← Latinum Institute Ecclesiastical Latin Reading Course
Welcome to Lesson 169 of the Ecclesiastical Latin Reading Course. This lesson focuses on exspectāre, the Latin verb meaning “to wait,” “to await,” or “to expect.” In the deep well of Catholic tradition, this word carries profound theological weight—from the patient waiting of Advent to the credal affirmation “Et exspecto resurrectionem mortuorum” (And I await the resurrection of the dead).
The verb exspectō, exspectāre, exspectāvī, exspectātum derives from ex- (”out”) combined with spectāre (”to look at”), literally meaning “to look out for.” In Ecclesiastical Latin, it encompasses not merely passive waiting but active, hopeful anticipation—the posture of the Church awaiting her Lord’s return.
Index:
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Frequently Asked Question
What does “exspectāre” mean in Ecclesiastical Latin?
In Ecclesiastical Latin, exspectāre means “to wait for,” “to await,” or “to expect.” It is a first conjugation transitive verb that takes an accusative object. In Catholic liturgy and theology, it expresses hopeful anticipation—particularly the eschatological waiting for Christ’s second coming, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal life. The word appears prominently in the Nicene Creed (”Et exspecto resurrectionem mortuorum”) and throughout Advent liturgical texts (”exspectantes beatam spem”—awaiting the blessed hope).
Key Takeaways -
Exspectāre is a regular first conjugation verb meaning “to wait, await, expect” -
In Catholic usage, it expresses hopeful, patient, eschatological waiting -
The present participle exspectantēs (awaiting) appears frequently in liturgical texts -
Related verbs include sustinēre (to endure/wait patiently) and manēre (to remain) -
The Creed’s “Et exspecto” represents the Church’s fundamental posture of hope
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Ecclesiastical (Church) Latin follows Italianate pronunciation rules: -
C before e, i, ae, oe = /tʃ/ (as in “church”): caelum = /ˈtʃe.lum/ -
G before e, i = /dʒ/ (as in “judge”): genitum = /ˈdʒe.ni.tum/ -
GN = /ɲ/ (as in Italian “gnocchi”): agnus = /ˈa.ɲus/ -
SC before e, i = /ʃ/ (as in “ship”): descendit = /de.ˈʃen.dit/ -
TI before a vowel (not after s, t, x) = /tsi/: grātia = /ˈgra.tsi.a/ -
V = /v/ (not /w/): vīta = /ˈvi.ta/ -
AE and OE = /e/ (as in “bed”): caelī = /ˈtʃe.li/ -
Double consonants are geminated (pronounced twice)
Stress Rule: In words of three or more syllables, stress falls on the penultimate (second-to-last) syllable if it is “heavy” (contains a long vowel or is followed by two consonants); otherwise stress falls on the antepenultimate (third-to-last).
Exspectāre = /eks.pek.ˈta.re/ (stress on long ā)
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Duplex Method: Line (a) provides direct script-to-meaning glossing; Line (b) adds IPA pronunciation guidance. Both lines carry English glosses.
169.1a Fidēles the-faithful-NOM.PL resurrectionem resurrection-ACC exspectant await-3PL.PRES
169.1b Fidēles (/fi.ˈde.les/) the-faithful-NOM.PL resurrectionem (/re.sur.rek.tsi.ˈo.nem/) resurrection-ACC exspectant (/eks.ˈpek.tant/) await-3PL.PRES
169.2a Et and exspecto I-await-1SG.PRES resurrectionem resurrection-ACC mortuōrum of-the-dead-GEN.PL
169.2b Et (/et/) and exspecto (/eks.ˈpek.to/) I-await-1SG.PRES resurrectionem (/re.sur.rek.tsi.ˈo.nem/) resurrection-ACC mortuōrum (/mor.tu.ˈo.rum/) of-the-dead-GEN.PL
169.3a Exspectāmus we-await-1PL.PRES Salvātōrem Savior-ACC Dominum Lord-ACC nostrum our-ACC
169.3b Exspectāmus (/eks.pek.ˈta.mus/) we-await-1PL.PRES Salvātōrem (/sal.va.ˈto.rem/) Savior-ACC Dominum (/ˈdo.mi.num/) Lord-ACC nostrum (/ˈnos.trum/) our-ACC
169.4a Exspectantēs awaiting-NOM.PL.PTCP beatam blessed-ACC spem hope-ACC vīvimus we-live-1PL.PRES
