← Latinum Institute Ecclesiastical Latin Reading Course
108.1 Christus Christ dīcit says "Quī "Who mē me sequī to follow vult wishes abneget let him deny sēmetipsum" himself"
108.2 Discipulī The disciples statim immediately relictīs having left rētibus nets secūtī followed sunt are Dominum the Lord
108.3 Turba The crowd magna great sequēbātur was following Iēsum Jesus ā from Galilaeā Galilee
108.4 Nōlīte Do not sequī follow falsōs false prophētās prophets monuit warned apostolus the apostle
108.5 Ovēs Sheep meae my vōcem voice meam my audiunt hear et and mē me sequuntur follow
108.6 Petrus Peter dīxit said "Domine "Lord tē you sequar I will follow quōcumque wherever īeris" you will go"
108.7 Multī Many sanctī saints exemplum example Chrīstī of Christ secūtī having followed sunt are
108.8 Sequere Follow mē me et and relinque leave mortuōs the dead sepelīre to bury mortuōs the dead suōs their
108.9 Monachī The monks rēgulam rule sanctī of saint Benedictī Benedict sequuntur follow fīdēliter faithfully
108.10 Pāstor The shepherd bonus good praecedit goes before et and ovēs sheep eum him sequuntur follow
108.11 Quī Who nōn not sequitur follows mē me contrā against mē me est is
108.12 Marīa Mary Magdalēna Magdalene et and aliae other mulierēs women Iēsum Jesus secūtae having followed sunt are usque all the way ad to crucem the cross
108.13 Viam The way mandātōrum of commandments tuōrum your sequor I follow Domine Lord
108.14 Angeli Angels Deum God sequentēs following laudant praise eum him sine without cessātiōne ceasing
108.15 Fīliī Sons Isrāēl of Israel columnam pillar nūbis of cloud secūtī having followed sunt are per through dēsertum the desert
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108.1 Christus dīcit: "Quī mē sequī vult, abneget sēmetipsum." Christ says: "Whoever wishes to follow me, let him deny himself."
108.2 Discipulī statim, relictīs rētibus, Dominum secūtī sunt. The disciples immediately, having left their nets, followed the Lord.
108.3 Turba magna Iēsum ā Galilaeā sequēbātur. A great crowd was following Jesus from Galilee.
108.4 Apostolus monuit: "Nōlīte sequī falsōs prophētās." The apostle warned: "Do not follow false prophets."
108.5 Ovēs meae vōcem meam audiunt et mē sequuntur. My sheep hear my voice and follow me.
108.6 Petrus dīxit: "Domine, tē sequar quōcumque īeris." Peter said: "Lord, I will follow you wherever you go."
108.7 Multī sanctī exemplum Chrīstī secūtī sunt. Many saints have followed the example of Christ.
108.8 "Sequere mē et relinque mortuōs sepelīre mortuōs suōs." "Follow me and let the dead bury their own dead."
108.9 Monachī rēgulam sanctī Benedictī fīdēliter sequuntur. The monks faithfully follow the rule of Saint Benedict.
108.10 Pāstor bonus praecedit et ovēs eum sequuntur. The good shepherd goes ahead and the sheep follow him.
108.11 Quī nōn sequitur mē, contrā mē est. He who does not follow me is against me.
108.12 Marīa Magdalēna et aliae mulierēs Iēsum usque ad crucem secūtae sunt. Mary Magdalene and other women followed Jesus all the way to the cross.
108.13 Viam mandātōrum tuōrum sequor, Domine. I follow the way of your commandments, Lord.
108.14 Angeli, Deum sequentēs, eum sine cessātiōne laudant. The angels, following God, praise him without ceasing.
108.15 Fīliī Isrāēl columnam nūbis per dēsertum secūtī sunt. The sons of Israel followed the pillar of cloud through the desert.
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108.1 Christus dīcit: "Quī mē sequī vult, abneget sēmetipsum."
108.2 Discipulī statim, relictīs rētibus, Dominum secūtī sunt.
108.3 Turba magna Iēsum ā Galilaeā sequēbātur.
108.4 Apostolus monuit: "Nōlīte sequī falsōs prophētās."
108.5 Ovēs meae vōcem meam audiunt et mē sequuntur.
108.6 Petrus dīxit: "Domine, tē sequar quōcumque īeris."
108.7 Multī sanctī exemplum Chrīstī secūtī sunt.
108.8 "Sequere mē et relinque mortuōs sepelīre mortuōs suōs."
