Didache (complete)
Pseudonymous: Its title presents it as 'the teaching of the Lord through the twelve apostles'; it was compiled by unknown authors from earlier material. It was rediscovered in 1873 in a manuscript of 1056 (Codex Hierosolymitanus) and published in 1883.
Greek text: Lake, LCL 24 (Greek text: K. Lake, The Apostolic Fathers (LCL, 1912-1913), digitized by the First Thousand Years of Greek project (Open Greek and Latin), CC BY-SA 4.0).English: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), public domain (CC0). Compare: Ante-Nicene Fathers, vol. 7 (1886).
Title
0Lake, LCL 24:308
Διδαχὴ κυρίου διὰ τῶν δώδεκα ἀποστόλων τοῖς ἔθνεσιν.
Didachē kyriou dia tōn dōdeka apostolōn tois ethnesin.
The Teaching of the Lord through the Twelve Apostles to the Gentiles.
Notes and citation
Summary: The title of the work.
- The only complete manuscript (Jerusalem, 1056) gives two titles: “Teaching of the Twelve Apostles” and this longer one, which heads the text itself.
Cite (SBL): Did. pref. (Lake, LCL 24:308; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/0).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/0
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 1
1.1Lake, LCL 24:308
Ὁδοὶ δύο εἰσί, μία τῆς ζωῆς καὶ μία τοῦ θανάτου, διαφορὰ δὲ πολλὴ μεταξὺ τῶν δύο ὁδῶν.
Hodoi dyo eisi, mia tēs zōēs kai mia tou thanatou, diaphora de pollē metaxy tōn dyo hodōn.
There are two ways, one of life and one of death, and there is a great difference between the two ways.
Deut 30:15 (echo, medium confidence) · Jer 21:8 (echo, medium confidence) · Matt 7:13 (echo, low confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: There are two ways, of life and of death.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (digitization slip against Lake's printed text (missing accent)): μια τοῦ → μία τοῦ.
Topics: Ethics
Cite (SBL): Did. 1.1 (Lake, LCL 24:308; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/1-1).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/1-1
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
1.2Lake, LCL 24:308
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.
Hē men oun hodos tēs zōēs estin hautē; prōton agapēseis ton theon ton poiēsanta se, deuteron ton plēsion sou hōs seauton; panta de hosa ean thelēsę̄s mē ginesthai soi, kai sy allǭ mē poiei.
Now the way of life is this: first, you shall love God who made you; second, your neighbor as yourself; and whatever you would not want to happen to you, do not do to another either.
Matt 22:37 (allusion, high confidence) · Matt 22:39 (allusion, high confidence) · Lev 19:18 (allusion, medium confidence) · Deut 6:5 (echo, medium confidence) · Matt 7:12 (allusion, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: The way of life: love God and neighbor, and do not do to others what you would not want done to you.
- The last clause is the Golden Rule in its negative form, as in Tob 4:15.
Extrabiblical texts: Tob 4:15 (Tobit [in RC, EO, ETH canons]; echo)
Topics: Ethics, Love of God and neighbour
Cite (SBL): Did. 1.2 (Lake, LCL 24:308; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/1-2).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/1-2
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
1.3Lake, LCL 24:308
Τούτων δὲ τῶν λόγων ἡ διδαχή ἐστιν αὕτη· εὐλογεῖτε τοὺς 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.
Toutōn de tōn logōn hē didachē estin hautē; eulogeite tous katarōmenous hymin kai proseuchesthe hyper tōn echthrōn hymōn, nēsteuete de hyper tōn diōkontōn hymas; poia gar charis, ean agapate tous agapōntas hymas? ouchi kai ta ethnē to auto poiousin? hymeis de agapate tous misountas hymas, kai ouch hexete echthron.
And the teaching of these words is this: bless those who curse you and 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 love those who hate you, and you will not have an enemy.
Matt 5:44 (allusion, high confidence) · Luke 6:28 (allusion, high confidence) · Luke 6:32 (allusion, high confidence) · Matt 5:46 (allusion, medium confidence) · Matt 5:47 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Bless and pray for enemies, and love those who hate you.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (digitization slip against Lake's printed text (wrong accent)): τοῦς καταρωμένους → τοὺς καταρωμένους.
Topics: Ethics, Fasting, Love of enemies and forgiveness of wrongs
Cite (SBL): Did. 1.3 (Lake, LCL 24:308; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/1-3).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/1-3
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
1.4Lake, LCL 24:308–310
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 μετʼ 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.
apechou tōn sarkikōn kai sōmatikōn epithymiōn; ean tis soi dǭ rhapisma eis tēn dexian siagona, strepson autǭ kai tēn allēn, kai esę̄ teleios; ean angareusę̄ se tis milion hen, hypage metʼ autou dyo; ean arę̄ tis to himation sou, dos autǭ kai ton chitōna; ean labę̄ tis apo sou to son, mē apaitei; oude gar dynasai.
Abstain from fleshly and bodily desires. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other to him as well, and you will be perfect. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two. If someone takes your cloak, give him your tunic as well. If someone takes from you what is yours, do not demand it back; for you cannot.
1 Pet 2:11 (allusion, medium confidence) · Matt 5:39 (allusion, high confidence) · Matt 5:48 (echo, medium confidence) · Matt 5:41 (allusion, high confidence) · Matt 5:40 (allusion, high confidence) · Luke 6:29 (allusion, high confidence) · Luke 6:30 (allusion, high confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Turn the other cheek, go the second mile, and do not demand back what is taken.
- “For you cannot”: perhaps “a Christian may not,” or simply “you could not get it back anyway”; the sense is debated.
Topics: Ethics, Love of enemies and forgiveness of wrongs
Cite (SBL): Did. 1.4 (Lake, LCL 24:308–310; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/1-4).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/1-4
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
1.5Lake, LCL 24:310
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 λαμβάνοντι· 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.
panti tǭ aitounti se didou kai mē apaitei; pasi gar thelei didosthai ho patēr ek tōn idiōn charismatōn. makarios ho didous kata tēn entolēn; athǭos gar estin. ouai tǭ lambanonti; ei men gar chreian echōn lambanei tis, athǭos estai; ho de mē chreian echōn dōsei dikēn, hinati elabe kai eis ti; en synochę̄ de genomenos exetasthēsetai peri hōn epraxe, kai ouk exeleusetai ekeithen, mechris hou apodǭ ton eschaton kodrantēn.
Give to everyone who asks you, and do not demand it back; for the Father wants to give to everyone from his own gifts. Blessed is the one who gives according to the commandment, for he is guiltless. Woe to the one who receives: if someone receives because he is in need, he will be guiltless; but the one who is not in need will give account of why he received and for what purpose. Held in custody, he will be questioned about what he did, and he will not come out from there until he has paid back the last penny.
Luke 6:30 (allusion, high confidence) · Matt 5:42 (allusion, medium confidence) · Matt 5:26 (allusion, high confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Give freely; those who receive without need will answer for it.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (digitization slip against Lake's printed text (wrong ending)): λαμβάνονται → λαμβάνοντι.
Topics: Ethics, Almsgiving and care for the poor
Cite (SBL): Did. 1.5 (Lake, LCL 24:310; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/1-5).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/1-5
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
1.6Lake, LCL 24:310
ἀλλὰ καὶ περὶ τούτου δὲ εἴρηται· Ἱδρωσάτω ἡ ἐλεημοσύνη σου εἰς τὰς χεῖράς σου, μέχρις ἂν γνῷς, τίνι δῷς.
alla kai peri toutou de eirētai; Hidrōsatō hē eleēmosynē sou eis tas cheiras sou, mechris an gnǭs, tini dǭs.
But concerning this it has also been said: “Let your alms sweat in your hands until you know to whom to give.”
Notes and citation
Summary: Give with care, knowing to whom you give.
- The source of this saying is unknown; it may be a free form of Sir 12:1.
Extrabiblical texts: Sir 12:1 (Sirach [in RC, EO, ETH canons]; allusion)
Topics: Ethics, Almsgiving and care for the poor
Cite (SBL): Did. 1.6 (Lake, LCL 24:310; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/1-6).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/1-6
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 2
2.1Lake, LCL 24:310
Δευτέρα δὲ ἐντολὴ τῆς διδαχῆς·
Deutera de entolē tēs didachēs;
The second commandment of the teaching:
Notes and citation
Summary: The second commandment begins.
Topics: Ethics
Cite (SBL): Did. 2.1 (Lake, LCL 24:310; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/2-1).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/2-1
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
2.2Lake, LCL 24:310–312
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.
ou phoneuseis, ou moicheuseis, ou paidophthorēseis, ou porneuseis, ou klepseis, ou mageuseis, ou pharmakeuseis, ou phoneuseis teknon en phthorą, oude gennēthen apokteneis, ouk epithymēseis ta tou plēsion.
You shall not murder; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not corrupt boys; you shall not commit sexual immorality; you shall not steal; you shall not practice magic; you shall not use sorcery; you shall not murder a child by abortion, nor kill one that has been born; you shall not covet your neighbor's goods.
Textual problem in this passage: see the notes.
Exod 20:13 (allusion, high confidence) · Exod 20:14 (allusion, high confidence) · Exod 20:15 (allusion, high confidence) · Exod 20:17 (allusion, high confidence) · Matt 19:18 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Commandments against murder, adultery, abuse of boys, sexual immorality, theft, magic, abortion, and infanticide.
- “Corrupt boys” (παιδοφθορήσεις): the sexual abuse of boys, a practice widely tolerated in Greco-Roman society.
- “Commit sexual immorality” (πορνεύσεις): see the glossary on πορνεία.
- “Use sorcery” (φαρμακεύσεις): the making of potions and drugs, a word also used of drugs taken to cause abortion.
- “By abortion” (ἐν φθορᾷ): literally “by destruction”; the usual ancient Christian term for abortion.
Topics: Ethics, Abortion, infanticide, and exposure, Sexual morality
Cite (SBL): Did. 2.2 (Lake, LCL 24:310–312; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/2-2).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/2-2
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
2.3Lake, LCL 24:312
οὐκ ἐπιορκήσεις, οὐ ψευδομαρτυρήσεις, οὐ κακολογήσεις, οὐ μνησικακήσεις.
ouk epiorkēseis, ou pseudomartyrēseis, ou kakologēseis, ou mnēsikakēseis.
You shall not swear falsely; you shall not bear false witness; you shall not speak evil; you shall not bear grudges.
Exod 20:16 (allusion, high confidence) · Matt 5:33 (allusion, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: No perjury, false witness, slander, or grudges.
Topics: Ethics, Lying and truthfulness
Cite (SBL): Did. 2.3 (Lake, LCL 24:312; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/2-3).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/2-3
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
2.4Lake, LCL 24:312
οὐκ ἔσῃ διγνώμων οὐδὲ δίγλωσσος· παγὶς γὰρ θανάτου ἡ διγλωσσία.
ouk esę̄ dignōmōn oude diglōssos; pagis gar thanatou hē diglōssia.
You shall not be double-minded or double-tongued, for double-tonguedness is a snare of death.
Notes and citation
Summary: Do not be double-minded or two-faced in speech.
Topics: Ethics
Cite (SBL): Did. 2.4 (Lake, LCL 24:312; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/2-4).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/2-4
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
2.5Lake, LCL 24:312
οὐκ ἔσται ὁ λόγος σου ψευδής, οὐ κενός, ἀλλὰ μεμεστωμένος πράξει.
ouk estai ho logos sou pseudēs, ou kenos, alla memestōmenos praxei.
