The Didache
The “Teaching of the Twelve Apostles,” an early Christian manual on how to live, worship and order the church. It is usually dated between the late first and early second century, and it was rediscovered in 1873.
GreekLake edition, 1912
English, LakeThe Apostolic Fathers, 1912
Modern EnglishSermonIndex
Chapter 1
Ὁδοὶ δύο εἰσί, μία τῆς ζωῆς καὶ μια τοῦ θανάτου, διαφορὰ δὲ πολλὴ μεταξὺ τῶν δύο ὁδῶν.
⚑ Greek digitization error likely: μια should read μία (missing accent).
There are two Ways, one of Life and one of Death, and there is a great difference between the two Ways.
There are two ways, one of life and one of death, and there is a great difference between the two ways.
Scripture: Matthew 22:37-39; Mark 12:30-31; Leviticus 19:18
Ἡ μὲν οὖν ὁδὸς τῆς ζωῆς ἐστιν αὕτη: πρῶτον ἀγαπήσεις τὸν θεὸν τὸν ποιήσαντά σε, δεύτερον τὸν πλησίον σου ὡς σεαυτόν: πάντα δὲ ὅσα ἐὰν θελήσῃς μὴ γίνεσθαί σοι, καὶ σὺ ἄλλῳ μὴ ποίει.
The Way of Life is this: First, thou shalt love the God who made thee, secondly, thy neighbour as thyself; and whatsoever thou wouldst not have done to thyself, do not thou to another.
The way of life is this: first, you shall love the God who made you; second, your neighbor as yourself. And whatever you do not want done to you, do not do to anyone else.
Scripture: Matthew 7:12; Luke 6:31
Τούτων δὲ τῶν λόγων ἡ διδαχή ἐστιν αὕτη: εὐλογεῖτε τοῦς καταρωμένους ὑμῖν καὶ προσεύχεσθε ὑπὲρ τῶν ἐχθρῶν ὑμῶν, νηστεύετε δὲ ὑπὲρ τῶν διωκόντων ὑμᾶς: ποία γὰρ χάρις, ἐὰν ἀγαπᾶτε τοὺς ἀγαπῶντας ὑμᾶς; οὐχὶ καὶ τὰ ἔθνη τὸ αὐτὸ ποιοῦσιν; ὑμεῖς δὲ ἀγαπᾶτε τοὺς μισοῦντας ὑμᾶς, καὶ οὐχ ἕξετε ἐχθρόν.
⚑ Greek digitization error likely: τοῦς should be τοὺς.
Now, the teaching of these words is this: Bless those that curse you, and pray for your enemies, and fast for those that persecute you. For what credit is it to you if you love those that love you? Do not even the heathen do the same? But, for your part, love those that hate you, and you will have no enemy.
The teaching of these words is this: Bless those who curse you, pray for your enemies, and fast for those who persecute you. For what credit is it if you love those who love you? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? But you must love those who hate you, and then you will have no enemy.
Scripture: Matthew 5:44; Matthew 5:46-47; Luke 6:32-33
ἀπέχου τῶν σαρκικῶν καὶ σωματικῶν ἐπιθυμιῶν: ἐάν τίς σοι δῷ ῥάπισμα εἰς τὴν δεξιὰν σιαγόνα, στρέψον αὐτῷ καὶ τὴν ἄλλην, καὶ ἔσῃ τέλειος: ἐὰν ἀγγαρεύσῃ σέ τις μίλιον ἕν, ὕπαγε μετ’ αὐτοῦ δύο: ἐὰν ἄρῃ τις τὸ ἱμάτιόν σου, δὸς αὐτῷ καὶ τὸν χιτῶνα: ἐὰν λάβῃ τις ἀπὸ σοῦ τὸ σόν, μὴ ἀπαίτει: οὐδὲ γὰρ δύνασαι.
Abstain from carnal and bodily lusts. If any man smite thee on the right cheek, turn to him the other cheek also, and thou wilt be perfect. If any man impress thee to go with him one mile, go with him two. If any man take thy coat, give him thy shirt also. If any man will take from thee what is thine, refuse it not—not even if thou canst.
Keep away from fleshly and bodily desires. If someone slaps your right cheek, turn the other to him as well, and you will be perfect. If someone forces you to go one mile, go two with him. If someone takes your cloak, give him your tunic too. If someone takes what is yours, do not demand it back — you could not anyway.
Translator’s note. The last clause is literally “for you cannot even.” The sense is unclear, and Lake explains it away. We keep it close to the Greek.
Scripture: 1 Peter 2:11; Matthew 5:39; Matthew 5:41; Matthew 5:48; Luke 6:30
παντὶ τῷ αἰτοῦντί σε δίδου καὶ μὴ ἀπαίτει: πᾶσι γὰρ θέλει δίδοσθαι ὁ πατὴρ ἐκ τῶν ἰδίων χαρισμάτων. μακάριος ὁ διδοὺς κατὰ τὴν ἐντολήν: ἀθῷος γάρ ἐστιν. οὐαὶ τῷ λαμβάνονται: εἰ μὲν γὰρ χρείαν ἔχων λαμβάνει τις, ἀθῷος ἔσται: ὁ δὲ μὴ χρείαν ἔχων δώσει δίκην, ἱνατί ἔλαβε καὶ εἰς τί: ἐν συνοχῇ δὲ γενόμενος ἐξετασθήσεται περὶ ὧν ἔπραξε, καὶ οὐκ ἐξελεύσεται ἐκεῖθεν, μέχρις οὗ ἀποδῷ τὸν ἔσχατον κοδράντην.
⚑ Greek digitization error likely: λαμβάνονται should be λαμβάνοντι.
Give to everyone that asks thee, and do not refuse, for the Father’s will is that we give to all from the gifts we have received. Blessed is he that gives according to the mandate; for he is innocent. Woe to him who receives; for if any man receive alms under pressure of need he is innocent; but he who receives it without need shall be tried as to why he took and for what, and being in prison he shall be examined as to his deeds, and he shall not come out thence until he pay the last farthing.
Give to everyone who asks you, and do not ask for anything back, for the Father wants everyone to receive from the gifts he has freely given. Blessed is the one who gives according to the commandment, for he is without fault. Woe to the one who receives. If someone receives because he is in need, he is without fault; but the one who receives when he has no need will have to answer for why he took it and what he used it for. Put in custody, he will be questioned about what he has done, and he will not get out until he has paid back the last penny.
Translator’s note. “The last penny” is a Roman coin, the quadrans, as in Matthew 5:26.
Scripture: Matthew 5:26
ἀλλὰ καὶ περὶ τούτου δὲ εἴρηται: Ἱδρωσάτω ἡ ἐλεημοσύνη σου εἰς τὰς χεῖράς σου, μέχρις ἂν γνῷς, τίνι δῷς.
But concerning this it was also said, Let thine alms sweat into thine hands until thou knowest to whom thou art giving.
But concerning this it has also been said: “Let your gift sweat in your hands until you know to whom you are giving.”
Chapter 2
Δευτέρα δὲ ἐντολὴ τῆς διδαχῆς:
But the second commandment of the teaching is this;
Now the second commandment of the teaching:
οὐ φονεύσεις, οὐ μοιχεύσεις, οὐ παιδοφθορήσεις, οὐ πορνεύσεις, οὐ κλέψεις, οὐ μαγεύσεις, οὐ φαρμακεύσεις, οὐ φονεύσεις τέκνον ἐν φθορᾷ, οὐδὲ γεννηθὲν ἀποκτενεῖς, οὐκ ἐπιθυμήσεις τὰ τοῦ πλησίον.
