To the Smyrnaeans (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 24:250–252
Ἰγνάτιος, ὁ καὶ Θεοφόρος, ἐκκλησίᾳ θεοῦ πατρὸς καὶ τοῦ ἠγαπημένου Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, ἠλεημένῃ ἐν παντὶ χαρίσματι, πεπληρωμένῃ ἐν πίστει καὶ ἀγάπῃ, ἀνυστερήτῳ οὔσῃ παντὸς χαρίσματος, θεοπρεπεστάτῃ καὶ ἁγιοφόρῳ, τῇ οὔσῃ ἐν Σμύρνῃ τῆς Ἀσίας, ἐν ἀμώμῳ πνεύματι καὶ λόγῳ θεοῦ πλεῖστα χαίρειν.
Ignatios, ho kai Theophoros, ekklēsią theou patros kai tou ēgapēmenou Iēsou Christou, ēleēmenę̄ en panti charismati, peplērōmenę̄ en pistei kai agapę̄, anysterētǭ ousę̄ pantos charismatos, theoprepestatę̄ kai hagiophorǭ, tę̄ ousę̄ en Smyrnę̄ tēs Asias, en amōmǭ pneumati kai logǭ theou pleista chairein.
Ignatius, who is also called Theophorus, to the church of God the Father and of the beloved Jesus Christ, which has received mercy in every spiritual gift, is filled with faith and love, lacks no spiritual gift, is most godly and bears holiness, which is at Smyrna in Asia: abundant greetings in a blameless spirit and in the word of God.
1 Cor 1:7 (allusion, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Ignatius greets the church at Smyrna.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (punctuation slip in the digital text (the sentence continues)): Ἀσίας. ἐν ἀμώμῳ → Ἀσίας, ἐν ἀμώμῳ.
Cite (SBL): Ign. Smyrn. inscr. (Lake, LCL 24:250–252; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-smyrnaeans/0).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-smyrnaeans/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 24:252; PG 5:708a–708b
Δοξάζω Ἰησοῦν Χριστὸν τὸν θεὸν τὸν οὕτως ὑμᾶς σοφίσαντα· ἐνόησα γὰρ ὑμᾶς κατηρτισμένους ἐν ἀκινήτῳ πίστει, ὥσπερ καθηλωμένους ἐν τῷ σταυρῷ τοῦ κυρίου Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ σαρκί τε καὶ πνεύματι καὶ ἡδρασμένους ἐν ἀγάπῃ ἐν τῷ αἵματι Χριστοῦ, πεπληροφορημένους εἰς τὸν κύριον ἡμῶν, ἀληθῶς ὄντα ἐκ γένους Δαυεὶδ κατὰ σάρκα, υἱὸν θεοῦ κατὰ θέλημα καὶ δύναμιν θεοῦ, γεγεννημένον ἀληθῶς ἐκ παρθένου, βεβαπτισμένον ὑπὸ Ἰωάννου, ἵνα πληρωθῇ πᾶσα δικαιοσύνη ὑπʼ αὐτοῦ·
Doxazō Iēsoun Christon ton theon ton houtōs hymas sophisanta; enoēsa gar hymas katērtismenous en akinētǭ pistei, hōsper kathēlōmenous en tǭ staurǭ tou kyriou Iēsou Christou sarki te kai pneumati kai hēdrasmenous en agapę̄ en tǭ haimati Christou, peplērophorēmenous eis ton kyrion hēmōn, alēthōs onta ek genous Daueid kata sarka, huion theou kata thelēma kai dynamin theou, gegennēmenon alēthōs ek parthenou, bebaptismenon hypo Iōannou, hina plērōthę̄ pasa dikaiosynē hypʼ autou;
I glorify Jesus Christ, the God who has made you so wise. For I have observed that you are established in unshakable faith, nailed, as it were, to the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ in flesh and spirit, and firmly set in love by the blood of Christ, fully convinced about our Lord, that he is truly of the family of David according to the flesh, Son of God according to the will and power of God, truly born of a virgin, baptized by John so that all righteousness might be fulfilled by him,
Rom 1:3 (allusion, high confidence) · Rom 1:4 (allusion, medium confidence) · Matt 3:15 (allusion, high confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Ignatius praises the Smyrnaeans' firm faith in Christ's true birth and baptism.
Topics: Christology, Incarnation
Cite (SBL): Ign. Smyrn. 1.1 (PG 5:708a–708b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-smyrnaeans/1-1).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-smyrnaeans/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 24:252; PG 5:708b
ἀληθῶς ἐπὶ Ποντίου Πιλάτου καὶ Ἡρώδου τετράρχου καθηλωμένον ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν ἐν σαρκί, ἀφʼ οὗ καρποῦ ἡμεῖς ἀπὸ τοῦ θεομακαρίστου αὐτοῦ πάθους, ἵνα ἄρῃ σύσσημον εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας διὰ τῆς ἀναστάσεως εἰς τοὺς ἁγίους καὶ πιστοὺς αὐτοῦ, εἴτε ἐν Ἰουδαίοις εἴτε ἐν ἔθνεσιν, ἐν ἑνὶ σώματι τῆς ἐκκλησίας αὐτοῦ.
alēthōs epi Pontiou Pilatou kai Hērōdou tetrarchou kathēlōmenon hyper hēmōn en sarki, aphʼ hou karpou hēmeis apo tou theomakaristou autou pathous, hina arę̄ syssēmon eis tous aiōnas dia tēs anastaseōs eis tous hagious kai pistous autou, eite en Ioudaiois eite en ethnesin, en heni sōmati tēs ekklēsias autou.
truly nailed for us in the flesh under Pontius Pilate and Herod the tetrarch (we are of its fruit, of his divinely blessed suffering), so that through his resurrection he might raise a standard for the ages for his saints and believers, whether among Jews or among Gentiles, in the one body of his church.