108.9 Monachī rēgulam sanctī Benedictī fīdēliter sequuntur.
108.10 Pāstor bonus praecedit et ovēs eum sequuntur.
108.11 Quī nōn sequitur mē, contrā mē est.
108.12 Marīa Magdalēna et aliae mulierēs Iēsum usque ad crucem secūtae sunt.
108.13 Viam mandātōrum tuōrum sequor, Domine.
108.14 Angeli, Deum sequentēs, eum sine cessātiōne laudant.
108.15 Fīliī Isrāēl columnam nūbis per dēsertum secūtī sunt.
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For English speakers learning Latin, sequor is a deponent verb, which means it has passive forms but active meanings. Here are the key points: -
Principal Parts: sequor, sequī, secūtus sum -
sequor = I follow (present) -
sequī = to follow (infinitive) -
secūtus sum = I have followed (perfect) -
Conjugation Pattern (3rd conjugation deponent): -
Present: sequor, sequeris, sequitur, sequimur, sequiminī, sequuntur -
Imperfect: sequēbar, sequēbāris, sequēbātur, etc. -
Future: sequar, sequēris, sequētur, etc. -
Perfect: secūtus sum, secūtus es, secūtus est, etc. -
Common Forms in Our Examples: -
sequor (I follow) - 1st person singular present -
sequitur (he/she follows) - 3rd person singular present -
sequuntur (they follow) - 3rd person plural present -
sequēbātur (was following) - 3rd person singular imperfect -
sequar (I will follow) - 1st person singular future -
sequī (to follow) - present infinitive -
sequere (follow!) - imperative singular -
secūtus/secūta/secūtī/secūtae (having followed) - perfect participle -
Construction with Direct Object: Unlike English "follow," Latin sequor takes a direct object in the accusative case: -
mē sequuntur = they follow me (not "they follow to me") -
Iēsum sequēbātur = was following Jesus -
Perfect Participle Usage: The perfect participle (secūtus, -a, -um) agrees with the subject: -
discipulī secūtī sunt = the disciples (masculine) followed -
mulierēs secūtae sunt = the women (feminine) followed
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For English speakers studying ecclesiastical Latin, understanding "sequor" requires appreciating its profound theological significance in Christian tradition: -
Discipleship: The concept of "following" Christ is central to Christian identity. When Jesus called his disciples with "Sequere mē" (Follow me), he wasn't just asking for physical accompaniment but total life commitment. -
Monastic Tradition: The verb appears frequently in monastic rules. Monks "follow" (sequuntur) a rule of life, understanding spiritual life as a journey of following Christ's example through structured community living. -
Biblical Imagery: The shepherd-sheep metaphor (pastor-ovēs) was especially meaningful in ancient pastoral societies. Christ as the Good Shepherd (Pāstor Bonus) who leads and whose sheep follow him resonated deeply with both Jewish and Gentile converts. -
Liturgical Usage: In the Mass and Divine Office, "sequor" appears in prayers and psalms. The faithful are repeatedly called to "follow" God's commandments (sequī mandāta). -
Saints and Martyrs: The tradition of following Christ "usque ad crucem" (even to the cross) inspired countless martyrs. Saints are those who "followed" (secūtī sunt) Christ's example most perfectly. -
Contrast with English: While English "follow" can be casual, Latin "sequor" in Christian texts almost always implies serious spiritual commitment, often involving sacrifice and transformation.
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From the Vulgate Bible, Gospel of Matthew 16:24:
"Tunc Iēsus dīxit discipulīs suīs: Sī quis vult post mē venīre, abneget sēmetipsum, et tollat crucem suam, et sequātur mē."
Part F-A (Interleaved Text)
Tunc Then Iēsus Jesus dīxit said discipulīs to disciples suīs his: Sī If quis anyone vult wishes post after mē me venīre to come, abneget let him deny sēmetipsum himself, et and tollat let him take up crucem cross suam his, et and sequātur let him follow mē me.
Tunc Iēsus dīxit discipulīs suīs: Sī quis vult post mē venīre, abneget sēmetipsum, et tollat crucem suam, et sequātur mē.
Then Jesus said to his disciples: If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
Tunc Iēsus dīxit discipulīs suīs: Sī quis vult post mē venīre, abneget sēmetipsum, et tollat crucem suam, et sequātur mē.