Your word shall not be false or empty, but fulfilled in action.
Notes and citation
Summary: Let your words be true and matched by deeds.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (punctuation slip at the end of the section in the digital text): μεμεστωμένος πράξει, → μεμεστωμένος πράξει..
Topics: Ethics, Lying and truthfulness
Cite (SBL): Did. 2.5 (Lake, LCL 24:312; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/2-5).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/2-5
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
2.6Lake, LCL 24:312
οὐκ ἔσῃ πλεονέκτης οὐδὲ ἅρπαξ οὐδὲ ὑποκριτὴς οὐδὲ κακοήθης οὐδὲ ὑπερήφανος. οὐ λήψῃ βουλὴν πονηρὰν κατὰ τοῦ πλησίον σου.
ouk esę̄ pleonektēs oude harpax oude hypokritēs oude kakoēthēs oude hyperēphanos. ou lēpsę̄ boulēn ponēran kata tou plēsion sou.
You shall not be greedy or grasping or a hypocrite or malicious or arrogant. You shall not plot evil against your neighbor.
Notes and citation
Summary: Do not be greedy, hypocritical, or arrogant, or plot against your neighbor.
Topics: Ethics
Cite (SBL): Did. 2.6 (Lake, LCL 24:312; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/2-6).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/2-6
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
2.7Lake, LCL 24:312
οὐ μισήσεις πάντα ἄνθρωπον, ἀλλὰ οὓς μὲν ἐλέγξεις, περὶ δὲ ὧν προσεύξῃ, οὓς δὲ ἀγαπήσεις ὑπὲρ τὴν ψυχήν σου.
ou misēseis panta anthrōpon, alla hous men elenxeis, peri de hōn proseuxę̄, hous de agapēseis hyper tēn psychēn sou.
You shall not hate anyone; but some you shall reprove, and for some you shall pray, and some you shall love more than your own life.
Lev 19:17 (echo, medium confidence) · Jude 1:22 (echo, low confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Hate no one; reprove some, pray for others, and love some more than your own life.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (digitization slip against Lake's printed text (wrong breathing)): περὶ δὲ ὦν → περὶ δὲ ὧν.
Cite (SBL): Did. 2.7 (Lake, LCL 24:312; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/2-7).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/2-7
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 3
3.1Lake, LCL 24:312
Τέκνον μου, φεῦγε ἀπὸ παντὸς πονηροῦ καὶ ἀπὸ παντὸς ὁμοίου αὐτοῦ.
Teknon mou, pheuge apo pantos ponērou kai apo pantos homoiou autou.
My child, flee from every evil and from everything like it.
1 Thess 5:22 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Flee evil and all that resembles it.
Topics: Ethics
Cite (SBL): Did. 3.1 (Lake, LCL 24:312; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/3-1).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/3-1
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
3.2Lake, LCL 24:312
μὴ γίνου ὀργίλος, ὁδηγεῖ γὰρ ἡ ὀργὴ πρὸς τὸν φόνον, μηδὲ ζηλωτὴς μηδὲ ἐριστικὸς μηδὲ θυμικός· ἐκ γὰρ τούτων ἁπάντων φόνοι γεννῶνται.
mē ginou orgilos, hodēgei gar hē orgē pros ton phonon, mēde zēlōtēs mēde eristikos mēde thymikos; ek gar toutōn hapantōn phonoi gennōntai.
Do not be prone to anger, for anger leads to murder; nor jealous nor quarrelsome nor hot-tempered, for from all these, murders are born.
Matt 5:22 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Anger and jealousy lead to murder.
Topics: Ethics, Anger and envy
Cite (SBL): Did. 3.2 (Lake, LCL 24:312; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/3-2).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/3-2
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
3.3Lake, LCL 24:312
τέκνον μου, μὴ γίνου ἐπιθυμητής, ὁδηγεῖ γὰρ ἡ ἐπιθυμία πρὸς τὴν πορνείαν, μηδὲ αἰσχρολόγος μηδὲ ὑψηλόφθαλμος· ἐκ γὰρ τούτων ἁπάντων μοιχεῖαι γεννῶνται.
teknon mou, mē ginou epithymētēs, hodēgei gar hē epithymia pros tēn porneian, mēde aischrologos mēde hypsēlophthalmos; ek gar toutōn hapantōn moicheiai gennōntai.
My child, do not be lustful, for lust leads to sexual immorality; nor foul-mouthed nor one whose eyes roam, for from all these, adulteries are born.
Matt 5:28 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Lust, foul talk, and roving eyes lead to sexual sin.
Topics: Ethics, Sexual morality
Cite (SBL): Did. 3.3 (Lake, LCL 24:312; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/3-3).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/3-3
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
3.4Lake, LCL 24:312
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.
teknon mou, mē ginou oiōnoskopos, epeidē hodēgei eis tēn eidōlolatrian, mēde epaoidos mēde mathēmatikos mēde perikathairōn, mēde thele auta blepein; ek gar toutōn hapantōn eidōlolatria gennatai.
My child, do not be an interpreter of omens, since it leads to idolatry; nor an enchanter nor an astrologer nor one who performs purifications; do not even wish to look at these things, for from all these, idolatry is born.
Notes and citation
Summary: Omens, spells, astrology, and magical purifications lead to idolatry.
- “One who performs purifications” (περικαθαίρων): magical cleansing rites.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (punctuation slip in the digital text (the sentence continues)): οἰωνοσκόπος. ἐπειδὴ → οἰωνοσκόπος, ἐπειδὴ.
Topics: Ethics, Magic, divination, and astrology
Cite (SBL): Did. 3.4 (Lake, LCL 24:312; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/3-4).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/3-4
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
3.5Lake, LCL 24:312–314
τέκνον μου, μὴ γίνου ψεύστης, ἐπειδὴ ὁδηγεῖ τὸ ψεῦσμα εἰς τὴν κλοπήν, μηδὲ φιλάργυρος μηδὲ κενόδοξος· ἐκ γὰρ τούτων ἁπάντων κλοπαὶ γεννῶνται.
teknon mou, mē ginou pseustēs, epeidē hodēgei to pseusma eis tēn klopēn, mēde philargyros mēde kenodoxos; ek gar toutōn hapantōn klopai gennōntai.
My child, do not be a liar, since lying leads to theft; nor a lover of money nor vain, for from all these, thefts are born.
Notes and citation
Summary: Lying and love of money lead to theft.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (punctuation slip in the digital text (the sentence continues)): ψεύστης. ἐπειδὴ → ψεύστης, ἐπειδὴ.
Topics: Ethics
Cite (SBL): Did. 3.5 (Lake, LCL 24:312–314; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/3-5).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/3-5
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
3.6Lake, LCL 24:314
τέκνον μου, μὴ γίνου γόγγυσος, ἐπειδὴ ὁδηγεῖ εἰς τὴν βλασφημίαν, μηδὲ αὐθάδης μηδὲ πονηρόφρων· ἐκ γὰρ τούτων ἁπάντων βλασφημίαι γεννῶνται.
teknon mou, mē ginou gongysos, epeidē hodēgei eis tēn blasphēmian, mēde authadēs mēde ponērophrōn; ek gar toutōn hapantōn blasphēmiai gennōntai.
My child, do not be a grumbler, since it leads to blasphemy; nor self-willed nor evil-minded, for from all these, blasphemies are born.
Notes and citation
Summary: Grumbling leads to blasphemy.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (digitization slip against Lake's printed text (wrong breathing); punctuation slip at the end of the section in the digital text): ἀπάντων → ἁπάντων; γεννῶνται, → γεννῶνται..
Topics: Ethics
Cite (SBL): Did. 3.6 (Lake, LCL 24:314; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/3-6).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/3-6
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
3.7Lake, LCL 24:314
ἴσθι δὲ πραΰς, ἐπεὶ οἱ πραεῖς κληρονομήσουσι τὴν γῆν·
isthi de praÿs, epei hoi praeis klēronomēsousi tēn gēn;
But be meek, since “the meek will inherit the earth.”
Matt 5:5 (quotation, high confidence) · Ps 37:11 (36:11 LXX) (allusion, high confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Be meek, for the meek will inherit the earth.
Topics: Ethics
Cite (SBL): Did. 3.7 (Lake, LCL 24:314; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/3-7).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/3-7
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
3.8Lake, LCL 24:314
γίνου μακρόθυμος καὶ ἐλεήμων καὶ ἄκακος καὶ ἡσύχιος καὶ ἀγαθὸς καὶ τρέμων τοὺς λόγους διὰ παντός, οὓς ἤκουσας.
ginou makrothymos kai eleēmōn kai akakos kai hēsychios kai agathos kai tremōn tous logous dia pantos, hous ēkousas.
Be patient and merciful and innocent and quiet and good, and always tremble at the words you have heard.
Isa 66:2 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Be patient, merciful, and gentle, and revere God's words.
Cite (SBL): Did. 3.8 (Lake, LCL 24:314; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/3-8).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/3-8
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
3.9Lake, LCL 24:314
οὐχ ὑψώσεις σεαυτὸν οὐδὲ δώσεις τῇ ψυχῇ σου θράσος. οὐ κολληθήσεται ἡ ψυχή σου μετὰ ὑψηλῶν, ἀλλὰ μετὰ δικαίων καὶ ταπεινῶν ἀναστραφήσῃ.
ouch hypsōseis seauton oude dōseis tę̄ psychę̄ sou thrasos. ou kollēthēsetai hē psychē sou meta hypsēlōn, alla meta dikaiōn kai tapeinōn anastraphēsę̄.
You shall not exalt yourself, nor give your soul boldness. Your soul shall not join itself to the lofty, but you shall live with the righteous and the humble.
Rom 12:16 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Be humble and keep company with the humble.
Topics: Ethics, Humility and pride
Cite (SBL): Did. 3.9 (Lake, LCL 24:314; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/3-9).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/3-9
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
3.10Lake, LCL 24:314
τὰ συμβαίνοντά σοι ἐνεργήματα ὡς ἀγαθὰ προσδέξῃ, εἰδὼς ὅτι ἄτερ θεοῦ οὐδὲν γίνεται.
ta symbainonta soi energēmata hōs agatha prosdexę̄, eidōs hoti ater theou ouden ginetai.
Accept the things that happen to you as good, knowing that apart from God nothing happens.
Notes and citation
Summary: Accept what happens as good, since nothing happens without God.
Topics: Ethics
Cite (SBL): Did. 3.10 (Lake, LCL 24:314; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/3-10).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/3-10
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 4
4.1Lake, LCL 24:314
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.
Teknon mou, tou lalountos soi ton logon tou theou mnēsthēsę̄ nyktos kai hēmeras, timēseis de auton hōs kyrion; hothen gar hē kyriotēs laleitai, ekei kyrios estin.
My child, you shall remember night and day the one who speaks the word of God to you, and you shall honor him as the Lord; for where the Lord's lordship is spoken of, there the Lord is.
Heb 13:7 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Honor the one who teaches you God's word as you would the Lord.
- “Lordship” (κυριότης): what belongs to the Lord, his authority and teaching.
