To Polycarp (complete)
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. 1 (1885).
Inscription
0Lake, LCL 24:268
Ἰγνάτιος, ὁ καὶ Θεοφόρος, Πολυκάρπῳ ἐπισκόπῳ ἐκκλησίας Σμυρναίων, μᾶλλον ἐπισκοπημένῳ ὑπὸ θεοῦ πατρὸς καὶ κυρίου Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, πλεῖστα χαίρειν.
Ignatios, ho kai Theophoros, Polykarpǭ episkopǭ ekklēsias Smyrnaiōn, mallon episkopēmenǭ hypo theou patros kai kyriou Iēsou Christou, pleista chairein.
Ignatius, who is also called Theophorus, to Polycarp, bishop of the church of the Smyrnaeans, or rather one who has God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ as his bishop: abundant greetings.
Notes and citation
Summary: Ignatius greets Polycarp, bishop of Smyrna.
- “Theophorus” (Θεοφόρος): “God-bearer,” a second name Ignatius uses in all his letters.
- “One who has … as his bishop” (ἐπισκοπημένῳ): literally “who is overseen by God,” a play on ἐπίσκοπος, “bishop, overseer.”
Topics: Church office
Cite (SBL): Ign. Pol. inscr. (Lake, LCL 24:268; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-polycarp/0).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-polycarp/0
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-ign-polycarp-0) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 1
1.1Lake, LCL 24:268; PG 5:720a
Ἀποδεχόμενός σου τὴν ἐν θεῷ γνώμην ἡδρασμένην ὡς ἐπὶ πέτραν ἀκίνητον, ὑπερδοξάζω, καταξιωθεὶς τοῦ προσώπου σου τοῦ ἀμώμου, οὗ ὀναίμην ἐν θεῷ.
Apodechomenos sou tēn en theǭ gnōmēn hēdrasmenēn hōs epi petran akinēton, hyperdoxazō, kataxiōtheis tou prosōpou sou tou amōmou, hou onaimēn en theǭ.
Welcoming your godly mind, which is established as on an immovable rock, I give exceeding glory that I have been counted worthy of your blameless face; may I have joy of it in God.
Matt 7:24 (echo, low confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Ignatius rejoices that he has met Polycarp, whose mind is firmly fixed on God.
- “I give exceeding glory” (ὑπερδοξάζω): Ignatius glorifies God for having met Polycarp in person.
- “May I have joy of it” (ὀναίμην): a stock wish in Ignatius, “may I have benefit or delight from it.”
Cite (SBL): Ign. Pol. 1.1 (PG 5:720a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-polycarp/1-1).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-polycarp/1-1
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-ign-polycarp-1-1) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
1.2Lake, LCL 24:268; PG 5:720a–720b
παρακαλῶ σε ἐν χάριτι ᾗ ἐνδέδυσαι, προσθεῖναι τῷ δρόμῳ σου καὶ πάντας παρακαλεῖν, ἵνα σώζωνται. ἐκδίκει σου τὸν τόπον ἐν πάσῃ ἐπιμελείᾳ σαρκικῇ τε καὶ πνευματικῇ. τῆς ἑνώσεως φρόντιζε, ἧς οὐδὲν ἄμεινον, πάντας βάσταζε, ὡς καὶ σὲ ὁ κύριος· πάντων ἀνέχου ἐν ἀγάπῃ, ὥσπερ καὶ ποιεῖς.
parakalō se en chariti hę̄ endedysai, prostheinai tǭ dromǭ sou kai pantas parakalein, hina sōzōntai. ekdikei sou ton topon en pasę̄ epimeleią sarkikę̄ te kai pneumatikę̄. tēs henōseōs phrontize, hēs ouden ameinon, pantas bastaze, hōs kai se ho kyrios; pantōn anechou en agapę̄, hōsper kai poieis.
I urge you, by the grace with which you are clothed, to press on in your course and to urge all people to be saved. Do justice to your office with all diligence, both of the flesh and of the spirit. Take thought for unity, than which nothing is better. Bear all people, as the Lord also bears you; put up with all in love, as indeed you do.
Eph 4:2 (allusion, medium confidence) · Gal 6:2 (echo, low confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Ignatius urges Polycarp to care for his whole church, keep it united, and bear with everyone in love.
- “Do justice to your office” (ἐκδίκει σου τὸν τόπον): literally “vindicate your place”; that is, fill your position as bishop worthily.