Isa 5:26 (allusion, medium confidence) · Isa 49:22 (echo, low confidence) · Eph 2:16 (allusion, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Christ was truly crucified; through his resurrection he gathers Jews and Gentiles into one church.
- “We are of its fruit”: believers are the fruit of the cross, pictured as a tree.
- “Raise a standard” (ἄρῃ σύσσημον): a signal raised to gather the nations (Isa 5:26; 49:22).
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (digitization slip against Lake's printed text (wrong breathing)): ἀφʼ οὖ καρποῦ → ἀφʼ οὗ καρποῦ.
Topics: Christology
Cite (SBL): Ign. Smyrn. 1.2 (PG 5:708b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-smyrnaeans/1-2).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-smyrnaeans/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.
Chapter 2
2.1Lake, LCL 24:252–254; PG 5:708b–709a
Ταῦτα γὰρ πάντα ἔπαθεν διʼ ἡμᾶς, ἵνα σωθῶμεν· καὶ ἀληθῶς ἔπαθεν, ὡς καὶ ἀληθῶς ἀνέστησεν ἑαυτόν, οὐχ ὥσπερ ἄπιστοί τινες λέγουσιν, τὸ δοκεῖν αὐτὸν πεπονθέναι, αὐτοὶ τὸ δοκεῖν ὄντες· καὶ καθὼς φρονοῦσιν, καὶ συμβήσεται αὐτοῖς, οὖσιν ἀσωμάτοις καὶ δαιμονικοῖς.
Tauta gar panta epathen diʼ hēmas, hina sōthōmen; kai alēthōs epathen, hōs kai alēthōs anestēsen heauton, ouch hōsper apistoi tines legousin, to dokein auton peponthenai, autoi to dokein ontes; kai kathōs phronousin, kai symbēsetai autois, ousin asōmatois kai daimonikois.
For he suffered all these things for our sake, so that we might be saved; and he truly suffered, just as he also truly raised himself, not, as some unbelievers say, that he suffered only in appearance (it is they who exist only in appearance!). And as they think, so it will happen to them: they will be bodiless and demon-like.
John 10:18 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Christ truly suffered and truly rose, against those who say he only seemed to.
- “Raised himself”: compare John 2:19; 10:18.
- “In appearance” (τὸ δοκεῖν): see the note on Ign. Trall. 10.1.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (digitization slip against Lake's printed text (missing accent)): αὐτοὶ το δοκεῖν → αὐτοὶ τὸ δοκεῖν.
Topics: Christology, Heresy, Passion and death of Christ
Cite (SBL): Ign. Smyrn. 2.1 (PG 5:708b–709a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-smyrnaeans/2-1).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-smyrnaeans/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.
Chapter 3
3.1Lake, LCL 24:254; PG 5:709a
Ἐγὼ γὰρ καὶ μετὰ τὴν ἀνάστασιν ἐν σαρκὶ αὐτὸν οἶδα καὶ πιστεύω ὄντα.
Egō gar kai meta tēn anastasin en sarki auton oida kai pisteuō onta.
For I know and believe that he was in the flesh even after the resurrection.
Notes and citation
Summary: Christ remained in the flesh after his resurrection.
Topics: Christology, Resurrection and ascension of Christ
Cite (SBL): Ign. Smyrn. 3.1 (PG 5:709a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-smyrnaeans/3-1).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-smyrnaeans/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 24:254; PG 5:709a–709b
καὶ ὅτε πρὸς τοὺς περὶ Πέτρον ἦλθεν, ἔφη αὐτοῖς· Λάβετε, ψηλαφήσατέ με καὶ ἴδετε, ὅτι οὐκ εἰμὶ δαιμόνιον ἀσώματον. καὶ εὐθὺς αὐτοῦ ἥψαντο καὶ ἐπίστευσαν, κραθέντες τῇ σαρκὶ αὐτοῦ καὶ τῷ πνεύματι. διὰ τοῦτο καὶ θανάτου κατεφρόνησαν, ηὑρέθησαν δὲ ὑπὲρ θάνατον.
kai hote pros tous peri Petron ēlthen, ephē autois; Labete, psēlaphēsate me kai idete, hoti ouk eimi daimonion asōmaton. kai euthys autou hēpsanto kai episteusan, krathentes tę̄ sarki autou kai tǭ pneumati. dia touto kai thanatou katephronēsan, hēurethēsan de hyper thanaton.
And when he came to those with Peter, he said to them, “Take hold, touch me and see that I am not a bodiless demon.” And at once they touched him and believed, being closely joined with his flesh and spirit. For this reason they also despised death, and were found to be above death.
Luke 24:39 (allusion, high confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: The risen Christ invited the disciples to touch him, proving he was not a ghost.
- The saying is not found in this form in the canonical Gospels (compare Luke 24:39); its source was already uncertain to Eusebius and Jerome.
Topics: Christology, Resurrection and ascension of Christ
Cite (SBL): Ign. Smyrn. 3.2 (PG 5:709a–709b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-smyrnaeans/3-2).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-smyrnaeans/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 24:254; PG 5:709b
μετὰ δὲ τὴν ἀνάστασιν συνέφαγεν αὐτοῖς καὶ συνέπιεν ὡς σαρκικός, καίπερ πνευματικῶς ἡνωμένος τῷ πατρί.
meta de tēn anastasin synephagen autois kai synepien hōs sarkikos, kaiper pneumatikōs hēnōmenos tǭ patri.
And after the resurrection he ate and drank with them as one who was flesh, although spiritually united with the Father.
Acts 10:41 (allusion, high confidence) · Luke 24:42 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: The risen Christ ate and drank with his disciples.
Topics: Christology, Resurrection and ascension of Christ
Cite (SBL): Ign. Smyrn. 3.3 (PG 5:709b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-smyrnaeans/3-3).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-smyrnaeans/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.
