Latin from Zero: By Digital Monastery

Latin

Ave Maria, gratia plena

Dominus tecum

benedicta tu in mulieribus

et benedictus fructus ventris tui, Iesus

Sancta Maria, Mater Dei

ora pro nobis peccatoribus

nunc et in hora mortis nostrae

Amen

Line one

Ave Maria, gratia plena

Hail Mary, full of grace

Ave Maria Hail Mary

gratia plena full of grace

Line two

Dominus tecum

The Lord is with you.

Line three

benedicta tu in mulieribus

Blessed are you among women

Line four

et benedictus fructus ventris tui, Iesus

and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus

Line five

Sancta Maria, Mater Dei

Holy Mary, Mother of God

Line six

ora pro nobis peccatoribus

Pray for us sinners

Line seven

nunc et in hora mortis nostrae

Now and in the hour of our death

Line eight

Amen

Amen

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Latin

ego autem in multitudine misericordiae tuae introibo in domum tuam adorabo ad templum sanctum tuum in timore tuo

Domine deduc me in iustitia tua propter inimicos meos dirige in conspectu meo viam tuam

quoniam non est in ore eorum veritas cor eorum vanum est

sepulchrum patens est guttur eorum linguis suis dolose agebant iudica illos Deus decidant a cogitationibus suis secundum multitudinem impietatum eorum expelle eos quoniam inritaverunt te Domine

et laetentur omnes qui sperant in te in aeternum exultabunt et habitabis in eis et gloriabuntur in te omnes qui diligunt nomen tuum

quoniam tu benedices iusto Domine ut scuto bonae voluntatis coronasti nos

Line one

ego autem in multitudine misericordiae tuae introibo in domum tuam adorabo ad templum sanctum tuum in timore tuo

I, however, in the multitude of your mercy, will enter into your house; I will worship toward your holy temple in your fear.

ego autem in multitudine misericordiae tuae But I, in the abundance of your mercy,

introibo in domum tuam will enter your house.

adorabo ad templum sanctum tuum I will worship at your holy temple.

in timore tuo In reverence for you.

Line two

Domine deduc me in iustitia tua propter inimicos meos dirige in conspectu meo viam tuam

Lord, lead me in your justice; because of my enemies, direct your way before me.

Domine deduc me in iustitia tua Lord, lead me in your righteousness.

propter inimicos meos Because of my enemies.

dirige in conspectu meo viam tuam Make your way straight before me.

Line three

quoniam non est in ore eorum veritas cor eorum vanum est

Since there is no truth in their mouth, their heart is vain.

quoniam non est in ore eorum veritas For there is no truth in their mouth.

cor eorum vanum est Their heart is deceitful.

Line four

sepulchrum patens est guttur eorum linguis suis dolose agebant iudica illos Deus decidant a cogitationibus suis secundum multitudinem impietatum eorum expelle eos quoniam inritaverunt te Domine

A grave is an open throat; with their tongues they acted deceitfully. Judge them, O God. Let them fall by their own thoughts. According to the multitude of their iniquities, drive them out, for they have provoked you, O Lord.

sepulchrum patens est guttur eorum Their throat is an open grave.

linguis suis dolose agebant They acted deceitfully with their tongues.

iudica illos Deus Judge them, O God.

decidant a cogitationibus suis Let them fall by their own schemes.

secundum multitudinem impietatum eorum According to the multitude of their transgressions.

expelle eos Drive them out.

quoniam inritaverunt te Domine For they have rebelled against you, Lord.

Line five

et laetentur omnes qui sperant in te in aeternum exultabunt et habitabis in eis et gloriabuntur in te omnes qui diligunt nomen tuum

And let all who hope in you rejoice; they will exult forever, and you will dwell in them, and all who love your name will glory in you.

et laetentur omnes qui sperant in te Let all who hope in you rejoice.

in aeternum exultabunt They will exult forever.

et habitabis in eis And you will dwell among them.

et gloriabuntur in te omnes qui diligunt nomen tuum And all who love your name will glory in you.

Line six

quoniam tu benedices iusto Domine ut scuto bonae voluntatis coronasti nos

Since you bless the just one, Lord, as with a shield of good will, you have crowned us.

quoniam tu benedices iusto Domine For you bless the righteous, Lord.

ut scuto bonae voluntatis coronasti nos You have crowned us with the shield of your favor.

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Latin

in finem pro ea quae hereditatem consequitur psalmus David

verba mea auribus percipe Domine intellege clamorem meum

intende voci orationis meae rex meus et Deus meus

quoniam ad te orabo Domine mane exaudies vocem meam

mane adstabo tibi et videbo quoniam non deus volens iniquitatem tu es

neque habitabit iuxta te malignus neque permanebunt iniusti ante oculos tuos

odisti omnes qui operantur iniquitatem perdes omnes; qui loquuntur mendacium virum sanguinum et dolosum abominabitur Dominus

Line one

in finem pro ea quae hereditatem consequitur psalmus David

For the end, on behalf of her who inherits, a psalm of David.

in finem pro ea quae hereditatem consequitur For the end, for her who inherits.

psalmus David A psalm of David.

Line two

verba mea auribus percipe Domine intellege clamorem meum

Hear my words with your ears, Lord, understand my cry.

verba mea auribus percipe Domine Hear my words with your ears, O Lord.

intellege clamorem meum Understand my cry.

Line three

intende voci orationis meae rex meus et Deus meus

Attend to the voice of my prayer, my king and my God.

intende voci orationis meae Pay attention to the voice of my prayer.

rex meus et Deus meus My King and my God.

Line four

quoniam ad te orabo Domine mane exaudies vocem meam

Since I will pray to you, Lord, in the morning you will hear my voice.

quoniam ad te orabo Domine For to you I will pray, O Lord.

mane exaudies vocem meam In the morning, you will hear my voice.

Line five

mane adstabo tibi et videbo quoniam non deus volens iniquitatem tu es

In the morning I will stand by you and I will see because you are not a god willing iniquity.

mane adstabo tibi In the morning, I will stand before you.

et videbo And I will see.

quoniam non deus volens iniquitatem tu es For you are not a God who desires iniquity.