Thou shalt do no murder; thou shalt not commit adultery; thou shalt not commit sodomy; thou shalt not commit fornication; thou shalt not steal; thou shalt not use magic; thou shalt not use philtres; thou shalt not procure abortion, nor commit infanticide; thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s goods;
You shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not corrupt boys. You shall not engage in sexual immorality. You shall not steal. You shall not practice magic. You shall not make potions. You shall not kill a child by abortion, or put to death one who has been born. You shall not covet what belongs to your neighbor.
Translator’s note. Lake has “sodomy.” The Greek word means to corrupt a boy, that is, the sexual abuse of children.
Scripture: Exodus 20:13-17; Matthew 19:18
οὐκ ἐπιορκήσεις, οὐ ψευδομαρτυρήσεις, οὐ κακολογήσεις, οὐ μνησικακήσεις.
thou shalt not commit perjury, thou shalt not bear false witness; thou shalt not speak evil; thou shalt not bear malice.
You shall not swear falsely. You shall not give false testimony. You shall not speak evil of anyone. You shall not hold a grudge.
οὐκ ἔσῃ διγνώμων οὐδὲ δίγλωσσος: παγὶς γὰρ θανάτου ἡ διγλωσσία.
Thou shalt not be double-minded nor double-tongued, for to be double-tongued is the snare of death.
You shall not be double-minded or double-tongued, for a double tongue is a deadly snare.
οὐκ ἔσται ὁ λόγος σου ψευδής, οὐ κενός, ἀλλὰ μεμεστωμένος πράξει,
Thy speech shall not be false nor vain, but completed in action.
Your word shall not be false or empty, but fulfilled in action.
οὐκ ἔσῃ πλεονέκτης οὐδὲ ἅρπαξ οὐδὲ ὑποκριτὴς οὐδὲ κακοήθης οὐδὲ ὑπερήφανος. οὐ λήψῃ βουλὴν πονηρὰν κατὰ τοῦ πλησίον σου.
Thou shalt not be covetous nor extortionate, nor a hypocrite, nor malignant, nor proud, thou shalt make no evil plan against thy neighbour.
You shall not be greedy, or a swindler, or a hypocrite, or malicious, or arrogant. You shall not plot evil against your neighbor.
οὐ μισήσεις πάντα ἄνθρωπον, ἀλλὰ οὓς μὲν ἐλέγξεις, περὶ δὲ ὦν προσεύξῃ, οὓς δὲ ἀγαπήσεις ὑπὲρ τὴν ψυχήν σου.
Thou shalt hate no man; but some thou shalt reprove, and for some shalt thou pray, and some thou shalt love more than thine own life.
You shall not hate anyone. Some you shall correct, some you shall pray for, and some you shall love more than your own life.
Chapter 3
Τέκνον μου, φεῦγε ἀπὸ παντὸς πονηροῦ καὶ ἀπὸ παντὸς ὁμοίου αὐτοῦ.
My child, flee from every evil man and from all like him.
My child, flee from every evil, and from everything like it.
μὴ γίνου ὀργίλος, ὁδηγεῖ γὰρ ἡ ὀργὴ πρὸς τὸν φόνον, μηδὲ ζηλωτὴς μηδὲ ἐριστικὸς μηδὲ θυμικός: ἐκ γὰρ τούτων ἁπάντων φόνοι γεννῶνται.
Be not proud, for pride leads to murder, nor jealous, nor contentious, nor passionate, for from all these murders are engendered.
Do not be quick-tempered, for anger leads to murder. Do not be jealous, quarrelsome, or hot-headed, for from all of these murders come.
Translator’s note. Lake has “proud.” The Greek word means quick to anger, and the next clause (“anger leads to murder”) shows that is the sense.
τέκνον μου, μὴ γίνου ἐπιθυμητής, ὁδηγεῖ γὰρ ἡ ἐπιθυμία πρὸς τὴν πορνείαν, μηδὲ αἰσχρολόγος μηδὲ ὑψηλόφθαλμος: ἐκ γὰρ τούτων ἁπάντων μοιχεῖαι γεννῶνται.
My child, be not lustful, for lust leads to fornication, nor a speaker of base words, nor a lifter up of the eyes, for from all these is adultery engendered.
My child, do not be lustful, for lust leads to sexual immorality. Do not be foul-mouthed or let your eyes wander, for from all of these adulteries come.
Translator’s note. The Greek word is literally “high-eyed.” Here it most likely means letting the eyes wander toward lust. Lake has “a lifter up of the eyes.”
τέκνον μου, μὴ γίνου οἰωνοσκόπος. ἐπειδὴ ὁδηγεῖ εἰς τὴν εἰδωλολατρίαν, μηδὲ ἐπαοιδὸς μηδὲ μαθηματικὸς μηδὲ περικαθαίρων, μηδὲ θέλε αὐτὰ βλέπειν: ἐκ γὰρ τούτων ἁπάντων εἰδωλολατρία γεννᾶται.
My child, regard not omens, for this leads to idolatry; neither be an enchanter, nor an astrologer, nor a magician, neither wish to see these things, for from them all is idolatry engendered.
My child, do not practice divination by omens, for it leads to idolatry. Do not be a caster of spells, an astrologer, or a performer of cleansing rites, and do not even want to look at such things, for from all of these idolatry comes.
τέκνον μου, μὴ γίνου ψεύστης. ἐπειδὴ ὁδηγεῖ τὸ ψεῦσμα εἰς τὴν κλοπήν, μηδὲ φιλάργυρος μηδὲ κενόδοξος: ἐκ γὰρ τούτων ἁπάντων κλοπαὶ γεννῶνται.
My child, be not a liar, for lying leads to theft, nor a lover of money, nor vain-glorious, for from all these things are thefts engendered.
My child, do not be a liar, for lying leads to theft. Do not be a lover of money or a seeker of glory, for from all of these thefts come.
τέκνον μου, μὴ γίνου γόγγυσος, ἐπειδὴ ὁδηγεῖ εἰς τὴν βλασφημίαν, μηδὲ αὐθάδης μηδὲ πονηρόφρων: ἐκ γὰρ τούτων ἀπάντων βλασφημίαι γεννῶνται,
My child, be not a grumbler, for this leads to blasphemy, nor stubborn, nor a thinker of evil, for from all these are blasphemies engendered,
My child, do not be a grumbler, for it leads to blasphemy. Do not be self-willed or evil-minded, for from all of these blasphemies come.
ἴσθι δὲ πραΰς, ἐπεὶ οἱ πραεῖς κληρονομήσουσι τὴν γῆν:
but be thou meek, for the meek shall inherit the earth;
Be gentle instead, for the gentle will inherit the earth.
γίνου μακρόθυμος καὶ ἐλεήμων καὶ ἄκακος καὶ ἡσύχιος καὶ ἀγαθὸς καὶ τρέμων τοὺς λόγους διὰ παντός, οὓς ἤκουσας.
be thou long-suffering, and merciful and guileless, and quiet, and good, and ever fearing the words which thou hast heard.
Be patient, merciful, innocent, quiet, and good, and always tremble at the words you have heard.
Scripture: Matthew 5:5; Psalm 37:11
οὐχ ὑψώσεις σεαυτὸν οὐδὲ δώσεις τῇ ψυχῇ σου θράσος. οὐ κολληθήσεται ἡ ψυχή σου μετὰ ὑψηλῶν, ἀλλὰ μετὰ δικαίων καὶ ταπεινῶν ἀναστραφήσῃ.
Thou shalt not exalt thyself, nor let thy soul be presumptuous. Thy soul shall not consort with the lofty, but thou shalt walk with righteous and humble men.
Do not exalt yourself or let your soul become bold. Your soul shall not attach itself to the lofty, but you shall live among the righteous and the humble.
τὰ συμβαίνοντά σοι ἐνεργήματα ὡς ἀγαθὰ προσδέξῃ, εἰδὼς ὅτι ἄτερ θεοῦ οὐδὲν γίνεται.
