Shepherd of Hermas — Similitude 9 · Chapter 7
Similitude 9.7.1
Greek (Lake printed edition)
Similitude 9.7.1 When he had completed these things, the glorious man, the master of the whole tower, called the shepherd and entrusted to him all the stones lying beside the tower that had been rejected from the building. He said to him,
Textual & reception notes
Similitude 9.7.1 — Textual: The tower's owner entrusts the rejected stones to the shepherd; rejection from the first inspection does not settle their final fate. Reception: No section-specific reception verified in the sources checked.
Similitude 9.7.2
Greek (Lake printed edition)
Similitude 9.7.2 “Clean these stones carefully, and place in the building of the tower those that can fit with the others. Throw those that do not fit far away from the tower.”
Textual & reception notes
Similitude 9.7.2 — Textual: Cleaning precedes a new judgment of fitness: compatible stones return to the tower, while incompatible ones are cast far away. Reception: No section-specific reception verified in the sources checked.
Similitude 9.7.3
Greek including Lake’s editorial reconstruction from versions
Similitude 9.7.3 After giving these commands to the shepherd, he departed from the tower with everyone who had come with him. The virgins stood around the tower, guarding it.
Textual & reception notes
Similitude 9.7.3 — Textual: The owner and his companions depart, while the virgins maintain their guard; Lake restores this narrative wording from ancient versions. Reception: No section-specific reception verified in the sources checked.
Similitude 9.7.4
Greek (Lake printed edition)
Similitude 9.7.4 I said to the shepherd, “How can these stones go into the building of the tower when they have been rejected?” He answered me, “Do you see these stones?” I said, “I see them, sir.” “I will cut the greater part of these stones,” he said, “and put them into the building, and they will fit with the other stones.”
Textual & reception notes
Similitude 9.7.4 — Textual: The shepherd expects to cut and restore the greater part of the rejected stones, without promising restoration of every stone. Reception: No section-specific reception verified in the sources checked.
Similitude 9.7.5
Greek (Lake printed edition)
Similitude 9.7.5 I said, “How, sir, can they fill the same space after being cut down?” He answered me, “Those found to be small will be put into the middle of the building. Those that are larger will be placed on the outside and will hold them together.”
Textual & reception notes
Similitude 9.7.5 — Textual: Reduced stones can occupy the interior, supported by larger exterior stones; different sizes can therefore remain compatible within one structure. Reception: No section-specific reception verified in the sources checked.
Similitude 9.7.6
Greek (Lake printed edition)
Similitude 9.7.6 After saying these things, he said to me, “Let us go, and return after two days to clean these stones and put them into the building. For everything around the tower must be cleaned, lest the master suddenly come and find the area around the tower dirty and become displeased. Then these stones will not go into the building of the tower, and I shall appear negligent before the master.”
Textual & reception notes
Similitude 9.7.6 — Textual: A two-day return is planned for cleaning before the master's unexpected arrival; the shepherd's own diligence is also accountable. Reception: No section-specific reception verified in the sources checked.
Similitude 9.7.7
Greek (Lake printed edition)
Similitude 9.7.7 After two days we came to the tower, and he said to me, “Let us inspect all the stones and see which can go into the building.” I said to him, “Sir, let us inspect them.”
Textual & reception notes
Similitude 9.7.7 — Textual: The promised two-day interval elapses before a comprehensive reinspection of stones eligible for restoration. Reception: No section-specific reception verified in the sources checked.