Topics: Church office
Cite (SBL): Ign. Pol. 1.2 (PG 5:720a–720b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-polycarp/1-2).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-polycarp/1-2
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-ign-polycarp-1-2) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
1.3Lake, LCL 24:268; PG 5:720b
προσευχαῖς σχόλαζε ἀδιαλείπτοις· αἰτοῦ σύνεσιν πλείονα ἧς ἔχεις· γρηγόρει ἀκοίμητον πνεῦμα κεκτημένος. τοῖς κατʼ ἄνδρα κατὰ ὁμοήθειαν θεοῦ λάλει· πάντων τὰς νόσους βάσταζε ὡς τέλειος ἀθλητής. ὅπου πλείων κόπος, πολὺ κέρδος.
proseuchais scholaze adialeiptois; aitou synesin pleiona hēs echeis; grēgorei akoimēton pneuma kektēmenos. tois katʼ andra kata homoētheian theou lalei; pantōn tas nosous bastaze hōs teleios athlētēs. hopou pleiōn kopos, poly kerdos.
Give yourself to unceasing prayers; ask for more understanding than you have; keep watch, with a spirit that does not sleep. Speak to each person individually, in the manner of God; bear the diseases of all, as a perfect athlete. Where there is more toil, there is much gain.
1 Thess 5:17 (allusion, medium confidence) · Matt 8:17 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Polycarp should pray constantly, watch, speak to each person, and bear others' weaknesses.
- “In the manner of God” (κατὰ ὁμοήθειαν θεοῦ): literally “according to likeness of character with God”; possibly “in godly concord.”
- “Bear the diseases of all” recalls Isa 53:4 as quoted in Matt 8:17.
Topics: Prayer, Church office
Cite (SBL): Ign. Pol. 1.3 (PG 5:720b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-polycarp/1-3).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-polycarp/1-3
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-ign-polycarp-1-3) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 2
2.1Lake, LCL 24:268
Καλοὺς μαθητὰς ἐὰν φιλῇς, χάρις σοι οὐκ ἔστιν· μᾶλλον τοὺς λοιμοτέρους ἐν πραότητι ὑπότασσε. οὐ πᾶν τραῦμα τῇ αὐτῇ ἐμπλάστρῳ θεραπεύεται. τοὺς παροξυσμοὺς ἐμβροχαῖς παῦε.
Kalous mathētas ean philę̄s, charis soi ouk estin; mallon tous loimoterous en praotēti hypotasse. ou pan trauma tę̄ autę̄ emplastrǭ therapeuetai. tous paroxysmous embrochais paue.
If you love good disciples, it is no credit to you; rather, bring the more troublesome into submission by gentleness. Not every wound is healed by the same plaster. Relieve fits of fever with cold compresses.
Luke 6:32 (allusion, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: A bishop must win over difficult people with gentleness, treating each according to need.
- “More troublesome” (λοιμοτέρους): literally “more pestilent.”
- Ignatius uses medical images for pastoral care: plasters for wounds, cold compresses for fevers.
- “Cold compresses” (ἐμβροχαῖς): wet dressings or fomentations; older translations render it more loosely (“gentle applications”).
Topics: Church office
Cite (SBL): Ign. Pol. 2.1 (Lake, LCL 24:268; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-polycarp/2-1).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-polycarp/2-1
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-ign-polycarp-2-1) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
2.2Lake, LCL 24:268–270; PG 5:721a
φρόνιμος γίνου ὡς ὁ ὄφις ἐν ἅπασιν καὶ ἀκέραιος εἰς ἀεὶ ὡς ἡ περιστερά. διὰ τοῦτο σαρκικὸς εἶ καὶ πνευματικός, ἵνα τὰ φαινόμενά σου εἰς πρόσωπον κολακεύῃς· τὰ δὲ ἀόρατα αἴτει ἵνα σοι φανερωθῇ, ὅπως μηδενὸς λείπῃ καὶ παντὸς χαρίσματος περισσεύῃς.
phronimos ginou hōs ho ophis en hapasin kai akeraios eis aei hōs hē peristera. dia touto sarkikos ei kai pneumatikos, hina ta phainomena sou eis prosōpon kolakeuę̄s; ta de aorata aitei hina soi phanerōthę̄, hopōs mēdenos leipę̄ kai pantos charismatos perisseuę̄s.
Be wise as the serpent in all things and always innocent as the dove. For this reason you are both of flesh and of spirit, so that you may deal kindly with the things that appear before your face; but ask that the invisible things be revealed to you, so that you may lack nothing and abound in every spiritual gift.
Matt 10:16 (quotation, high confidence) · 1 Cor 1:7 (echo, low confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Polycarp should combine wisdom and innocence, care for visible needs, and pray for spiritual insight.
- “Deal kindly with” (κολακεύῃς): usually “flatter”; here “treat gently, coax.”
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (full stop lost where the transcription left the next section's number in the text): περισσεύῃς → περισσεύῃς..
