Agnus Dei

Agnus Dei
RELATED TOPICS	Lamb of God
SERMONS, ESSAYS AND OPINIONS
CONTENTS

"Agnus Dei" is a Latin term meaning Lamb of God. It is figurative language that is used to refer to Jesus in his role of the perfect sacrificial offering that atones for the sins of humanity. Agnus Dei is used to refer to several things related to this imagery.

Liturgy

In Roman Catholicism "the Agnus Dei" refers to singing or reciting "Lamb of God you take away the sins of the world; have mercy on us" during the fraction (breaking of the bread in Communion). These words are based upon John the Baptist's reference in John 1:29 to Jesus.

Latin words

Agnus Dei, qui tolis peccata mundi, misere nobis.

Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, misere nobis.

Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, dona nobis pacem.

English words

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world; have mercy on us.

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world: have mercy on us.

Lamb of God you take away the sins of the world: grant us peace.

Links

• Wikipedia - Agnus Dei

---

Return to Christianity -> Church -> Church service -> Liturgy