Chapter 4
4.1Lake, LCL 24:254–256; PG 5:709b
Ταῦτα δὲ παραινῶ ὑμῖν, ἀγαπητοί, εἰδὼς ὅτι καὶ ὑμεῖς οὕτως ἔχετε. προφυλάσσω δὲ ὑμᾶς ἀπὸ τῶν θηρίων τῶν ἀνθρωπομόρφων, οὓς οὐ μόνον δεῖ ὑμᾶς μὴ παραδέχεσθαι, ἀλλʼ εἰ δυνατὸν μηδὲ συναντᾶν, μόνον δὲ προσεύχεσθε ὑπὲρ αὐτῶν, ἐάν πως μετανοήσωσιν, ὅπερ δύσκολον, τούτου δὲ ἔχει ἐξουσίαν Ἰησοῦς Χριστός, τὸ ἀληθινὸν ἡμῶν ζῆν.
Tauta de parainō hymin, agapētoi, eidōs hoti kai hymeis houtōs echete. prophylassō de hymas apo tōn thēriōn tōn anthrōpomorphōn, hous ou monon dei hymas mē paradechesthai, allʼ ei dynaton mēde synantan, monon de proseuchesthe hyper autōn, ean pōs metanoēsōsin, hoper dyskolon, toutou de echei exousian Iēsous Christos, to alēthinon hēmōn zēn.
I urge these things on you, beloved, knowing that you too are of this mind. But I am guarding you in advance against beasts in human form, whom you must not only not receive, but if possible not even meet. Only pray for them, that somehow they may repent, which is difficult; but Jesus Christ, our true life, has power over this.
Notes and citation
Summary: Avoid the false teachers entirely, but pray for their repentance.
Topics: Heresy, Prayer, Repentance
Cite (SBL): Ign. Smyrn. 4.1 (PG 5:709b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-smyrnaeans/4-1).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-smyrnaeans/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 24:254–256; PG 5:709b–712a
εἰ γὰρ τὸ δοκεῖν ταῦτα ἐπράχθη ὑπὸ τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν, κἀγὼ τὸ δοκεῖν δέδεμαι. τί δὲ καὶ ἑαυτὸν ἔκδοτον δέδωκα τῷ θανάτῳ, πρὸς πῦρ, πρὸς μάχαιραν, πρὸς θηρία; ἀλλʼ ἐγγὺς μαχαίρας ἐγγὺς θεοῦ, μεταξὺ θηρίων μεταξὺ θεοῦ· μόνον ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ εἰς τὸ συμπαθεῖν αὐτῷ πάντα ὑπομένω, αὐτοῦ με ἐνδυναμοῦντος τοῦ τελείου ἀνθρώπου.
ei gar to dokein tauta eprachthē hypo tou kyriou hēmōn, kagō to dokein dedemai. ti de kai heauton ekdoton dedōka tǭ thanatǭ, pros pyr, pros machairan, pros thēria? allʼ engys machairas engys theou, metaxy thēriōn metaxy theou; monon en tǭ onomati Iēsou Christou eis to sympathein autǭ panta hypomenō, autou me endynamountos tou teleiou anthrōpou.
For if these things were done by our Lord only in appearance, then I am in chains only in appearance. And why have I given myself up to death, to fire, to the sword, to wild beasts? But near the sword is near God; among the wild beasts is among God; only let it be in the name of Jesus Christ. I endure all things in order to suffer with him, since he who became the perfect human being gives me strength.
Phil 4:13 (allusion, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: If Christ only seemed to suffer, Ignatius's chains would be meaningless.
Topics: Martyrdom, Christology
Cite (SBL): Ign. Smyrn. 4.2 (PG 5:709b–712a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-smyrnaeans/4-2).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-smyrnaeans/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.
Chapter 5
5.1Lake, LCL 24:256; PG 5:712a
Ὅν τινες ἀγνοοῦντες ἀρνοῦνται, μᾶλλον δὲ ἠρνήθησαν ὑπʼ αὐτοῦ, ὄντες συνήγοροι τοῦ θανάτου μᾶλλον ἢ τῆς ἀληθείας· οὓς οὐκ ἔπεισαν αἱ προφητεῖαι οὐδὲ ὁ νόμος Μωύσεως, ἀλλʼ οὐδὲ μέχρι νῦν τὸ εὐαγγέλιον, οὐδὲ τὰ ἡμέτερα τῶν κατʼ ἄνδρα παθήματα.
Hon tines agnoountes arnountai, mallon de ērnēthēsan hypʼ autou, ontes synēgoroi tou thanatou mallon ē tēs alētheias; hous ouk epeisan hai prophēteiai oude ho nomos Mōyseōs, allʼ oude mechri nyn to euangelion, oude ta hēmetera tōn katʼ andra pathēmata.
Some deny him in ignorance, or rather have been denied by him, being advocates of death rather than of the truth. The prophecies have not persuaded them, nor the law of Moses, nor even to this day the gospel, nor the sufferings of each of us.
Matt 10:33 (allusion, medium confidence) · 2 Tim 2:12 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Those who deny Christ's real suffering are themselves denied by him.
Topics: Heresy
Cite (SBL): Ign. Smyrn. 5.1 (PG 5:712a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-smyrnaeans/5-1).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-smyrnaeans/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 24:256; PG 5:712a
καὶ γὰρ περὶ ἡμῶν τὸ αὐτὸ φρονοῦσιν. τί γάρ με ὠφελεῖ τις, εἰ ἐμὲ ἐπαινεῖ, τὸν δὲ κύριόν μου βλασφημεῖ, μὴ ὁμολογῶν αὐτὸν σαρκοφόρον; ὁ δὲ τοῦτο λέγων τελείως αὐτὸν ἀπήρνηται, ὢν νεκροφόρος.
kai gar peri hēmōn to auto phronousin. ti gar me ōphelei tis, ei eme epainei, ton de kyrion mou blasphēmei, mē homologōn auton sarkophoron? ho de touto legōn teleiōs auton apērnētai, ōn nekrophoros.