169.4b Exspectantēs (/eks.pek.ˈtan.tes/) awaiting-NOM.PL.PTCP beatam (/be.ˈa.tam/) blessed-ACC spem (/spem/) hope-ACC vīvimus (/ˈvi.vi.mus/) we-live-1PL.PRES
169.5a Sustinuit waited-3SG.PERF anima soul-NOM mea my-NOM in in verbō word-ABL eius his-GEN
169.5b Sustinuit (/sus.ti.ˈnu.it/) waited-3SG.PERF anima (/ˈa.ni.ma/) soul-NOM mea (/ˈme.a/) my-NOM in (/in/) in verbō (/ˈver.bo/) word-ABL eius (/ˈe.jus/) his-GEN
169.6a Patienter patiently-ADV exspectā wait-2SG.IMPV Dominum the-Lord-ACC Deum God-ACC tuum your-ACC
169.6b Patienter (/pa.tsi.ˈen.ter/) patiently-ADV exspectā (/eks.ˈpek.ta/) wait-2SG.IMPV Dominum (/ˈdo.mi.num/) the-Lord-ACC Deum (/ˈde.um/) God-ACC tuum (/ˈtu.um/) your-ACC
169.7a Populus the-people-NOM Deī of-God-GEN adventum coming-ACC Chrīstī of-Christ-GEN exspectābat was-awaiting-3SG.IMPF
169.7b Populus (/ˈpo.pu.lus/) the-people-NOM Deī (/ˈde.i/) of-God-GEN adventum (/ad.ˈven.tum/) coming-ACC Chrīstī (/ˈkris.ti/) of-Christ-GEN exspectābat (/eks.pek.ˈta.bat/) was-awaiting-3SG.IMPF
169.8a Vigilantēs keeping-vigil-NOM.PL.PTCP et and ōrantēs praying-NOM.PL.PTCP exspectēmus let-us-await-1PL.PRES.SUBJ Dominum the-Lord-ACC
169.8b Vigilantēs (/vi.dʒi.ˈlan.tes/) keeping-vigil-NOM.PL.PTCP et (/et/) and ōrantēs (/o.ˈran.tes/) praying-NOM.PL.PTCP exspectēmus (/eks.pek.ˈte.mus/) let-us-await-1PL.PRES.SUBJ Dominum (/ˈdo.mi.num/) the-Lord-ACC
169.9a Prophētae the-prophets-NOM.PL Messīam Messiah-ACC per through saecula ages-ACC.PL exspectāvērunt awaited-3PL.PERF
169.9b Prophētae (/pro.ˈfe.te/) the-prophets-NOM.PL Messīam (/mes.ˈsi.am/) Messiah-ACC per (/per/) through saecula (/ˈse.ku.la/) ages-ACC.PL exspectāvērunt (/eks.pek.ta.ˈve.runt/) awaited-3PL.PERF
169.10a Māne remain-2SG.IMPV nōbīscum with-us Domine Lord-VOC quia because advesperāscit it-grows-evening-3SG.PRES
169.10b Māne (/ˈma.ne/) remain-2SG.IMPV nōbīscum (/no.ˈbis.kum/) with-us Domine (/ˈdo.mi.ne/) Lord-VOC quia (/ˈkwi.a/) because advesperāscit (/ad.ves.pe.ˈra.ʃit/) it-grows-evening-3SG.PRES
169.11a Ecclēsia the-Church-NOM sponsum bridegroom-ACC suum her-ACC cum with gaudiō joy-ABL exspectat awaits-3SG.PRES
169.11b Ecclēsia (/ek.ˈkle.zi.a/) the-Church-NOM sponsum (/ˈspon.sum/) bridegroom-ACC suum (/ˈsu.um/) her-ACC cum (/kum/) with gaudiō (/ˈgau.di.o/) joy-ABL exspectat (/eks.ˈpek.tat/) awaits-3SG.PRES
169.12a Iūstī the-righteous-NOM.PL vītam life-ACC aeternam eternal-ACC exspectant await-3PL.PRES in in fidē faith-ABL
169.12b Iūstī (/ˈjus.ti/) the-righteous-NOM.PL vītam (/ˈvi.tam/) life-ACC aeternam (/e.ˈter.nam/) eternal-ACC exspectant (/eks.ˈpek.tant/) await-3PL.PRES in (/in/) in fidē (/ˈfi.de/) faith-ABL
169.13a Exspectābimus we-shall-await-1PL.FUT dōnec until veniās you-come-2SG.PRES.SUBJ Domine Lord-VOC Iēsū Jesus-VOC
169.13b Exspectābimus (/eks.pek.ˈta.bi.mus/) we-shall-await-1PL.FUT dōnec (/ˈdo.nek/) until veniās (/ˈve.ni.as/) you-come-2SG.PRES.SUBJ Domine (/ˈdo.mi.ne/) Lord-VOC Iēsū (/ˈje.zu/) Jesus-VOC
169.14a Quī who-NOM.PL.REL exspectant await-3PL.PRES Dominum the-Lord-ACC mūtābunt shall-change-3PL.FUT fortitūdinem strength-ACC
169.14b Quī (/kwi/) who-NOM.PL.REL exspectant (/eks.ˈpek.tant/) await-3PL.PRES Dominum (/ˈdo.mi.num/) the-Lord-ACC mūtābunt (/mu.ˈta.bunt/) shall-change-3PL.FUT fortitūdinem (/for.ti.ˈtu.di.nem/) strength-ACC
169.15a A from custōdiā watch-ABL mātūtīnā morning-ABL usque even ad to noctem night-ACC spēret let-hope-3SG.PRES.SUBJ Isrāēl Israel-NOM in in Dominō the-Lord-ABL
169.15b A (/a/) from custōdiā (/kus.ˈto.di.a/) watch-ABL mātūtīnā (/ma.tu.ˈti.na/) morning-ABL usque (/ˈus.kwe/) even ad (/ad/) to noctem (/ˈnok.tem/) night-ACC spēret (/ˈspe.ret/) let-hope-3SG.PRES.SUBJ Isrāēl (/is.ra.ˈel/) Israel-NOM in (/in/) in Dominō (/ˈdo.mi.no/) the-Lord-ABL
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169.1 Fidēles resurrectionem exspectant. “The faithful await the resurrection.”
