φησίν, ἵνα ἃ εἶδες πρότερον πάντα σοι πάλιν δείξω, αὐτὰ τὰ κεφάλαια τὰ ὄντα ὑμῖν σύμφορα. πρῶτον πάντων τὰς ἐντολάς μου γράψον καὶ τὰς παραβολάς· τὰ δὲ ἕτερα, καθώς σοι δείξω, οὕτως γράψεις· διὰ τοῦτο, φησίν, ἐντέλλομαί σοι πρῶτον γράψαι τὰς ἐντολὰς καὶ παραβολάς, ἵνα ὑπὸ χεῖρα ἀναγινώσκῃς αὐτὰς καὶ δυνηθῇς φυλάξαι αὐτάς. ### English translation (Claude) But he answered me, “Do not be confused, but be strong in my commandments that I am about to command you. For I have been sent,” he said, “to show you again all the things you saw before, the very main points that are useful to you. First of all, write down my commandments and parables; and the rest you shall write as I show you. For this reason,” he said, “I command you to write first the commandments and parables, so that you may read them over constantly and be able to keep them.” ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 5.5 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/5/5/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 5.6 (25.6) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/5/6/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:70 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Hermas writes them down. ### Greek text ἔγραψα οὖν τὰς ἐντολὰς καὶ παραβολάς, καθὼς ἐνετείλατό μοι. ### English translation (Claude) So I wrote down the commandments and parables, as he commanded me. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 5.6 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/5/6/). ## Shepherd of Hermas, Vision 5.7 (25.7) - URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/5/7/ - Source: Lake, LCL 25:70 - Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26 Summary: Keeping the commandments brings God's promises; the Shepherd is the angel of repentance. ### Greek text ἐὰν οὖν ἀκούσαντες αὐτὰς φυλάξητε καὶ ἐν αὐταῖς πορευθῆτε καὶ ἐργάσησθε αὐτὰς ἐν καθαρᾷ καρδίᾳ, ἀπολήμψεσθε ἀπὸ τοῦ κυρίου, ὅσα ἐπηγγείλατο ὑμῖν· ἐὰν δὲ ἀκούσαντες μὴ μετανοήσητε, ἀλλʼ ἔτι προσθῆτε ταῖς ἁμαρτίαις ὑμῶν, ἀπολήμψεσθε παρὰ τοῦ κυρίου τὰ ἐναντία. ταῦτά μοι πάντα οὕτως γράψαι ὁ ποιμὴν ἐνετείλατο, ὁ ἄγγελος τῆς μετανοίας. ### English translation (Claude) If, then, when you have heard them, you keep them and walk in them and do them with a pure heart, you will receive from the Lord all that he has promised you; but if, having heard them, you do not repent, but still add to your sins, you will receive the opposite from the Lord. All these things the shepherd, the angel of repentance, commanded me to write thus. ### Citation (SBL) Herm. Vis. 5.7 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/herm-vis/5/7/).