For they think the same about us. For what good does anyone do me if he praises me but blasphemes my Lord, not confessing that he bore flesh? Whoever does not say this has denied him completely, and is himself a bearer of a corpse.
1 John 4:2 (echo, medium confidence) · 2 John 1:7 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Denying that Christ had flesh is denying him completely.
- A wordplay: those who deny that Christ was a “flesh-bearer” (σαρκοφόρον) are themselves “corpse-bearers” (νεκροφόρος), carrying death.
Topics: Christology, Heresy
Cite (SBL): Ign. Smyrn. 5.2 (PG 5:712a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-smyrnaeans/5-2).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-smyrnaeans/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.
5.3Lake, LCL 24:256–258; PG 5:712a–712b
τὰ δὲ ὀνόματα αὐτῶν, ὄντα ἄπιστα, οὐκ ἔδοξέν μοι ἐγγράψαι. ἀλλὰ μηδὲ γένοιτό μοι αὐτῶν μνημονεύειν, μέχρις οὗ μετανοήσωσιν εἰς τὸ πάθος, ὅ ἐστιν ἡμῶν ἀνάστασις.
ta de onomata autōn, onta apista, ouk edoxen moi engrapsai. alla mēde genoito moi autōn mnēmoneuein, mechris hou metanoēsōsin eis to pathos, ho estin hēmōn anastasis.
Their names, since they are unbelievers, I have not thought fit to write down. Indeed, may I not even remember them until they repent concerning the Passion, which is our resurrection.
Notes and citation
Summary: Ignatius will not name the false teachers until they repent.
Topics: Heresy
Cite (SBL): Ign. Smyrn. 5.3 (PG 5:712a–712b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-smyrnaeans/5-3).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-smyrnaeans/5-3
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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Greek text of Lake (LCL 24, 1912); made independently of existing English translations.
Chapter 6
6.1Lake, LCL 24:258; PG 5:712b
Μηδεὶς πλανάσθω· καὶ τὰ ἐπουράνια καὶ ἡ δόξα τῶν ἀγγέλων καὶ οἱ ἄρχοντες ὁρατοί τε καὶ ἀόρατοι, ἐὰν μὴ πιστεύσωσιν εἰς τὸ αἷμα Χριστοῦ, κἀκείνοις κρίσις ἐστίν· ὁ χωρῶν χωρείτω. τόπος μηδένα φυσιούτω· τὸ γὰρ ὅλον ἐστὶν πίστις καὶ ἀγάπη, ὧν οὐδὲν προκέκριται.
Mēdeis planasthō; kai ta epourania kai hē doxa tōn angelōn kai hoi archontes horatoi te kai aoratoi, ean mē pisteusōsin eis to haima Christou, kakeinois krisis estin; ho chōrōn chōreitō. topos mēdena physioutō; to gar holon estin pistis kai agapē, hōn ouden prokekritai.
Let no one be deceived: even the heavenly beings and the glory of the angels and the rulers, visible and invisible, if they do not believe in the blood of Christ, face judgment too. “Let the one who can accept it accept it.” Let no one be puffed up by position; for faith and love are everything, and nothing is preferred to them.
Matt 19:12 (quotation, high confidence) · Col 1:16 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Even heavenly powers are judged if they do not believe in Christ's blood; faith and love are everything.
Topics: Christology
Cite (SBL): Ign. Smyrn. 6.1 (PG 5:712b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-smyrnaeans/6-1).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-smyrnaeans/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 24:258; PG 5:712b–712c
καταμάθετε δὲ τοὺς ἑτεροδοξοῦντας εἰς τὴν χάριν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ τὴν εἰς ἡμᾶς ἐλθοῦσαν, πῶς ἐναντίοι εἰσὶν τῇ γνώμῃ τοῦ θεοῦ. περὶ ἀγάπης οὐ μέλει αὐτοῖς, οὐ περὶ χήρας, οὐ περὶ ὀρφανοῦ, οὐ περὶ θλιβομένου, οὐ περὶ δεδεμένου ἢ λελυμένου, οὐ περὶ πεινῶντος ἢ διψῶντος.
katamathete de tous heterodoxountas eis tēn charin Iēsou Christou tēn eis hēmas elthousan, pōs enantioi eisin tę̄ gnōmę̄ tou theou. peri agapēs ou melei autois, ou peri chēras, ou peri orphanou, ou peri thlibomenou, ou peri dedemenou ē lelymenou, ou peri peinōntos ē dipsōntos.
But notice those who hold other opinions about the grace of Jesus Christ that came to us, how contrary they are to the mind of God. They have no concern for love, none for the widow, none for the orphan, none for the oppressed, none for the prisoner or the one released, none for the hungry or the thirsty.
Jas 1:27 (echo, medium confidence) · Matt 25:35 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: The false teachers show no love or care for those in need.
Topics: Heresy, Ethics, Almsgiving and care for the poor
Cite (SBL): Ign. Smyrn. 6.2 (PG 5:712b–712c; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-smyrnaeans/6-2).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-smyrnaeans/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.
Chapter 7
7.1Lake, LCL 24:258; PG 5:713a
Εὐχαριστίας καὶ προσευχῆς ἀπέχονται, διὰ τὸ μὴ ὁμολογεῖν τὴν εὐχαριστίαν σάρκα εἶναι τοῦ σωτῆρος ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ τὴν ὑπὲρ τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν ἡμῶν παθοῦσαν, ἣν τῇ χρηστότητι ὁ πατὴρ ἤγειρεν. οἱ οὖν ἀντιλέγοντες τῇ δωρεᾷ τοῦ θεοῦ συζητοῦντες ἀποθνήσκουσιν· συνέφερεν δὲ αὐτοῖς ἀγαπᾶν, ἵνα καὶ ἀναστῶσιν.
