Latin quote · Faith

Solus Christus

“Christ alone.”

Protestant Reformation

Translation

What does “Solus Christus” mean?

Solus Christus translates as “Christ alone.”

The belief that Christ is the only mediator between God and humanity.

Word by word

“Solus Christus” word by word

Latin	English	Grammar
Solus	alone, only	nominative singular masculine of solus, “alone, only”; agrees with Christus and describes him
Christus	Christ	nominative singular masculine of Christus, “Christ”; the subject of the phrase

Pronunciation

How to pronounce “Solus Christus”

Classical LatinSOH-loos KHRIS-toos

Church LatinSOH-loos KREES-toos

The main difference is in Christus. Classical Latin gives ch the sound of k plus a breath (as in Greek-derived words), while Church Latin says a plain k and a long ee in the first syllable of Christus. Stress falls on the first syllable of solus and on the first syllable of Christus in both.

Origin & context

The story behind it

Word for word the phrase is just two words, “alone Christ”, with no verb. It is a slogan, and English renders it as “Christ alone”.

It is one of the five solas of the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century, a set of short Latin formulas that sum up the main Reformation claims. The others are sola scriptura, sola fide, sola gratia and soli Deo gloria.

The solas were gathered and named as a group mostly in later centuries, so the set as a whole is a retrospective summary rather than a single declaration by the early Reformers. Solus Christus states that Christ is the only mediator between God and humanity.

When to use it

How to use “Solus Christus”

It suits a church banner, a confirmation or baptism card, a tattoo, a bookmark or a desk motto for someone who wants a short statement of Protestant faith. It also fits an essay or talk on the Reformation.

Latin: Solus Christus
English: Christ alone.
Source: Protestant Reformation
Era: Early Modern
Theme: Faith

Good to know

Common mistakes

It is part of a set of five. Do not present it as the only sola; the others are sola scriptura, sola fide, sola gratia and soli Deo gloria.
The ending changes with the case. Solus Christus is the nominative form; the form solo Christo means “by Christ alone” (ablative), as in the variant mentioned in the backstory.
Do not mix up solus (“alone, only”, an adjective) with sola. Sola is the feminine form, used in sola fide and sola gratia because fides and gratia are feminine.

FAQ

Questions about “Solus Christus”

What does “Solus Christus” mean literally?

Literally “alone Christ”, which means “Christ alone”. Solus is an adjective meaning “alone, only” and describes Christus.

Where does “Solus Christus” come from?

It is one of the five solas of the Protestant Reformation, a set of Latin slogans summarising Reformation teaching. The set was named as a group later.

How do you pronounce “Solus Christus”?

Classically it is SOH-loos KHRIS-toos. In Church Latin it is SOH-loos KREES-toos. Both stress the first syllable of each word.

Is “Solus Christus” correct Latin for a tattoo?

Yes, it is correct Latin. Solus agrees with Christus in case, number and gender. For “by Christ alone” the correct form is the ablative “solo Christo”.

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