Non timebo mala
The English phrase "I will fear no evil" is translated into Latin as Non timebo mala.
This phrase is a statement of courage or faith, expressing that a person will not be afraid of harm or misfortune.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of non (not), timebo (I will fear) and mala (bad things/evils).
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb timebo is the first-person singular future indicative active form of timere, meaning "I will fear". The word mala is the neuter plural form of the adjective malus, used here as a substantive to mean "evil things" or "bad things".
Did you know?
- The word mala shares a surprising ancestral connection with the Sanskrit word for 'beard', as both stem from a Proto-Indo-European root for 'beard'.
- The verb timebo is the direct linguistic ancestor of the English word 'timid'.
- The phrase Non timebo mala is a variation of a line from Psalm 23, one of the most translated and recited pieces of literature in history.
Examples in context
- Non timebo malum, quia Deus mecum est.I will fear no evil, for God is with me.
- Non timebo mala in itinere meo.I will fear no evil on my journey.
- In tenebris, non timebo mala.In the darkness, I will fear no evil.
- Cum te habeam, non timebo mala.With you, I will fear no evil.
Example conversation
Marcus and Aurelia are discussing a dangerous journey.
- MarcusIter periculosum est.The journey is dangerous.
- AureliaTamen non timebo mala.However, I will fear no evil.
- MarcusTu es fortis, Aurelia.You are brave, Aurelia.
- AureliaFidem meam habeo.I have my faith.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mala, non, CC BY-SA 4.0.
