Symbolum Apostolorum
The apostles creed in Latin is Symbolum Apostolorum.
This phrase refers to the statement of the core beliefs of the Christian faith. In many liturgical contexts, the creed is also referred to simply by its opening word, Credo, which means "I believe".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of Symbolum (creed/symbol) and the genitive plural Apostolorum (of the apostles).
How does it change in a sentence?
The word Apostolorum is in the genitive plural, indicating that the creed belongs to the apostles.
Did you know?
- In the early Church, the symbolum acted as a password. New converts were asked to recite it to prove they were not infiltrators before they could enter the community.
- The word Symbolum did not originally mean a religious creed, but rather a physical object used to verify identity. In antiquity, a 'symbol' was a piece of a broken object that two people would match together to prove they were from the same group.
- While Credo means 'I believe' in Latin, the English word 'credible' and 'credit' both derive from this same root, sharing the idea of trust and belief.
Examples in context
- Credo in Deum, Patrem omnipotentem, Creatorem caeli et terrae. Et in Iesum Christum, Filium eius unicum, Dominum nostrum, qui conceptus est de Spiritu Sancto, natus ex Maria Virgine, passus sub Pontio Pilato, crucifixus, mortuus, et sepultus, descendit ad infernos, tertia die resurrexit a mortuis, ascendit ad caelos, sedet ad dexteram Dei Patris omnipotentis, inde venturus est iudicare vivos et mortuos. Credo in Spiritum Sanctum, sanctam Ecclesiam catholicam, sanctorum communionem, remissionem peccatorum, carnis resurrectionem, vitam aeternam. Amen.The apostles creed
- Legimus Symbolum Apostolorum in missa.We recite the Apostles' Creed in the mass.
- Symbolum Apostolorum est fundamentum fidei.The Apostles' Creed is the foundation of the faith.
- In hoc libro invenies Symbolum Apostolorum.You will find the Apostles' Creed in this book.
Example conversation
Marcus and Aurelia are discussing their religious studies.
- MarcusConocesne Symbolum Apostolorum?Do you know the Apostles' Creed?
- AureliaIta, Marce, id memini.Yes, Marcus, I remember it.
- MarcusLegamus Symbolum Apostolorum simul.Let us read the Apostles' Creed together.
- AureliaLibenter, Marce.Gladly, Marcus.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries symbolum, CC BY-SA 4.0.