Eucharistias kai proseuchēs apechontai, dia to mē homologein tēn eucharistian sarka einai tou sōtēros hēmōn Iēsou Christou tēn hyper tōn hamartiōn hēmōn pathousan, hēn tę̄ chrēstotēti ho patēr ēgeiren. hoi oun antilegontes tę̄ dōreą tou theou syzētountes apothnēskousin; synepheren de autois agapan, hina kai anastōsin.
They abstain from the Eucharist and from prayer, because they do not confess that the Eucharist is the flesh of our Savior Jesus Christ, which suffered for our sins and which the Father raised in his goodness. So those who speak against the gift of God die in their disputing. It would be better for them to love, so that they might also rise.
Notes and citation
Summary: The docetists avoid the Eucharist because they deny it is Christ's flesh.
- “To love” (ἀγαπᾶν): perhaps also “to take part in the love feast” (see 8.2).
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (digitization slip against Lake's printed text (missing accent); digitization slip against Lake's printed text (wrong letter)): πρυσευχῆς → προσευχῆς; συνέφερεν δε → συνέφερεν δὲ.
Topics: Eucharist, Heresy, Christology
Cite (SBL): Ign. Smyrn. 7.1 (PG 5:713a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-smyrnaeans/7-1).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-smyrnaeans/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 24:258–260; PG 5:713a
πρέπον ἐστὶν ἀπέχεσθαι τῶν τοιούτων καὶ μήτε κατʼ ἰδίαν περὶ αὐτῶν λαλεῖν μήτε κοινῇ, προσέχειν δὲ τοῖς προφήταις, ἐξαιρέτως δὲ τῷ εὐαγγελίῳ, ἐν ᾧ τὸ πάθος ἡμῖν δεδήλωται καὶ ἡ ἀνάστασις τετελείωται. τοὺς δὲ μερισμοὺς φεύγετε ὡς ἀρχὴν κακῶν.
prepon estin apechesthai tōn toioutōn kai mēte katʼ idian peri autōn lalein mēte koinę̄, prosechein de tois prophētais, exairetōs de tǭ euangeliǭ, en hǭ to pathos hēmin dedēlōtai kai hē anastasis teteleiōtai. tous de merismous pheugete hōs archēn kakōn.
It is fitting to keep away from such people and not to speak about them either in private or in public, but to pay attention to the prophets, and especially to the gospel, in which the Passion has been made clear to us and the resurrection has been accomplished. Flee divisions as the beginning of evils.
Notes and citation
Summary: Avoid the false teachers and attend to the prophets and the gospel.
Topics: Heresy, Scripture and canon
Cite (SBL): Ign. Smyrn. 7.2 (PG 5:713a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-smyrnaeans/7-2).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-smyrnaeans/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.
Chapter 8
8.1Lake, LCL 24:260; PG 5:713a–713b
Πάντες τῷ ἐπισκόπῳ ἀκολουθεῖτε, ὡς Ἰησοῦς Χριστὸς τῷ πατρί, καὶ τῷ πρεσβυτερίῳ ὡς τοῖς ἀποστόλοις. τοὺς δὲ διακόνους ἐντρέπεσθε ὡς θεοῦ ἐντολήν. μηδεὶς χωρὶς τοῦ ἐπισκόπου τι πρασσέτω τῶν ἀνηκόντων εἰς τὴν ἐκκλησίαν. ἐκείνη βεβαία εὐχαριστία ἡγείσθω, ἡ ὑπὸ ἐπίσκοπον οὖσα ἢ ᾧ ἂν αὐτὸς ἐπιτρέψῃ.
Pantes tǭ episkopǭ akoloutheite, hōs Iēsous Christos tǭ patri, kai tǭ presbyteriǭ hōs tois apostolois. tous de diakonous entrepesthe hōs theou entolēn. mēdeis chōris tou episkopou ti prassetō tōn anēkontōn eis tēn ekklēsian. ekeinē bebaia eucharistia hēgeisthō, hē hypo episkopon ousa ē hǭ an autos epitrepsę̄.
All of you, follow the bishop as Jesus Christ followed the Father, and the council of presbyters as the apostles; and respect the deacons as the commandment of God. Let no one do anything that concerns the church without the bishop. Let that Eucharist be considered valid which is held under the bishop or someone to whom he entrusts it.
Notes and citation
Summary: A valid Eucharist is one held under the bishop or his appointee.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (digitization slip against Lake's printed text (wrong accent)): ᾧ ἄν αὐτὸς → ᾧ ἂν αὐτὸς.
Topics: Church office, Eucharist
Cite (SBL): Ign. Smyrn. 8.1 (PG 5:713a–713b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-smyrnaeans/8-1).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-smyrnaeans/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 24:260; PG 5:713b
ὅπου ἂν φανῇ ὁ ἐπίσκοπος, ἐκεῖ τὸ πλῆθος ἤτω, ὥσπερ ὅπου ἂν ᾖ Ἰησοῦς Χριστός, ἐκεῖ ἡ καθολικὴ ἐκκλησία. οὐκ ἐξόν ἐστιν χωρὶς τοῦ ἐπισκόπου οὔτε βαπτίζειν οὔτε ἀγάπην ποιεῖν· ἀλλʼ ὃ ἂν ἐκεῖνος δοκιμάσῃ, τοῦτο καὶ τῷ θεῷ εὐάρεστον, ἵνα ἀσφαλὲς ᾖ καὶ βέβαιον πᾶν ὃ πράσσετε.
hopou an phanę̄ ho episkopos, ekei to plēthos ētō, hōsper hopou an ę̄ Iēsous Christos, ekei hē katholikē ekklēsia. ouk exon estin chōris tou episkopou oute baptizein oute agapēn poiein; allʼ ho an ekeinos dokimasę̄, touto kai tǭ theǭ euareston, hina asphales ę̄ kai bebaion pan ho prassete.
