People’s Open Bible

Shepherd of Hermas 23

Virgin Urges Pure Heart Service

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1After the beast had passed by me and I had gone forward about thirty feet, behold, a virgin meets me, adorned as if coming out of a bridal chamber, all in white and with white sandals, veiled up to her forehead; her covering was with a turban, and her hair was white.

2I knew that I would escape it, if your heart becomes pure and without blemish, and if for the remaining days of your life you serve the Lord blamelessly. Cast your cares upon the Lord, and he himself will direct them.

3Believe in the Lord, you double-minded, because he is able to do all things and turns his anger away from you, but sends plagues upon you who are double-minded. Woe to those who have heard these words and disobeyed; it would have been better for them not to have been born.

Composed from original Hebrew, Greek, Latin, and Ge’ez manuscripts, rendered in multiple passes to stay as close to the originals as possible. About this project