Line six

neque habitabit iuxta te malignus neque permanebunt iniusti ante oculos tuos

Nor will the wicked dwell near you, nor will the unjust remain before your eyes.

neque habitabit iuxta te malignus The wicked will not dwell near you.

neque permanebunt iniusti ante oculos tuos The unjust will not remain before your eyes.

Line seven

odisti omnes qui operantur iniquitatem perdes omnes; qui loquuntur mendacium virum sanguinum et dolosum abominabitur Dominus

You hate all who work iniquity; you will destroy all who speak lies. The Lord will abhor the man of blood and deceit.

odisti omnes qui operantur iniquitatem You hate all who work iniquity.

perdes omnes; qui loquuntur mendacium You will destroy all who speak lies.

virum sanguinum et dolosum abominabitur Dominus The Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.

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Latin

Pater noster, qui es in caelis

sanctificetur nomen tuum

Adveniat regnum tuum

Fiat voluntas tua

sicut in caelo et in terra

Panem nostrum cotidianum da nobis hodie

Et dimitte nobis debita nostra

sicut et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris

Et ne nos inducas in tentationem

sed libera nos a malo

Amen

Line one

Pater noster, qui es in caelis

Our Father, who are in the heavens

Pater noster Our Father

qui es in caelis who art in heaven

Line two

sanctificetur nomen tuum

Hallowed be your name.

Line three

Adveniat regnum tuum

May your kingdom come.

Line four

Fiat voluntas tua

Let your will be done

Line five

sicut in caelo et in terra

As in heaven and on earth

sicut in caelo as it is in heaven

et in terra and on earth

Line six

Panem nostrum cotidianum da nobis hodie

Give us today our daily bread.

Panem nostrum cotidianum Our daily bread

da nobis hodie give us this day

Line seven

Et dimitte nobis debita nostra

And forgive us our debts

Line eight

sicut et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris

Just as we forgive our debtors

Line nine

Et ne nos inducas in tentationem

And do not lead us into temptation

Line ten

sed libera nos a malo

But deliver us from evil.

Line eleven

Amen

Amen

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Inscription

A . ☧ . Ω .

SAMUELI . JOHNSON

GRAMMATICO . ET . CRITICO

SCRIPTORUM . ANGLICORUM

LITTERATE . PERITO

POETAE

LUMINIBUS . SENTENTIARUM

ET . PONDERIBUS . VERBORUM

ADMIRABILI

MAGISTRO . VIRTUTIS . GRAVISSIMO

HOMINI . OPTIMO . ET

SINGULARIS . EXEMPLI

QUI . VIXIT . ANN . LXXV

MENS . III . DIEB . XIII

DECESSIT . IDIB . DECEMBR

ANN . CHRIST . CIƆ . IƆCC . LXXXIIII

SEPULT . IN . AED .

SANCT . PETR .

WESTMONASTERIENS .

XIII . KAL . IANVAR

ANN . CHRIST . CIƆ . IƆCC . LXXXV

AMICI . ET . SODALES

LITTERARII

PECUNIA . CONLATA

H . M . FACIUND . CURAVAR .

Header

A . ☧ . Ω .

The Greek letter Alpha, the Greek letters Chi and Rho, a Christogram for Christ, the Greek letter Omega.

A. is the Greek symbol Alpha. The first letter of the Greek alphabet, used here as a symbol of the beginning.

☧. is the Christogram Chi-Rho. A Christogram formed from the first two Greek letters of the word Christos; often used as a symbol for Jesus Christ.

Ω. is the Greek symbol Omega. The last letter of the Greek alphabet, used here as a symbol of the end.

Reading line one

Samueli Johnson

To Samuel Johnson

Samueli. means “Samuel”. This is the dative singular form of the masculine noun “Samuelus,” indicating the indirect object or recipient of the action. It functions here as the object of an implied preposition, likely “to,” addressing Samuel directly.

Johnson. means “Johnson”. This is a proper noun in the nominative singular case, masculine in gender. It functions as an apposition to “Samueli,” clarifying or specifying the identity of Samuel. As a foreign name, “Johnson” retains its original form without Latin inflection.

Reading line two

Grammatico et critico

To the grammarian and critic

Grammatico. means “grammarian”. This is the dative singular form of the masculine noun “grammaticus,” indicating the indirect object or recipient of the action. It refers to a person skilled in grammar or language studies.

et. means “and”. This is a conjunction used to coordinate or link two nouns, showing that both “grammatico” and “critico” are recipients of the implied action.

critico. means “critic”. This is the dative singular form of the masculine noun “criticus,” also indicating the indirect object or recipient. It refers to a person who evaluates or analyzes works critically.

Reading line three

Scriptorum Anglicorum

Of English writers

Scriptorum. means “writer”. This is the genitive plural form of the masculine noun “scriptor,” indicating possession or association. It refers to multiple writers or authors, emphasizing their collective identity.

Anglicorum. means “English”. This is the genitive plural form of the masculine adjective “Anglicus,” agreeing with “Scriptorum” in case, number, and gender. It specifies the nationality or characteristic of the writers, marking them as English.

Reading line four

Litterate perito

To the man skilled in literature

Litterate. means “learned”. This is the vocative singular form of the masculine adjective “litteratus,” used for direct address. It highlights the quality of being educated or scholarly, addressing the person directly.

perito. means “expert”. This is the dative singular form of the masculine adjective “peritus,” indicating the recipient or indirect object. It emphasizes skill or experience, functioning substantively as a noun.

Reading line five

Poetae

To the poet

Poetae. means “poet”. This is the nominative plural form of the masculine noun “poeta,” indicating multiple poets as the subject of the sentence. Despite its first declension ending in “-a,” “poeta” is masculine, which is atypical for Latin nouns.

Reading line six

Luminibus sententiarum

In the brilliance of thoughts

Luminibus. means “light”. It is a noun in the dative case, plural number, and neuter gender. Here, it functions as the indirect object, receiving the metaphorical association of enlightenment or guidance.

Sententiarum. means “opinion”. It is a noun in the genitive case, plural number, and feminine gender. It serves as a possessive modifier, indicating that the lights belong to or are associated with the opinions.