Topics: Church office
Cite (SBL): Did. 4.1 (Lake, LCL 24:314; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/4-1).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/4-1
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
4.2Lake, LCL 24:314
ἐκζητήσεις δὲ καθʼ ἡμέραν τὰ πρόσωπα τῶν ἁγίων, ἵνα ἐπαναπαῇς τοῖς λόγοις αὐτῶν.
ekzētēseis de kathʼ hēmeran ta prosōpa tōn hagiōn, hina epanapaę̄s tois logois autōn.
And you shall seek out every day the company of the saints, so that you may find rest in their words.
Notes and citation
Summary: Seek the company of fellow believers daily.
Topics: Ethics
Cite (SBL): Did. 4.2 (Lake, LCL 24:314; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/4-2).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/4-2
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
4.3Lake, LCL 24:314
οὐ ποθήσεις σχίσμα, εἰρηνεύσεις δὲ μαχομένους· κρινεῖς δικαίως, οὐ λήψῃ πρόσωπον ἐλέγξαι ἐπὶ παραπτώμασιν.
ou pothēseis schisma, eirēneuseis de machomenous; krineis dikaiōs, ou lēpsę̄ prosōpon elenxai epi paraptōmasin.
You shall not desire division, but you shall make peace between those who are fighting. You shall judge justly; you shall not show partiality in reproving transgressions.
Deut 1:16 (echo, medium confidence) · Deut 1:17 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Make peace and judge fairly.
Topics: Ethics
Cite (SBL): Did. 4.3 (Lake, LCL 24:314; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/4-3).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/4-3
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
4.4Lake, LCL 24:314
οὐ διψυχήσεις, πότερον ἔσται ἢ οὔ.
ou dipsychēseis, poteron estai ē ou.
You shall not be double-minded about whether it will be or not.
Jas 1:8 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Do not waver in doubt.
- The meaning is uncertain: perhaps doubt about whether God's judgment will come, or whether a prayer will be answered (compare Jas 1:6–8).
Topics: Ethics
Cite (SBL): Did. 4.4 (Lake, LCL 24:314; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/4-4).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/4-4
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
4.5Lake, LCL 24:314
Μὴ γίνου πρὸς μὲν τὸ λαβεῖν ἐκτείνων τὰς χεῖρας, πρὸς δὲ τὸ δοῦναι συσπῶν.
Mē ginou pros men to labein ekteinōn tas cheiras, pros de to dounai syspōn.
Do not be one who stretches out his hands to receive but draws them back when it comes to giving.
Notes and citation
Summary: Do not be eager to take but slow to give.
Extrabiblical texts: Sir 4:31 (Sirach [in RC, EO, ETH canons]; allusion)
Topics: Ethics, Almsgiving and care for the poor
Cite (SBL): Did. 4.5 (Lake, LCL 24:314; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/4-5).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/4-5
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
4.6Lake, LCL 24:314–316
ἐὰν ἔχῃς διὰ τῶν χειρῶν σου, δώσεις λύτρωσιν ἁμαρτιῶν σου.
ean echę̄s dia tōn cheirōn sou, dōseis lytrōsin hamartiōn sou.
If you have anything through the work of your hands, you shall give a ransom for your sins.
Dan 4:27 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Give from your earnings as a ransom for your sins.
- The idea that almsgiving atones for sin appears in Jewish and early Christian writings (compare Dan 4:27; Tob 12:9; 1 Pet 4:8).
Extrabiblical texts: Tob 12:9 (Tobit [in RC, EO, ETH canons]; echo)
Topics: Ethics, Almsgiving and care for the poor
Cite (SBL): Did. 4.6 (Lake, LCL 24:314–316; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/4-6).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/4-6
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
4.7Lake, LCL 24:316
οὐ διστάσεις δοῦναι οὐδὲ διδοὺς γογγύσεις· γνώσῃ γάρ, τίς ἐστιν ὁ τοῦ μισθοῦ καλὸς ἀνταποδότης.
ou distaseis dounai oude didous gongyseis; gnōsę̄ gar, tis estin ho tou misthou kalos antapodotēs.
You shall not hesitate to give, nor grumble when you give; for you will know who is the good paymaster of the reward.
2 Cor 9:7 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Give without hesitation or grumbling; God will repay.
Topics: Ethics, Almsgiving and care for the poor
Cite (SBL): Did. 4.7 (Lake, LCL 24:316; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/4-7).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/4-7
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
4.8Lake, LCL 24:316
οὐκ ἀποστραφήσῃ τὸν ἐνδεόμενον, συγκοινωνήσεις δὲ πάντα τῷ ἀδελφῷ σου καὶ οὐκ ἐρεῖς ἴδια εἶναι· εἰ γὰρ ἐν τῷ ἀθανάτῳ κοινωνοί ἐστε, πόσῳ μᾶλλον ἐν τοῖς θνητοῖς;
ouk apostraphēsę̄ ton endeomenon, synkoinōnēseis de panta tǭ adelphǭ sou kai ouk ereis idia einai; ei gar en tǭ athanatǭ koinōnoi este, posǭ mallon en tois thnētois?
You shall not turn away the needy, but you shall share all things with your brother and not say that they are your own. For if you are sharers in what is immortal, how much more in what is mortal?
Acts 4:32 (allusion, medium confidence) · Rom 15:27 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Share everything with fellow believers, as you share in immortal things.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (digitization slip against Lake's printed text (enclitic should have no accent)): ἀδελφῷ σοῦ → ἀδελφῷ σου.
Topics: Ethics, Almsgiving and care for the poor
Cite (SBL): Did. 4.8 (Lake, LCL 24:316; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/4-8).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/4-8
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
4.9Lake, LCL 24:316
Οὐκ ἀρεῖς τὴν χεῖρά σου ἀπὸ τοῦ υἱοῦ σου ἢ ἀπὸ τῆς θυγατρός σου, ἀλλὰ ἀπὸ νεότητος διδάξεις τὸν φόβον τοῦ θεοῦ.
Ouk areis tēn cheira sou apo tou huiou sou ē apo tēs thygatros sou, alla apo neotētos didaxeis ton phobon tou theou.
You shall not withhold your hand from your son or your daughter, but from their youth you shall teach them the fear of God.
Eph 6:4 (echo, medium confidence) · Prov 13:24 (echo, low confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Discipline your children and teach them the fear of God from youth.
- “Not withhold your hand”: that is, do not neglect to discipline or train them.
Topics: Ethics, Parents and children
Cite (SBL): Did. 4.9 (Lake, LCL 24:316; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/4-9).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/4-9
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
4.10Lake, LCL 24:316
οὐκ ἐπιτάξεις δούλῳ σου ἢ παιδίσκῃ, τοῖς ἐπὶ τὸν αὐτὸν θεὸν ἐλπίζουσιν, ἐν πικρίᾳ σου, μήποτε οὐ μὴ φοβηθήσονται τὸν ἐπʼ ἀμφοτέροις θεόν· οὐ γὰρ ἔρχεται κατὰ πρόσωπον καλέσαι, ἀλλʼ ἐφʼ οὓς τὸ πνεῦμα ἡτοίμασεν.
ouk epitaxeis doulǭ sou ē paidiskę̄, tois epi ton auton theon elpizousin, en pikrią sou, mēpote ou mē phobēthēsontai ton epʼ amphoterois theon; ou gar erchetai kata prosōpon kalesai, allʼ ephʼ hous to pneuma hētoimasen.
You shall not give orders in bitterness to your male or female slave, who hope in the same God, lest they cease to fear the God who is over you both; for he does not come to call people according to their standing, but those whom the Spirit has prepared.
Eph 6:9 (allusion, medium confidence) · Col 4:1 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Do not treat slaves harshly, since God is over both master and slave.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (digitization slip against Lake's printed text (wrong accent)): ἐφʼ οὕς → ἐφʼ οὓς.
Cite (SBL): Did. 4.10 (Lake, LCL 24:316; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/4-10).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/4-10
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
4.11Lake, LCL 24:316
ὑμεῖς δὲ οἱ δοῦλοι ὑποταγήσεσθε τοῖς κυρίοις ὑμῶν ὡς τύπῳ θεοῦ ἐν αἰσχύνῃ καὶ φόβῳ.
hymeis de hoi douloi hypotagēsesthe tois kyriois hymōn hōs typǭ theou en aischynę̄ kai phobǭ.
And you slaves shall be subject to your masters as to a representation of God, in reverence and fear.
Eph 6:5 (allusion, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Slaves are to obey their masters with reverence.
Cite (SBL): Did. 4.11 (Lake, LCL 24:316; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/4-11).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/4-11
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
4.12Lake, LCL 24:316
Μισήσεις πᾶσαν ὑπόκρισιν καὶ πᾶν ὃ μὴ ἀρεστὸν τῷ κυρίῳ.
Misēseis pasan hypokrisin kai pan ho mē areston tǭ kyriǭ.
You shall hate all hypocrisy and everything that is not pleasing to the Lord.
Notes and citation
Summary: Hate hypocrisy and all that displeases the Lord.
Topics: Ethics
Cite (SBL): Did. 4.12 (Lake, LCL 24:316; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/4-12).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/4-12
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
4.13Lake, LCL 24:316
οὐ μὴ ἐγκαταλίπῃς ἐντολὰς κυρίου, φυλάξεις δὲ ἃ παρέλαβες, μήτε προστιθεὶς μήτε ἀφαιρῶν.
ou mē enkatalipę̄s entolas kyriou, phylaxeis de ha parelabes, mēte prostitheis mēte aphairōn.
You shall not forsake the commandments of the Lord, but you shall keep what you have received, neither adding nor taking away.
Deut 4:2 (allusion, medium confidence) · Deut 12:32 (allusion, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Keep the Lord's commandments without adding or subtracting.
Topics: Scripture and canon
Cite (SBL): Did. 4.13 (Lake, LCL 24:316; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/4-13).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/4-13
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
4.14Lake, LCL 24:316
ἐν ἐκκλησίᾳ ἐξομολογήσῃ τὰ παραπτώματά σου, καὶ οὐ προσελεύσῃ ἐπὶ προσευχήν σου ἐν συνειδήσει πονηρᾷ· αὕτη ἐστὶν ἡ ὁδὸς τῆς ζωῆς.
en ekklēsią exomologēsę̄ ta paraptōmata sou, kai ou proseleusę̄ epi proseuchēn sou en syneidēsei ponērą; hautē estin hē hodos tēs zōēs.
In the assembly you shall confess your transgressions, and you shall not come to your prayer with an evil conscience. This is the way of life.
Jas 5:16 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Confess your sins in the assembly and pray with a clean conscience.
- “In the assembly” (ἐν ἐκκλησίᾳ): in the gathered church; compare Jas 5:16.
Topics: Prayer, Repentance
Cite (SBL): Did. 4.14 (Lake, LCL 24:316; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/4-14).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/4-14
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 5
5.1Lake, LCL 24:316–318
Ἡ 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.
Hē de tou thanatou hodos estin hautē; prōton pantōn ponēra esti kai kataras mestē; phonoi, moicheiai, epithymiai, porneiai, klopai, eidōlolatriai, mageiai, pharmakiai, harpagai, pseudomartyriai, hypokriseis, diplokardia, dolos, hyperēphania, kakia, authadeia, pleonexia, aischrologia, zēlotypia, thrasytēs, hypsos, alazoneia.