169.2 Et exspecto resurrectionem mortuōrum. “And I await the resurrection of the dead.”
169.3 Exspectāmus Salvātōrem Dominum nostrum. “We await our Savior and Lord.”
169.4 Exspectantēs beatam spem vīvimus. “Awaiting the blessed hope, we live.”
169.5 Sustinuit anima mea in verbō eius. “My soul waited upon his word.”
169.6 Patienter exspectā Dominum Deum tuum. “Patiently await the Lord your God.”
169.7 Populus Deī adventum Chrīstī exspectābat. “The people of God were awaiting the coming of Christ.”
169.8 Vigilantēs et ōrantēs exspectēmus Dominum. “Keeping vigil and praying, let us await the Lord.”
169.9 Prophētae Messīam per saecula exspectāvērunt. “The prophets awaited the Messiah through the ages.”
169.10 Māne nōbīscum, Domine, quia advesperāscit. “Remain with us, Lord, for evening is coming.”
169.11 Ecclēsia sponsum suum cum gaudiō exspectat. “The Church awaits her bridegroom with joy.”
169.12 Iūstī vītam aeternam exspectant in fidē. “The righteous await eternal life in faith.”
169.13 Exspectābimus dōnec veniās, Domine Iēsū. “We shall await until you come, Lord Jesus.”
169.14 Quī exspectant Dominum mūtābunt fortitūdinem. “Those who await the Lord shall renew their strength.”
169.15 A custōdiā mātūtīnā usque ad noctem spēret Isrāēl in Dominō. “From the morning watch until night, let Israel hope in the Lord.”
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169.1 Fidēles resurrectionem exspectant.