Reading line seven

Et ponderibus verborum

And in the weight of words

Et. means “and”. It is a conjunction that links this phrase to a preceding context, introducing an additional idea or element to the discussion.

Ponderibus. means “weight”. It is a noun in the ablative case, plural number, and neuter gender. Here, it functions as an ablative of means, indicating the instrument or method by which something is achieved—metaphorically, the significance or impact of the weights.

Verborum. means “word”. It is a noun in the genitive case, plural number, and neuter gender. It serves as a possessive modifier, showing that the weights belong to or pertain to the words.

Reading line eight

Admirabili

To the admirable man

Admirabili. means “admirable”. It is an adjective in the dative case, singular number, and neuter gender. Depending on context, it could also be ablative, indicating either the recipient or the means of an action. The adjective agrees with an implied noun, which could refer to a person, thing, or concept, depending on the surrounding text.

Reading line nine

Magistro virtutis gravissimo

To the most serious teacher of virtue

Magistro. means “teacher”. It is a noun in the dative case, singular number, and masculine gender. Here, it functions as the indirect object, indicating the recipient of the action or dedication.

Virtutis. means “virtue”. It is a noun in the genitive case, singular number, and feminine gender. It serves as a possessive modifier, defining the domain or quality associated with the teacher.

Gravissimo. means “most serious”. It is the superlative form of the adjective “gravis,” in the dative case, singular number, and masculine gender. It modifies “magistro,” emphasizing the teacher’s exceptional gravity or seriousness.

Reading line ten

Homini optimo et

To the best and most honorable man, and

Homini. means “man”. It is a noun in the dative case, singular number, and masculine gender. It functions as the indirect object of the phrase, indicating the recipient of something.

Optimo. means “best”. This is a superlative adjective in the dative case, singular number, and masculine gender, agreeing with “homini” in case, number, and gender. It modifies “homini,” emphasizing the exceptional quality of the man.

Et. means “and”. It is a conjunction serving as a coordinator, linking this phrase to another element that follows.

Reading line eleven

Singularis exempli

Of singular example

Singularis. means “singular”. This is an adjective in the genitive case, singular number, and neuter gender, functioning as a modifier of “exempli.” It conveys a sense of uniqueness or rarity.

Exempli. means “example”. This is a noun in the genitive case, singular number, and neuter gender. It serves as the head of the phrase, indicating possession or association, as in “of example.”

Reading line twelve

Qui vixit annos septuaginta quinque

Who lived seventy-five years

Qui. means “who”. It is a relative pronoun in the nominative case, singular number, and masculine gender. It introduces a relative clause and serves as the subject of the verb “vixit,” referring back to an implied antecedent.

Vixit. means “lived”. This is a verb in the indicative mood, perfect tense, active voice, and third person singular. It functions as the predicate of the relative clause, describing a completed action in the past.

ANN. is an abbreviation of annos. annos means “years”. This is a noun in the accusative case, plural number, and masculine gender. It serves as the direct object of “vixit,” indicating the duration of time lived. Annus in the accusative plural, counting the years of life.

LXXV. is the Roman numeral for 75. Here it has cardinal force and is read septuaginta quinque.

Reading line thirteen

Menses tres dies tredecim

Three months, thirteen days

MENS. is an abbreviation of menses. menses means “months”. This is a noun in the nominative case, plural number, and masculine gender. It functions as the subject or focus of the phrase, indicating a time span. Mensis in the accusative plural, counting the months.

III. is the Roman numeral for 3. Here it has cardinal force and is read tres.

DIEB. is an abbreviation of dies. dies means “days”. This is a noun in the nominative case, plural number, and masculine gender. It serves as a parallel subject to “menses,” introducing a second time span. Dies in the accusative plural, counting the days.

XIII. is the Roman numeral for 13. Here it has cardinal force and is read tredecim.

Reading line fourteen

Decessit idibus Decembris

He died on the Ides of December

Decessit. means “depart, die”. It is a verb in the indicative mood, perfect tense, active voice, and third person. As the predicate of the sentence, it conveys a completed action, with the subject implied rather than explicitly stated.

IDIB. is an abbreviation of idibus. idibus means “Ides”. It is a noun in the ablative case, plural number, and feminine gender. It serves as the object of an implied preposition, indicating the time when the action occurred. Idibus, the ablative plural of Idus, the middle day of a Roman month.

DECEMBR. is an abbreviation of Decembris. Decembris means “December”. It is a noun in the genitive case, singular number, and masculine gender. It functions as a genitive modifier, specifying the month in which the Ides occur. Genitive of December, agreeing with idibus to mean ‘of December.’

Reading line fifteen

Anno Christi mille septingenti octoginta quattuor

In the year of Christ 1784

ANN. is an abbreviation of Anno. Anno means “year”. It is a noun in the ablative case, singular number, and masculine gender. It serves as the object of an implied preposition, indicating the time when the action or event occurred. Ablative singular of annus, ‘in the year.’

CHRIST. is an abbreviation of Christi. Christi means “Christ”. It is a noun in the genitive case, singular number, and masculine gender. It functions as a possessor, specifying that the year is associated with Christ. Genitive of Christus, ‘of Christ.’

CIƆ. is the Roman numeral for 1000. Here it has apostrophus force and is read mille.

IƆCC. is the Roman numeral for 700. Here it has apostrophus force and is read septingenti.

LXXXIIII. is the Roman numeral for 84. Here it has additive force and is read octoginta quattuor.

Reading line sixteen

Sepultus in aedibus

Buried in the building

SEPULT. is an abbreviation of Sepultus. Sepultus means “buried”. It is a participle in the nominative case, singular number, masculine gender, and perfect passive form. It functions as the subject, describing the state of the individual as having been buried. Perfect passive participle of sepelio, ‘to bury.’

In. means “in”. It is a preposition governing the ablative case. It introduces the location where the burial occurred.

AED. is an abbreviation of aedibus. aedibus means “house”. It is a noun in the ablative case, plural number, and feminine gender. It serves as the object of the preposition “in,” indicating the place where the burial took place. Ablative plural of aedes, ‘building’ or ‘church,’ used with ‘in.’