Receive the accidents that befall to thee as good, knowing that nothing happens without God.
Accept as good whatever happens to you, knowing that nothing happens apart from God.
Chapter 4
Τέκνον μου, τοῦ λαλοῦντός σοι τὸν λόγον τοῦ θεοῦ μνησθήσῃ νυκτὸς καὶ ἡμέρας, τιμήσεις δὲ αὐτὸν ὡς κύριον: ὅθεν γὰρ ἡ κυριότης λαλεῖται, ἐκεῖ κύριός ἐστιν.
My child, thou shalt remember, day and night, him who speaks the word of God to thee, and thou shalt honour him as the Lord, for where the Lord’s nature is spoken of, there is he present.
My child, remember day and night the one who speaks God’s word to you, and honor him as you would the Lord, for where the Lord’s lordship is spoken of, there the Lord is.
ἐκζητήσεις δὲ καθ̓ ἡμέραν τὰ πρόσωπα τῶν ἁγίων, ἵνα ἐπαναπαῇς τοῖς λόγοις αὐτῶν.
And thou shalt seek daily the presence of the saints, that thou mayest find rest in their words.
Seek out the company of the saints every day, so that you may find rest in their words.
οὐ ποθήσεις σχίσμα, εἰρηνεύσεις δὲ μαχομένους: κρινεῖς δικαίως, οὐ λήψῃ πρόσωπον ἐλέγξαι ἐπὶ παραπτώμασιν.
Thou shalt not desire a schism, but shalt reconcile those that strive. Thou shalt give righteous judgment; thou shalt favour no man’s person in reproving transgression.
Do not cause division, but bring peace to those who fight. Judge fairly. Do not show favoritism when you correct wrongdoing.
Scripture: Deuteronomy 1:16; Proverbs 31:9
οὐ διψυχήσεις, πότερον ἔσται ἢ οὔ.
Thou shalt not be of two minds whether it shall be or not.
Do not waver in your mind about whether something will happen or not.
Μὴ γίνου πρὸς μὲν τὸ λαβεῖν ἐκτείνων τὰς χεῖρας, πρὸς δὲ τὸ δοῦναι συσπῶν.
Be not one who stretches out his hands to receive, but shuts them when it comes to giving.
Do not be someone who stretches out his hands to receive but pulls them back when it is time to give.
ἐὰν ἔχῃς διὰ τῶν χειρῶν σου, δώσεις λύτρωσιν ἁμαρτιῶν σου.
Of whatsoever thou hast gained by thy hands thou shalt give a ransom for thy sins.
If you have earned something by the work of your hands, give it as a ransom for your sins.
Translator’s note. The Greek says “a ransom for your sins.” Christians in different traditions read almsgiving language like this in different ways; compare Sirach 3:30 and Tobit 12:9, and read it alongside the New Testament teaching on Christ’s sacrifice.
οὐ διστάσεις δοῦναι οὐδὲ διδοὺς γογγύσεις: γνώσῃ γάρ, τίς ἐστιν ὁ τοῦ μισθοῦ καλὸς ἀνταποδότης.
Thou shalt not hesitate to give, nor shalt thou grumble when thou givest, for thou shalt know who is the good Paymaster of the reward.
Do not hesitate to give, and do not grumble when you give, for you will know who is the good rewarder.
οὐκ ἀποστραφήσῃ τὸν ἐνδεόμενον, συγκοινωνήσεις δὲ πάντα τῷ ἀδελφῷ σοῦ καὶ οὐκ ἐρεῖς ἴδια εἶναι: εἰ γὰρ ἐν τῷ ἀθανάτῳ κοινωνοί ἐστε, πόσῳ μᾶλλον ἐν τοῖς θνητοῖς;
Thou shalt not turn away the needy, but shalt share everything with thy brother, and shalt not say that it is thine own, for if you are sharers in the imperishable, how much more in the things which perish?
Do not turn away from anyone in need. Share everything with your brother, and do not say that anything is your own. If you share what is immortal, how much more what is mortal?
Οὐκ ἀρεῖς τὴν χεῖρά σου ἀπὸ τοῦ υἱοῦ σου ἢ ἀπὸ τῆς θυγατρός σου, ἀλλὰ ἀπὸ νεότητος διδάξεις τὸν φόβον τοῦ θεοῦ.
Thou shalt not withhold thine hand from thy son or from thy daughter, but thou shalt teach them the fear of God from their youth up.
Do not take your hand away from your son or your daughter, but from their youth teach them the fear of God.
οὐκ ἐπιτάξεις δούλῳ σου ἢ παιδίσκῃ, τοῖς ἐπὶ τὸν αὐτὸν θεὸν ἐλπίζουσιν, ἐν πικρίᾳ σου, μήποτε οὐ μὴ φοβηθήσονται τὸν ἐπ’ ἀμφοτέροις θεόν: οὐ γὰρ ἔρχεται κατὰ πρόσωπον καλέσαι, ἀλλ’ ἐφ̓ οὕς τὸ πνεῦμα ἡτοίμασεν.
Thou shalt not command in thy bitterness thy slave or thine handmaid, who hope in the same God, lest they cease to fear the God who is over you both; for he comes not to call men with respect of persons, but those whom the Spirit has prepared.
Do not give orders in bitterness to your male or female slave, who hope in the same God, or they may cease to fear the God who is over you both. For he does not come to call people by outward status, but those whom the Spirit has prepared.
ὑμεῖς δὲ οἱ δοῦλοι ὑποταγήσεσθε τοῖς κυρίοις ὑμῶν ὡς τύπῳ θεοῦ ἐν αἰσχύνῃ καὶ φόβῳ.
But do you who are slaves be subject to your master, as to God’s representative, in reverence and fear.
And you who are slaves, be subject to your masters as to a representative of God, with respect and fear.
Μισήσεις πᾶσαν ὑπόκρισιν καὶ πᾶν ὃ μὴ ἀρεστὸν τῷ κυρίῳ.
Thou shalt hate all hypocrisy, and everything that is not pleasing to the Lord.
Hate all hypocrisy and everything that is not pleasing to the Lord.
οὐ μὴ ἐγκαταλίπῃς ἐντολὰς κυρίου, φυλάξεις δὲ ἃ παρέλαβες, μήτε προστιθεὶς μήτε ἀφαιρῶν.
Thou shalt not forsake the commandments of the Lord, but thou shalt keep what thou didst receive, adding nothing to it and taking nothing away.
Do not abandon the Lord’s commandments. Keep what you received, neither adding to it nor taking from it.
ἐν ἐκκλησίᾳ ἐξομολογήσῃ τὰ παραπτώματά σου, καὶ οὐ προσελεύσῃ ἐπὶ προσευχήν σου ἐν συνειδήσει πονηρᾷ: αὕτη ἐστὶν ἡ ὁδὸς τῆς ζωῆς.
In the congregation thou shalt confess thy transgressions, and thou shalt not betake thyself to prayer with an evil conscience. This is the way of life.
In the assembly, confess your wrongdoing, and do not go to prayer with a guilty conscience. This is the way of life.
Chapter 5
ʽΠ δὲ τοῦ θανάτου ὁδός ἐστιν αὕτη: πρῶτον πάντων πονηρά ἐστι καὶ κατάρας μεστή: φόνοι, μοιχεῖαι, ἐπιθυμίαι, πορνεῖαι, κλοπαί, εἰδωλολατρίαι, μαγεῖαι, φαρμακίαι, ἁρπαγαί, ψευδομαρτυρίαι, ὑποκρίσεις, διπλοκαρδία, δόλος, ὑπερηφανία, κακία, αὐθάδεια, πλεονεξία, αἰσχρολογία, ζηλοτυπία, θρασύτης, ὕψος, ἀλαζονεία.