Topics: Church office
Cite (SBL): Ign. Pol. 2.2 (PG 5:721a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-polycarp/2-2).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-polycarp/2-2
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-ign-polycarp-2-2) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
2.3Lake, LCL 24:268–270; PG 5:721a
ὁ καιρὸς ἀπαιτεῖ σε, ὡς κυβερνῆται ἀνέμους καὶ ὡς χειμαζόμενος λιμένα, εἰς τὸ θεοῦ ἐπιτυχεῖν. νῆφε, ὡς θεοῦ ἀθλητής· τὸ θέμα ἀφθαρσία καὶ ζωὴ αἰώνιος, περὶ ἧς καὶ σὺ πέπεισαι. κατὰ πάντα σου ἀντίψυχον ἐγὼ καὶ τὰ δεσμά μου, ἃ ἠγάπησας.
ho kairos apaitei se, hōs kybernētai anemous kai hōs cheimazomenos limena, eis to theou epitychein. nēphe, hōs theou athlētēs; to thema aphtharsia kai zōē aiōnios, peri hēs kai sy pepeisai. kata panta sou antipsychon egō kai ta desma mou, ha ēgapēsas.
The times require you, as pilots require winds and as one who is storm-tossed requires a harbor, so that you may attain to God. Be sober, as God's athlete; the prize is incorruptibility and eternal life, of which you too are convinced. In every way I am a ransom for you, I and my bonds, which you loved.
Notes and citation
Summary: Like a pilot or athlete, Polycarp must strive to reach God; Ignatius offers himself on his behalf.
- “The times require you”: the sense may be that the circumstances call for a leader like Polycarp, or that they require his prayer.
- “A ransom for you” (ἀντίψυχον): literally “a life in exchange for yours”; Ignatius offers his coming death on behalf of those he loves (again in 6.1).
Topics: Martyrdom
Cite (SBL): Ign. Pol. 2.3 (PG 5:721a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-polycarp/2-3).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-polycarp/2-3
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-ign-polycarp-2-3) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 3
3.1Lake, LCL 24:270; PG 5:721a–721b
Οἱ δοκοῦντες ἀξιόπιστοι εἶναι καὶ ἑτεροδιδασκαλοῦντες μή σε καταπλησσέτωσαν. στῆθι ἑδραῖος ὡς ἄκμων τυπτόμενος. μεγάλου ἐστιν ἀθλητοῦ τὸ δέρεσθαι καὶ νικᾶν. μάλιστα δὲ ἕνεκεν θεοῦ πάντα ὑπομένειν ἡμᾶς δεῖ, ἵνα καὶ αὐτὸς ἡμᾶς ὑπομείνῃ.
Hoi dokountes axiopistoi einai kai heterodidaskalountes mē se kataplēssetōsan. stēthi hedraios hōs akmōn typtomenos. megalou estin athlētou to deresthai kai nikan. malista de heneken theou panta hypomenein hēmas dei, hina kai autos hēmas hypomeinę̄.
Do not let those who seem trustworthy but teach otherwise overwhelm you. Stand firm, like an anvil being struck. It is the mark of a great athlete to be beaten and yet to win. Above all, for God's sake we must endure all things, so that he may also endure us.
1 Tim 1:3 (echo, low confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Polycarp must stand firm against false teachers, like an anvil under the hammer.
- “Teach otherwise” (ἑτεροδιδασκαλοῦντες): teach a different doctrine (compare 1 Tim 1:3; 6:3).
Topics: Heresy
Cite (SBL): Ign. Pol. 3.1 (PG 5:721a–721b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-polycarp/3-1).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-polycarp/3-1
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-ign-polycarp-3-1) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
3.2Lake, LCL 24:270; PG 5:721b
πλέον σπουδαῖος γίνου οὗ εἶ. τοὺς καιροὺς καταμάνθανε. τὸν ὑπὲρ καιρὸν προσδόκα, τὸν ἄχρονον, τὸν ἀόρατον, τὸν διʼ ἡμᾶς ὁρατόν, τὸν ἀψηλάφητον, τὸν ἀπαθῆ, τὸν διʼ ἡμᾶς παθητόν, τὸν κατὰ πάντα τρόπον διʼ ἡμᾶς ὑπομείναντα.
pleon spoudaios ginou hou ei. tous kairous katamanthane. ton hyper kairon prosdoka, ton achronon, ton aoraton, ton diʼ hēmas horaton, ton apsēlaphēton, ton apathē, ton diʼ hēmas pathēton, ton kata panta tropon diʼ hēmas hypomeinanta.
Be more diligent than you are. Understand the times. Look for the one who is above time, the timeless, the invisible, who became visible for our sake; the one who cannot be touched, who cannot suffer, who became subject to suffering for our sake; who endured in every way for our sake.
Col 1:15 (echo, low confidence) · 1 John 1:1 (echo, low confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Ignatius points to Christ, eternal and invisible, who became visible and suffered for us.