Reading line seventeen

Sancti Petri

Of Saint Peter

SANCT. is an abbreviation of Sancti. Sancti means “holy”. It is an adjective in the genitive case, singular number, and masculine gender. It serves as a modifier, agreeing with “Petri” and indicating possession or association. Genitive singular of sanctus, ‘of the saint.’

PETR. is an abbreviation of Petri. Petri means “Peter”. It is a noun in the genitive case, singular number, and masculine gender. It functions as the head of the phrase, referring specifically to Saint Peter in a religious context. Genitive of Petrus, the name Peter.

Reading line eighteen

Westmonasteriensis

Of Westminster

Westmonasteriensis. means “of Westminster”. This is a third-declension adjective in the nominative singular masculine form, functioning as the subject of the line. It is derived from the proper noun “Westmonasterium” and indicates a geographic or institutional association with Westminster.

Reading line nineteen

Ante diem tertium decimum Kalendas Ianuarias

On the thirteenth day before the Kalends of January

Ante. means “before”. It is a preposition governing the accusative case, introducing the temporal relationship central to this Roman calendar date.

Diem. means “day”. This is a second-declension noun in the accusative singular masculine form, serving as the object of the preposition “ante.”

XIII. is the Roman numeral for 13. Here it has ordinal force and is read tertium decimum.

KAL. is an abbreviation of Kalendas. Kalendas means “Kalends”. This is a first-declension noun in the accusative plural feminine form, referring to the first day of a month in the Roman calendar. It is governed by “ante.” Kalendae, ‘the Kalends,’ the first day of a Roman month.

IANVAR. is an abbreviation of Ianuarias. Ianuarias means “January”. This is a first/second-declension adjective in the accusative plural feminine form, modifying “Kalendas” to specify the month being referenced. Accusative plural of Ianuarius, agreeing with Kalendas.

Reading line twenty

Anno Christi mille septingenti octoginta quinque

In the year of Christ 1785

ANN. is an abbreviation of Anno. Anno means “year”. This is a second-declension noun in the ablative singular masculine form, used to indicate time when. The preposition “in” is implied, as is common in Latin temporal expressions. Ablative singular of annus, ‘in the year.’

CHRIST. is an abbreviation of Christi. Christi means “Christ”. This is a second-declension noun in the genitive singular masculine form, showing possession or association. It specifies the calendar system being referenced, namely the Anno Domini system. Genitive of Christus, ‘of Christ.’

CIƆ. is the Roman numeral for 1000. Here it has apostrophus force and is read mille.

IƆCC. is the Roman numeral for 700. Here it has apostrophus force and is read septingenti.

LXXXV. is the Roman numeral for 85. Here it has additive force and is read octoginta quinque.

Reading line twenty-one

Amici et sodales

Friends and companions

Amici. means “friend”. This is a noun in the nominative plural form, masculine gender, functioning as the subject of the phrase. It introduces the idea of friendship or camaraderie.

et. means “and”. This is a coordinating conjunction, linking the two nouns “amici” and “sodales” to form a compound subject.

sodales. means “companion”. This is a noun in the nominative plural form, masculine gender, functioning parallel to “amici” as part of the subject. It emphasizes a bond of fellowship or shared purpose.

Reading line twenty-two

Litterarii

Literary

Litterarii. means “literary”. This is an adjective in the nominative plural form, masculine gender, functioning as the subject of the phrase. It agrees with an implied plural masculine noun, which is not explicitly stated but can be inferred from the context.

Reading line twenty-three

Pecunia conlata

Money having been contributed

Pecunia. means “money”. This is a noun in the nominative singular form, feminine gender, functioning as the subject of the phrase. It refers to wealth or currency, which is the central focus of the statement.

conlata. means “collected”. This is a perfect passive participle in the nominative singular form, feminine gender, agreeing with “pecunia” in case, number, and gender. It functions as the predicate, describing an action completed in the past.

Reading line twenty-four

Hoc monumentum faciendum curaverunt

Caused this monument to be made

H. is an abbreviation of hoc. hoc means “this”. This is a demonstrative pronoun in the nominative singular form, neuter gender, functioning as the subject. It agrees with “monumentum” in gender, number, and case, emphasizing specificity. Hoc, ‘this,’ neuter accusative modifying monumentum.

M. is an abbreviation of monumentum. monumentum means “monument”. This is a noun in the accusative singular form, neuter gender, functioning as the direct object of the sentence. It refers to a physical structure or commemorative object. Monumentum, ‘monument,’ neuter accusative.

FACIUND. is an abbreviation of faciendum. faciendum means “to be made”. This is a gerundive (future passive participle) in the accusative singular form, neuter gender, agreeing with “monumentum.” It expresses necessity or obligation, indicating that the monument must be created. Gerundive of facio, ‘to be made.’

CURAVAR. is an abbreviation of curaverunt. curaverunt means “to take care”. This is a verb in the perfect active indicative mood, third person plural. It serves as the predicate, describing the action of ensuring or arranging the creation of the monument. Perfect tense of curo, ‘they took care that’ or ‘they caused.’

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Latin

in finem in carminibus psalmus David

cum invocarem exaudivit me Deus iustitiae meae in tribulatione dilatasti mihi miserere mei et exaudi orationem meam

filii hominum usquequo gravi corde ut quid diligitis vanitatem et quaeritis mendacium diapsalma

et scitote quoniam mirificavit Dominus sanctum suum Dominus exaudiet me cum clamavero ad eum

irascimini et nolite peccare quae dicitis in cordibus vestris in cubilibus vestris conpungimini diapsalma

sacrificate sacrificium iustitiae et sperate in Domino

multi dicunt quis ostendet nobis bona signatum est super nos lumen vultus tui Domine

dedisti laetitiam in corde meo a fructu frumenti et vini et olei sui multiplicati sunt

in pace in id ipsum dormiam et requiescam

quoniam tu Domine singulariter in spe constituisti me

Line one

in finem in carminibus psalmus David

into the end in the songs A psalm of David

in finem For the end.

in carminibus Among the songs.

psalmus David A psalm of David.