But the way of death is this: first of all, it is evil and full of curse: murders, adulteries, lusts, sexual immoralities, thefts, idolatries, magic arts, sorceries, robberies, false testimonies, hypocrisies, duplicity, deceit, arrogance, malice, self-will, greed, foul speech, jealousy, insolence, haughtiness, boastfulness;
Rom 1:29 (allusion, medium confidence) · Gal 5:19 (echo, medium confidence) · Mark 7:21 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: The way of death: a catalogue of sins.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (digitization slip: letter misread in the transcription): ʽΠ δὲ → Ἡ δὲ.
Topics: Ethics
Cite (SBL): Did. 5.1 (Lake, LCL 24:316–318; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/5-1).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/5-1
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
5.2Lake, LCL 24:318
διῶκται ἀγαθῶν, μισοῦντες ἀλήθειαν, ἀγαπῶντες ψεῦδος, οὐ γινώσκοντες μισθὸν δικαιοσύνης, οὐ κολλώμενοι ἀγαθῷ οὐδὲ κρίσει δικαίᾳ, ἀγρυπνοῦντες οὐκ εἰς τὸ ἀγαθόν, ἀλλʼ 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 τούτων ἁπάντων.
diōktai agathōn, misountes alētheian, agapōntes pseudos, ou ginōskontes misthon dikaiosynēs, ou kollōmenoi agathǭ oude krisei dikaią, agrypnountes ouk eis to agathon, allʼ eis to ponēron; hōn makran praÿtēs kai hypomonē, mataia agapōntes, diōkontes antapodoma, ouk eleountes ptōchon, ou ponountes epi kataponoumenǭ, ou ginōskontes ton poiēsanta autous, phoneis teknōn, phthoreis plasmatos theou, apostrephomenoi ton endeomenon, kataponountes ton thlibomenon, plousiōn paraklētoi, penētōn anomoi kritai, panthamartētoi; rhystheiēte, tekna, apo toutōn hapantōn.
persecutors of the good, haters of truth, lovers of falsehood, not knowing the reward of righteousness, not holding fast to what is good or to just judgment, watchful not for what is good but for what is evil; far from them are meekness and patience; loving vanities, pursuing reward, having no pity for the poor, not toiling for the oppressed, not knowing the one who made them, murderers of children, destroyers of God's handiwork, turning away the needy, oppressing the afflicted, advocates of the rich, lawless judges of the poor, utterly sinful. May you be delivered, children, from all these.
Rom 12:9 (allusion, medium confidence) · Isa 1:23 (echo, low confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Those on the way of death oppress the poor and kill children.
- “Murderers of children … destroyers of God's handiwork”: abortion and infanticide (compare 2.2).
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (digitization slip against Lake's printed text (wrong letter); punctuation slip in the digital text (missing raised dot)): πονηρόν ὧν → πονηρόν· ὧν; τούτωι → τούτων.
Extrabiblical texts: Wis 12:5 (Wisdom of Solomon [in RC, EO, ETH canons]; echo)
Topics: Ethics
Cite (SBL): Did. 5.2 (Lake, LCL 24:318; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/5-2).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/5-2
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 6
6.1Lake, LCL 24:318
Ὅρα, μή τίς σε πλανήσῃ ἀπὸ ταύτης τῆς ὁδοῦ τῆς διδαχῆς, ἐπεὶ παρεκτὸς θεοῦ σε διδάσκει.
Hora, mē tis se planēsę̄ apo tautēs tēs hodou tēs didachēs, epei parektos theou se didaskei.
See that no one leads you astray from this way of the teaching, since he teaches you apart from God.
Matt 24:4 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Let no one lead you away from this teaching.
Topics: Heresy
Cite (SBL): Did. 6.1 (Lake, LCL 24:318; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/6-1).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/6-1
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
6.2Lake, LCL 24:318
εἰ μὲν γὰρ δύνασαι βαστάσαι ὅλον τὸν ζυγὸν τοῦ κυρίου, τέλειος ἔσῃ· εἰ δʼ οὐ δύνασαι, ὃ δύνῃ, τοῦτο ποίει.
ei men gar dynasai bastasai holon ton zygon tou kyriou, teleios esę̄; ei dʼ ou dynasai, ho dynę̄, touto poiei.
For if you are able to bear the whole yoke of the Lord, you will be perfect; but if you are not able, do what you can.
Matt 11:29 (echo, medium confidence) · Matt 19:21 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Bear the Lord's whole yoke if you can; otherwise do what you can.
- “The whole yoke of the Lord”: probably the full demands of the teaching just given; some think of celibacy or food rules (6.3).
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (digitization slip against Lake's printed text (wrong accent)): ὅ δύνῃ → ὃ δύνῃ.
Topics: Ethics
Cite (SBL): Did. 6.2 (Lake, LCL 24:318; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/6-2).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/6-2
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
6.3Lake, LCL 24:318
περὶ δὲ τῆς βρώσεως, ὃ δύνασαι βάστασον· ἀπὸ δὲ τοῦ εἰδωλοθύτου λίαν πρόσεχε· λατρεία γάρ ἐστι θεῶν νεκρῶν.
peri de tēs brōseōs, ho dynasai bastason; apo de tou eidōlothytou lian proseche; latreia gar esti theōn nekrōn.
And concerning food, bear what you are able; but keep strictly away from food offered to idols, for it is worship of dead gods.
Acts 15:29 (allusion, medium confidence) · 1 Cor 8:4 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Keep food rules as you can, but never eat food offered to idols.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (digitization slip against Lake's printed text (wrong accent); punctuation slip in the digital text (missing raised dot)): ὅ δύνασαι → ὃ δύνασαι; πρόσεχε λατρεία → πρόσεχε· λατρεία.
Cite (SBL): Did. 6.3 (Lake, LCL 24:318; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/6-3).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/6-3
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 7
7.1Lake, LCL 24:318–320
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.
Peri de tou baptismatos, houtō baptisate; tauta panta proeipontes, baptisate eis to onoma tou patros kai tou huiou kai tou hagiou pneumatos en hydati zōnti.
Concerning baptism, baptize in this way: having first said all these things, baptize in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit in living water.
Matt 28:19 (quotation, high confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, in running water.
- “Living water” (ὕδατι ζῶντι): running water, as in a river or spring.
- “Having first said all these things”: after teaching the candidate the Two Ways (chapters 1–6).
Cite (SBL): Did. 7.1 (Lake, LCL 24:318–320; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/7-1).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/7-1
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
7.2Lake, LCL 24:320
ἐὰν δὲ μὴ ἔχῃς ὕδωρ ζῶν, εἰς ἄλλο ὕδωρ βάπτισον· εἰ δʼ οὐ δύνασαι ἐν ψυχρῷ, ἐν θερμῷ.
ean de mē echę̄s hydōr zōn, eis allo hydōr baptison; ei dʼ ou dynasai en psychrǭ, en thermǭ.
If you do not have living water, baptize in other water; and if you cannot in cold, then in warm.
Notes and citation
Summary: Other water may be used if running water is not available.
Topics: Baptism
Cite (SBL): Did. 7.2 (Lake, LCL 24:320; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/7-2).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/7-2
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
7.3Lake, LCL 24:320
ἐὰν δὲ ἀμφότερα μὴ ἔχῃς, ἔκχεον εἰς τὴν κεφαλὴν τρὶς ὕδωρ εἰς ὄνομα πατρὸς καὶ υἱοῦ καὶ ἁγίου πνεύματος.
ean de amphotera mē echę̄s, ekcheon eis tēn kephalēn tris hydōr eis onoma patros kai huiou kai hagiou pneumatos.
If you have neither, pour water on the head three times in the name of Father and Son and Holy Spirit.
Matt 28:19 (allusion, high confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: If there is not enough water, pour water on the head three times.
- The earliest Christian text to allow baptism by pouring.
Cite (SBL): Did. 7.3 (Lake, LCL 24:320; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/7-3).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/7-3
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
7.4Lake, LCL 24:320
πρὸ δὲ τοῦ βαπτίσματος προνηστευσάτω ὁ βαπτίζων καὶ ὁ βαπτιζόμενος καὶ εἴ τινες ἄλλοι δύνανται· κελεύσεις δὲ νηστεῦσαι τὸν βαπτιζόμενον πρὸ μιᾶς ἢ δύο.
pro de tou baptismatos pronēsteusatō ho baptizōn kai ho baptizomenos kai ei tines alloi dynantai; keleuseis de nēsteusai ton baptizomenon pro mias ē dyo.
Before the baptism, let the one who baptizes and the one being baptized fast, and any others who can; and you shall instruct the one being baptized to fast for one or two days beforehand.
Notes and citation
Summary: Fast before baptism.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (digitization slip against Lake's printed text (missing letter)): κελεύεις → κελεύσεις.
Cite (SBL): Did. 7.4 (Lake, LCL 24:320; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/7-4).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/7-4
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 8
8.1Lake, LCL 24:320
Αἱ δὲ νηστεῖαι ὑμῶν μὴ ἔστωσαν μετὰ τῶν ὑποκριτῶν. νηστεύουσι γὰρ δευτέρᾳ σαββάτων καὶ πέμπτῃ· ὑμεῖς δὲ νηστεύσατε τετράδα καὶ παρασκευήν.
Hai de nēsteiai hymōn mē estōsan meta tōn hypokritōn. nēsteuousi gar deuterą sabbatōn kai pemptę̄; hymeis de nēsteusate tetrada kai paraskeuēn.
Do not let your fasts be with the hypocrites; for they fast on the second and fifth days of the week, but you are to fast on the fourth day and on the day of Preparation.
Matt 6:16 (allusion, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Fast on Wednesdays and Fridays, not on the days the hypocrites fast.
- The second and fifth days are Monday and Thursday; the fourth day and the day of Preparation are Wednesday and Friday.
- “The hypocrites”: the term of Matt 6:16, here apparently for those who kept the Jewish fast days.
Topics: Fasting
Cite (SBL): Did. 8.1 (Lake, LCL 24:320; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/8-1).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/8-1
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
8.2Lake, LCL 24:320
μηδὲ προσεύχεσθε ὡς οἱ ὑποκριταί, ἀλλʼ 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.
mēde proseuchesthe hōs hoi hypokritai, allʼ hōs ekeleusen ho kyrios en tǭ euangeliǭ autou, houtō proseuchesthe; Pater hēmōn ho en tǭ ouranǭ, hagiasthētō to onoma sou, elthetō hē basileia sou, genēthētō to thelēma sou hōs en ouranǭ kai epi gēs; ton arton hēmōn ton epiousion dos hēmin sēmeron, kai aphes hēmin tēn opheilēn hēmōn, hōs kai hēmeis aphiemen tois opheiletais hēmōn, kai mē eisenenkę̄s hēmas eis peirasmon, alla rhysai hēmas apo tou ponērou; hoti sou estin hē dynamis kai hē doxa eis tous aiōnas.
Nor pray as the hypocrites do, but as the Lord commanded in his gospel, pray like this: “Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy, may your kingdom come, may your will be done, as in heaven so also on earth. Give us today our daily bread, and forgive us our debt, as we also forgive our debtors, and do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For yours is the power and the glory forever.”
Matt 6:9–13 (quotation, high confidence) · Matt 6:5 (allusion, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Pray the Lord's Prayer.
- “Our debt” is singular here; Matthew has “debts.”
- “Daily” (ἐπιούσιον): the meaning is uncertain (“for tomorrow,” “necessary”).
- “From evil” (ἀπὸ τοῦ πονηροῦ): or “from the evil one.”
- The closing doxology is the earliest known one attached to the Lord's Prayer.
