Bono malum superate
“Overcome evil with good.”
After the Vulgate Bible, Romans 12:21
What does “Bono malum superate” mean?
Bono malum superate translates as “Overcome evil with good.”
Answer harm with goodness instead of revenge.
“Bono malum superate” word by word
| Latin | English | Grammar |
|---|---|---|
| Bono | with good | ablative singular neuter of bonus, “good”, used as a noun (“the good”); the ablative here means “by means of” |
| malum | evil | accusative singular neuter of malus, “bad”, used as a noun (“evil”); the direct object of superate |
| superate | overcome! | command (imperative) of supero, “to overcome, defeat”; plural, so addressed to a group |
How to pronounce “Bono malum superate”
Both pronunciations sound the same here, since there is no c, g, v or ae to change. Stress the first syllable of bono and malum, and the third from the end of superate (the a is long).
The story behind it
Word for word the line says “by good, evil, overcome (you all)”. The Latin word order puts the good first, which puts the emphasis on it.
It is based on Romans 12:21, where Paul writes to the Christians of Rome: do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. The Vulgate, Jerome’s Latin Bible from the late fourth century, renders it as “noli vinci a malo, sed vince in bono malum”.
The form given here is a shortened, adapted motto, not the exact Vulgate wording. It is used as a creed or motto, and the idea of answering harm with goodness appears throughout Christian teaching on forgiveness and nonviolence.
How to use “Bono malum superate”
It suits a tattoo, a personal motto or a card for someone facing conflict or injustice who wants to respond with kindness rather than revenge. It also fits a sermon, a speech on forgiveness or an essay on nonviolence.
- Latin
- Bono malum superate
- English
- Overcome evil with good.
- Source
- After the Vulgate Bible, Romans 12:21
- Era
- Late Antiquity
- Theme
- Faith
Common mistakes
- The Vulgate verse reads “vince in bono malum” (“overcome evil with good”). “Bono malum superate” is an adapted motto, so do not present it as the exact Bible text.
- Superate is a plural command. Addressing one person, use the singular supera: “Bono malum supera”.
- Malum here means “evil” in general. It does not mean “apple”, which is mālum with a long a (the word for the fruit is spelled the same without macrons).
- Bono is ablative (“with good”), not the subject. The line does not say that good overcomes evil on its own, it tells you to do it.
Questions about “Bono malum superate”
What does “Bono malum superate” mean literally?
“Overcome evil with good”, with superate a plural command, so it is said to several people. Word for word: by good, evil, overcome.
Is “Bono malum superate” from the Bible?
It is based on Romans 12:21, but it is a motto adapted from that verse. The Vulgate itself reads “vince in bono malum”.
How do you pronounce “Bono malum superate”?
Say it BOH-noh MAH-loom soo-peh-RAH-teh. Classical and Church Latin sound the same for this phrase.
Is “Bono malum superate” correct Latin for a tattoo?
Yes, the grammar is sound. It addresses a group, so for a tattoo meant for yourself you might prefer the singular “Bono malum supera”, or the Vulgate wording “Vince in bono malum”.
More to explore
Translation and grammar checked by Latin Quoter · last reviewed November 2026
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