Line two

cum invocarem exaudivit me Deus iustitiae meae in tribulatione dilatasti mihi miserere mei et exaudi orationem meam

When I called, the God of my righteousness heard me. In tribulation, you have made room for me. Have mercy on me and hear my prayer.

cum invocarem exaudivit me Deus iustitiae meae When I called, the God of my righteousness heard me.

in tribulatione dilatasti mihi In my distress, You gave me relief.

miserere mei Have mercy on me.

et exaudi orationem meam And hear my prayer.

Line three

filii hominum usquequo gravi corde ut quid diligitis vanitatem et quaeritis mendacium diapsalma

Sons of men, how long with a heavy heart? Why do you love vanity? And you seek a lie. diapsalma

filii hominum usquequo gravi corde O sons of men, how long will you be heavy-hearted?

ut quid diligitis vanitatem Why do you love vanity?

et quaeritis mendacium And seek after lies?

diapsalma A musical interlude, or cue for reflection.

Line four

et scitote quoniam mirificavit Dominus sanctum suum Dominus exaudiet me cum clamavero ad eum

And know that the Lord has made his holy one wonderful. The Lord will hear me when I have called to him

et scitote quoniam mirificavit Dominus sanctum suum Know that the Lord has set apart His holy one.

Dominus exaudiet me The Lord will hear me.

cum clamavero ad eum When I cry out to Him.

Line five

irascimini et nolite peccare quae dicitis in cordibus vestris in cubilibus vestris conpungimini diapsalma

Be angry and do not sin. What you say in your hearts In your beds, you are pricked. diapsalma

irascimini et nolite peccare Be angry, and do not sin.

quae dicitis in cordibus vestris in cubilibus vestris conpungimini Ponder in your hearts, on your beds, and be contrite.

diapsalma A musical interlude, or cue for reflection.

Line six

sacrificate sacrificium iustitiae et sperate in Domino

Offer the sacrifice of justice. And hope in the Lord.

sacrificate sacrificium iustitiae Offer the sacrifices of righteousness.

et sperate in Domino And trust in the Lord.

Line seven

multi dicunt quis ostendet nobis bona signatum est super nos lumen vultus tui Domine

Many say, ‘Who will show us good things?’ The light of your face, O Lord, has been set upon us.

multi dicunt Many say,

quis ostendet nobis bona Who will show us good things?

signatum est super nos lumen vultus tui Domine The light of Your face, O Lord, has been set upon us.

Line eight

dedisti laetitiam in corde meo a fructu frumenti et vini et olei sui multiplicati sunt

You have given joy in my heart. from the fruit of the grain both of his wine and of his oil They were multiplied.

dedisti laetitiam in corde meo You have put gladness in my heart.

a fructu frumenti et vini et olei sui multiplicati sunt From the fruit of their grain, wine, and oil, they have increased.

Line nine

in pace in id ipsum dormiam et requiescam

In peace, into that very thing. I will sleep and I will rest.

Line ten

quoniam tu Domine singulariter in spe constituisti me

Since you, Lord, uniquely You have established me in hope.

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Inscription

SENATVS·POPVLVSQVE·ROMANVS

IMP·CAESARI·DIVI·NERVAE·F·NERVAE

TRAIANO·AVG·GERM·DACICO·PONTIF

MAXIMO·TRIB·POT·XVII·IMP·VI·COS·VI·P·P

AD·DECLARANDVM·QVANTAE·ALTITVDINIS

MONS·ET·LOCVS·TAN[TIS·OPER]IBVS·SIT·EGESTVS

Physical rows follow the surviving inscription; brackets mark restored lost text in the final row.

Reading line one

Senatus populusque Romanus

The Senate and People of Rome

Senatus. means “Senate”. It is a masculine noun in the nominative singular, serving as the subject of the sentence. This term refers to the governing body of Rome, emphasizing its authority and prominence.

populusque. means “and the people”. It combines the masculine nominative singular noun populus with the enclitic -que, and functions with Senatus as the subject.

Romanus. means “Roman”. It is a masculine adjective in the nominative singular, modifying populus and identifying the people as Roman.

Reading line two

Imperatori Caesari divi Nervae filio Nervae Traiano Augusto Germanico Dacico Pontifici Maximo

To the emperor Caesar Nerva Trajan Augustus, son of the deified Nerva, conqueror of Germany and Dacia, chief priest

Imperatori Caesari

to Emperor Caesar

IMP. is an abbreviation of Imperatori. Imperatori means “emperor”. It is a masculine noun in the dative singular, indicating the recipient of the dedication. This term highlights the supreme authority of the individual being addressed.

Caesari. means “Caesar”. It is a masculine noun in the dative singular, functioning as an appositional title to Imperatori. Caesar was a title of high rank, originally derived from Julius Caesar, and later used by Roman emperors.

divi Nervae filio

son of the divine Nerva

divi. means “divine”. It is a masculine adjective in the genitive singular, modifying Nervae. This term signifies the deification of Nerva, a posthumous honor granted to emperors.

Nervae. means “Nerva”. It is a masculine noun in the genitive singular, indicating possession or lineage. Here, it specifies the divine status of Nerva and his relationship to the Emperor.

F. is an abbreviation of filio. filio means “son”. It is a masculine noun in the dative singular, functioning as an appositional clarification to Imperatori Caesari. This term reinforces the familial connection to Nerva.

Nervae Traiano Augusto

Nerva Trajan Augustus

Nervae. means “Nerva”. It is repeated as a masculine noun in the genitive singular, again indicating possession or lineage. This repetition emphasizes the Emperor’s heritage.

Traiano. means “Trajan”. It is a masculine adjective in the dative singular, modifying Imperatori. Trajan is the Emperor’s personal name, further specifying his identity.

AVG. is an abbreviation of Augusto. Augusto means “Augustus”. It is a masculine adjective in the dative singular, modifying Imperatori. Augustus was an honorific title denoting supreme authority and reverence.

Germanico Dacico

conqueror of the Germans and Dacians

GERM. is an abbreviation of Germanico. Germanico means “Germanicus”. It is a masculine adjective in the dative singular, modifying Imperatori. This title commemorates military victories in Germania, underscoring the Emperor’s achievements.

Dacico. means “Dacicus”. It is a masculine adjective in the dative singular, modifying Imperatori. This title celebrates military successes in Dacia, further glorifying the Emperor’s conquests.