This passage demonstrates several important grammatical features: -
Conditional Construction: "Sī quis vult" (if anyone wishes) introduces a present general condition. -
Jussive Subjunctives: Three commands in the subjunctive mood: -
abneget (let him deny) - 3rd person singular present subjunctive -
tollat (let him take up) - 3rd person singular present subjunctive -
sequātur (let him follow) - 3rd person singular present subjunctive of our deponent verb -
Reflexive Pronoun: "sēmetipsum" is an emphatic form of the reflexive (himself), showing the personal nature of self-denial. -
Word Order: Notice how "post mē venīre" (to come after me) precedes the main conditions, emphasizing the initial desire before the requirements. -
Deponent Subjunctive: "sequātur" shows how deponent verbs form subjunctives with passive endings but active meaning.
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108.16 Abbas The abbot omnēs all frātrēs brothers convocāns calling together dīcit says "Rēgulam "The rule nostram our sequī to follow dēbēmus we must cum with humilitāte" humility"
108.17 Noviciī The novices veterēs older monachōs monks sequentēs following discunt learn vītam life monasticam monastic vīvere to live
108.18 Quī Who abbātem the abbot nōn not sequitur follows in in rēbus matters licitis lawful peccāre to sin vidētur seems
108.19 Horae The hours canonicae canonical ordinem order strictum strict sequuntur follow ā from mātūtīnīs matins usque until ad to complētōrium compline
108.20 Monachī The monks silentium silence sequentēs following in in claustro cloister ambulant walk meditantēs meditating scriptūrās scriptures sacrās sacred
108.21 Benedictus Benedict dīcit says "Ausculta "Listen, fīlī son, et and sequere follow praecepta precepts magistrī of the master tuī" your"
108.22 Frātrēs The brothers lectōrem the reader hebdomadārium weekly sequentēs following in in refectōriō refectory audiunt hear verbum word Deī of God
108.23 Cellārārius The cellarer mandāta commands abbātis of the abbot sequēns following distribuit distributes necessāria necessities frātribus to the brothers aequāliter equally
108.24 Hospitēs Guests recipiendī to be received sunt are ac as sī if Christum Christ sequī to follow vellent they wished in in monastērium the monastery
108.25 Iuvenes Young monachī monks seniōrēs elders sequī to follow dēbent must in in omnibus all things quae which ad to disciplīnam discipline pertinent pertain
108.26 Infirmī The sick nōn not possunt are able sequī to follow omnia all ieiunia fasts sed but dispensātiōnem dispensation recipiunt receive
108.27 Prior The prior vestigia footsteps abbātis of the abbot sequēns following gubernat governs monastērium the monastery eō him absente being absent
108.28 Cantor The cantor melodiam melody gregoriānam Gregorian sequentēs following frātrēs the brothers dūcit leads in in psalmōdiā psalmody
108.29 Quīcumque Whoever vult wishes Deum God vērē truly sequī to follow renuntiet let him renounce propriae own voluntātī will suae his
108.30 Portārius The doorkeeper monastēriī of the monastery sequitur follows officium duty suum his custōdiēns guarding portam the gate diē by day ac and nocte night
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108.16 Abbas, omnēs frātrēs convocāns, dīcit: "Rēgulam nostram cum humilitāte sequī dēbēmus." The abbot, calling all the brothers together, says: "We must follow our rule with humility."
108.17 Noviciī, veterēs monachōs sequentēs, vītam monasticam vīvere discunt. The novices, following the older monks, learn to live the monastic life.
108.18 Quī abbātem in rēbus licitis nōn sequitur, peccāre vidētur. He who does not follow the abbot in lawful matters seems to sin.
108.19 Horae canonicae ordinem strictum ā mātūtīnīs usque ad complētōrium sequuntur. The canonical hours follow a strict order from matins until compline.
108.20 Monachī, silentium sequentēs, in claustro meditantēs scriptūrās sacrās ambulant. The monks, following silence, walk in the cloister meditating on sacred scriptures.
108.21 Benedictus dīcit: "Ausculta, fīlī, et sequere praecepta magistrī tuī." Benedict says: "Listen, son, and follow the precepts of your master."
108.22 Frātrēs, lectōrem hebdomadārium sequentēs, in refectōriō verbum Deī audiunt. The brothers, following the weekly reader, hear the word of God in the refectory.
108.23 Cellārārius, mandāta abbātis sequēns, necessāria frātribus aequāliter distribuit. The cellarer, following the abbot's commands, distributes necessities equally to the brothers.
