The Shepherd of Hermas

I told you, said he, just now, that you[*](The further application) are obstinate and importunate in asking for the, explanations of the parable. But since you are so persistent I will explain to you the parable of the field and all the other consequences of it, that you may make them known to everyone. Listen, now, he said, and understand it.

The field is this world, and the Lord of the field is He who created everything, and perfected it and gave it strength. And the servant is the Son of God,[*](With the text given it must be noted that the Son in the parable (Sim. v. ii. 6.) remains unexplained.) and the vines are this people which he planted.

And the fences are the holy Angels of the Lord who support his people. And the weeds which are pulled up out of the vineyard are iniquities of the servants of God. And the food which he sent to him from the supper is the commandments which he gave to his people through his Son, and the friends and counsellors are the holy Angels who were first created. And the absence of the Master[*](The absence of the Master is not mentioned in the text of the parable; but see the critical note on Sim. v. 2, 2.) is the time which remains before his coming.

I said to him: Sir, all is great and wonderful and all is glorious. How then, said I, could I understand it? Nor is there any other man, however understanding he may be, who can understand it. Moreover, sir, said I, explain to me what I am going to ask you.

Say, said he, what you wish. Why, said I, sir, is the Son of God in the parable given the form of a servant?