Topics: Prayer, The Lord's Prayer
Cite (SBL): Did. 8.2 (Lake, LCL 24:320; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/8-2).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/8-2
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
8.3Lake, LCL 24:320–322
τρὶς τῆς ἡμέρας οὕτω προσεύχεσθε.
tris tēs hēmeras houtō proseuchesthe.
Pray like this three times a day.
Dan 6:10 (echo, low confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Pray the Lord's Prayer three times a day.
Topics: Prayer, The Lord's Prayer
Cite (SBL): Did. 8.3 (Lake, LCL 24:320–322; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/8-3).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/8-3
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 9
9.1Lake, LCL 24:322
Περὶ δὲ τῆς εὐχαριστίας, οὕτως εὐχαριστήσατε·
Peri de tēs eucharistias, houtōs eucharistēsate;
Now concerning the Eucharist, give thanks in this way.
Notes and citation
Summary: Instructions for the Eucharist begin.
- “The Eucharist … give thanks” (εὐχαριστίας … εὐχαριστήσατε): the noun names the rite, the verb means “give thanks” (see the glossary). Whether chapters 9–10 describe the Eucharist proper or a community meal is debated.
Cite (SBL): Did. 9.1 (Lake, LCL 24:322; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/9-1).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/9-1
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
9.2Lake, LCL 24:322
πρῶτον περὶ τοῦ ποτηρίου· Εὐχαριστοῦμέν σοι, πάτερ ἡμῶν, ὑπὲρ τῆς ἁγίας ἀμπέλου Δαυεὶδ τοῦ παιδός σου, ἧς ἐγνώρισας ἡμῖν διὰ Ἰησοῦ τοῦ παιδός σου· σοὶ ἡ δόξα εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας.
prōton peri tou potēriou; Eucharistoumen soi, pater hēmōn, hyper tēs hagias ampelou Daueid tou paidos sou, hēs egnōrisas hēmin dia Iēsou tou paidos sou; soi hē doxa eis tous aiōnas.
First, concerning the cup: “We give you thanks, our Father, for the holy vine of David your servant, which you made known to us through Jesus your Servant. To you be the glory forever.”
Luke 22:17 (echo, medium confidence) · John 15:1 (echo, low confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: The thanksgiving over the cup.
- The cup comes before the bread (compare Luke 22:17–19).
- “Servant” (παῖς): also “Child”; see Mart. Pol. 14.1.
- “The holy vine of David”: perhaps the promise to David fulfilled in Christ, or God's people.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (digitization slip against Lake's printed text (wrong breathing)): ἦς ἐγνώρισας ἡμῖν διὰ Ἰησοῦ τοῦ παιδός σου· σοὶ → ἧς ἐγνώρισας ἡμῖν διὰ Ἰησοῦ τοῦ παιδός σου· σοὶ.
Cite (SBL): Did. 9.2 (Lake, LCL 24:322; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/9-2).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/9-2
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
9.3Lake, LCL 24:322
περὶ δὲ τοῦ κλάσματος· Εὐχαριστοῦμέν σοι, πάτερ ἡμῶν, ὑπὲρ τῆς ζωῆς καὶ γνώσεως, ἧς ἐγνώρισας ἡμῖν διὰ Ἰησοῦ τοῦ παιδός σου. σοὶ ἡ δόξα εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας.
peri de tou klasmatos; Eucharistoumen soi, pater hēmōn, hyper tēs zōēs kai gnōseōs, hēs egnōrisas hēmin dia Iēsou tou paidos sou. soi hē doxa eis tous aiōnas.
And concerning the broken bread: “We give you thanks, our Father, for the life and knowledge that you made known to us through Jesus your Servant. To you be the glory forever.”
Notes and citation
Summary: The thanksgiving over the bread.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (digitization slip against Lake's printed text (wrong breathing)): ἦς ἐγνώρισας → ἧς ἐγνώρισας.
Cite (SBL): Did. 9.3 (Lake, LCL 24:322; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/9-3).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/9-3
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
9.4Lake, LCL 24:322
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.
hōsper ēn touto to klasma dieskorpismenon epanō tōn oreōn kai synachthen egeneto hen, houtō synachthētō sou hē ekklēsia apo tōn peratōn tēs gēs eis tēn sēn basileian. hoti sou estin hē doxa kai hē dynamis dia Iēsou Christou eis tous aiōnas.
“As this broken bread was scattered over the mountains and, when brought together, became one, so let your church be gathered together from the ends of the earth into your kingdom. For yours is the glory and the power through Jesus Christ forever.”
John 11:52 (echo, medium confidence) · 1 Cor 10:17 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: A prayer that the church be gathered into one, like grain into bread.
- “Scattered over the mountains”: the grain grown on the hillsides, gathered into one loaf.
Topics: Eucharist, Prayer, Eschatology
Cite (SBL): Did. 9.4 (Lake, LCL 24:322; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/9-4).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/9-4
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
9.5Lake, LCL 24:322
μηδεὶς δὲ φαγέτω μηδὲ πιέτω ἀπὸ τῆς εὐχαριστίας ὑμῶν, ἀλλʼ οἱ βαπτισθέντες εἰς ὄνομα κυρίου· καὶ γὰρ περὶ τούτου εἴρηκεν ὁ κύριος· Μὴ δῶτε τὸ ἄγιον τοῖς κυσί.
mēdeis de phagetō mēde pietō apo tēs eucharistias hymōn, allʼ hoi baptisthentes eis onoma kyriou; kai gar peri toutou eirēken ho kyrios; Mē dōte to agion tois kysi.
Let no one eat or drink from your Eucharist except those who have been baptized in the name of the Lord; for concerning this also the Lord has said, “Do not give what is holy to the dogs.”
Matt 7:6 (quotation, high confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Only the baptized may share in the Eucharist.
Cite (SBL): Did. 9.5 (Lake, LCL 24:322; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/9-5).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/9-5
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 10
10.1Lake, LCL 24:322
Μετὰ δὲ τὸ ἐμπλησθῆναι οὕτως εὐχαριστήσατε·
Meta de to emplēsthēnai houtōs eucharistēsate;
And after you have been filled, give thanks in this way:
Notes and citation
Summary: The thanksgiving after the meal begins.
- “After you have been filled”: suggests a full meal.
Cite (SBL): Did. 10.1 (Lake, LCL 24:322; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/10-1).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/10-1
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
10.2Lake, LCL 24:322–324
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.
Eucharistoumen soi, pater hagie, hyper tou hagiou onomatos sou, hou kateskēnōsas en tais kardiais hēmōn, kai hyper tēs gnōseōs kai pisteōs kai athanasias, hēs egnōrisas hēmin dia Iēsou tou paidos sou; soi hē doxa eis tous aiōnas.
“We give you thanks, holy Father, for your holy name, which you have made to dwell in our hearts, and for the knowledge and faith and immortality that you made known to us through Jesus your Servant. To you be the glory forever.
John 17:11 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Thanks for God's name, knowledge, faith, and immortality.
Cite (SBL): Did. 10.2 (Lake, LCL 24:322–324; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/10-2).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/10-2
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
10.3Lake, LCL 24:324
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.
sy, despota pantokrator, ektisas ta panta heneken tou onomatos sou, trophēn te kai poton edōkas tois anthrōpois eis apolausin, hina soi eucharistēsōsin, hēmin de echarisō pneumatikēn trophēn kai poton kai zōēn aiōnion dia tou paidos sou.
You, almighty Master, created all things for your name's sake, and gave food and drink to human beings to enjoy, so that they might give you thanks; but to us you have graciously given spiritual food and drink and eternal life through your Servant.
Rev 4:11 (allusion, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Thanks for daily food and for spiritual food and eternal life.
Extrabiblical texts: Wis 1:14 (Wisdom of Solomon [in RC, EO, ETH canons]; echo); Sir 18:1 (Sirach [in RC, EO, ETH canons]; echo)
Cite (SBL): Did. 10.3 (Lake, LCL 24:324; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/10-3).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/10-3
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
10.4Lake, LCL 24:324
πρὸ πάντων εὐχαριστοῦμέν σοι, ὅτι δυνατὸς εἶ· σοὶ ἡ δόξα εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας.
pro pantōn eucharistoumen soi, hoti dynatos ei; soi hē doxa eis tous aiōnas.
Above all we give you thanks because you are mighty. To you be the glory forever.
Notes and citation
Summary: Thanks for God's power.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (punctuation slip in the digital text (question mark for raised dot)): δυνατὸς εἶ; → δυνατὸς εἶ·.
Topics: Prayer
Cite (SBL): Did. 10.4 (Lake, LCL 24:324; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/10-4).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/10-4
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
10.5Lake, LCL 24:324
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.
mnēsthēti, kyrie, tēs ekklēsias sou, tou rhysasthai autēn apo pantos ponērou kai teleiōsai autēn en tę̄ agapę̄ sou, kai synaxon autēn apo tōn tessarōn anemōn, tēn hagiastheisan, eis tēn sēn basileian, hēn hētoimasas autę̄; hoti sou estin hē dynamis kai hē doxa eis tous aiōnas.
Remember, Lord, your church, to deliver it from every evil and to make it perfect in your love; and gather it, made holy, from the four winds into your kingdom, which you have prepared for it. For yours is the power and the glory forever.
Matt 24:31 (allusion, high confidence) · Mark 13:27 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: A prayer for the church to be kept, perfected, and gathered into God's kingdom.
Topics: Prayer, Eschatology
Cite (SBL): Did. 10.5 (Lake, LCL 24:324; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/10-5).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/10-5
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
10.6Lake, LCL 24:324
ἐλθέτω χάρις καὶ παρελθέτω ὁ κόσμος οὗτος. Ὡσαννὰ τῷ θεῷ Δαυείδ. εἴ τις ἅγιός ἐστιν, ἐρχέσθω· εἴ τις οὐκ ἔστι, μετανοείτω· μαρὰν ἀθά· ἀμήν.
elthetō charis kai parelthetō ho kosmos houtos. Hōsanna tǭ theǭ Daueid. ei tis hagios estin, erchesthō; ei tis ouk esti, metanoeitō; maran atha; amēn.
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.”
Textual problem in this passage: see the notes.
Matt 21:9 (allusion, high confidence) · 1 Cor 16:22 (allusion, high confidence) · Rev 22:20 (echo, medium confidence) · 1 John 2:17 (echo, low confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: A closing prayer for Christ's coming: “Maranatha.”
- “Maranatha”: Aramaic, “Our Lord, come!” (1 Cor 16:22; compare Rev 22:20).
- “God of David”: some editors emend to “Son of David” (Matt 21:9).
Topics: Prayer, Eschatology, Second coming of Christ
Cite (SBL): Did. 10.6 (Lake, LCL 24:324; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/10-6).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/10-6
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
10.7Lake, LCL 24:324
τοῖς δὲ προφήταις ἐπιτρέπετε εὐχαριστεῖν ὅσα θέλουσιν.
tois de prophētais epitrepete eucharistein hosa thelousin.
But allow the prophets to give thanks as much as they wish.
Notes and citation
Summary: Prophets may give thanks freely.
- “As much as they wish” (ὅσα θέλουσιν): or “in whatever words they wish.”