⚑ Greek digitization error: the opening letters are garbled (should read Ἡ).
But the Way of Death is this: First of all, it is wicked and full of cursing, murders, adulteries, lusts, fornications, thefts, idolatries, witchcrafts, charms, robberies, false witness, hypocrisies, a double heart, fraud, pride, malice, stubbornness, covetousness, foul speech, jealousy, impudence, haughtiness, boastfulness.
The way of death is this. First of all, it is evil and full of curses: murders, adulteries, lusts, sexual immorality, thefts, idolatries, magic, sorcery, robberies, false testimonies, hypocrisies, duplicity, deceit, pride, malice, stubbornness, greed, obscene talk, jealousy, recklessness, haughtiness, boasting.
Translator’s note. Lake has “witchcrafts, charms”; the Greek words are magic and the preparing of potions or poisons.
Scripture: Romans 1:29-30
διῶκται ἀγαθῶν, μισοῦντες ἀλήθειαν, ἀγαπῶντες ψεῦδος, οὐ γινώσκοντες μισθὸν δικαιοσύνης, οὐ κολλώμενοι ἀγαθῷ οὐδὲ κρίσει δικαίᾳ, ἀγρυπνοῦντες οὐκ εἰς τὸ ἀγαθόν, ἀλλ’ εἰς τὸ πονηρόν ὧν μακρὰν πραΰτης καὶ ὑπομονή, μάταια ἀγαπῶντες, διώκοντες ἀνταπόδομα, οὐκ ἐλεοῦντες πτωχόν, οὐ πονοῦντες ἐπὶ καταπονουμένῳ, οὐ γινώσκοντες τὸν ποιήσαντα αὐτούς, φονεῖς τέκνων, φθορεῖς πλάσματος θεοῦ, ἀποστρεφόμενοι τὸν ἐνδεόμενον, καταπονοῦντες τὸν θλιβόμενον, πλουσίων παράκλητοι, πενήτων ἄνομοι κριταί, πανθαμάρτητοι: ῥυσθείητε, τέκνα, ἀπὸ τούτωι ἁπάντων.
⚑ Greek digitization error likely: τούτωι should be τούτων.
Persecutors of the good, haters of truth, lovers of lies, knowing not the reward of righteousness, not cleaving to the good nor to righteous judgment, spending wakeful nights not for good but for wickedness, from whom meekness and patience is far, lovers of vanity, following after reward, unmerciful to the poor, not working for him who is oppressed with toil, without knowledge of him who made them, murderers of children, corrupters of God’s creatures, turning away the needy, oppressing the distressed, advocates of the rich, unjust judges of the poor, altogether sinful; may ye be delivered, my children, from all these.
They are persecutors of the good, haters of truth, lovers of lies. They do not know the reward of righteousness. They do not hold fast to what is good or to just judgment. They stay awake not for good but for evil. Gentleness and patience are far from them. They love worthless things and chase after payment. They have no mercy on the poor, do not work for the one crushed by hardship, and do not know the one who made them. They murder children and destroy what God has formed. They turn away the needy and oppress the afflicted. They defend the rich and judge the poor unjustly. They are utterly sinful. May you be delivered, children, from all of these.
Scripture: Romans 12:9; Psalm 4:2
Chapter 6
Ὅρα, μή τίς σε πλανήσῃ ἀπὸ ταύτης τῆς ὁδοῦ τῆς διδαχῆς, ἐπεὶ παρεκτὸς θεοῦ σε διδάσκει.
See that no one make thee to err from this Way of the teaching, for he teaches thee without God.
See that no one leads you astray from this way of the teaching, since such a person teaches you apart from God.
εἰ μὲν γὰρ δύνασαι βαστάσαι ὅλον τὸν ζυγὸν τοῦ κυρίου, τέλειος ἔσῃ: εἰ δ’ οὐ δύνασαι, ὅ δύνῃ, τοῦτο ποίει.
For if thou canst bear the whole yoke of the Lord, thou wilt be perfect, but if thou canst not, do what thou canst.
For if you can bear the whole yoke of the Lord, you will be perfect. But if you cannot, do what you can.
περὶ δὲ τῆς βρώσεως, ὅ δύνασαι βάστασον: ἀπὸ δὲ τοῦ εἰδωλοθύτου λίαν πρόσεχε λατρεία γάρ ἐστι θεῶν νεκρῶν.
And concerning food, bear what thou canst, but keep strictly from that which is offered to idols, for it is the worship of dead gods.
Concerning food, bear what you can. But be very careful about food offered to idols, for that is the worship of dead gods.
Chapter 7
Περὶ δὲ τοῦ βαπτίσματος, οὕτω βαπτίσατε: ταῦτα πάντα προειπόντες, βαπτίσατε εἰς τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ πατρὸς καὶ τοῦ υἱοῦ καὶ τοῦ ἁγίου πνεύματος ἐν ὕδατι ζῶντι.
Concerning baptism, baptise thus: Having first rehearsed all these things, baptise, in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, in running water;
Concerning baptism, baptize this way: after you have taught all these things, baptize in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, in running water.
Translator’s note. “Running water” is literally “living water.”
Scripture: Matthew 28:19
ἐὰν δὲ μὴ ἔχῃς ὕδωρ ζῶν, εἰς ἄλλο ὕδωρ βάπτισον: εἰ δ’ οὐ δύνασαι ἐν ψυχρῷ, ἐν θερμῷ.
but if thou hast no running water, baptise in other water, and if thou canst not in cold, then in warm.
If you do not have running water, baptize in other water. If you cannot in cold, then in warm.
ἐὰν δὲ ἀμφότερα μὴ ἔχῃς, ἔκχεον εἰς τὴν κεφαλὴν τρὶς ὕδωρ εἰς ὄνομα πατρὸς καὶ υἱοῦ καὶ ἁγίου πνεύματος.
But if thou hast neither, pour water three times on the head in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
If you have neither, pour water on the head three times, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
πρὸ δὲ τοῦ βαπτίσματος προνηστευσάτω ὁ βαπτίζων καὶ ὁ βαπτιζόμενος καὶ εἴ τινες ἄλλοι δύνανται: κελεύεις δὲ νηστεῦσαι τὸν βαπτιζόμενον πρὸ μιᾶς ἢ δύο.
And before the baptism let the baptiser and him who is to be baptised fast, and any others who are able. And thou shalt bid him who is to be baptised to fast one or two days before.
Before the baptism, let the one who baptizes and the one who is baptized fast, along with any others who are able. You must tell the one being baptized to fast for one or two days beforehand.
Chapter 8
Αἱ δὲ νηστεῖαι ὑμῶν μὴ ἔστωσαν μετὰ τῶν ὑποκριτῶν. νηστεύουσι γὰρ δευτέρᾳ σαββάτων καὶ πέμπτῃ: ὑμεῖς δὲ νηστεύσατε τετράδα καὶ παρασκευήν.
Let not your fasts be with the hypocrites, for they fast on Mondays and Thursdays, but do you fast on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Do not let your fasts be at the same time as the hypocrites’. They fast on Monday and Thursday, but you should fast on Wednesday and Friday.
μηδὲ προσεύχεσθε ὡς οἱ ὑποκριταί, ἀλλ’ ὡς ἐκέλευσεν ὁ κύριος ἐν τῷ εὐαγγελίῳ αὐτοῦ, οὕτω προσεύχεσθε: Πάτερ ἡμῶν ὁ ἐν τῷ οὐρανῷ, ἁγιασθήτω τὸ ὄνομά σου, ἐλθέτω ἡ βασιλεία σου, γενηθήτω τὸ θέλημά σου ὡς ἐν οὐρανῷ καὶ ἐπὶ γῆς: τὸν ἄρτον ἡμῶν τὸν ἐπιούσιον δὸς ἡμῖν σήμερον, καὶ ἄφες ἡμῖν τὴν ὀφειλὴν ἡμῶν, ὡς καὶ ἡμεῖς ἀφίεμεν τοῖς ὀφειλέταις ἡμῶν, καὶ μὴ εἰσενέγκῃς ἡμᾶς εἰς πειρασμόν, ἀλλὰ ῥῦσαι ἡμᾶς ἀπὸ τοῦ πονηροῦ: ὅτι σοῦ ἐστιν ἡ δύναμις καὶ ἡ δόξα εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας.