Wherever the bishop appears, there let the people be, just as wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the catholic church. It is not permitted either to baptize or to hold a love feast without the bishop; but whatever he approves is also pleasing to God, so that everything you do may be secure and valid.
Notes and citation
Summary: Where the bishop is, there the people should be, as the catholic church is where Christ is.
- “The catholic church” (ἡ καθολικὴ ἐκκλησία): the earliest surviving use of the phrase; here “the universal, whole church.”
- “Love feast” (ἀγάπην): the church's common meal, probably including the Eucharist (see the glossary).
Topics: Church office, Baptism, Eucharist
Cite (SBL): Ign. Smyrn. 8.2 (PG 5:713b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-smyrnaeans/8-2).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-smyrnaeans/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.
Chapter 9
9.1Lake, LCL 24:260–262; PG 5:713b–713c
Εὔλογόν ἐστιν λοιπὸν ἀνανῆψαι ἡμᾶς, ὡς ἔτι καιρὸν ἔχομεν εἰς θεὸν μετανοεῖν. καλῶς ἔχει, θεὸν καὶ ἐπίσκοπον εἰδέναι. ὁ τιμῶν ἐπίσκοπον ὑπὸ θεοῦ τετίμηται· ὁ λάθρα ἐπισκόπου τι πράσσων τῷ διαβόλῳ λατρεύει.
Eulogon estin loipon ananēpsai hēmas, hōs eti kairon echomen eis theon metanoein. kalōs echei, theon kai episkopon eidenai. ho timōn episkopon hypo theou tetimētai; ho lathra episkopou ti prassōn tǭ diabolǭ latreuei.
It is reasonable, finally, for us to come to our senses, while we still have time to repent toward God. It is good to acknowledge God and the bishop. Whoever honors the bishop has been honored by God; whoever does anything without the bishop's knowledge serves the devil.
Notes and citation
Summary: Honoring the bishop is honoring God.
Topics: Church office
Cite (SBL): Ign. Smyrn. 9.1 (PG 5:713b–713c; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-smyrnaeans/9-1).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-smyrnaeans/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 24:262; PG 5:716a
πάντα οὖν ὑμῖν ἐν χάριτι περισσευέτω· ἄξιοι γάρ ἐστε. κατὰ πάντα με ἀνεπαύσατε, καὶ ὑμᾶς Ἰησοῦς Χριστός. ἀπόντα με καὶ παρόντα ἠγαπήσατε. ἀμοιβὴ ὑμῖν ὁ θεός, διʼ ὃν πάντα ὑπομένοντες αὐτοῦ τεύξεσθε.
panta oun hymin en chariti perisseuetō; axioi gar este. kata panta me anepausate, kai hymas Iēsous Christos. aponta me kai paronta ēgapēsate. amoibē hymin ho theos, diʼ hon panta hypomenontes autou teuxesthe.
May all things, then, abound for you in grace, for you are worthy. You have refreshed me in every way, and Jesus Christ will refresh you. You loved me both when I was absent and when I was present. God is your reward; if you endure all things for his sake, you will attain to him.
Notes and citation
Summary: Ignatius thanks the Smyrnaeans for their love.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (digitization slip against Lake's printed text (wrong accent)): καὶ πάροντα → καὶ παρόντα.
Cite (SBL): Ign. Smyrn. 9.2 (PG 5:716a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-smyrnaeans/9-2).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-smyrnaeans/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.
Chapter 10
10.1Lake, LCL 24:262; PG 5:716a–716b
Φίλωνα καὶ Ῥέον Ἀγαθόπουν, οἳ ἐπηκολούθησάν μοι εἰς λόγον θεοῦ, καλῶς ἐποιήσατε ὑποδεξάμενοι ὡς διακόνους θεοῦ· οἳ καὶ εὐχαριστοῦσιν τῷ κυρίῳ ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν, ὅτι αὐτοὺς ἀνεπαύσατε κατὰ πάντα τρόπον. οὐδὲν ὑμῖν οὐ μὴ ἀπολεῖται.
Philōna kai Rheon Agathopoun, hoi epēkolouthēsan moi eis logon theou, kalōs epoiēsate hypodexamenoi hōs diakonous theou; hoi kai eucharistousin tǭ kyriǭ hyper hymōn, hoti autous anepausate kata panta tropon. ouden hymin ou mē apoleitai.
Philo and Rheus Agathopus, who followed me for the word of God, you did well to receive as servants of God. They also give thanks to the Lord for you, because you refreshed them in every way. Nothing will be lost to you.
Textual problem in this passage: see the notes.
2 Tim 1:16 (echo, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Ignatius thanks them for welcoming his companions.
- “Servants of God” (διακόνους θεοῦ): Philo was a deacon (Ign. Phld. 11.1), but the phrase here is probably general.
- Other manuscripts read “servants of Christ God”; the Ante-Nicene Fathers translation (1885) follows them (“servants of Christ our God”).
Cite (SBL): Ign. Smyrn. 10.1 (PG 5:716a–716b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-smyrnaeans/10-1).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-smyrnaeans/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 24:262; PG 5:716b
ἀντίψυχον ὑμῶν τὸ πνεῦμά μου καὶ τὰ δεσμά μου, ἃ οὐχ ὑπερηφανήσατε οὐδὲ ἐπῃσχύνθητε. οὐδὲ ὑμᾶς ἐπαισχυνθήσεται ἡ τελεία ἐλπίς, Ἰησοῦς Χριστός.
antipsychon hymōn to pneuma mou kai ta desma mou, ha ouch hyperēphanēsate oude epę̄schynthēte. oude hymas epaischynthēsetai hē teleia elpis, Iēsous Christos.
My spirit is a ransom for you, and so are my chains, which you did not look down on and were not ashamed of. Nor will the perfect hope, Jesus Christ, be ashamed of you.