- “Who cannot suffer” (ἀπαθῆ) … “subject to suffering” (παθητόν): the same paradox appears in Ign. Eph. 7.2; Ignatius insists against the docetists that the eternal one truly suffered.
Topics: Christology
Cite (SBL): Ign. Pol. 3.2 (PG 5:721b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-polycarp/3-2).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-polycarp/3-2
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-ign-polycarp-3-2) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 4
4.1Lake, LCL 24:270–272; PG 5:721b
Χῆραι μὴ ἀμελείσθωσαν· μετὰ τὸν κύριον σὺ αὐτῶν φροντιστὴς ἔσο. μηδὲν ἄνευ γνώμης σου γινέσθω μηδὲ σὺ ἄνευ θεοῦ τι πρᾶσσε, ὅπερ οὐδὲ πράσσεις· εὐστάθει.
Chērai mē ameleisthōsan; meta ton kyrion sy autōn phrontistēs eso. mēden aneu gnōmēs sou ginesthō mēde sy aneu theou ti prasse, hoper oude prasseis; eustathei.
Do not let widows be neglected. After the Lord, you be their guardian. Let nothing be done without your consent, and do nothing without God, as indeed you do not. Stand firm.
Acts 6:1 (echo, low confidence) · Jas 1:27 (echo, low confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: The bishop must care for widows and oversee everything in the church.
Topics: Church office, Ethics, Widows and consecrated virgins
Cite (SBL): Ign. Pol. 4.1 (PG 5:721b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-polycarp/4-1).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-polycarp/4-1
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-ign-polycarp-4-1) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
4.2Lake, LCL 24:272; PG 5:721b
πυκνότερον συναγωγαὶ γινέσθωσαν· ἐξ ὀνόματος πάντας ζήτει.
pyknoteron synagōgai ginesthōsan; ex onomatos pantas zētei.
Let meetings be held more often. Seek out all by name.
John 10:3 (echo, low confidence) · Heb 10:25 (echo, low confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Polycarp should gather the church more often and know every member by name.
- “Meetings” (συναγωγαί): gatherings of the church for worship; the word is the source of “synagogue.”
Topics: Church office
Cite (SBL): Ign. Pol. 4.2 (PG 5:721b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-polycarp/4-2).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-polycarp/4-2
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-ign-polycarp-4-2) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
4.3Lake, LCL 24:272; PG 5:724a
δούλους καὶ δούλας μὴ ὑπερηφάνει· ἀλλὰ μηδὲ αὐτοὶ φυσιούσθωσαν, ἀλλʼ εἰς δόξαν θεοῦ πλέον δουλευέτωσαν, ἵνα κρείττονος ἐλευθερίας ἀπὸ θεοῦ τύχωσιν. μὴ ἐράτωσαν ἀπὸ τοῦ κοινοῦ ἐλευθεροῦσθαι, ἵνα μὴ δοῦλοι εὑρεθῶσιν ἐπιθυμίας.
doulous kai doulas mē hyperēphanei; alla mēde autoi physiousthōsan, allʼ eis doxan theou pleon douleuetōsan, hina kreittonos eleutherias apo theou tychōsin. mē eratōsan apo tou koinou eleutherousthai, hina mē douloi heurethōsin epithymias.
Do not be arrogant toward male and female slaves; but neither let them be puffed up. Rather, let them serve all the more to the glory of God, so that they may obtain a better freedom from God. Let them not desire to be set free at the common expense, so that they may not be found slaves of desire.
1 Tim 6:2 (allusion, medium confidence) · 1 Cor 7:21 (echo, low confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Slaves and masters should both avoid pride; slaves should seek God's freedom rather than church-funded release.
- “At the common expense” (ἀπὸ τοῦ κοινοῦ): from the church's common fund, which was evidently used to buy the freedom of Christian slaves.
Cite (SBL): Ign. Pol. 4.3 (PG 5:724a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-polycarp/4-3).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-polycarp/4-3
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-ign-polycarp-4-3) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 5
5.1Lake, LCL 24:272; PG 5:724a
Τὰς κακοτεχνίας φεῦγε, μᾶλλον δὲ περὶ τούτων ὁμιλίαν ποιοῦ. ταῖς ἀδελφαῖς μου προσλάλει, ἀγαπᾶν τὸν κύριον καὶ τοῖς συμβίοις ἀρκεῖσθαι σαρκὶ καὶ πνεύματι. ὁμοίως καὶ τοῖς ἀδελφοῖς μου παράγγελλε ἐν ὀνόματι Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, ἀγαπᾶν τὰς συμβίους ὡς ὁ κύριος τὴν ἐκκλησίαν.