And do not pray as the hypocrites, but as the Lord commanded in his Gospel, pray thus: Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, as in Heaven so also upon earth; give us to-day our daily bread, and forgive us our debt as we forgive our debtors, and lead us not into trial, but deliver us from the Evil One, for thine is the power and the glory for ever.
Do not pray like the hypocrites either, but pray as the Lord commanded in his gospel: “Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your kingdom come. May your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debt, as we also forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into testing, but deliver us from the evil one. For yours is the power and the glory forever.”
Translator’s note. “The evil one” could also be read “evil.” The Greek form allows both.
Scripture: Matthew 6:9-13
Chapter 9
Περὶ δὲ τῆς εὐχαριστίας, οὕτως εὐχαριστήσατε:
And concerning the Eucharist, hold Eucharist thus:
Concerning the Eucharist, give thanks this way:
πρῶτον περὶ τοῦ ποτηρίου: Εὐχαριστοῦμέν σοι, πάτερ ἡμῶν, ὑπὲρ τῆς ἁγίας ἀμπέλου Δαυεὶδ τοῦ παιδός σου, ἦς ἐγνώρισας ἡμῖν διὰ Ἰησοῦ τοῦ παιδός σου: σοὶ ἡ δόξα εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας.
First concerning the Cup, We give thanks to thee, our Father, for the Holy Vine of David thy child, which, thou didst make known to us through Jesus thy child; to thee be glory for ever.
First, for the cup: “We thank you, our Father, for the holy vine of David your servant, which you made known to us through Jesus your servant. To you be glory forever.”
Translator’s note. “Servant” translates the Greek pais, which can mean “child” or “servant.” Lake has “child.” The same word is used of David and of Jesus.
περὶ δὲ τοῦ κλάσματος: Εὐχαριστοῦμέν σοι, πάτερ ἡμῶν, ὑπὲρ τῆς ζωῆς καὶ γνώσεως, ἦς ἐγνώρισας ἡμῖν διὰ Ἰησοῦ τοῦ παιδός σου. σοὶ ἡ δόξα εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας.
And concerning the broken Bread: We give thee thanks, our Father, for the life and knowledge which thou didst make known to us through Jesus thy child. To thee be glory for ever.
And for the broken bread: “We thank you, our Father, for the life and knowledge which you made known to us through Jesus your servant. To you be glory forever.
ὥσπερ ἦν τοῦτο τὸ κλάσμα διεσκορπισμένον ἐπάνω τῶν ὀρέων καὶ συναχθὲν ἐγένετο ἕν, οὕτω συναχθήτω σου ἡ ἐκκλησία ἀπὸ τῶν περάτων τῆς γῆς εἰς τὴν σὴν βασιλείαν. ὅτι σοῦ ἐστιν ἡ δόξα καὶ ἡ δύναμις διὰ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας.
As this broken bread was scattered upon the mountains, but was brought together and became one, so let thy Church be gathered together from the ends of the earth into thy kingdom, for thine is the glory and the power through Jesus Christ for ever.
As this broken bread was scattered over the hills and, when gathered, became one, so may your church be gathered from the ends of the earth into your kingdom. For the glory and the power are yours through Jesus Christ forever.”
μηδεὶς δὲ φαγέτω μηδὲ πιέτω ἀπὸ τῆς εὐχαριστίας ὑμῶν, ἀλλ’ οἱ βαπτισθέντες εἰς ὄνομα κυρίου: καὶ γὰρ περὶ τούτου εἴρηκεν ὁ κύριος: Μὴ δῶτε τὸ ἄγιον τοῖς κυσί.
But let none eat or drink of your Eucharist except those who have been baptised in the Lord’s Name. For concerning this also did the Lord say, Give not that which is holy to the dogs.
But let no one eat or drink of your Eucharist except those who have been baptized in the name of the Lord. For concerning this the Lord has said: “Do not give what is holy to the dogs.”
Scripture: Matthew 7:6
Chapter 10
Μετὰ δὲ τὸ ἐμπλησθῆναι οὕτως εὐχαριστήσατε:
But after you are satisfied with food, thus give thanks:
After you have had enough to eat, give thanks this way:
Εὐχαριστοῦμέν σοι, πάτερ ἅγιε, ὑπὲρ τοῦ ἁγίου ὀνόματός σου, οὗ κατεσκήνωσας ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ἡμῶν, καὶ ὑπὲρ τῆς γνώσεως καὶ πίστεως καὶ ἀθανασίας, ἧς ἐγνώρισας ἡμῖν διὰ Ἰησοῦ τοῦ παιδός σου: σοὶ ἡ δόξα εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας.
We give thanks to thee, O Holy Father, for thy Holy Name which thou didst make to tabernacle in our hearts, and for the knowledge and faith and immortality which thou didst make known to us through Jesus thy Child. To thee be glory for ever.
“We thank you, holy Father, for your holy name, which you have made to dwell in our hearts, and for the knowledge, faith, and immortality which you made known to us through Jesus your servant. To you be glory forever.
Scripture: Revelation 4:11
σύ, δέσποτα παντοκράτορ, ἔκτισας τὰ πάντα ἕνεκεν τοῦ ὀνόματός σου, τροφήν τε καὶ ποτὸν ἔδωκας τοῖς ἀνθρώποις εἰς ἀπόλαυσιν, ἵνα σοι εὐχαριστήσωσιν, ἡμῖν δὲ ἐχαρίσω πνευματικὴν τροφὴν καὶ ποτὸν καὶ ζωὴν αἰώνιον διὰ τοῦ παιδός σου.
Thou, Lord Almighty, didst create all things for thy Name’s sake, and didst give food and drink to men for their enjoyment, that they might give thanks to thee, but us hast thou blessed with spiritual food and drink and eternal light through thy Child.
You, almighty Master, created all things for the sake of your name. You gave food and drink to people to enjoy, so that they would give you thanks. But to us you have freely given spiritual food and drink, and eternal life, through your servant.
Translator’s note. Lake has “eternal light,” but the Greek text printed beside it reads “eternal life.” We follow the Greek. This needs checking against the manuscript.
πρὸ πάντων εὐχαριστοῦμέν σοι, ὅτι δυνατὸς εἶ; σοὶ ἡ δόξα εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας.
Above all we give thanks to thee for that thou art mighty. To thee be glory for ever.
Above all we thank you that you are mighty. To you be glory forever.
μνήσθητι, κύριε, τῆς ἐκκλησίας σου, τοῦ ῥύσασθαι αὐτὴν ἀπὸ παντὸς πονηροῦ καὶ τελειῶσαι αὐτὴν ἐν τῇ ἀγάπῃ σου, καὶ σύναξον αὐτὴν ἀπὸ τῶν τεσσάρων ἀνέμων, τὴν ἁγιασθεῖσαν, εἰς τὴν σὴν βασιλείαν, ἣν ἡτοίμασας αὐτῇ: ὅτι σοῦ ἐστιν ἡ δύναμις καὶ ἡ δόξα εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας.
Remember, Lord, thy Church, to deliver it from all evil and to make it perfect in thy love, and gather it together in its holiness from the four winds to thy kingdom which thou hast prepared for it. For thine is the power and the glory for ever.