Pontifici Maximo

Chief Priest

PONTIF. is an abbreviation of Pontifici. Pontifici means “pontiff”. It is a masculine noun in the dative singular, functioning as an appositional title to Imperatori. Pontifex Maximus was the highest religious office in Rome, combining spiritual and political power. The title continues with Maximo at the beginning of physical row four.

Maximo. means “greatest”. It is a masculine adjective in the dative singular, modifying Pontifici. This superlative emphasizes the unparalleled status of the Pontifex Maximus.

Reading line three

tribunicia potestate septimum decimum imperatori sextum consuli sextum patri patriae

Holding tribunician power for the seventeenth time, acclaimed imperator six times, consul six times, father of the fatherland

tribunicia potestate septimum decimum

holding tribunician power for the seventeenth time

TRIB. is an abbreviation of tribunicia. tribunicia means “tribunician”. It is an adjective in the ablative singular feminine, modifying “potestate.” Here, it describes the type of power being exercised, specifically the tribunician authority, which was a key aspect of Roman governance.

POT. is an abbreviation of potestate. potestate means “power”. It is a noun in the ablative singular feminine, functioning as the object of the implied preposition “with” or “by.” The ablative indicates the means or capacity in which the subject acts, emphasizing the authority held.

XVII. is the Roman numeral for 17. Here it has ordinal-adverbial force and is read septimum decimum.

imperatori sextum

hailed as emperor for the sixth time

IMP. is an abbreviation of imperatori. imperatori means “commander”. It is a noun in the dative singular masculine, functioning as an indirect object. The dative case expresses the role or title held, indicating that the subject is acting in the capacity of imperator.

VI. is the Roman numeral for 6. Here it has ordinal-adverbial force in the context of imperatorial acclamation and is read sextum.

consuli sextum

consul for the sixth time

COS. is an abbreviation of consuli. consuli means “consul”. It is a noun in the dative singular masculine, functioning as an indirect object. Like “imperatori,” the dative case indicates the role or title held, showing the subject acting in the capacity of consul.

VI. is the Roman numeral for 6. Here it has ordinal-adverbial force in the context of consulship and is read sextum.

patri patriae

Father of the Fatherland

P·P. is an abbreviation of patri patriae, “father of the fatherland.” The expanded words complete the emperor’s honorific titles.

Reading line four

ad declarandum quantae altitudinis mons et locus tantis operibus sit egestus

To demonstrate how lofty a hill and how much ground were carried away for such great works

ad declarandum

to declare

ad. means “to”. It is a preposition governing the accusative case, indicating purpose or direction in this line, specifically the aim of declaring something.

declarandum. means “declaring”. It is a gerund in the accusative case, functioning as the object of the preposition “ad” to express purpose.

quantae altitudinis mons et locus

the height of the mountain and the place

quantae. means “how great”. It is an adjective in the genitive case, singular, feminine, modifying “altitudinis” and introducing an indirect question about the magnitude of the height.

altitudinis. means “height”. It is a noun in the genitive case, singular, feminine, used to express a quality or measurement, specifically the height of the mountain and place.

mons. means “mountain”. It is a noun in the nominative case, singular, masculine, serving as one of the subjects of the clause.

et. means “and”. It is a conjunction functioning as a coordinator, linking “mons” and “locus” as joint subjects.

locus. means “place”. It is a noun in the nominative case, singular, masculine, serving as the second subject of the clause, joined to “mons” by “et.”

tantis operibus sit egestus

that has been removed by such great works

tantis. means “so great”. It is an adjective in the ablative case, plural, masculine, modifying “operibus” to emphasize the magnitude of the works.

operibus. means “work”. It is a noun in the ablative case, plural, neuter, functioning as the object of the ablative of means, indicating the instrument by which the excavation was accomplished.

sit. means “be”. It is a verb in the present subjunctive, active voice, third person singular, functioning as the predicate of the indirect question introduced by “quantae.”

egestus. means “excavated”. It is a perfect passive participle in the nominative case, singular, masculine, agreeing with “mons et locus” and describing their state as the result of the works.

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Latin

psalmus David cum fugeret a facie Abessalon filii sui

Domine quid multiplicati sunt qui tribulant me

multi insurgunt adversum me

multi dicunt animae meae

non est salus ipsi in Deo eius

diapsalma

tu autem Domine susceptor meus es

gloria mea et exaltans caput meum

voce mea ad Dominum clamavi

et exaudivit me de monte sancto suo

diapsalma

ego dormivi et soporatus sum

exsurrexi quia Dominus suscipiet me

non timebo milia populi circumdantis me

exsurge Domine salvum me fac Deus meus

quoniam tu percussisti omnes adversantes mihi sine causa

dentes peccatorum contrivisti

Domini est salus

et super populum tuum benedictio tua

Line one

psalmus David cum fugeret a facie Abessalon filii sui

A psalm of David when he fled from the face of Absalom, his son.

psalmus David A psalm of David

cum fugeret a facie Abessalon filii sui when he fled from the face of Absalom, his son

Line two

Domine quid multiplicati sunt qui tribulant me

Lord, why have they multiplied who trouble me?

Domine Lord

quid multiplicati sunt qui tribulant me how many are they who trouble me!

Line three

multi insurgunt adversum me

Many rise up against me

Line four

multi dicunt animae meae

Many speak to my soul.

Line five

non est salus ipsi in Deo eius

There is no salvation for him in his God.

Line six

diapsalma

diapsalma

Line seven

tu autem Domine susceptor meus es

But you, Lord, are my protector.

Line eight

gloria mea et exaltans caput meum

My glory and the one who lifts up my head

gloria mea my glory,

et exaltans caput meum and the one who lifts up my head.

Line nine

voce mea ad Dominum clamavi

With my voice, I cried out to the Lord.

Line ten

et exaudivit me de monte sancto suo

And he heard me from his holy mountain.

Line eleven

diapsalma

diapsalma

Line twelve

ego dormivi et soporatus sum

I slept and I was put to sleep.

Line thirteen

exsurrexi quia Dominus suscipiet me

I rose up because the Lord will receive me

Line fourteen

non timebo milia populi circumdantis me

I will not fear the thousands of people surrounding me.

