Shepherd of Hermas — Similitude 8 · Chapter 3

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

Similitude 8.3.1 I said to him, “Sir, make known to me what this tree is. I am puzzled about it: though so many branches have been cut, the tree is sound and nothing seems to have been cut from it. This is what puzzles me.”

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

Similitude 8.3.2 “Listen,” he said. “This great tree overshadowing plains, mountains, and the whole earth is God's law, given to the whole world. This law is the Son of God, proclaimed to the ends of the earth. The peoples beneath its shelter are those who heard the proclamation and believed in Him.

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

Similitude 8.3.3 “The great and glorious angel is Michael, who has authority over this people and guides them. For he is the one who gives them the law into the hearts of believers. He therefore examines those to whom he gave it, to see whether they have kept it.

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

Similitude 8.3.4 “You see each person's rod, for the rods are the law. You see, then, many rods rendered useless. You will come to know all those who did not keep the law, and you will see each one's dwelling.”

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

Similitude 8.3.5 I said to him, “Sir, why did he send some into the tower, but leave others with you?” “Those who transgressed the law they received from him,” he said, “he left under my authority for repentance. Those who have already pleased the law and kept it, he holds under his own authority.”

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

Similitude 8.3.6 “Who, then, sir,” I asked, “are those who were crowned and went into the tower?” “Those who wrestled against the devil and defeated him have been crowned,” he said. “These are those who suffered for the law.

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

Similitude 8.3.7 “The others, who also handed over green rods bearing shoots but no fruit, are those who were afflicted for the law, yet neither suffered nor denied their law.

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

Similitude 8.3.8 “Those who handed over rods as green as when they received them are reverent and righteous, have walked with a very pure heart, and have kept the Lord's commandments. You will learn the rest when I examine these rods that have been planted and watered.”