Shepherd of Hermas — Similitude 9 · Chapter 15
Similitude 9.15.1
Greek including Lake’s editorial reconstruction from versions
Similitude 9.15.1 I said, “Sir, disclose to me the names of the virgins and of the women dressed in black garments.” He said, “Listen to the names of the stronger virgins, those stationed at the corners.
Textual & reception notes
Similitude 9.15.1 — Textual: The request introduces names for both groups, beginning with the stronger corner virgins; Lake marks part of this transition as versionally reconstructed. Reception: No section-specific reception verified in the sources checked.
Similitude 9.15.2
Greek (Lake printed edition)
Similitude 9.15.2 The first is Faith, the second Self-Control, the third Power, and the fourth Patience. The others stationed between them have these names: Simplicity, Innocence, Purity, Cheerfulness, Truth, Understanding, Concord, and Love. Whoever bears these names and the name of the Son of God will be able to enter the kingdom of God.
Textual & reception notes
Similitude 9.15.2 — Textual: The twelve virtues are individually named. Patience renders long-suffering, and this expanded list should not be forced into the earlier seven-virtue sequence. Reception: No section-specific reception verified in the sources checked.
Similitude 9.15.3
Greek (Lake printed edition)
Similitude 9.15.3 Listen also,” he said, “to the names of the women who wear black garments. Four of these too are more powerful. The first is Unbelief, the second Lack of Self-Control, the third Disobedience, and the fourth Deceit. Their followers are called Sorrow, Wickedness, Licentiousness, Quick Temper, Falsehood, Folly, Slander, and Hatred. The servant of God who bears these names will indeed see the kingdom of God, but will not enter it.”
Textual & reception notes
Similitude 9.15.3 — Textual: The opposing twelve names personify vices; seeing the kingdom is expressly distinguished from entering it. Reception: No section-specific reception verified in the sources checked.
Similitude 9.15.4
Greek (Lake printed edition)
Similitude 9.15.4 I said, “Sir, who are the stones from the deep that were fitted into the building?” He said, “The first ten, placed in the foundations, are the first generation. The twenty-five are the second generation of righteous men. The thirty-five are God's prophets and His ministers. The forty are apostles and teachers of the proclamation of the Son of God.”
Textual & reception notes
Similitude 9.15.4 — Textual: The second generation numbers twenty-five here, unlike the earlier twenty. The forty identify apostles and proclamation-teachers, without supplying individual names. Reception: No section-specific reception verified in the sources checked.
Similitude 9.15.5
Greek (Lake printed edition)
Similitude 9.15.5 I said, “Why, then, sir, did the virgins also hand these stones over for the building of the tower, carrying them through the gateway?”
Textual & reception notes
Similitude 9.15.5 — Textual: The question asks why the foundational generations also required passage through the gateway in the virgins' hands. Reception: No section-specific reception verified in the sources checked.
Similitude 9.15.6
Greek (Lake printed edition)
Similitude 9.15.6 He said, “These were the first to bear these spirits, and they never parted from one another at all: neither the spirits from the people nor the people from the spirits. The spirits remained with them until they fell asleep. If they had not had these spirits with them, they would not have become useful for the building of this tower.”
Textual & reception notes
Similitude 9.15.6 — Textual: These earlier people retained the virtues' spirits until death; their fitness for the tower depends on that continuous companionship. Reception: No section-specific reception verified in the sources checked.