Remember, Lord, your church. Deliver it from all evil and make it perfect in your love. Gather it, made holy, from the four winds into your kingdom, which you have prepared for it. For yours are the power and the glory forever.
Scripture: Matthew 24:31
ἐλθέτω χάρις καὶ παρελθέτω ὁ κόσμος οὗτος. Ὡσαννὰ τῷ θεῷ Δαυείδ. εἴ τις ἅγιός ἐστιν, ἐρχέσθω: εἴ τις οὐκ ἔστι, μετανοείτω: μαρὰν ἀθά: ἀμήν.
Let grace come and let this world pass away. Hosannah to the God of David. If any man be holy, let him come! if any man be not, let him repent: Maranatha, Amen.
Let grace come, and let this world pass away. Hosanna to the God of David! If anyone is holy, let him come. If anyone is not, let him repent. Maranatha. Amen.”
Translator’s note. “Maranatha” is Aramaic. It can be read either “Our Lord, come!” or “Our Lord has come.”
Scripture: Matthew 21:9; 1 Corinthians 16:22
τοῖς δὲ προφήταις ἐπιτρέπετε εὐχαριστεῖν ὅσα θέλουσιν.
But suffer the prophets to hold Eucharist as they will.
But allow the prophets to give thanks as much as they wish.
Chapter 11
Ὃς ἂν οὑν ἐλθὼν διδάξῃ ὑμᾶς ταῦτα πάντα τὰ προειρημένα, δέξασθε αὐτόν:
Whosoever then comes and teaches you all these things aforesaid, receive him.
So whoever comes and teaches you everything that has been said above, welcome him.
ἐὰν δὲ αὐτὸς ὁ διδάσκων στραφεὶς διδάσκῃ ἄλλην διδαχὴν εἰς τὸ καταλῦσαι, μὴ αὐτοῦ ἀκούσητε: εἰς δὲ τὸ προσθεῖναι δικαιοσύνην καὶ γνῶσιν κυρίου, δέξασθε αὐτὸν ὡς κύριον.
But if the teacher himself be perverted and teach another doctrine to destroy these things, do not listen to him, but if his teaching be for the increase of righteousness and knowledge of the Lord, receive him as the Lord.
But if the teacher himself turns aside and teaches another doctrine that tears these things down, do not listen to him. But if his teaching adds righteousness and knowledge of the Lord, welcome him as the Lord.
Περὶ δὲ τῶν ἀποστόλων καὶ προφητῶν, κατὰ τὸ δόγμα τοῦ εὐαγγελίου οὕτω ποιήσατε.
And concerning the Apostles and Prophets, act thus according to the ordinance of the Gospel.
Now concerning the apostles and prophets, act according to the rule of the gospel.
πᾶς δὲ ἀπόστολος ἐρχόμενος πρὸς ὑμᾶς δεχθήτω ὡς κύριος:
Let every Apostle who comes to you be received as the Lord,
Let every apostle who comes to you be welcomed as the Lord.
οὐ μενεῖ δὲ εἰ μὴ ἡμέραν μίαν: ἐὰν δὲ ᾖ χρεία, καὶ τὴν ἄλλην: τρεῖς δὲ ἐὰν μείνῃ, ψευδοπροφήτης ἐστίν.
but let him not stay more than one day, or if need be a second as well; but if he stay three days, he is a false prophet.
But he must not stay more than one day, or two if there is need. If he stays three days, he is a false prophet.
ἐξερχόμενος δὲ ὁ ἀπόστολος μηδὲν λαμβανέτω εἰ μὴ ἄρτον, ἕως οὖ αὐλισθῇ: ἐὰν δὲ ἀργύριον αἰτῇ, ψευδοπροφήτης ἐστί.
And when an Apostle goes forth let him accept nothing but bread till he reach his night’s lodging; but if he ask for money, he is a false prophet.
When an apostle leaves, he must take nothing except bread until he finds lodging. If he asks for money, he is a false prophet.
Καὶ πάντα προφήτην λαλοῦντα ἐν πνεύματι οὐ πειράσετε οὐδὲ διακρινεῖτε: πᾶσα γὰρ ἁμαρτία ἀφεθήσεται, αὕτη δὲ ἡ ἁμαρτία οὐκ ἀφεθήσεται.
Do not test or examine any prophet who is speaking in a spirit, for every sin shall be forgiven, but this sin shall not be forgiven.
Do not test or pass judgment on any prophet who is speaking in the Spirit, for every sin will be forgiven, but this sin will not be forgiven.
Scripture: Matthew 12:31
οὐ πᾶς δὲ ὁ λαλῶν ἐν πνεύματι προφήτης ἐστίν, ἀλλ’ ἐὰν ἔχῃ τοὺς τρόπους κυρίου. ἀπὸ οὖν τῶν τρόπων γνωσθήσεται ὁ ψευδοπροφήτης καὶ ὁ προφήτης.
But not everyone who speaks in a spirit is a prophet, except he have the behaviour of the Lord. From his behaviour, then, the false prophet and the true prophet shall be known.
But not everyone who speaks in the Spirit is a prophet, only the one who has the ways of the Lord. So by their conduct the false prophet and the true prophet will be known.
καὶ πᾶς προφήτης ὁρίζων τράπεζαν ἐν πνεύματι οὐ φάγεται ἀπ’ αὐτῆς, εἰ δὲ μήγε ψευδοπροφήτης ἐστί.
And no prophet who orders a meal in a spirit shall eat of it: otherwise he is a false prophet.
No prophet who orders a meal in the Spirit shall eat of it. If he does, he is a false prophet.
πᾶς δὲ προφήτης διδάσκων τὴν ἀλήθειαν, εἰ ἃ διδάσκει οὐ ποιεῖ. ψευδοπροφήτης ἐστί.
And every prophet who teaches the truth, if he do not what he teaches, is a false prophet.
Every prophet who teaches the truth but does not do what he teaches is a false prophet.
πᾶς δὲ προφήτης δεδοκιμασμένος, ἀληθινός, ποιῶν εἰς μυστήριον κοσμικὸν ἐκκλησίας, μὴ διδάσκων δὲ ποιεῖν, ὅσα αὐτὸς ποιεῖ, οὐ κριθήσεται ἐφ̓ ὑμῶν: μετὰ θεοῦ γὰρ ἔχει τὴν κρίσιν: ὡσαύτως γὰρ ἐποίησαν καὶ οἱ ἀρχαῖοι προφῆται.
But no prophet who has been tried and is genuine, though he enact a worldly mystery of the Church, if he teach not others to do what he does himself, shall be judged by you: for he has his judgment with God, for so also did the prophets of old.
But a prophet who has been tested and is genuine, and who acts out the earthly mystery of the church, but does not teach others to do all that he does himself, shall not be judged by you. His judgment is with God, for the prophets of old did the same.
Translator’s note. The phrase “the earthly mystery of the church” is very obscure, and scholars do not agree on its meaning. Lake has “a worldly mystery of the Church.”
ὃς δ’ ἂν εἴπῃ ἐν πνεύματι: δός μοι ἀργύρια ἢ ἕτερά τινα, οὐκ ἀκούσεσθε αὐτοῦ: ἐὰν δὲ περὶ ἄλλων ὑστερούντων εἴπῃ δοῦναι, μηδεὶς αὐτὸν κρινέτω.
But whosoever shall say in a spirit ‘Give me money, or something else,’ you shall not listen to him; but if he tell you to give on behalf of others in want, let none judge him.
But whoever says in the Spirit, “Give me money,” or anything else, do not listen to him. But if he tells you to give for others who are in need, let no one judge him.