Line fifteen

exsurge Domine salvum me fac Deus meus

Rise up, Lord; save me, my God.

exsurge Domine Arise, Lord!

salvum me fac Deus meus Save me, my God!

Line sixteen

quoniam tu percussisti omnes adversantes mihi sine causa

Since you have struck all opposing me without cause

Line seventeen

dentes peccatorum contrivisti

You have crushed the teeth of sinners.

Line eighteen

Domini est salus

Salvation belongs to the Lord.

Line nineteen

et super populum tuum benedictio tua

and upon your people, your blessing

Companion Article for podcast with in-depth definitions and grammar.

Latin

PSALMUS David quare fremuerunt gentes et populi meditati sunt inania

adstiterunt reges terrae et principes convenerunt in unum adversus Dominum et adversus christum eius diapsalma

disrumpamus vincula eorum et proiciamus a nobis iugum ipsorum

qui habitat in caelis inridebit eos et Dominus subsannabit eos

tunc loquetur ad eos in ira sua et in furore suo conturbabit eos

ego autem constitutus sum rex ab eo super Sion montem sanctum eius praedicans praeceptum eius

Dominus dixit ad me filius meus es tu ego hodie genui te

postula a me et dabo tibi gentes hereditatem tuam et possessionem tuam terminos terrae

reges eos in virga ferrea tamquam vas figuli confringes eos

et nunc reges intellegite erudimini qui iudicatis terram

servite Domino in timore et exultate ei in tremore

adprehendite disciplinam nequando irascatur Dominus et pereatis de via iusta

cum exarserit in brevi ira eius beati omnes qui confidunt in eo

Line one

PSALMUS David quare fremuerunt gentes et populi meditati sunt inania

A psalm of David: Why did the nations rage and the peoples devise vain things?

PSALMUS David A Psalm of David

quare fremuerunt gentes Why do the nations rage?

et populi meditati sunt inania And the peoples plot in vain?

Line two

adstiterunt reges terrae et principes convenerunt in unum adversus Dominum et adversus christum eius diapsalma

The kings of the earth stood by, and the princes gathered together as one against the Lord and against His anointed. Diapsalma.

adstiterunt reges terrae The kings of the earth take their stand,

et principes convenerunt in unum And the rulers gather together as one,

adversus Dominum Against the Lord,

et adversus christum eius And against His anointed.

diapsalma A musical interlude, or cue for reflection

Line three

disrumpamus vincula eorum et proiciamus a nobis iugum ipsorum

Let us break their chains and cast away their yoke from us.

disrumpamus vincula eorum Let us break their chains,

et proiciamus a nobis iugum ipsorum And cast away their yoke from us.

Line four

qui habitat in caelis inridebit eos et Dominus subsannabit eos

He who dwells in the heavens will laugh at them, and the Lord will mock them.

qui habitat in caelis He who dwells in the heavens

inridebit eos will laugh at them

et Dominus subsannabit eos and the Lord will mock them

Line five

tunc loquetur ad eos in ira sua et in furore suo conturbabit eos

Then he will speak to them in his anger and in his fury he will trouble them.

tunc loquetur ad eos in ira sua Then He will speak to them in His anger

et in furore suo conturbabit eos and in His wrath He will terrify them

Line six

ego autem constitutus sum rex ab eo super Sion montem sanctum eius praedicans praeceptum eius

I, however, have been appointed king by him over Zion, his holy mountain, proclaiming his command.

ego autem constitutus sum rex ab eo But I have been established as king by Him

super Sion montem sanctum eius on Zion, His holy mountain

praedicans praeceptum eius proclaiming His decree

Line seven

Dominus dixit ad me filius meus es tu ego hodie genui te

The Lord said to me, ‘You are my son; today I have begotten you.’

Dominus dixit ad me The Lord said to me

filius meus es tu You are My son

ego hodie genui te Today I have begotten you

Line eight

postula a me et dabo tibi gentes hereditatem tuam et possessionem tuam terminos terrae

Ask of me, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance and your possession to the ends of the earth.

postula a me Ask of Me

et dabo tibi gentes hereditatem tuam and I will give you the nations as your inheritance

et possessionem tuam terminos terrae and the ends of the earth as your possession

Line nine

reges eos in virga ferrea tamquam vas figuli confringes eos

You will break the kings with an iron rod, like a potter’s vessel, you will shatter them.

reges eos in virga ferrea You will rule them with a rod of iron

tamquam vas figuli confringes eos and shatter them like a potter’s vessel

Line ten

et nunc reges intellegite erudimini qui iudicatis terram

And now, O kings, understand; be instructed, you who judge the earth.

et nunc reges intellegite And now, kings, understand

erudimini qui iudicatis terram Be instructed, you who judge the earth

Line eleven

servite Domino in timore et exultate ei in tremore

Serve the Lord in fear and exult to him in trembling.

servite Domino in timore Serve the Lord with fear

et exultate ei in tremore and rejoice with trembling

Line twelve

adprehendite disciplinam nequando irascatur Dominus et pereatis de via iusta

Take hold of discipline lest the Lord becomes angry and you perish from the just way.

adprehendite disciplinam Take hold of discipline

nequando irascatur Dominus lest the Lord become angry

et pereatis de via iusta and you perish from the righteous path

Line thirteen

cum exarserit in brevi ira eius beati omnes qui confidunt in eo

When his anger flares up in a short time, blessed are all who trust in him.

cum exarserit in brevi ira eius when His wrath is quickly kindled

beati omnes qui confidunt in eo Blessed are all who trust in Him

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Latin

PSALMUS David quare fremuerunt gentes et populi meditati sunt inania

adstiterunt reges terrae et principes convenerunt in unum adversus Dominum et adversus christum eius diapsalma

disrumpamus vincula eorum et proiciamus a nobis iugum ipsorum

qui habitat in caelis inridebit eos et Dominus subsannabit eos

tunc loquetur ad eos in ira sua et in furore suo conturbabit eos

ego autem constitutus sum rex ab eo super Sion montem sanctum eius praedicans praeceptum eius

Dominus dixit ad me filius meus es tu ego hodie genui te

postula a me et dabo tibi gentes hereditatem tuam et possessionem tuam terminos terrae

reges eos in virga ferrea tamquam vas figuli confringes eos

et nunc reges intellegite erudimini qui iudicatis terram

servite Domino in timore et exultate ei in tremore

adprehendite disciplinam nequando irascatur Dominus et pereatis de via iusta

cum exarserit in brevi ira eius beati omnes qui confidunt in eo

Verse 1

PSALMUS David quare fremuerunt gentes et populi meditati sunt inania

A psalm of David: Why did the nations rage and the peoples devise vain things?