Mark 8:38 (echo, low confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: The Smyrnaeans were not ashamed of Ignatius's chains, nor will Christ be ashamed of them.
- “A ransom” (ἀντίψυχον): see Ign. Pol. 2.3.
Topics: Martyrdom
Cite (SBL): Ign. Smyrn. 10.2 (PG 5:716b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-smyrnaeans/10-2).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-smyrnaeans/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.
Chapter 11
11.1Lake, LCL 24:262–264
Ἡ προσευχὴ ὑμῶν ἀπῆλθεν ἐπὶ τὴν ἐκκλησίαν τὴν ἐν Ἀντιοχείᾳ τῆς Συρίας, ὅθεν δεδεμένος θεοπρεπεστάτοις δεσμοῖς πάντας ἀσπάζομαι, οὐκ ὢν ἄξιος ἐκεῖθεν εἶναι, ἔσχατος αὐτῶν ὤν· κατὰ θέλημα δὲ κατηξιώθην, οὐκ ἐκ συνειδότος ἀλλʼ ἐκ χάριτος θεοῦ· ἣν εὔχομαι τελείαν μοι δοθῆναι, ἵνα ἐν τῇ προσευχῇ ὑμῶν θεοῦ ἐπιτύχω.
Hē proseuchē hymōn apēlthen epi tēn ekklēsian tēn en Antiocheią tēs Syrias, hothen dedemenos theoprepestatois desmois pantas aspazomai, ouk ōn axios ekeithen einai, eschatos autōn ōn; kata thelēma de katēxiōthēn, ouk ek syneidotos allʼ ek charitos theou; hēn euchomai teleian moi dothēnai, hina en tę̄ proseuchę̄ hymōn theou epitychō.
Your prayer has reached the church in Antioch of Syria. Coming from there bound in most godly chains, I greet everyone, though I am not worthy to be from there, being the least of them. But by God's will I was counted worthy, not from any merit of mine, but by the grace of God, which I pray may be given to me in full, so that by your prayer I may attain to God.
Notes and citation
Summary: Ignatius, least of the Antiochene Christians, asks prayer to reach God.
- “Not from any merit of mine” (οὐκ ἐκ συνειδότος): literally “not from what I am conscious of in myself.”
Cite (SBL): Ign. Smyrn. 11.1 (Lake, LCL 24:262–264; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-smyrnaeans/11-1).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-smyrnaeans/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 24:264
ἵνα οὖν ὑμῶν τέλειον γένηται τὸ ἔργον καὶ ἐπὶ γῆς καὶ ἐν οὐρανῷ, πρέπει εἰς τιμὴν θεοῦ χειροτονῆσαι τὴν ἐκκλησίαν ὑμῶν θεοπρεσβεύτην, εἰς τὸ γενόμενον ἐν Συρίᾳ συγχαρῆναι αὐτοῖς, ὅτι εἰρηνεύουσιν καὶ ἀπέλαβον τὸ ἴδιον μέγεθος καὶ ἀπεκατεστάθη αὐτοῖς τὸ ἴδιον σωματεῖον.
hina oun hymōn teleion genētai to ergon kai epi gēs kai en ouranǭ, prepei eis timēn theou cheirotonēsai tēn ekklēsian hymōn theopresbeutēn, eis to genomenon en Syrią syncharēnai autois, hoti eirēneuousin kai apelabon to idion megethos kai apekatestathē autois to idion sōmateion.
So that your work may be complete both on earth and in heaven, it is fitting for your church, for the honor of God, to appoint a godly ambassador to go to Syria and rejoice with them because they are at peace and have recovered their proper greatness, and their proper body has been restored to them.
Notes and citation
Summary: Smyrna should send an envoy to congratulate the church at Antioch on its peace.
- “Their proper body” (τὸ ἴδιον σωματεῖον): the church's corporate life, now restored.
Topics: Church office
Cite (SBL): Ign. Smyrn. 11.2 (Lake, LCL 24:264; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-smyrnaeans/11-2).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-smyrnaeans/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 24:264
ἐφάνη μοι οὖν θεοῦ ἄξιον πρᾶγμα, πέμψαι τινὰ τῶν ὑμετέρων μετʼ ἐπιστολῆς, ἵνα συνδοξάσῃ τὴν κατὰ θεὸν αὐτοῖς γενομένην εὐδίαν, καὶ ὅτι λιμένος ἤδη ἐτύγχανον τῇ προσευχῇ ὑμῶν. τέλειοι ὄντες τέλεια καὶ φρονεῖτε. θέλουσιν γὰρ ὑμῖν εὖ πράσσειν θεὸς ἕτοιμος εἰς τὸ παρέχειν.
ephanē moi oun theou axion pragma, pempsai tina tōn hymeterōn metʼ epistolēs, hina syndoxasę̄ tēn kata theon autois genomenēn eudian, kai hoti limenos ēdē etynchanon tę̄ proseuchę̄ hymōn. teleioi ontes teleia kai phroneite. thelousin gar hymin eu prassein theos hetoimos eis to parechein.
So it seemed to me a thing worthy of God to send one of your people with a letter, to join in glorifying the calm that has come to them by God's will, and that they have already reached harbor through your prayer. Being perfect, set your minds on perfect things; for if you wish to do good, God is ready to grant it.
Phil 3:15 (allusion, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Ignatius urges the Smyrnaeans to send a messenger with a letter to Antioch.
Topics: Church office
Cite (SBL): Ign. Smyrn. 11.3 (Lake, LCL 24:264; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-smyrnaeans/11-3).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-smyrnaeans/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.