Chapter 12
Πᾶς δὲ ὁ ἐρχόμενος ἐν ὀνόματι κυρίου δεχθήτω: ἔπειτα δὲ δοκιμάσαντες αὐτὸν γνώσεσθε, σύνεσιν γὰρ ἕξετε δεξιὰν καὶ ἀριστεράν.
Let everyone who comes in the Name of the Lord be received; but when you have tested him you shall know him, for you shall have understanding of true and false.
Let everyone who comes in the name of the Lord be welcomed. Then test him and you will know him, for you will have the discernment to tell right from left.
Translator’s note. Literally, “you will have understanding of right and left,” an idiom for telling true from false.
εἰ μὲν παρόδιός ἐστιν ὁ ἐρχόμενος, βοηθεῖτε αὐτῷ, ὅσον δύνασθε: οὐ μενεῖ δὲ πρὸς ὑμᾶς εἰ μὴ δύο ἡ τρεῖς ἡμέρας, ἑὰν ᾖ ἀνάγκη.
If he who comes is a traveller, help him as much as you can, but he shall not remain with you more than two days, or, if need be, three.
If the one who comes is only passing through, help him as much as you can. But he must not stay with you more than two or, if necessary, three days.
εἰ δὲ θέλει πρὸς ὑμᾶς καθῆσθαι, τεχνίτης ὤν, ἐργαζέσθω καὶ φαγέτω.
And if he wishes to settle among you and has a craft, let him work for his bread.
If he wants to settle among you and has a trade, let him work and eat.
εἰ δὲ οὐκ ἔχει τέχνην, κατὰ τὴν σύνεσιν ὑμῶν προνοήσατε, πῶς μὴ ἀργὸς μεθ̓ ὑμῶν ζήσεται Χριστιανός.
But if he has no craft provide for him according to your understanding, so that no man shall live among you in idleness because he is a Christian.
If he has no trade, use your good sense to make sure that no Christian lives among you in idleness.
εἰ δ’ οὐ θέλει οὕτω ποιεῖν, χριστέμπορός ἐστι: προσέχετε ἀπὸ τῶν τοιούτων.
But if he will not do so, he is making traffic of Christ; beware of such.
If he will not do this, he is trading on Christ. Beware of such people.
Chapter 13
Πᾶς δὲ προφήτης ἀληθινὸς θέλων καθῆσθαι πρὸς ὑμᾶς ἄξιός ἐστι τῆς τροφῆς αὐτοῦ.
But every true prophet who wishes to settle among you is worthy of his food.
Every true prophet who wants to settle among you is worthy of his food.
ὡσαύτως διδάσκαλος ἀληθινός ἐστιν ἄξιος καὶ αὐτὸς ὥσπερ ὁ ἐργάτης τῆς τροφῆς αὐτοῦ.
Likewise a true teacher is himself worthy, like the workman, of his food.
In the same way, a true teacher is also worthy, like a worker, of his food.
πᾶσαν οὖν ἀπαρχὴν γεννημάτων ληνοῦ καὶ ἅλωνος, βοῶν τε καὶ προβάτων λαβὼν δώσεις τὴν ἀπαρχὴν τοῖς προφήταις: αὐτοὶ γάρ εἰσιν οἱ ἀρχιερεῖς ὑμῶν.
Therefore thou shalt take the firstfruit of the produce of the winepress and of the threshing-floor and of oxen and sheep, and shalt give them as the firstfruits to the prophets, for they are your high priests.
So take the firstfruits of every product of the winepress and the threshing floor, and of cattle and sheep, and give the firstfruits to the prophets, for they are your high priests.
ἐὰν δὲ μὴ ἔχητε προφήτην, δότε τοῖς πτωχοῖς.
But if you have not a prophet, give to the poor.
But if you have no prophet, give to the poor.
ἐὰν σιτίαν ποιῇς, τὴν ἀπαρχὴν λαβὼν δὸς κατὰ τὴν ἐντολήν.
If thou makest bread, take the first-fruits, and give it according to the commandment.
When you make bread, take the firstfruits and give according to the commandment.
ὡσαύτως κεράμιον οἴνου ἡ ἐλαίου ἀνοίξας, τὴν ἀπαρχὴν λαβὼν δὸς τοῖς προφήταις:
Likewise when thou openest a jar of wine or oil, give the firstfruits to the prophets.
In the same way, when you open a jar of wine or oil, take the firstfruits and give them to the prophets.
ἀργυρίου δὲ καὶ ἱματισμοῦ καὶ παντὸς κτήματος λαβὼν τὴν ἀπαρχήν, ὡς ἄν σοι δόξῃ, δὸς κατὰ τὴν ἐντολήν.
Of money also and clothes, and of all your possessions, take the firstfruits, as it seem best to you, and give according to the commandment.
Of money, clothing, and every possession, take the firstfruits as seems right to you, and give according to the commandment.
Chapter 14
Κατὰ κυριακὴν δὲ κυρίου συναχθέντες κλάσατε ἄρτον καὶ εὐχαριστήσατε, προεξομολογησάμενοι τὰ παραπτώματα ὑμῶν, ὅπως καθαρὰ ἡ θυσία ὑμῶν ᾖ.
On the Lord’s Day of the Lord come together, break bread and hold Eucharist, after confessing your transgressions that your offering may be pure;
On the Lord’s own day, gather together, break bread, and give thanks, after confessing your wrongdoing, so that your sacrifice may be pure.
Translator’s note. Literally, “on the Lord’s of the Lord.” “Day” is understood. Lake has “On the Lord’s Day of the Lord.”
πᾶς δὲ ἔχων τὴν ἀμφιβολίαν μετὰ τοῦ ἑταίρου αὐτοῦ μὴ συνελθέτω ὑμῖν, ἕως ὁ??ʼ διαλλαγῶσιν, ἵνα μὴ κοινωθῇ ἡ θυσία ὑμῶν.
⚑ Greek digitization error: garbled characters (probably οὗ, “until”).
but let none who has a quarrel with his fellow join in your meeting until they be reconciled, that your sacrifice be not defiled.
But let no one who has a dispute with his companion join you until they have been reconciled, so that your sacrifice is not defiled.
Translator’s note. The Greek text as digitized has garbled characters in this verse (probably a misprint of “until”). It needs correcting against the printed edition.
Scripture: Malachi 1:11; Matthew 5:23-24
αὕτη γάρ ἐστιν ἡ ῥηθεῖσα ὑπὸ κυρίον: Ἐν παντὶ τόπῳ καὶ χρόνῳ προσφέρειν μοι θυσίαν καθαράν. ὅτι βασιλεὺς μέγας εἰμί, λέγει κύριος, καὶ τὸ ὄνομά μου θαυμαστὸν ἐν τοῖς ἔθνεσι.
For this is that which was spoken by the Lord, In every place and time offer me a pure sacrifice, for I am a great king, saith the Lord, and my name is wonderful among the heathen.
For this is what the Lord said: “In every place and at every time, offer me a pure sacrifice. For I am a great king,” says the Lord, “and my name is wonderful among the nations.”
Chapter 15
Χειροτονήσατε οὖν ἑαυτοῖς ἐπισκόπους καὶ διακόνους ἀξίους τοῦ κυρίου, ἄνδρας πραεῖς καὶ ἀφιλαργύρους καὶ ἀληθεῖς καὶ δεδοκιμασμένους: ὑμῖν γὰρ λειτουργοῦσι καὶ αὐτοὶ τὴν λειτουργίαν τῶν προφητῶν καὶ διδασκάλων.
Appoint therefore for yourselves bishops and deacons worthy of the Lord, meek men, and not lovers of money, and truthful and approved, for they also minister to you the ministry of the prophets and teachers.
So appoint for yourselves overseers and deacons worthy of the Lord: gentle men, not lovers of money, truthful and tested. For they also carry out for you the ministry of the prophets and teachers.
