fiat lux
[ˈfiː.at ˈɫuːks]
The English phrase "let there be light" is translated into Latin as fiat lux.
The phrase is most famously recognized as the Latin translation of the biblical command from Genesis 1:3.
Meaning: Translations (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the third-person singular present subjunctive of fieri (to become/be done) and the nominative noun lux (light).
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb fiat is in the subjunctive mood, which is used here to express a command or a wish.
Did you know?
- While fiat is used in fiat lux as a command, the word evolved in English to describe a formal authorization or a decree.
- The word lux shares a common ancient ancestor with the English word 'light' and the Sanskrit word 'rocate'.
- While we use the phrase to command light, the word lux is also the root for many modern scientific terms, such as 'lumen' and 'luminescence'.
Examples in context
- Dixitque Deus: Fiat lux. Et facta est lux.And God said: Let there be light. And there was light.This sentence shows the phrase being used in a biblical context with fiat lux.Tatoeba #610762 by rado, translation #663803 by bluepie88
- Fiat lux!Let there be light!This sentence shows the phrase used as an exclamation.Tatoeba #432463 by Clavain, translation #432469 by Clavain
- In tenebris, fiat lux.In the darkness, let there be light.
Example conversation
A scholar and a student discuss a divine creation story.
- GaiusQuid Deus dixit in principio?What did God say in the beginning?
- LuciaDixit: fiat lux.He said: let there be light.
- GaiusRecte dicuisti, Lucia.You said it correctly, Lucia.
- LuciaGratias tibi ago, Gai.Thank you, Gaius.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “let there be light” translations and entries fiat lux, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lux, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
