Shepherd of Hermas — Similitude 9 · Chapter 32
Similitude 9.32.1
Latin L1, directly read in Lake’s print scan
Similitude 9.32.1 Therefore mend yourselves while the tower is still being built.
Textual & reception notes
Similitude 9.32.1 — Textual: The brief Latin command makes the tower's continuing construction the period for self-amendment. Reception: No section-specific reception verified in the sources checked.
Similitude 9.32.2
Latin L1, directly read in Lake’s print scan
Similitude 9.32.2 The Lord dwells among people who love peace, for peace is indeed dear to Him. But He is far from the contentious and those ruined by malice. Therefore return the spirit to Him whole, just as you received it.
Textual & reception notes
Similitude 9.32.2 — Textual: Latin L1 opposes peace-loving people to contentious malice and commands return of the entrusted spirit whole; its identity is not further specified. Reception: No section-specific reception verified in the sources checked.
Similitude 9.32.3
Latin L1, directly read in Lake’s print scan
Similitude 9.32.3 For if you give a fuller a new garment, whole, and wish to receive it back whole, but the fuller returns it to you torn, will you accept it? Will you not at once grow angry and pursue him with reproach, saying, ‘I gave you a whole garment. Why did you tear it and make it useless? Because of the tear you made in it, it cannot be used’? Will you not say all these words to the fuller about the tear he made in your garment?
Textual & reception notes
Similitude 9.32.3 — Textual: The fuller illustration concerns returning an entrusted garment intact. Lake retains Latin L1 despite Antiochus's abbreviated Greek parallel, rather than treating that parallel as the continuous source. Reception: No section-specific reception verified in the sources checked.
Similitude 9.32.4
Latin L1, directly read in Lake’s print scan
Similitude 9.32.4 If, then, you grieve in this way over your garment and complain that you do not receive it whole, what do you think the Lord will do to you? He gave you the spirit whole, and you have made it entirely useless, so that it can be of no use to its master. For its use became useless when it was corrupted by you. Will not the Lord of that spirit therefore inflict death upon you because of this deed of yours?”
Textual & reception notes
Similitude 9.32.4 — Textual: The Latin analogy applies a damaged garment to a corrupted entrusted spirit and warns of the giver's judgment; the severe conclusion remains explicit. Reception: No section-specific reception verified in the sources checked.
Similitude 9.32.5
Latin L1, directly read in Lake’s print scan
Similitude 9.32.5 I said, “Certainly, He will punish all whom He finds persisting in the memory of offenses.” He said, “Do not trample upon His mercy, but rather honor Him because He is so patient with your offenses and is not like you. Practice repentance that benefits you.
Textual & reception notes
Similitude 9.32.5 — Textual: Hermas associates punishment with persistent resentment; the reply contrasts divine patience with human conduct and urges effective repentance. Reception: No section-specific reception verified in the sources checked.