Shepherd of Hermas — Similitude 8, Chapter 7
Neither Alive nor Dead
← Shepherd of Hermas — Similitude 8, Chapter 6 · Shepherd of Hermas: all chapters · Shepherd of Hermas — Similitude 8, Chapter 8 →
Similitude 8.7.1“Listen also about those who handed over half-dried rods with splits in them. Those whose rods were half-dried are double-minded, for they are neither alive nor dead.
Similitude 8.7.2“Those whose rods were half-dried and split are both double-minded and slanderous. They never live at peace with one another, but are always divided. Yet repentance is available to these too,” he said. “You see that some of them have repented, and there is still hope of repentance among them.
Similitude 8.7.3“Those among them who have repented,” he said, “will have their dwelling in the tower. Those who repented more slowly will dwell within the walls. But those who do not repent and persist in their conduct will surely die.
Similitude 8.7.4“Those who handed over green rods with splits have always been faithful and good, but have some rivalry with one another about precedence and a certain glory. All these people are foolish, harboring rivalry with one another about precedence.
Similitude 8.7.5“But these too, being good, heard my commandments, cleansed themselves, and repented quickly. Their dwelling therefore came to be in the tower. If anyone returns again to division, however, he will be thrown out of the tower and lose his life.
Similitude 8.7.6“Life belongs to everyone who keeps the Lord’s commandments. The commandments do not concern precedence or a certain glory, but a person’s patience and humility. Among such people, then, is the Lord’s life; among those who cause division and break the law is death.
← Shepherd of Hermas — Similitude 8, Chapter 6 · Shepherd of Hermas: all chapters · Shepherd of Hermas — Similitude 8, Chapter 8 →
Saints Translation · Liturgical reading edition · V1 · working draft awaiting specialist review.