Tas kakotechnias pheuge, mallon de peri toutōn homilian poiou. tais adelphais mou proslalei, agapan ton kyrion kai tois symbiois arkeisthai sarki kai pneumati. homoiōs kai tois adelphois mou parangelle en onomati Iēsou Christou, agapan tas symbious hōs ho kyrios tēn ekklēsian.
Flee evil practices, or rather preach sermons about them. Tell my sisters to love the Lord and to be content with their husbands in flesh and in spirit. In the same way also command my brothers in the name of Jesus Christ to love their wives as the Lord loves the church.
Eph 5:25 (allusion, high confidence) · Eph 5:29 (echo, low confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Wives should be content with their husbands, and husbands should love their wives as Christ loves the church.
- “Evil practices” (κακοτεχνίας): literally “evil arts”; perhaps magic or dishonest trades, but the word is general.
Topics: Marriage
Cite (SBL): Ign. Pol. 5.1 (PG 5:724a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-polycarp/5-1).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-polycarp/5-1
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-ign-polycarp-5-1) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
5.2Lake, LCL 24:272; PG 5:724a–724b
εἵ τις δύναται ἐν ἁγνείᾳ μένειν εἰς τιμὴν τῆς σαρκὸς τοῦ κυρίου, ἐν ἀκαυχησίᾳ μενέτω. ἐὰν καυχήσηται, ἀπώλετο, καὶ ἐὰν γνωσθῇ πλέον τοῦ ἐπισκόπου, ἔφθαρται. πρέπει δὲ τοῖς γαμοῦσι καὶ ταῖς γαμουμέναις μετὰ γνώμης τοῦ ἐπισκόπου τὴν ἕνωσιν ποιεῖσθαι, ἵνα ὁ γάμος ᾖ κατὰ κύριον καὶ μὴ κατʼ ἐπιθυμίαν. πάντα εἰς τιμὴν θεοῦ γινέσθω.
hei tis dynatai en hagneią menein eis timēn tēs sarkos tou kyriou, en akauchēsią menetō. ean kauchēsētai, apōleto, kai ean gnōsthę̄ pleon tou episkopou, ephthartai. prepei de tois gamousi kai tais gamoumenais meta gnōmēs tou episkopou tēn henōsin poieisthai, hina ho gamos ę̄ kata kyrion kai mē katʼ epithymian. panta eis timēn theou ginesthō.
If anyone is able to remain in purity to the honor of the flesh of the Lord, let him remain so without boasting. If he boasts, he is lost; and if it becomes known beyond the bishop, he is ruined. It is fitting for men who marry and women who are married to form their union with the consent of the bishop, so that the marriage may be according to the Lord and not according to lust. Let all things be done to the honor of God.
1 Cor 7:7 (echo, low confidence) · 1 Cor 7:39 (echo, medium confidence) · 1 Cor 10:31 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Celibacy must be kept humbly, and marriages should be made with the bishop's consent so that they are according to the Lord.
- “Purity” (ἁγνεία): here celibacy (see the glossary).
- “If it becomes known beyond the bishop” (ἐὰν γνωσθῇ πλέον τοῦ ἐπισκόπου): the vow should be known to the bishop only. Others translate “if he is esteemed more than the bishop” or “if he thinks himself more than the bishop.”
- “With the consent of the bishop” (μετὰ γνώμης τοῦ ἐπισκόπου): this is among the earliest Christian texts about the church's role in marriage.
Topics: Marriage, Church office, Virginity and celibacy
Cite (SBL): Ign. Pol. 5.2 (PG 5:724a–724b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-polycarp/5-2).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-polycarp/5-2
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-ign-polycarp-5-2) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 6
6.1Lake, LCL 24:272–274
Τῷ ἐπισκόπῳ προσέχετε, ἵνα καὶ ὁ θεὸς ὑμῖν. ἀντίψυχον ἐγὼ τῶν ὑποτασσομένων τῷ ἐπισκόπῳ, πρεσβυτέροις, διακόνοις· καὶ μετʼ αὐτῶν μοι τὸ μέρος γένοιτο σχεῖν ἐν θεῷ. συγκοπιᾶτε ἀλλήλοις, συναθλεῖτε, συντρέχετε, συμπάσχετε, συγκοιμᾶσθε. συνεγείρεσθε ὡς θεοῦ οἰκονόμοι καὶ πάρεδροι καὶ ὑπηρέται.
Tǭ episkopǭ prosechete, hina kai ho theos hymin. antipsychon egō tōn hypotassomenōn tǭ episkopǭ, presbyterois, diakonois; kai metʼ autōn moi to meros genoito schein en theǭ. synkopiate allēlois, synathleite, syntrechete, sympaschete, synkoimasthe. synegeiresthe hōs theou oikonomoi kai paredroi kai hypēretai.
