Agnus Dei
[ˈaŋ.nʊs ˈde.iː]masculine
The English phrase 'lamb of God' is translated into Latin as Agnus Dei.
This phrase refers to Jesus, symbolized as a sacrifice. It is primarily used in a liturgical context, specifically within the Roman Catholic Mass and other Christian traditions.
Meaning: Jesus, symbolized as a sacrifice (name)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the noun Agnus (lamb) and the genitive singular form of Deus (God), which means 'of God'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word Dei is the genitive singular form of Deus, indicating possession or relationship.
Did you know?
- In addition to the Mass, an Agnus Dei is a type of wax medal or coin blessed by the Pope and worn as a protective amulet.
- The Latin word agnus is a distant relative of the archaic English word 'yean', which means to give birth to a lamb.
- The phrase Agnus Dei is the title of a slow, solemn movement found in many classical Masses, such as those composed by Mozart and Bach.
Examples in context
- Agnus Deī, quī tollis peccāta mundī…Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world…
- Ecce agnus Dei, ecce qui tollit peccatum mundi.Look, the Lamb of God, look at him who carries the sin of the world.Tatoeba #11211125 by carlosalberto, translation #11314668 by Cuc
- Agnus Dei est salus mundi.The Lamb of God is the salvation of the world.
Example conversation
Marcus and Julia are discussing a religious painting in a church.
- MarcusQuid videt Julia in pictura?What does Julia see in the painting?
- JuliaVideo Agnus Dei hic.I see the Lamb of God here.
- MarcusEstne symbolum redemptionis?Is it a symbol of redemption?
- JuliaIta, Agnus Dei nos servat.Yes, the Lamb of God saves us.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lamb of God” translations and entries Agnus Dei, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Agnus Dei, agnus, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0, Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