Topics: Eucharist, Church office
Cite (SBL): Did. 10.7 (Lake, LCL 24:324; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/10-7).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/10-7
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 11
11.1Lake, LCL 24:324
Ὃς ἂν οὖν ἐλθὼν διδάξῃ ὑμᾶς ταῦτα πάντα τὰ προειρημένα, δέξασθε αὐτόν·
Hos an oun elthōn didaxę̄ hymas tauta panta ta proeirēmena, dexasthe auton;
Whoever, then, comes and teaches you all these things that have been said above, receive him.
Notes and citation
Summary: Welcome teachers who teach these things.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (digitization slip against Lake's printed text (wrong breathing)): οὑν → οὖν.
Topics: Church office
Cite (SBL): Did. 11.1 (Lake, LCL 24:324; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/11-1).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/11-1
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
11.2Lake, LCL 24:324–326
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.
ean de autos ho didaskōn strapheis didaskę̄ allēn didachēn eis to katalysai, mē autou akousēte; eis de to prostheinai dikaiosynēn kai gnōsin kyriou, dexasthe auton hōs kyrion.
But if the teacher himself turns and teaches another teaching so as to destroy these things, do not listen to him; but if he teaches so as to increase righteousness and knowledge of the Lord, receive him as the Lord.
Notes and citation
Summary: Reject teachers who undermine this teaching; welcome those who build it up.
Topics: Church office, Heresy
Cite (SBL): Did. 11.2 (Lake, LCL 24:324–326; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/11-2).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/11-2
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
11.3Lake, LCL 24:326
Περὶ δὲ τῶν ἀποστόλων καὶ προφητῶν, κατὰ τὸ δόγμα τοῦ εὐαγγελίου οὕτω ποιήσατε.
Peri de tōn apostolōn kai prophētōn, kata to dogma tou euangeliou houtō poiēsate.
Concerning the apostles and prophets, act according to the decree of the gospel, as follows.
Notes and citation
Summary: Instructions on traveling apostles and prophets.
- “Apostles”: traveling missionaries, not only the Twelve.
Topics: Church office
Cite (SBL): Did. 11.3 (Lake, LCL 24:326; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/11-3).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/11-3
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
11.4Lake, LCL 24:326
πᾶς δὲ ἀπόστολος ἐρχόμενος πρὸς ὑμᾶς δεχθήτω ὡς κύριος·
pas de apostolos erchomenos pros hymas dechthētō hōs kyrios;
Let every apostle who comes to you be received as the Lord.
Matt 10:40 (allusion, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Receive every apostle as the Lord.
Topics: Church office
Cite (SBL): Did. 11.4 (Lake, LCL 24:326; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/11-4).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/11-4
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
11.5Lake, LCL 24:326
οὐ μενεῖ δὲ εἰ μὴ ἡμέραν μίαν· ἐὰν δὲ ᾖ χρεία, καὶ τὴν ἄλλην· τρεῖς δὲ ἐὰν μείνῃ, ψευδοπροφήτης ἐστίν.
ou menei de ei mē hēmeran mian; ean de ę̄ chreia, kai tēn allēn; treis de ean meinę̄, pseudoprophētēs estin.
But he shall not stay more than one day, and if there is need, a second as well; but if he stays three days, he is a false prophet.
Notes and citation
Summary: An apostle who stays three days is a false prophet.
Topics: Church office
Cite (SBL): Did. 11.5 (Lake, LCL 24:326; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/11-5).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/11-5
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
11.6Lake, LCL 24:326
ἐξερχόμενος δὲ ὁ ἀπόστολος μηδὲν λαμβανέτω εἰ μὴ ἄρτον, ἕως οὗ αὐλισθῇ· ἐὰν δὲ ἀργύριον αἰτῇ, ψευδοπροφήτης ἐστί.
exerchomenos de ho apostolos mēden lambanetō ei mē arton, heōs hou aulisthę̄; ean de argyrion aitę̄, pseudoprophētēs esti.
And when the apostle leaves, let him take nothing but bread until he finds his next lodging; but if he asks for money, he is a false prophet.
Matt 10:9 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: An apostle who asks for money is a false prophet.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (digitization slip against Lake's printed text (wrong breathing)): ἕως οὖ → ἕως οὗ.
Topics: Church office
Cite (SBL): Did. 11.6 (Lake, LCL 24:326; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/11-6).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/11-6
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
11.7Lake, LCL 24:326
Καὶ πάντα προφήτην λαλοῦντα ἐν πνεύματι οὐ πειράσετε οὐδὲ διακρινεῖτε· πᾶσα γὰρ ἁμαρτία ἀφεθήσεται, αὕτη δὲ ἡ ἁμαρτία οὐκ ἀφεθήσεται.
Kai panta prophētēn lalounta en pneumati ou peirasete oude diakrineite; pasa gar hamartia aphethēsetai, hautē de hē hamartia ouk aphethēsetai.
And you shall not test or judge any prophet who speaks in the Spirit; for every sin will be forgiven, but this sin will not be forgiven.
Matt 12:31 (allusion, high confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Do not judge a prophet speaking in the Spirit; that sin is unforgivable.
Topics: Church office
Cite (SBL): Did. 11.7 (Lake, LCL 24:326; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/11-7).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/11-7
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
11.8Lake, LCL 24:326
οὐ πᾶς δὲ ὁ λαλῶν ἐν πνεύματι προφήτης ἐστίν, ἀλλʼ ἐὰν ἔχῃ τοὺς τρόπους κυρίου. ἀπὸ οὖν τῶν τρόπων γνωσθήσεται ὁ ψευδοπροφήτης καὶ ὁ προφήτης.
ou pas de ho lalōn en pneumati prophētēs estin, allʼ ean echę̄ tous tropous kyriou. apo oun tōn tropōn gnōsthēsetai ho pseudoprophētēs kai ho prophētēs.
But not everyone who speaks in the Spirit is a prophet, only one who has the ways of the Lord. So by their ways the false prophet and the prophet will be known.
Matt 7:15 (echo, medium confidence) · Matt 7:20 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: True and false prophets are known by their conduct.
Topics: Church office
Cite (SBL): Did. 11.8 (Lake, LCL 24:326; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/11-8).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/11-8
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
11.9Lake, LCL 24:326
καὶ πᾶς προφήτης ὁρίζων τράπεζαν ἐν πνεύματι οὐ φάγεται ἀπʼ αὐτῆς, εἰ δὲ μήγε ψευδοπροφήτης ἐστί.
kai pas prophētēs horizōn trapezan en pneumati ou phagetai apʼ autēs, ei de mēge pseudoprophētēs esti.
And no prophet who orders a meal in the Spirit shall eat from it; if he does, he is a false prophet.
Notes and citation
Summary: A prophet who orders a meal “in the Spirit” and eats it is false.
- “Orders a meal” (ὁρίζων τράπεζαν): perhaps a meal for the poor, called for in ecstatic speech.
Topics: Church office
Cite (SBL): Did. 11.9 (Lake, LCL 24:326; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/11-9).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/11-9
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
11.10Lake, LCL 24:326
πᾶς δὲ προφήτης διδάσκων τὴν ἀλήθειαν, εἰ ἃ διδάσκει οὐ ποιεῖ, ψευδοπροφήτης ἐστί.
pas de prophētēs didaskōn tēn alētheian, ei ha didaskei ou poiei, pseudoprophētēs esti.
Every prophet who teaches the truth, if he does not do what he teaches, is a false prophet.
Matt 23:3 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: A prophet who does not practice what he teaches is false.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (punctuation slip in the digital text (the sentence continues)): οὐ ποιεῖ. ψευδοπροφήτης → οὐ ποιεῖ, ψευδοπροφήτης.
Topics: Church office
Cite (SBL): Did. 11.10 (Lake, LCL 24:326; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/11-10).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/11-10
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
11.11Lake, LCL 24:326
πᾶς δὲ προφήτης δεδοκιμασμένος, ἀληθινός, ποιῶν εἰς μυστήριον κοσμικὸν ἐκκλησίας, μὴ διδάσκων δὲ ποιεῖν, ὅσα αὐτὸς ποιεῖ, οὐ κριθήσεται ἐφʼ ὑμῶν· μετὰ θεοῦ γὰρ ἔχει τὴν κρίσιν· ὡσαύτως γὰρ ἐποίησαν καὶ οἱ ἀρχαῖοι προφῆται.
pas de prophētēs dedokimasmenos, alēthinos, poiōn eis mystērion kosmikon ekklēsias, mē didaskōn de poiein, hosa autos poiei, ou krithēsetai ephʼ hymōn; meta theou gar echei tēn krisin; hōsautōs gar epoiēsan kai hoi archaioi prophētai.
Every prophet who has been proved genuine, who acts for the earthly mystery of the church but does not teach others to do what he himself does, shall not be judged by you; for his judgment is with God. For the ancient prophets also did the same.
Eph 5:32 (echo, low confidence) · Hos 1:2 (echo, low confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: A proven prophet who performs symbolic acts is left to God's judgment.
- “The earthly mystery of the church”: the meaning is very uncertain. It may refer to symbolic actions like those of the Old Testament prophets (e.g. Hosea's marriage), perhaps a prophet living with a woman in celibate partnership as a figure of Christ and the church (Eph 5:32).
Topics: Church office
Cite (SBL): Did. 11.11 (Lake, LCL 24:326; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/11-11).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/11-11
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
11.12Lake, LCL 24:326–328
ὃς δʼ ἂν εἴπῃ ἐν πνεύματι· δός μοι ἀργύρια ἢ ἕτερά τινα, οὐκ ἀκούσεσθε αὐτοῦ· ἐὰν δὲ περὶ ἄλλων ὑστερούντων εἴπῃ δοῦναι, μηδεὶς αὐτὸν κρινέτω.
hos dʼ an eipę̄ en pneumati; dos moi argyria ē hetera tina, ouk akousesthe autou; ean de peri allōn hysterountōn eipę̄ dounai, mēdeis auton krinetō.
But whoever says in the Spirit, “Give me money,” or anything else, you shall not listen to him; but if he tells you to give for others who are in need, let no one judge him.
Notes and citation
Summary: Ignore a prophet who asks for money for himself.
Topics: Church office, Ethics
Cite (SBL): Did. 11.12 (Lake, LCL 24:326–328; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/11-12).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/11-12
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 12
12.1Lake, LCL 24:328
Πᾶς δὲ ὁ ἐρχόμενος ἐν ὀνόματι κυρίου δεχθήτω· ἔπειτα δὲ δοκιμάσαντες αὐτὸν γνώσεσθε, σύνεσιν γὰρ ἕξετε δεξιὰν καὶ ἀριστεράν.
Pas de ho erchomenos en onomati kyriou dechthētō; epeita de dokimasantes auton gnōsesthe, synesin gar hexete dexian kai aristeran.
Let everyone who comes in the name of the Lord be received; and then, when you have tested him, you will know him, for you will have understanding of right and left.
Ps 118:26 (117:26 LXX) (echo, low confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Welcome travelers in the Lord's name, but test them.
- “Right and left”: true and false.
Topics: Church office, Hospitality
Cite (SBL): Did. 12.1 (Lake, LCL 24:328; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/12-1).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/12-1
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
12.2Lake, LCL 24:328
εἰ μὲν παρόδιός ἐστιν ὁ ἐρχόμενος, βοηθεῖτε αὐτῷ, ὅσον δύνασθε· οὐ μενεῖ δὲ πρὸς ὑμᾶς εἰ μὴ δύο ἢ τρεῖς ἡμέρας, ἐὰν ᾖ ἀνάγκη.
ei men parodios estin ho erchomenos, boētheite autǭ, hoson dynasthe; ou menei de pros hymas ei mē dyo ē treis hēmeras, ean ę̄ anankē.
