Twenty-four Dialogues of Plato

...to you
...and

...indeed the gods as well. Is he then your enemy? But so that I do not appear too hostile to you, and whatever measure seems right to you, they differ about this very thing. And look at it according to the same reasoning: tell me, by Zeus, have you ever seen another one of the gods killing your father? Socrates is likely being ironic here, referring to the mythological stories Euthyphro uses to justify his own actions—specifically Zeus overthroning Cronus. Because of me, do you think the holy hosion: that which is sanctioned by divine law or "pious" would cease to be if some human child, Euthyphro—let us not say what!—But the gods surely do disagree, as I was saying. Some say one thing, others say another.

They do not give in on my account, nor do they cease disputing these things, both gods and men. Or does someone say otherwise? But I must try to say what you perhaps do not: what? Is it not about honor? Or do they agree, O Euthyphro? Regarding wrongdoers, though they agree, they still deny that they themselves are doing wrong. Not at all, then; nothing strange will they show or say. I think they would much rather dispute immediately that they are not the ones doing wrong.

What about the father? Both say they are not doing wrong, or do they? You speak the truth. Therefore, they do not dispute with the gods that the wrongdoer must pay the penalty dikên didonai: literally "to give justice," meaning to undergo punishment. But what? I think they argue whether those who did these things spoke the truth, or as the gods say, or whether they will not kill. For he does not dare to do wrong to you or to the holy, this man. And some say... it is true for me. They said they knew. It is a wonder to me, my friend, for no one of gods or men dares to say that one who does wrong should not pay the penalty. By the gods, you speak the truth, Socrates.

But the main point: I think I have grown weary, O Euthyphro, of the arguments of those who dispute—both men and gods—if indeed the gods dispute as you say. Regarding the things you differ on: some say you have acted justly, others unjustly. Could someone hold this? Certainly. Come then, my dear Euthyphro, teach me as well, so that I may become wiser. What is your proof that all the gods believe that work to be done unjustly—the one you are pursuing—the case of a man, a murderer, who was a laborer original: "thêteuôn" - a free laborer or landless servant for you, and who killed one of your servants, and then your father bound him and sent here to inquire of the interpreter exêgêtês: an official authorized to interpret sacred laws and traditional religious rites what should be done? And in the meantime, while in the dungeon, he was neglected and ignored as a murderer and died? Show me clearly that all the gods believe this action to be right. And if...