Nova et vetera
“Things new and old.”
Vulgate, Matthew 13:52
What does “Nova et vetera” mean?
Nova et vetera translates as “Things new and old.”
Wise people value both tradition and new ideas, drawing on each as needed. The phrase supports a balanced approach to change.
“Nova et vetera” word by word
| Latin | English | Grammar |
|---|---|---|
| Nova | new things | neuter plural (nominative or accusative) of the adjective novus, “new”, used as a noun: “new things” |
| et | and | conjunction (“and”), joining the two adjectives |
| vetera | old things | neuter plural (nominative or accusative) of the adjective vetus, “old”, used as a noun: “old things” |
How to pronounce “Nova et vetera”
The only difference is v: classical w, church v. Stress falls on the first syllable of nova and on the first syllable of vetera (VE-te-ra).
The story behind it
Word for word the phrase says “new things and old things”. Latin often turns an adjective into a noun by putting it in the neuter plural, which is why no separate word for “things” is needed.
It comes from the Vulgate, the Latin Bible translated largely by Jerome around AD 400. In Matthew 13:52 Jesus describes a scribe trained for the kingdom of heaven as a householder who brings out of his treasure “nova et vetera”, new things and old.
In the Latin the line reads “profert de thesauro suo nova et vetera”. Today the short form is used as a motto by schools, libraries and Church institutions, and for anything that blends tradition with fresh ideas.
How to use “Nova et vetera”
Works well as the name or motto of an antiques and design shop, a library or museum exhibition, a school, or a restoration project. It also suits a tattoo or an essay about balancing tradition and innovation.
- Latin
- Nova et vetera
- English
- Things new and old.
- Source
- Vulgate, Matthew 13:52
- Era
- Church Latin
- Theme
- Wisdom
Common mistakes
- The Latin order is nova et vetera, “new and old”. Reversing it to vetera et nova changes the emphasis, though the biblical wording is nova et vetera.
- Both words are neuter plural and mean “new things” and “old things”. Do not use the singular novum et vetus for the same sense.
- It is not a classical Roman saying. It comes from the Latin Bible, not from Cicero or Virgil.
Questions about “Nova et vetera”
What does “Nova et vetera” mean literally?
“New things and old things”. Both adjectives are neuter plural and used as nouns.
Where does “Nova et vetera” come from?
From the Vulgate translation of Matthew 13:52, where a teacher of the kingdom brings out new and old things from his treasure.
How do you pronounce “Nova et vetera”?
Classical: NOH-wah et WEH-teh-rah. Church Latin: NOH-vah et VEH-teh-rah. Stress the first syllable of nova and of vetera.
Is “Nova et vetera” correct Latin for a tattoo or shop sign?
Yes. It is grammatically sound and is the wording of the Vulgate, so it is a safe choice.
More to explore
Translation and grammar checked by Latin Quoter · last reviewed November 2026
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