Chapter 12
12.1Lake, LCL 24:264; PG 5:717a
Ἀσπάζεται ὑμᾶς ἡ ἀγάπη τῶν ἀδελφῶν τῶν ἐν Τρωάδι, ὅθεν καὶ γράφω ὑμῖν διὰ Βούρρου, ὃν ἀπεστείλατε μετʼ ἐμοῦ ἅμα Ἐφεσίοις, τοῖς ἀδελφοῖς ὑμῶν, ὃς κατὰ πάντα με ἀνέπαυσεν. καὶ ὄφελον πάντες αὐτὸν ἐμιμοῦντο, ὄντα ἐξεμπλάριον θεοῦ διακονίας. ἀμείψεται αὐτὸν ἡ χάρις κατὰ πάντα.
Aspazetai hymas hē agapē tōn adelphōn tōn en Trōadi, hothen kai graphō hymin dia Bourrou, hon apesteilate metʼ emou hama Ephesiois, tois adelphois hymōn, hos kata panta me anepausen. kai ophelon pantes auton emimounto, onta exemplarion theou diakonias. ameipsetai auton hē charis kata panta.
The love of the brothers in Troas greets you; from there I am also writing to you through Burrhus, whom you sent with me together with the Ephesians, your brothers, and who has refreshed me in every way. I wish everyone imitated him, for he is a model of the ministry of God. Grace will reward him in every way.
Notes and citation
Summary: Greetings from Troas; praise for Burrhus, who helps Ignatius write.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (digitization slip against Lake's printed text (wrong accent)): ὅν ἀπεστείλατε → ὃν ἀπεστείλατε.
Topics: Church office
Cite (SBL): Ign. Smyrn. 12.1 (PG 5:717a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-smyrnaeans/12-1).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-smyrnaeans/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 24:264–266; PG 5:717a–717b
ἀσπάζομαι τὸν ἀξιόθεον ἐπίσκοπον καὶ θεοπρεπὲς πρεσβυτέριον καὶ τοὺς συνδούλους μου διακόνους καὶ τοὺς κατʼ ἄνδρα καὶ κοινῇ πάντας ἐν ὀνόματι Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ καὶ τῇ σαρκὶ αὐτοῦ καὶ τῷ αἵματι, πάθει τε καὶ ἀναστάσει σαρκικῇ τε καὶ πνευματικῇ, ἐν ἑνότητι θεοῦ καὶ ὑμῶν. χάρις ὑμῖν, ἕλεος, εἰρήνη, ὑπομονὴ διὰ παντός.
aspazomai ton axiotheon episkopon kai theoprepes presbyterion kai tous syndoulous mou diakonous kai tous katʼ andra kai koinę̄ pantas en onomati Iēsou Christou kai tę̄ sarki autou kai tǭ haimati, pathei te kai anastasei sarkikę̄ te kai pneumatikę̄, en henotēti theou kai hymōn. charis hymin, heleos, eirēnē, hypomonē dia pantos.
I greet the bishop, worthy of God, and the godly council of presbyters, and my fellow servants the deacons, and all of you, one by one and together, in the name of Jesus Christ and in his flesh and blood, in his suffering and resurrection, both of flesh and of spirit, in the unity of God and of you. Grace, mercy, peace, and endurance be with you always.
Notes and citation
Summary: Ignatius greets the whole church in Christ's flesh and blood.
Topics: Church office
Cite (SBL): Ign. Smyrn. 12.2 (PG 5:717a–717b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-smyrnaeans/12-2).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-smyrnaeans/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.
Chapter 13
13.1Lake, LCL 24:266
Ἀσπάζομαι τοὺς οἴκους τῶν ἀδελφῶν μου σὺν γυναιξὶ καὶ τέκνοις καὶ τὰς παρθένους τὰς λεγομένας χήρας. ἔρρωσθέ μοι ἐν δυνάμει πατρός. ἀσπάζεται ὑμᾶς Φίλων σὺν ἐμοὶ ὤν.
Aspazomai tous oikous tōn adelphōn mou syn gynaixi kai teknois kai tas parthenous tas legomenas chēras. errōsthe moi en dynamei patros. aspazetai hymas Philōn syn emoi ōn.
I greet the households of my brothers with their wives and children, and the virgins who are called widows. Farewell in the power of the Father. Philo, who is with me, greets you.
Textual problem in this passage: see the notes.
1 Tim 5:3 (echo, low confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Greetings to families and to the consecrated women.
- “The virgins who are called widows”: apparently unmarried women enrolled with the widows supported by the church (compare 1 Tim 5:3–16).
- Some manuscripts read “in the power of the Spirit”; the Ante-Nicene Fathers translation (1885) has “the power of the Holy Ghost.”
Topics: Church office
Cite (SBL): Ign. Smyrn. 13.1 (Lake, LCL 24:266; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-smyrnaeans/13-1).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-smyrnaeans/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 24:266
ἀσπάζομαι τὸν οἶκον Ταουΐας, ἣν εὔχομαι ἑδρᾶσθαι πίστει καὶ ἀγάπῃ σαρκικῇ τε καὶ πνευματικῇ. ἀσπάζομαι Ἄλκην, τὸ ποθητόν μοι ὄνομα, καὶ Δάφνον τὸν ἀσύγκριτον καὶ Εὔτεκνον καὶ πάντας κατʼ ὄνομα. ἔρρωσθε ἐν χάριτι θεοῦ.
aspazomai ton oikon Taouïas, hēn euchomai hedrasthai pistei kai agapę̄ sarkikę̄ te kai pneumatikę̄. aspazomai Alkēn, to pothēton moi onoma, kai Daphnon ton asynkriton kai Euteknon kai pantas katʼ onoma. errōsthe en chariti theou.
I greet the household of Tavia, whom I pray may be established in faith and love, both of flesh and of spirit. I greet Alce, a name dear to me, and the incomparable Daphnus and Eutecnus and everyone by name. Farewell in the grace of God.
Notes and citation
Summary: Final personal greetings.
Cite (SBL): Ign. Smyrn. 13.2 (Lake, LCL 24:266; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-smyrnaeans/13-2).
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/ign-smyrnaeans/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.