Latin quote · Faith

In nomine Domini

“In the name of the Lord.”

Latin liturgy; papal bull of 1059

Translation

What does “In nomine Domini” mean?

In nomine Domini translates as “In the name of the Lord.”

Doing something in God’s name, under his blessing.

Word by word

“In nomine Domini” word by word

Latin	English	Grammar
In	in, on, by	preposition taking the ablative here, meaning “in” or “by the authority of”
nomine	name	ablative singular of nomen, “name” (neuter, third declension); governed by in
Domini	of the Lord	genitive singular of dominus, “lord, master” (masculine, second declension); the genitive shows whose name

Pronunciation

How to pronounce “In nomine Domini”

Classical Latinin NOH-mih-neh DOH-mih-nee

Church Latinin NOH-mee-neh DOH-mee-nee

The two differ only slightly: Classical gives the short Latin i a crisp “ih” sound, while Church Latin makes it a clear “ee”. The stress falls on the first syllable of nomine and of Domini in both.

Origin & context

The story behind it

Word for word the phrase says “in the name of the Lord”. It is a formula, not a full sentence, and it is meant to be followed by an action: something is done, said or begun under the Lord’s authority.

The words come from Christian worship. They appear in the Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord”, which is sung in the Mass. The line itself echoes Psalm 118.

The phrase also opens the 1059 decree of Pope Nicholas II on papal elections, a Middle Ages document that set new rules for choosing a pope. Today it survives as a blessing formula and as the motto of Trinity College, Perth.

When to use it

How to use “In nomine Domini”

It suits a church or school motto, a blessing on a card, a dedication at the start of a speech or document, or a tattoo for someone who wants a short statement of faith. Remember that it expresses acting with divine authority, so it fits solemn rather than casual settings.

Latin: In nomine Domini
English: In the name of the Lord.
Source: Latin liturgy; papal bull of 1059
Era: Middle Ages
Theme: Faith

Good to know

Common mistakes

It is not a full sentence. It needs an action to go with it, as in “Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini”.
Do not swap Domini for another ending. Domino or Dominum would change the grammar and the meaning.
Domini means “of the Lord”, not “of God” in the sense of Deus. Dominus is the title “Lord”.
In older texts the phrase can be written “In nomine Domini” with a capital D, because Dominus there names God.

FAQ

Questions about “In nomine Domini”

What does “In nomine Domini” mean literally?

“In the name of the Lord.” In means “in” or “by”, nomine is “name” and Domini is “of the Lord”.

Where does “In nomine Domini” come from?

It is a liturgical phrase from Christian worship, found in the Benedictus of the Mass, and it also opens Pope Nicholas II’s 1059 decree on papal elections.

How do you pronounce “In nomine Domini”?

Classical: in NOH-mih-neh DOH-mih-nee. Church Latin: in NOH-mee-neh DOH-mee-nee. Stress the first syllable of nomine and Domini.

Is “In nomine Domini” correct Latin for a tattoo?

Yes. The grammar is correct: in with the ablative nomine, followed by the genitive Domini. Keep the capital D if you mean God.

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