If the one who comes is a traveler, help him as much as you can; but he shall not stay with you more than two or three days, if necessary.
Notes and citation
Summary: Help travelers, but only for two or three days.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (digitization slip against Lake's printed text (wrong accent); digitization slip against Lake's printed text (wrong breathing)): δύο ἡ τρεῖς → δύο ἢ τρεῖς; ἑὰν ᾖ → ἐὰν ᾖ.
Topics: Ethics, Hospitality
Cite (SBL): Did. 12.2 (Lake, LCL 24:328; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/12-2).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/12-2
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
12.3Lake, LCL 24:328
εἰ δὲ θέλει πρὸς ὑμᾶς καθῆσθαι, τεχνίτης ὤν, ἐργαζέσθω καὶ φαγέτω.
ei de thelei pros hymas kathēsthai, technitēs ōn, ergazesthō kai phagetō.
But if he wishes to settle among you and is a craftsman, let him work and eat.
2 Thess 3:10 (allusion, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Settlers with a trade must work for their food.
Topics: Ethics, Work and idleness
Cite (SBL): Did. 12.3 (Lake, LCL 24:328; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/12-3).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/12-3
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
12.4Lake, LCL 24:328
εἰ δὲ οὐκ ἔχει τέχνην, κατὰ τὴν σύνεσιν ὑμῶν προνοήσατε, πῶς μὴ ἀργὸς μεθʼ ὑμῶν ζήσεται Χριστιανός.
ei de ouk echei technēn, kata tēn synesin hymōn pronoēsate, pōs mē argos methʼ hymōn zēsetai Christianos.
But if he has no craft, use your understanding to provide that no Christian lives among you idle.
Notes and citation
Summary: Find work for settlers without a trade.
Topics: Ethics, Work and idleness
Cite (SBL): Did. 12.4 (Lake, LCL 24:328; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/12-4).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/12-4
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
12.5Lake, LCL 24:328
εἰ δʼ οὐ θέλει οὕτω ποιεῖν, χριστέμπορός ἐστι· προσέχετε ἀπὸ τῶν τοιούτων.
ei dʼ ou thelei houtō poiein, christemporos esti; prosechete apo tōn toioutōn.
But if he is not willing to do this, he is making a trade of Christ; beware of such people.
Notes and citation
Summary: Those unwilling to work are exploiting Christ.
- “Making a trade of Christ” (χριστέμπορος): literally “a Christ-merchant,” a word apparently coined here.
Topics: Ethics, Work and idleness
Cite (SBL): Did. 12.5 (Lake, LCL 24:328; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/12-5).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/12-5
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 13
13.1Lake, LCL 24:328
Πᾶς δὲ προφήτης ἀληθινὸς θέλων καθῆσθαι πρὸς ὑμᾶς ἄξιός ἐστι τῆς τροφῆς αὐτοῦ.
Pas de prophētēs alēthinos thelōn kathēsthai pros hymas axios esti tēs trophēs autou.
But every genuine prophet who wishes to settle among you is worthy of his food.
Matt 10:10 (allusion, high confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: A true prophet who settles among you deserves support.
Topics: Church office, Support of the clergy
Cite (SBL): Did. 13.1 (Lake, LCL 24:328; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/13-1).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/13-1
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
13.2Lake, LCL 24:328
ὡσαύτως διδάσκαλος ἀληθινός ἐστιν ἄξιος καὶ αὐτὸς ὥσπερ ὁ ἐργάτης τῆς τροφῆς αὐτοῦ.
hōsautōs didaskalos alēthinos estin axios kai autos hōsper ho ergatēs tēs trophēs autou.
Likewise a genuine teacher is himself worthy, like the worker, of his food.
Matt 10:10 (allusion, medium confidence) · 1 Tim 5:18 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: True teachers also deserve support.
Topics: Church office, Support of the clergy
Cite (SBL): Did. 13.2 (Lake, LCL 24:328; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/13-2).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/13-2
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
13.3Lake, LCL 24:328
πᾶσαν οὖν ἀπαρχὴν γεννημάτων ληνοῦ καὶ ἅλωνος, βοῶν τε καὶ προβάτων λαβὼν δώσεις τὴν ἀπαρχὴν τοῖς προφήταις· αὐτοὶ γάρ εἰσιν οἱ ἀρχιερεῖς ὑμῶν.
pasan oun aparchēn gennēmatōn lēnou kai halōnos, boōn te kai probatōn labōn dōseis tēn aparchēn tois prophētais; autoi gar eisin hoi archiereis hymōn.
So you shall take every firstfruit of the produce of winepress and threshing floor, of cattle and of sheep, and give the firstfruit to the prophets; for they are your high priests.
Num 18:12 (echo, medium confidence) · Deut 18:4 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Give the firstfruits of produce and flocks to the prophets.
Topics: Church office, Support of the clergy
Cite (SBL): Did. 13.3 (Lake, LCL 24:328; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/13-3).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/13-3
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
13.4Lake, LCL 24:328
ἐὰν δὲ μὴ ἔχητε προφήτην, δότε τοῖς πτωχοῖς.
ean de mē echēte prophētēn, dote tois ptōchois.
But if you have no prophet, give to the poor.
Notes and citation
Summary: Without a prophet, give the firstfruits to the poor.
Topics: Ethics, Almsgiving and care for the poor
Cite (SBL): Did. 13.4 (Lake, LCL 24:328; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/13-4).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/13-4
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
13.5Lake, LCL 24:328
ἐὰν σιτίαν ποιῇς, τὴν ἀπαρχὴν λαβὼν δὸς κατὰ τὴν ἐντολήν.
ean sitian poię̄s, tēn aparchēn labōn dos kata tēn entolēn.
If you make bread, take the firstfruit and give according to the commandment.
Notes and citation
Summary: Give the firstfruit of your baking.
Topics: Church office, Support of the clergy
Cite (SBL): Did. 13.5 (Lake, LCL 24:328; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/13-5).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/13-5
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
13.6Lake, LCL 24:328
ὡσαύτως κεράμιον οἴνου ἢ ἐλαίου ἀνοίξας, τὴν ἀπαρχὴν λαβὼν δὸς τοῖς προφήταις·
hōsautōs keramion oinou ē elaiou anoixas, tēn aparchēn labōn dos tois prophētais;
Likewise when you open a jar of wine or oil, take the firstfruit and give it to the prophets.
Notes and citation
Summary: Give the firstfruit of wine and oil to the prophets.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (digitization slip against Lake's printed text (wrong accent)): οἴνου ἡ ἐλαίου → οἴνου ἢ ἐλαίου.
Topics: Church office, Support of the clergy
Cite (SBL): Did. 13.6 (Lake, LCL 24:328; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/13-6).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/13-6
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
13.7Lake, LCL 24:328–330
ἀργυρίου δὲ καὶ ἱματισμοῦ καὶ παντὸς κτήματος λαβὼν τὴν ἀπαρχήν, ὡς ἄν σοι δόξῃ, δὸς κατὰ τὴν ἐντολήν.
argyriou de kai himatismou kai pantos ktēmatos labōn tēn aparchēn, hōs an soi doxę̄, dos kata tēn entolēn.
And of money and clothing and every possession, take the firstfruit as seems good to you, and give according to the commandment.
Notes and citation
Summary: Give a firstfruit of money, clothing, and all possessions.
Topics: Church office, Ethics, Support of the clergy
Cite (SBL): Did. 13.7 (Lake, LCL 24:328–330; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/13-7).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/13-7
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 14
14.1Lake, LCL 24:330
Κατὰ κυριακὴν δὲ κυρίου συναχθέντες κλάσατε ἄρτον καὶ εὐχαριστήσατε, προεξομολογησάμενοι τὰ παραπτώματα ὑμῶν, ὅπως καθαρὰ ἡ θυσία ὑμῶν ᾖ.
Kata kyriakēn de kyriou synachthentes klasate arton kai eucharistēsate, proexomologēsamenoi ta paraptōmata hymōn, hopōs kathara hē thysia hymōn ę̄.
On the Lord's own day, gather together, break bread and give thanks, having first confessed your transgressions, so that your sacrifice may be pure.
Notes and citation
Summary: On the Lord's day, gather to break bread and give thanks after confessing your sins.
- “The Lord's own day” (κατὰ κυριακὴν δὲ κυρίου): Sunday; the doubled wording is unusual.
- “Your sacrifice”: the Eucharist, so called with reference to Mal 1:11 (14.3).
Topics: Eucharist, The Lord's day and the Sabbath
Cite (SBL): Did. 14.1 (Lake, LCL 24:330; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/14-1).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/14-1
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
14.2Lake, LCL 24:330
πᾶς δὲ ἔχων τὴν ἀμφιβολίαν μετὰ τοῦ ἑταίρου αὐτοῦ μὴ συνελθέτω ὑμῖν, ἕως οὗ διαλλαγῶσιν, ἵνα μὴ κοινωθῇ ἡ θυσία ὑμῶν.
pas de echōn tēn amphibolian meta tou hetairou autou mē synelthetō hymin, heōs hou diallagōsin, hina mē koinōthę̄ hē thysia hymōn.
Let no one who has a quarrel with his companion join you until they are reconciled, so that your sacrifice may not be defiled.
Matt 5:23 (allusion, high confidence) · Matt 5:24 (allusion, high confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Be reconciled before joining the gathering.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (damaged characters in the digital text, restored from Lake's printed text): ἕως ὁ??ʼ διαλλαγῶσιν → ἕως οὗ διαλλαγῶσιν.
Cite (SBL): Did. 14.2 (Lake, LCL 24:330; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/14-2).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/14-2
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
14.3Lake, LCL 24:330
αὕτη γάρ ἐστιν ἡ ῥηθεῖσα ὑπὸ κυρίου· Ἐν παντὶ τόπῳ καὶ χρόνῳ προσφέρειν μοι θυσίαν καθαράν. ὅτι βασιλεὺς μέγας εἰμί, λέγει κύριος, καὶ τὸ ὄνομά μου θαυμαστὸν ἐν τοῖς ἔθνεσι.
hautē gar estin hē rhētheisa hypo kyriou; En panti topǭ kai chronǭ prospherein moi thysian katharan. hoti basileus megas eimi, legei kyrios, kai to onoma mou thaumaston en tois ethnesi.
For this is what was spoken by the Lord: “In every place and time offer me a pure sacrifice, for I am a great king, says the Lord, and my name is wonderful among the nations.”
Mal 1:11 (quotation, high confidence) · Mal 1:14 (quotation, high confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Malachi's prophecy of a pure sacrifice among the nations.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (digitization slip against Lake's printed text (wrong ending)): ὑπὸ κυρίον → ὑπὸ κυρίου.
Topics: Eucharist
Cite (SBL): Did. 14.3 (Lake, LCL 24:330; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/14-3).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/14-3
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 15
15.1Lake, LCL 24:330
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.
Cheirotonēsate oun heautois episkopous kai diakonous axious tou kyriou, andras praeis kai aphilargyrous kai alētheis kai dedokimasmenous; hymin gar leitourgousi kai autoi tēn leitourgian tōn prophētōn kai didaskalōn.
Appoint, then, for yourselves bishops and deacons worthy of the Lord, men who are gentle and not lovers of money, truthful and proven; for they too perform for you the ministry of the prophets and teachers.
