Shepherd of Hermas — Similitude 8 · Chapter 2

Greek (Lake printed text, including explicitly identified versional reconstructions)

Similitude 8.2.1 The angel of the Lord commanded that crowns be brought. Crowns were brought that seemed to be made from palm branches. He crowned the men who had handed over rods with shoots and something like fruit, and sent them into the tower.

Greek (Lake printed text, including explicitly identified versional reconstructions)

Similitude 8.2.2 He also sent into the tower the others who had handed over green rods with shoots, but whose shoots had no fruit, giving them seals.

Greek (Lake printed text, including explicitly identified versional reconstructions)

Similitude 8.2.3 All those going into the tower had the same clothing, white as snow.

Greek (Lake printed text, including explicitly identified versional reconstructions)

Similitude 8.2.4 Those who handed over rods as green as when they received them, he sent away after giving them clothing and seals.

Greek (Lake printed text, including explicitly identified versional reconstructions)

Similitude 8.2.5 When the angel had finished these things, he said to the shepherd, “I am leaving. You must send these people away within the walls, according to where each deserves to dwell. Examine their rods carefully before sending them away. Examine them carefully. Take care,” he said, “that no one escapes your notice. If anyone escapes your notice, I will test them at the altar.” Having said these things to the shepherd, he departed.

Greek (Lake printed text, including explicitly identified versional reconstructions)

Similitude 8.2.6 After the angel departed, the shepherd said to me, “Let us take everyone's rods and plant them, to see whether any can live.” I said to him, “Sir, how can these dry rods live?”

Greek (Lake printed text, including explicitly identified versional reconstructions)

Similitude 8.2.7 He answered me, “This tree is a willow, and its kind clings to life. If the rods are planted and receive a little moisture, many of them will live. Then let us also try pouring water over them. If any of them can live, I will rejoice with them. If they do not live, I will not be found negligent.”

Greek (Lake printed text, including explicitly identified versional reconstructions)

Similitude 8.2.8 The shepherd ordered me to call them in the groups in which each had been placed. They came group by group and handed their rods to the shepherd. The shepherd received the rods and planted them in groups. After planting them, he poured so much water over them that the rods could not be seen for the water.

Greek (Lake printed text, including explicitly identified versional reconstructions)

Similitude 8.2.9 After watering the rods, he said to me, “Let us go, and after a few days let us return and inspect all the rods. For the One who created this tree wants everyone who received branches from it to live. I too hope that, after receiving moisture and being watered, the greater part of these rods will live.”