Pay attention to the bishop, so that God may also pay attention to you. I am a ransom for those who are subject to the bishop, the presbyters, and the deacons; and with them may it be granted me to have my portion in God. Toil together with one another, contend together, run together, suffer together, rest together, rise together, as God's stewards, assistants, and servants.
1 Cor 4:1 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Ignatius tells the whole church to obey its bishop, presbyters, and deacons and to work together as God's servants.
- From here on Ignatius addresses the church at Smyrna as a whole (“you” is plural).
- “Rest together, rise together” (συγκοιμᾶσθε, συνεγείρεσθε): literally “lie down together, get up together”; perhaps with a hint of death and resurrection.
Topics: Church office
Cite (SBL): Ign. Pol. 6.1 (Lake, LCL 24:272–274; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-polycarp/6-1).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-polycarp/6-1
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-ign-polycarp-6-1) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
6.2Lake, LCL 24:274; PG 5:724b–725a
ἀρέσκετε ᾧ στρατεύεσθε, ἀφʼ οὗ καὶ τὰ ὀψώνια κομίζεσθε· μή τις ὑμῶν δεσέρτωρ εὑρεθῇ. τὸ βάπτισμα ὑμῶν μενέτω ὡς ὅπλα, ἡ πίστις ὡς περικεφαλαία, ἡ ἀγάπη ὡς δόρυ. ἡ ὑπομονὴ ὡς πανοπλία. τὰ δεπόσιτα ὑμῶν τὰ ἔργα ὑμῶν, ἵνα τὰ ἄκκεπτα ὑμῶν ἄξια κομίσησθε. μακροθυμήσατε οὖν μετʼ ἀλλήλων ἐν πραότητι, ὡς ὁ θεὸς μεθʼ ὑμῶν, ὀναίμην ὑμῶν διὰ παντός.
areskete hǭ strateuesthe, aphʼ hou kai ta opsōnia komizesthe; mē tis hymōn desertōr heurethę̄. to baptisma hymōn menetō hōs hopla, hē pistis hōs perikephalaia, hē agapē hōs dory. hē hypomonē hōs panoplia. ta deposita hymōn ta erga hymōn, hina ta akkepta hymōn axia komisēsthe. makrothymēsate oun metʼ allēlōn en praotēti, hōs ho theos methʼ hymōn, onaimēn hymōn dia pantos.
Please the one under whom you serve as soldiers, from whom you also receive your wages. Let none of you be found a deserter. Let your baptism remain as your weapons, faith as a helmet, love as a spear, endurance as full armor. Let your works be your deposits, so that you may receive the back pay that is due to you. Be patient, then, with one another in gentleness, as God is with you. May I have joy of you always.
2 Tim 2:4 (allusion, high confidence) · Eph 6:11 (allusion, medium confidence) · 1 Thess 5:8 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Christians are soldiers of God, armed with baptism, faith, love, and endurance, and rewarded for their works.
- Ignatius uses Latin army words in Greek letters: δεσέρτωρ (desertor, “deserter”), δεπόσιτα (deposita, a soldier's savings held by the army), and ἄκκεπτα (accepta, the savings paid out at discharge).
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (digitization slip against Lake's printed text (wrong accent)): ἀφʼ οὖ → ἀφʼ οὗ.
Cite (SBL): Ign. Pol. 6.2 (PG 5:724b–725a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-polycarp/6-2).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-polycarp/6-2
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-ign-polycarp-6-2) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 7
7.1Lake, LCL 24:274; PG 5:725a
Ἐπειδὴ ἡ ἐκκλησία ἡ ἐν Ἀντιοχείᾳ τῆς Συρίας εἰρηνεύει, ὡς ἐδηλώθη μοι, διὰ τὴν προσευχὴν ὑμῶν, κἀγὼ εὐθυμότερος ἐγενόμην ἐν ἀμεριμνίᾳ θεοῦ, ἐάνπερ διὰ τοῦ παθεῖν θεοῦ ἐπιτύχω, εἰς τὸ εὑρεθῆναί με ἐν τῇ ἀναστάσει ὑμῶν μαθητήν.
Epeidē hē ekklēsia hē en Antiocheią tēs Syrias eirēneuei, hōs edēlōthē moi, dia tēn proseuchēn hymōn, kagō euthymoteros egenomēn en amerimnią theou, eanper dia tou pathein theou epitychō, eis to heurethēnai me en tę̄ anastasei hymōn mathētēn.
Since the church in Antioch of Syria is at peace, as has been made known to me, through your prayer, I too have become more cheerful, in a freedom from care that comes from God, if indeed through suffering I may attain to God, so that I may be found a disciple at your resurrection.
Textual problem in this passage: see the notes.
Notes and citation
Summary: News that the church at Antioch is at peace has cheered Ignatius as he goes to martyrdom.