Phil 1:1 (echo, medium confidence) · 1 Tim 3:2 (echo, medium confidence) · 1 Tim 3:8 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Choose worthy bishops and deacons, who also serve as prophets and teachers.
- “Bishops” is plural: several in one community. How this office relates to that of presbyter in this early period is debated (see the glossary).
- “Appoint” (χειροτονήσατε): literally “elect by raising hands.”
Topics: Church office, Ordination
Cite (SBL): Did. 15.1 (Lake, LCL 24:330; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/15-1).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/15-1
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
15.2Lake, LCL 24:330
μὴ οὖν ὑπερίδητε αὐτούς· αὐτοὶ γάρ εἰσιν οἱ τετιμημένοι ὑμῶν μετὰ τῶν προφητῶν καὶ διδασκάλων.
mē oun hyperidēte autous; autoi gar eisin hoi tetimēmenoi hymōn meta tōn prophētōn kai didaskalōn.
So do not look down on them; for they are your honored ones, together with the prophets and teachers.
Notes and citation
Summary: Honor your bishops and deacons.
Topics: Church office
Cite (SBL): Did. 15.2 (Lake, LCL 24:330; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/15-2).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/15-2
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
15.3Lake, LCL 24:330
Ἐλέγχετε δὲ ἀλλήλους μὴ ἐν ὀργῇ, ἀλλʼ ἐν εἰρήνῃ ὡς ἔχετε ἐν τῷ εὐαγγελίῳ· καὶ παντὶ ἀστοχοῦντι κατὰ τοῦ ἑτέρου μηδεὶς λαλείτω μηδὲ παρʼ ὑμῶν ἀκουέτω, ἕως οὗ μετανοήσῃ.
Elenchete de allēlous mē en orgę̄, allʼ en eirēnę̄ hōs echete en tǭ euangeliǭ; kai panti astochounti kata tou heterou mēdeis laleitō mēde parʼ hymōn akouetō, heōs hou metanoēsę̄.
Reprove 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 another, nor let him hear anything from you, until he repents.
Matt 18:15 (allusion, medium confidence) · Matt 18:17 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Correct one another peacefully; shun the unrepentant.
Topics: Church office, Ethics, Church discipline and penance
Cite (SBL): Did. 15.3 (Lake, LCL 24:330; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/15-3).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/15-3
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
15.4Lake, LCL 24:330–332
τὰς δὲ εὐχὰς ὑμῶν καὶ τὰς ἐλεημοσύνας καὶ πάσας τὰς πράξεις οὕτω ποιήσατε, ὡς ἔχετε ἐν τῷ εὐαγγελίῳ τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν.
tas de euchas hymōn kai tas eleēmosynas kai pasas tas praxeis houtō poiēsate, hōs echete en tǭ euangeliǭ tou kyriou hēmōn.
And your prayers and your almsgiving and all your deeds, do them as you have it in the gospel of our Lord.
Matt 6:1 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Pray, give, and act as the gospel teaches.
Topics: Prayer, Scripture and canon
Cite (SBL): Did. 15.4 (Lake, LCL 24:330–332; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/15-4).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/15-4
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 16
16.1Lake, LCL 24:332
Γρηγορεῖτε ὑπὲρ τῆς ζωῆς ὑμῶν· οἱ λύχνοι ὑμῶν μὴ σβεσθήτωσαν, καὶ αἱ ὀσφύες ὑμῶν μὴ ἐκλυέσθωσαν, ἀλλὰ γίνεσθε ἕτοιμοι· οὐ γὰρ οἴδατε τὴν ὥραν, ἐν ᾗ ὁ κύριος ἡμῶν ἔρχεται.
Grēgoreite hyper tēs zōēs hymōn; hoi lychnoi hymōn mē sbesthētōsan, kai hai osphyes hymōn mē eklyesthōsan, alla ginesthe hetoimoi; ou gar oidate tēn hōran, en hę̄ ho kyrios hēmōn erchetai.
Keep watch over your life. Let your lamps not go out, and let your loins not be ungirded, but be ready; for you do not know the hour in which our Lord is coming.
Luke 12:35 (allusion, high confidence) · Matt 24:42 (allusion, high confidence) · Matt 25:13 (allusion, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Be ready, for the Lord's coming is unknown.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (digitization slip against Lake's printed text (wrong breathing)): τὴν ὤραν → τὴν ὥραν.
Topics: Eschatology, Second coming of Christ
Cite (SBL): Did. 16.1 (Lake, LCL 24:332; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/16-1).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/16-1
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
16.2Lake, LCL 24:332
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.
pyknōs de synachthēsesthe zētountes ta anēkonta tais psychais hymōn; ou gar ōphelēsei hymas ho pas chronos tēs pisteōs hymōn, ean mē en tǭ eschatǭ kairǭ teleiōthēte.
Gather together frequently, seeking what is fitting for your souls; for the whole time of your faith will not profit you unless you are made perfect in the last time.
Notes and citation
Summary: Meet often; faith must endure to the end.
- A very similar saying appears in the Epistle of Barnabas (Barn. 4.9).
Topics: Eschatology
Cite (SBL): Did. 16.2 (Lake, LCL 24:332; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/16-2).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/16-2
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
16.3Lake, LCL 24:332
ἐν γὰρ ταῖς ἐσχάταις ἡμέραις πληθυνθήσονται οἱ ψευδοπροφῆται καὶ οἱ φθορεῖς, καὶ στραφήσονται τὰ πρόβατα εἰς λύκους, καὶ ἡ ἀγάπη στραφήσεται εἰς μῖσος.
en gar tais eschatais hēmerais plēthynthēsontai hoi pseudoprophētai kai hoi phthoreis, kai straphēsontai ta probata eis lykous, kai hē agapē straphēsetai eis misos.
For in the last days the false prophets and the corrupters will be multiplied, and the sheep will be turned into wolves, and love will be turned into hate.
Matt 24:11 (allusion, medium confidence) · Matt 7:15 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: In the last days false prophets will multiply and love will turn to hate.
Topics: Eschatology, Heresy
Cite (SBL): Did. 16.3 (Lake, LCL 24:332; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/16-3).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/16-3
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
16.4Lake, LCL 24:332
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, ἃ οὐδέποτε γέγονεν ἐξ αἰῶνος.
auxanousēs gar tēs anomias misēsousin allēlous kai diōxousi kai paradōsousi, kai tote phanēsetai ho kosmoplanēs hōs huios theou, kai poiēsei sēmeia kai terata, kai hē gē paradothēsetai eis cheiras autou, kai poiēsei athemita, ha oudepote gegonen ex aiōnos.
For as lawlessness increases, they will hate one another and persecute and betray; and then the deceiver of the world will appear as a son of God, and will do signs and wonders, and the earth will be delivered into his hands, and he will commit lawless deeds such as have never been done since time began.
Matt 24:12 (allusion, high confidence) · Matt 24:10 (allusion, medium confidence) · Matt 24:24 (allusion, medium confidence) · 2 Thess 2:9 (allusion, medium confidence) · Rev 13:13 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: The world-deceiver will appear as a son of God, doing signs and wonders.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (digitization slip against Lake's printed text (wrong accent)): ἅ οὐδέποτε → ἃ οὐδέποτε.
Topics: Eschatology, Antichrist
Cite (SBL): Did. 16.4 (Lake, LCL 24:332; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/16-4).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/16-4
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
16.5Lake, LCL 24:332
τότε ἥξει ἡ κτίσις τῶν ἀνθρώπων εἰς τὴν πύρωσιν τῆς δοκιμασίας, καὶ σκανδαλισθήσονται πολλοὶ καὶ ἀπολοῦνται, οἱ δὲ ὑπομείναντες ἐν τῇ πίστει αὐτῶν σωθήσονται ὑπʼ αὐτοῦ τοῦ καταθέματος.
tote hēxei hē ktisis tōn anthrōpōn eis tēn pyrōsin tēs dokimasias, kai skandalisthēsontai polloi kai apolountai, hoi de hypomeinantes en tę̄ pistei autōn sōthēsontai hypʼ autou tou katathematos.
Then the human creation will come into the fire of testing, and many will fall away and perish; but those who endure in their faith will be saved by the curse itself.
Matt 24:10 (allusion, high confidence) · Matt 24:13 (allusion, high confidence) · 1 Pet 4:12 (echo, medium confidence) · Gal 3:13 (echo, low confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Many will fall away in the final testing, but those who endure will be saved.
- “By the curse itself” (ὑπʼ αὐτοῦ τοῦ καταθέματος): obscure. Perhaps Christ, who became a curse for us (Gal 3:13); others translate “from the curse itself.”
Topics: Eschatology
Cite (SBL): Did. 16.5 (Lake, LCL 24:332; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/16-5).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/16-5
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
16.6Lake, LCL 24:332
καὶ τότε φανήσεται τὰ σημεῖα τῆς ἀληθείας· πρῶτον σημεῖον ἐκπετάσεως ἐν οὐρανῷ, εἶτα σημεῖον φωνῆς σάλπιγγος, καὶ τὸ τρίτον ἀνάστασις νεκρῶν.
kai tote phanēsetai ta sēmeia tēs alētheias; prōton sēmeion ekpetaseōs en ouranǭ, eita sēmeion phōnēs salpingos, kai to triton anastasis nekrōn.
And then the signs of the truth will appear: first the sign of an opening in heaven, then the sign of the sound of a trumpet, and third the resurrection of the dead;
Matt 24:30 (allusion, medium confidence) · Matt 24:31 (allusion, medium confidence) · 1 Thess 4:16 (allusion, medium confidence) · 1 Cor 15:52 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: The signs of the end: an opening in heaven, a trumpet, and the resurrection.
- “An opening” (ἐκπετάσεως): literally “a spreading out”; perhaps the heavens opened, or the outstretched arms of the cross.
Topics: Eschatology, Resurrection of the body
Cite (SBL): Did. 16.6 (Lake, LCL 24:332; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/16-6).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/16-6
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
16.7Lake, LCL 24:332
οὐ πάντων δέ, ἀλλʼ ὡς ἐρρέθη· Ἥξει ὁ κύριος καὶ πάντες οἱ ἅγιοι μετʼ αὐτοῦ.
ou pantōn de, allʼ hōs errethē; Hēxei ho kyrios kai pantes hoi hagioi metʼ autou.
yet not of all, but as it was said, “The Lord will come, and all his holy ones with him.”
Zech 14:5 (quotation, high confidence) · 1 Thess 3:13 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: The resurrection is of the saints, who come with the Lord.
Topics: Eschatology, Resurrection of the body
Cite (SBL): Did. 16.7 (Lake, LCL 24:332; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/16-7).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/16-7
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
16.8Lake, LCL 24:332
τότε ὄψεται ὁ κόσμος τὸν κύριον ἐρχόμενον ἐπάνω τῶν νεφελῶν τοῦ οὐρανοῦ.
tote opsetai ho kosmos ton kyrion erchomenon epanō tōn nephelōn tou ouranou.
Then the world will see the Lord coming upon the clouds of heaven.
Textual problem in this passage: see the notes.
Matt 24:30 (allusion, high confidence) · Dan 7:13 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: The world will see the Lord coming on the clouds.
- The manuscript ends here; the original ending may be lost.
Topics: Eschatology, Second coming of Christ
Cite (SBL): Did. 16.8 (Lake, LCL 24:332; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/16-8).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/didache/16-8
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.