PSALMUS — noun: psalm

David — noun: David

quare — adverb: why

fremuerunt — verb: rage

gentes — noun: nations

et — conjunction: and

populi — noun: peoples

meditati — verb: devise

sunt — verb: be

inania — adjective: vain

Verse 2

adstiterunt reges terrae et principes convenerunt in unum adversus Dominum et adversus christum eius diapsalma

The kings of the earth stood by, and the princes gathered together as one against the Lord and against His anointed. Diapsalma.

adstiterunt — verb: stand by

reges — noun: king

terrae — noun: earth

et — conjunction: and

principes — noun: prince

convenerunt — verb: gather together

in — preposition: in

unum — adjective: one

adversus — preposition: against

Dominum — noun: Lord

et — conjunction: and

adversus — preposition: against

christum — noun: anointed

eius — pronoun: his

diapsalma: a musical interlude, or cue for reflection

Verse 3

disrumpamus vincula eorum et proiciamus a nobis iugum ipsorum

Let us break their chains and throw off their yoke from us.

disrumpamus — verb: break apart

vincula — noun: chain

eorum — pronoun: their

et — conjunction: and

proiciamus — verb: cast away

a — preposition: from

nobis — pronoun: us

iugum — noun: yoke

ipsorum — pronoun: their

Verse 4

qui habitat in caelis inridebit eos et Dominus subsannabit eos

He who dwells in the heavens will laugh at them, and the Lord will mock them.

qui — pronoun: who

habitat — verb: dwell

in — preposition: in

caelis — noun: heaven

inridebit — verb: laugh at

eos — pronoun: them

et — conjunction: and

Dominus — noun: Lord

subsannabit — verb: mock

eos — pronoun: them

Verse 5

tunc loquetur ad eos in ira sua et in furore suo conturbabit eos

Then he will speak to them in his anger, and in his fury he will trouble them.

tunc — adverb: then

loquetur — verb: speak

ad — preposition: to

eos — pronoun: them

in — preposition: in

ira — noun: anger

sua — adjective: his

et — conjunction: and

in — preposition: in

furore — noun: fury

suo — adjective: his

conturbabit — verb: trouble

eos — pronoun: them

Verse 6

ego autem constitutus sum rex ab eo super Sion montem sanctum eius praedicans praeceptum eius

I, however, have been appointed king by him over Zion, his holy mountain, proclaiming his command.

ego — pronoun: I

autem — adverb: however

constitutus — verb: appoint

sum — verb: am

rex — noun: king

ab — preposition: by

eo — pronoun: him

super — preposition: over

Sion — noun: Zion

montem — noun: mountain

sanctum — adjective: holy

eius — pronoun: his

praedicans — participle: proclaiming

praeceptum — noun: command

eius — pronoun: his

Verse 7

Dominus dixit ad me filius meus es tu ego hodie genui te

The Lord said to me, ‘You are my son; today I have begotten you.’

Dominus — noun: lord

dixit — verb: say

ad — preposition: to

me — pronoun: me

filius — noun: son

meus — adjective: my

es — verb: are

tu — pronoun: you

ego — pronoun: I

hodie — adverb: today

genui — verb: beget

te — pronoun: you

Verse 8

postula a me et dabo tibi gentes hereditatem tuam et possessionem tuam terminos terrae

Ask of me, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance and your possession to the ends of the earth.

postula — verb: ask

a — preposition: from

me — pronoun: me

et — conjunction: and

dabo — verb: give

tibi — pronoun: you

gentes — noun: nations

hereditatem — noun: inheritance

tuam — adjective: your

et — conjunction: and

possessionem — noun: possession

tuam — adjective: your

terminos — noun: ends

terrae — noun: earth

Verse 9

reges eos in virga ferrea tamquam vas figuli confringes eos

You will break the kings with an iron rod, like a potter’s vessel, you will shatter them.

reges — noun: king

eos — pronoun: them

in — preposition: in

virga — noun: rod

ferrea — adjective: iron

tamquam — conjunction: like

vas — noun: vessel

figuli — noun: potter

confringes — verb: break

eos — pronoun: them

Verse 10

et nunc reges intellegite erudimini qui iudicatis terram

And now, O kings, understand; be instructed, you who judge the earth.

et — conjunction: and

nunc — adverb: now

reges — noun: king

intellegite — verb: understand

erudimini — verb: instruct

qui — pronoun: who

iudicatis — verb: judge

terram — noun: earth

Verse 11

servite Domino in timore et exultate ei in tremore

Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice before Him with trembling.

servite — verb: serve

Domino — noun: Lord

in — preposition: in

timore — noun: fear

et — conjunction: and

exultate — verb: exult

ei — pronoun: him

in — preposition: in

tremore — noun: trembling

Verse 12

adprehendite disciplinam nequando irascatur Dominus et pereatis de via iusta

Take hold of discipline lest the Lord becomes angry and you perish from the just way.

adprehendite — verb: take hold of

disciplinam — noun: discipline

nequando — adverb: lest at any time

irascatur — verb: become angry

Dominus — noun: Lord

et — conjunction: and

pereatis — verb: perish

de — preposition: from

via — noun: way

iusta — adjective: just

Verse 13

cum exarserit in brevi ira eius beati omnes qui confidunt in eo

When his anger flares up in a short time, blessed are all who trust in him.

cum — conjunction: when

exarserit — verb: flare up

in — preposition: in

brevi — adjective: short

ira — noun: anger

eius — pronoun: his

beati — adjective: blessed

omnes — adjective: all

qui: a relative pronoun that means “who

confidunt — verb: trust

in — preposition: in

eo — pronoun: him

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