μὴ οὖν ὑπερίδητε αὐτούς: αὐτοὶ γάρ εἰσιν οἱ τετιμημένοι ὑμῶν μετὰ τῶν προφητῶν καὶ διδασκάλων.
Therefore do not despise them, for they are your honourable men together with the prophets and teachers.
So do not look down on them, for they are the ones honored among you, together with the prophets and teachers.
Ἐλέγχετε δὲ ἀλλήλους μὴ ἐν ὀργῇ, ἀλλ’ ἐν εἰρήνῃ ὡς ἔχετε ἐν τῷ εὐαγγελίῳ: καὶ παντὶ ἀστοχοῦντι κατὰ τοῦ ἑτέρου μηδεὶς λαλείτω μηδὲ παῤ ὑμῶν ἀκουέτω, ἕως οὗ μετανοήσῃ.
And reprove one another not in wrath but in peace as you find in the Gospel, and let none speak with any who has done a wrong to his neighbour, nor let him hear a word from you until he repents.
Correct one another not in anger but in peace, as you have it in the gospel. And let no one speak to anyone who has wronged a neighbor, or let him hear a word from you, until he repents.
τὰς δὲ εὐχὰς ὑμῶν καὶ τὰς ἐλεημοσύνας καὶ πάσας τὰς πράξεις οὕτω ποιήσατε, ὡς ἔχετε ἐν τῷ εὐαγγελίῳ τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν.
But your prayers and alms and all your acts perform as ye find in the Gospel of our Lord.
Do your prayers, your acts of charity, and all your actions as you have it in the gospel of our Lord.
Chapter 16
Γρηγορεῖτε ὑπὲρ τῆς ζωῆς ὑμῶν: οἱ λύχνοι ὑμῶν μὴ σβεσθήτωσαν, καὶ αἱ ὀσφύες ὑμῶν μὴ ἐκλυέσθωσαν, ἀλλὰ γίνεσθε ἕτοιμοι: οὐ γὰρ οἴδατε τὴν ὤραν, ἐν ᾗ ὁ κύριος ἡμῶν ἔρχεται.
Watch over your life: let your lamps be not quenched and your loins be not ungirded, but be ready, for ye know not the hour in which our Lord cometh.
Keep watch over your life. Do not let your lamps go out or your belts come loose, but be ready, for you do not know the hour when our Lord is coming.
Scripture: Luke 12:35; Matthew 24:42
πυκνῶς δὲ συναχθήσεσθε ζητοῦντες τὰ ἀνήκοντα ταῖς ψυχαῖς ὑμῶν: οὐ γὰρ ὠφελήσει ὑμᾶς ὁ πᾶς χρόνος τῆς πίστεως ὑμῶν, ἐὰν μὴ ἐν τῷ ἐσχάτῳ καιρῷ τελειωθῆτε.
But be frequently gathered together seeking the things which are profitable for your souls, for the whole time of your faith shall not profit you except ye be found perfect at the last time;
Gather often, seeking what is good for your souls. For all the time you have believed will be of no benefit to you unless you are made perfect at the final hour.
ἐν γὰρ ταῖς ἐσχάταις ἡμέραις πληθυνθήσονται οἱ ψευδοπροφῆται καὶ οἱ φθορεῖς, καὶ στραφήσονται τὰ πρόβατα εἰς λύκους, καὶ ἡ ἀγάπη στραφήσεται εἰς μῖσος.
for in the last days the false prophets and the corrupters shall be multiplied, and the sheep shall be turned into wolves, and love shall change to hate;
For in the last days false prophets and corrupters will multiply, the sheep will turn into wolves, and love will turn into hate.
αὐξανούσης γὰρ τῆς ἀνομίας μισήσουσιν ἀλλήλους καὶ διώξουσι καὶ παραδώσουσι, καὶ τότε φανήσεται ὁ κοσμοπλανὴς ὡς υἱὸς θεοῦ, καὶ ποιήσει σημεῖα καὶ τέρατα, καὶ ἡ γῆ παραδοθήσεται εἰς χεῖρας αὐτοῦ, καὶ ποιήσει ἀθέμιτα, ἅ οὐδέποτε γέγονεν ἐξ αἰῶνος.
for as lawlessness increaseth they shall hate one another and persecute and betray, and then shall appear the deceiver of the world as a Son of God, and shall do signs and wonders and the earth shall be given over into his hands and he shall commit iniquities which have never been since the world began.
For as lawlessness increases, people will hate one another, persecute one another, and betray one another. Then the deceiver of the world will appear, claiming to be a son of God. He will do signs and wonders, and the earth will be handed over to him, and he will commit lawless acts such as have never happened since the beginning of the world.
Scripture: Matthew 24:24; 2 Thessalonians 2:9
τότε ἥξει ἡ κτίσις τῶν ἀνθρώπων εἰς τὴν πύρωσιν τῆς δοκιμασίας, καὶ σκανδαλισθήσονται πολλοὶ καὶ ἀπολοῦνται, οἱ δὲ ὑπομείναντες ἐν τῇ πίστει αὐτῶν σωθήσονται ὑπ’ αὐτοῦ τοῦ καταθέματος.
Then shall the creation of mankind come to the fiery trial and many shall be offended and be lost, but they who endure in their faith shall be saved by the curse itself.
Then all humanity will come to the fire of testing. Many will fall away and be lost, but those who endure in their faith will be saved by the curse itself.
Translator’s note. “The curse itself” is literal. Some readers take this to mean Christ, who became a curse for us (Galatians 3:13). Lake keeps the literal wording.
Scripture: Matthew 24:10; Matthew 24:13; Matthew 10:22
καὶ τότε φανήσεται τὰ σημεῖα τῆς ἀληθείας: πρῶτον σημεῖον ἐκπετάσεως ἐν οὐρανῷ, εἶτα σημεῖον φωνῆς σάλπιγγος, καὶ τὸ τρίτον ἀνάστασις νεκρῶν.
And then shall appear the signs of the truth. First the sign spread out in Heaven, then the sign of the sound of the trumpet, and thirdly the resurrection of the dead:
And then the signs of the truth will appear: first, the sign of the heavens opening; second, the sign of the sound of the trumpet; and third, the resurrection of the dead,
Translator’s note. “Opening” translates a Greek word meaning a spreading out, as of a sign unfolding in the sky. Lake has “spread out.”
Scripture: Matthew 24:30-31; 1 Corinthians 15:22; 1 Thessalonians 4:16
οὐ πάντων δέ, ἀλλ’ ὡς ἐρρέθη: Ἥξει ὁ κύριος καὶ πάντες οἱ ἅγιοι μετ’ αὐτοῦ.
but not of all the dead, but as it was said, The Lord shall come and all his saints with him.
though not of all, but as it was said: “The Lord will come, and all his saints with him.”
Scripture: Zechariah 14:5; Matthew 24:30; Matthew 26:64
τότε ὄψεται ὁ κόσμος τὸν κύριον ἐρχόμενον ἐπάνω τῶν νεφελῶν τοῦ οὐρανοῦ.
Then shall the world see the Lord coming on the clouds of Heaven.
Then the world will see the Lord coming on the clouds of heaven.
Sources. Greek text: Kirsopp Lake’s edition (Loeb Classical Library, 1912), digitized by the Perseus Project and the First Thousand Years of Greek project (CC BY-SA 4.0). English (Lake): Kirsopp Lake’s 1912 translation, from the Perseus Digital Library. Modern English: prepared for SermonIndex with AI, working from the Greek with Lake’s English as a cross-check, and released under CC BY-SA 4.0. Where our wording departs from Lake’s, a translator’s note says so.
⚑ Greek flags mark places where the digital Greek looks like a typing or scanning error. Scripture lines list the Bible passages in Lake’s apparatus (with obvious misprints corrected) and link to the BSB.