- “At your resurrection” (ἐν τῇ ἀναστάσει ὑμῶν): so Lake's text. Some manuscripts read “through your intercession” (ἐν τῇ αἰτήσει ὑμῶν), which many editors prefer.
- “Is at peace”: the trouble in the church at Antioch that Ignatius mentions in several letters had ended.
Cite (SBL): Ign. Pol. 7.1 (PG 5:725a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-polycarp/7-1).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-polycarp/7-1
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-ign-polycarp-7-1) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
7.2Lake, LCL 24:274; PG 5:725a–725b
πρέπει, Πολύκαρπε θεομακαριστότατε, συμβούλιον ἀγαγεῖν θεοπρεπέστατον καὶ χειροτονῆσαί τινα, ὃν ἀγαπητὸν λίαν ἔχετε καὶ ἄοκνον, ὃς δυνήσεται θεοδρόμος καλεῖσθαι· τοῦτον καταξιῶσαι, ἵνα πορευθεὶς εἰς Συρίαν δοξάσῃ ὑμῶν τὴν ἄοκνον ἀγάπην εἰς δόξαν θεοῦ·
prepei, Polykarpe theomakaristotate, symboulion agagein theoprepestaton kai cheirotonēsai tina, hon agapēton lian echete kai aoknon, hos dynēsetai theodromos kaleisthai; touton kataxiōsai, hina poreutheis eis Syrian doxasę̄ hymōn tēn aoknon agapēn eis doxan theou;
It is fitting, most blessed Polycarp, to call together a most godly council and to appoint someone whom you regard as especially dear and tireless, who can be called God's courier; to count him worthy to go to Syria and glorify your tireless love, to the glory of God.
Notes and citation
Summary: Ignatius asks Polycarp to call a council and choose a messenger to go to Antioch.
- “Appoint” (χειροτονῆσαι): literally “elect by raising hands.”
- “God's courier” (θεοδρόμος): a word apparently coined by Ignatius, “God's runner.”
Topics: Church office
Cite (SBL): Ign. Pol. 7.2 (PG 5:725a–725b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-polycarp/7-2).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-polycarp/7-2
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-ign-polycarp-7-2) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
7.3Lake, LCL 24:274–276; PG 5:725b
Χριστιανὸς ἑαυτοῦ ἐξουσίαν οὐκ ἔχει, ἀλλὰ θεῷ σχολάζει. τοῦτο τὸ ἔργον θεοῦ ἐστιν καὶ ὑμῶν, ὅταν αὐτὸ ἀπαρτίσητε. πιστεύω γὰρ τῇ χάριτι, ὅτι ἕτοιμοί ἐστε εἰς εὐποιΐαν θεῷ ἀνήκουσαν. εἰδὼς ὑμῶν τὸ σύντονον τῆς ἀληθείας, διʼ ὀλίγων ὑμᾶς γραμμάτων παρεκάλεσα.
Christianos heautou exousian ouk echei, alla theǭ scholazei. touto to ergon theou estin kai hymōn, hotan auto apartisēte. pisteuō gar tę̄ chariti, hoti hetoimoi este eis eupoiïan theǭ anēkousan. eidōs hymōn to syntonon tēs alētheias, diʼ oligōn hymas grammatōn parekalesa.
A Christian does not have authority over himself, but gives his time to God. This is God's work, and yours as well, when you complete it. For I trust in grace that you are ready for a good deed that befits God. Knowing your intense zeal for the truth, I have exhorted you in few words.
Notes and citation
Summary: A Christian belongs to God; Ignatius trusts the Smyrnaeans to do this good work.
Cite (SBL): Ign. Pol. 7.3 (PG 5:725b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-polycarp/7-3).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-polycarp/7-3
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-ign-polycarp-7-3) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 8
8.1Lake, LCL 24:276; PG 5:728a
Ἐπεὶ πάσαις ταῖς ἐκκλησίαις οὐκ ἠδυνήθην γράψαι διὰ τὸ ἐξαίφνης πλεῖν με ἀπὸ Τρωάδος εἰς Νεάπολιν, ὡς τὸ θέλημα προστάσσει, γράψεις ταῖς ἔμπροσθεν ἐκκλησίαις, ὡς θεοῦ γνώμην κεκτημένος, εἰς τὸ καὶ αὐτοὺς τὸ αὐτὸ ποιῆσαι, ʽοἱ μὲν δυνάμενοι πεζοὺς πέμψαι, οἱ δὲ ἐπιστολὰς διὰ τῶν ὑπό σου πεμπομένων. ἵνα δοξασθῆτε αἰωνίῳ ἔργῳ.ʼ ὡς ἄξιος ὤν.