108.24 Hospitēs recipiendī sunt ac sī Christum in monastērium sequī vellent. Guests are to be received as if they wished to follow Christ into the monastery.
108.25 Iuvenes monachī seniōrēs in omnibus quae ad disciplīnam pertinent sequī dēbent. Young monks must follow the elders in all things which pertain to discipline.
108.26 Infirmī omnia ieiunia sequī nōn possunt, sed dispensātiōnem recipiunt. The sick cannot follow all the fasts, but receive a dispensation.
108.27 Prior, vestigia abbātis sequēns, monastērium eō absente gubernat. The prior, following in the abbot's footsteps, governs the monastery in his absence.
108.28 Cantor frātrēs, melodiam gregoriānam sequentēs, in psalmōdiā dūcit. The cantor leads the brothers, following Gregorian melody, in psalmody.
108.29 Quīcumque Deum vērē sequī vult, propriae voluntātī suae renuntiet. Whoever truly wishes to follow God, let him renounce his own will.
108.30 Portārius monastēriī officium suum sequitur, portam diē ac nocte custōdiēns. The doorkeeper of the monastery follows his duty, guarding the gate day and night.
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108.16 Abbas, omnēs frātrēs convocāns, dīcit: "Rēgulam nostram cum humilitāte sequī dēbēmus."
108.17 Noviciī, veterēs monachōs sequentēs, vītam monasticam vīvere discunt.
108.18 Quī abbātem in rēbus licitis nōn sequitur, peccāre vidētur.
108.19 Horae canonicae ordinem strictum ā mātūtīnīs usque ad complētōrium sequuntur.
108.20 Monachī, silentium sequentēs, in claustro meditantēs scriptūrās sacrās ambulant.
108.21 Benedictus dīcit: "Ausculta, fīlī, et sequere praecepta magistrī tuī."
108.22 Frātrēs, lectōrem hebdomadārium sequentēs, in refectōriō verbum Deī audiunt.
108.23 Cellārārius, mandāta abbātis sequēns, necessāria frātribus aequāliter distribuit.
108.24 Hospitēs recipiendī sunt ac sī Christum in monastērium sequī vellent.
108.25 Iuvenes monachī seniōrēs in omnibus quae ad disciplīnam pertinent sequī dēbent.
108.26 Infirmī omnia ieiunia sequī nōn possunt, sed dispensātiōnem recipiunt.
108.27 Prior, vestigia abbātis sequēns, monastērium eō absente gubernat.
108.28 Cantor frātrēs, melodiam gregoriānam sequentēs, in psalmōdiā dūcit.
108.29 Quīcumque Deum vērē sequī vult, propriae voluntātī suae renuntiet.
108.30 Portārius monastēriī officium suum sequitur, portam diē ac nocte custōdiēns.
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This monastic genre section demonstrates advanced uses of "sequor" in ecclesiastical contexts: -
Gerundive Construction (108.24): -
"Hospitēs recipiendī sunt" = "Guests are to be received" -
Shows passive periphrastic (obligation) -
Present Participle (108.16, 108.17, 108.20, 108.22, 108.23, 108.27, 108.28): -
"sequentēs" = "following" (active meaning despite deponent nature) -
Used to show simultaneous action -
Examples: "silentium sequentēs" (following silence), "veterēs monachōs sequentēs" (following older monks) -
Infinitive with Modal Verbs: -
"sequī dēbēmus" (we must follow) - 108.16 -
"sequī dēbent" (they must follow) - 108.25 -
"sequī vult" (wishes to follow) - 108.29 -
"sequī vellent" (they wished to follow) - 108.24 -
Ablative Absolute (108.27): -
"eō absente" = "with him being absent" / "in his absence" -
Shows circumstance -
Relative Clauses (108.25): -
"quae ad disciplīnam pertinent" = "which pertain to discipline" -
Demonstrates how Latin uses relatives where English might use different constructions -
Subjunctive Moods: -
Jussive: "renuntiet" (let him renounce) - 108.29 -
Optative in conditional: "vellent" (they wished) - 108.24 -
Monastic Technical Vocabulary: -
abbas (abbot), prior (prior), cellārārius (cellarer) -
horae canonicae (canonical hours), mātūtīnae (matins), complētōrium (compline) -
claustrum (cloister), refectōrium (refectory) -
Word Order for Emphasis: -
Notice how "sequor" and its forms appear in various positions to create different emphases -
Initial position emphasizes the action of following -
Final position emphasizes what is being followed
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