Epei pasais tais ekklēsiais ouk ēdynēthēn grapsai dia to exaiphnēs plein me apo Trōados eis Neapolin, hōs to thelēma prostassei, grapseis tais emprosthen ekklēsiais, hōs theou gnōmēn kektēmenos, eis to kai autous to auto poiēsai, ʽhoi men dynamenoi pezous pempsai, hoi de epistolas dia tōn hypo sou pempomenōn. hina doxasthēte aiōniǭ ergǭ.ʼ hōs axios ōn.
Since I have not been able to write to all the churches, because I am sailing suddenly from Troas to Neapolis, as the will commands, you will write to the churches that lie ahead, as one who has the mind of God, so that they too may do the same (those who are able to send messengers on foot, the others letters by those whom you send), so that you may be glorified by an everlasting work, as you are worthy.
Notes and citation
Summary: Ignatius, forced to sail on suddenly, asks Polycarp to write to the other churches on his behalf.
- “The will”: Ignatius regularly means God's will by this phrase. Some older translations (e.g. the Ante-Nicene Fathers, 1885) take it as the will of the authorities (“the will [of the emperor]”).
- “The churches that lie ahead” (ταῖς ἔμπροσθεν ἐκκλησίαις): probably the churches farther along the road toward Antioch.
- The mix of singular and plural (“you will write … so that you may be glorified”) is awkward in the Greek. The quotation marks around “those who are able … everlasting work” are Lake's, following Lightfoot's punctuation.
Topics: Church office
Cite (SBL): Ign. Pol. 8.1 (PG 5:728a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-polycarp/8-1).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-polycarp/8-1
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-ign-polycarp-8-1) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
8.2Lake, LCL 24:276; PG 5:728a–728b
ἀσπάζομαι πάντας ἐξ ὀνόματος καὶ τὴν τοῦ Ἐπιτρόπου σὺν ὅλῳ τῷ οἴκῳ αὐτῆς καὶ τῶν τέκνων. ἀσπάζομαι Ἄτταλον τὸν ἀγαπητόν μου. ἀσπάζομαι τὸν μέλλοντα καταξιοῦσθαι τοῦ εἰς Συρίαν πορεύεσθαι. ἔσται ἡ χάρις μετʼ αὐτοῦ διὰ παντὸς καὶ τοῦ πέμποντος αὐτὸν Πολυκάρπου.
aspazomai pantas ex onomatos kai tēn tou Epitropou syn holǭ tǭ oikǭ autēs kai tōn teknōn. aspazomai Attalon ton agapēton mou. aspazomai ton mellonta kataxiousthai tou eis Syrian poreuesthai. estai hē charis metʼ autou dia pantos kai tou pempontos auton Polykarpou.
I greet all by name, and the wife of Epitropus, with her whole household and her children. I greet Attalus, my beloved. I greet the one who is to be counted worthy to go to Syria. Grace will be with him always, and with Polycarp who sends him.
Notes and citation
Summary: Ignatius greets members of the church at Smyrna by name.
- “The wife of Epitropus” (τὴν τοῦ Ἐπιτρόπου): or “of the procurator,” since ἐπίτροπος was also a title; she may have been a widow.
Cite (SBL): Ign. Pol. 8.2 (PG 5:728a–728b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-polycarp/8-2).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-polycarp/8-2
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-ign-polycarp-8-2) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
8.3Lake, LCL 24:276
ἐρρῶσθαι ὑμᾶς διὰ παντὸς ἐν θεῷ ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστῷ εὔχομαι, ἐν ᾧ διαμείνητε ἐν ἑνότητι θεοῦ καὶ ἐπισκοπῇ. ἀσπάζομαι Ἄλκην, τὸ ποθητόν μοι ὄνομα. ἔρρωσθε ἐν κυρίῳ.
errōsthai hymas dia pantos en theǭ hēmōn Iēsou Christǭ euchomai, en hǭ diameinēte en henotēti theou kai episkopę̄. aspazomai Alkēn, to pothēton moi onoma. errōsthe en kyriǭ.
I bid you farewell always in our God Jesus Christ; may you remain in him in the unity and oversight of God. I greet Alce, a name dear to me. Farewell in the Lord.
Notes and citation
Summary: Ignatius closes with a farewell and a greeting to Alce.
- “Our God Jesus Christ”: Ignatius calls Christ God without qualification (see the glossary).
- “Oversight” (ἐπισκοπῇ): the same root as “bishop”; perhaps “in the bishop's care that comes from God.”
- Alce is also mentioned in Ign. Smyrn. 13.2 and Mart. Pol. 17.2.
Topics: Christology, Church office
Cite (SBL): Ign. Pol. 8.3 (Lake, LCL 24:276; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-polycarp/8-3).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-polycarp/8-3
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-ign-polycarp-8-3) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.