169.2 Et exspecto resurrectionem mortuōrum.
169.3 Exspectāmus Salvātōrem Dominum nostrum.
169.4 Exspectantēs beatam spem vīvimus.
169.5 Sustinuit anima mea in verbō eius.
169.6 Patienter exspectā Dominum Deum tuum.
169.7 Populus Deī adventum Chrīstī exspectābat.
169.8 Vigilantēs et ōrantēs exspectēmus Dominum.
169.9 Prophētae Messīam per saecula exspectāvērunt.
169.10 Māne nōbīscum, Domine, quia advesperāscit.
169.11 Ecclēsia sponsum suum cum gaudiō exspectat.
169.12 Iūstī vītam aeternam exspectant in fidē.
169.13 Exspectābimus dōnec veniās, Domine Iēsū.
169.14 Quī exspectant Dominum mūtābunt fortitūdinem.
169.15 A custōdiā mātūtīnā usque ad noctem spēret Isrāēl in Dominō.
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These are the grammar rules for exspectāre in Ecclesiastical Latin:
EXSPECTŌ, EXSPECTĀRE, EXSPECTĀVĪ, EXSPECTĀTUM — First Conjugation, Transitive Verb
Principal Parts Explained: -
Exspectō — first person singular present indicative active (”I wait”) -
Exspectāre — present active infinitive (”to wait”) -
Exspectāvī — first person singular perfect indicative active (”I waited/have waited”) -
Exspectātum — supine/perfect passive participle stem (”waited/having been waited for”)
Present Tense Conjugation (Active): exspectō (I wait), exspectās (you wait), exspectat (he/she/it waits), exspectāmus (we wait), exspectātis (you all wait), exspectant (they wait)
Imperfect Tense (Active): exspectābam (I was waiting), exspectābās, exspectābat, exspectabāmus, exspectabātis, exspectābant
Future Tense (Active): exspectābō (I shall wait), exspectābis, exspectābit, exspectabimus, exspectabitis, exspectābunt
Perfect Tense (Active): exspectāvī (I waited/have waited), exspectāvistī, exspectāvit, exspectāvimus, exspectāvistis, exspectāvērunt
Present Subjunctive (Active): exspectem (may I wait), exspectēs, exspectet, exspectēmus, exspectētis, exspectent
Imperative: exspectā (wait! — singular), exspectāte (wait! — plural)
Present Participle: exspectāns, exspectantis (waiting) — declines as a third declension adjective
Perfect Passive Participle: exspectātus, -a, -um (having been awaited)
Gerund: exspectandī (of waiting — GEN), exspectandō (by/for waiting — DAT/ABL), exspectandum (ACC)
Syntactic Construction: Exspectāre takes a direct object in the accusative case: -
Exspecto resurrectionem — “I await the resurrection” -
Exspectāmus Dominum — “We await the Lord”
Related Verbs: -
Sustinēre (sustineō, sustinēre, sustinuī, sustentum) — to endure, sustain, wait patiently -
Manēre (maneō, manēre, mānsī, mānsum) — to remain, stay, await -
Praestolārī (praestolor, praestolārī, praestolātus sum) — to wait for (deponent)
Common Mistakes: -
Confusing exspectāre (to await) with spectāre (to watch/look at) -
Forgetting that as a transitive verb, the object awaited must be in the accusative -
Mispronouncing the /ks/ cluster as a single sound rather than /eks/
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Eschatological Waiting in Catholic Doctrine
The verb exspectāre holds a privileged place in Catholic theology because it expresses the fundamental posture of the Church: awaiting the fulfillment of God’s promises. This is not passive resignation but active, hopeful anticipation.
The Creed: Every Sunday, Catholics profess “Et exspecto resurrectionem mortuōrum, et vītam ventūrī saeculi” (And I await the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come). This credal statement affirms that Christian hope is oriented toward the future—the general resurrection and eternal life.
Advent: The liturgical season of Advent embodies exspectāre. The phrase “exspectantēs beatam spem et adventum glōriae magnī Deī” (awaiting the blessed hope and the coming of the glory of our great God) from the embolism after the Our Father captures Advent’s dual focus: remembering Christ’s first coming while anticipating his second.
The Psalms: The Vulgate Psalter frequently uses sustinēre as a synonym for waiting on God. Psalm 129/130 (De Profundis) declares: “Sustinui te Domine. Sustinuit anima mea in verbō eius” (I waited for you, Lord. My soul waited upon his word). This penitential psalm became central to the Church’s funeral liturgy.
The Bridegroom Motif: The Church is portrayed as a bride awaiting her bridegroom (Christ). This imagery from the Song of Songs and the parables of Jesus informs the spirituality of vigilant, joyful expectation.
Active vs. Passive Waiting: Church Fathers emphasized that Christian waiting is never idle. Augustine taught that we exspectāmus while working, praying, and serving—”ōrantēs et vigilantēs” (praying and keeping vigil).
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From the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed (381 AD)
Et and exspecto I-await-1SG.PRES resurrectionem resurrection-ACC mortuōrum of-the-dead-GEN.PL
Et (/et/) and exspecto (/eks.ˈpek.to/) I-await-1SG.PRES resurrectionem (/re.sur.rek.tsi.ˈo.nem/) resurrection-ACC mortuōrum (/mor.tu.ˈo.rum/) of-the-dead-GEN.PL
et and vītam life-ACC ventūrī of-the-coming-GEN.SG.FUT.PTCP saeculi age-GEN
et (/et/) and vītam (/ˈvi.tam/) life-ACC ventūrī (/ven.ˈtu.ri/) of-the-coming-GEN.SG.FUT.PTCP saeculi (/ˈse.ku.li/) age-GEN
Āmēn amen-truly
Āmēn (/ˈa.men/) amen-truly
Et exspecto resurrectionem mortuōrum, et vītam ventūrī saeculi. Āmēn.
“And I await the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.”
Et exspecto resurrectionem mortuōrum, et vītam ventūrī saeculi. Āmēn.
Key Vocabulary: -
resurrectiō, resurrectiōnis (f.) — resurrection, rising again -
mortuus, -ī (m.) — dead person; mortuōrum is genitive plural -
vīta, -ae (f.) — life -
ventūrus, -a, -um — future active participle of venīre, “about to come, coming” -
saeculum, -ī (n.) — age, generation, world
Grammatical Analysis: The phrase “vītam ventūrī saeculi” uses the future active participle ventūrī (genitive singular agreeing with saeculi) to express “of the coming age” or “of the age to come.” This construction—a future participle used attributively—is characteristic of Ecclesiastical Latin’s rendering of Greek eschatological concepts (τοῦ μέλλοντος αἰῶνος).
The Nicene Creed was formulated at the Council of Nicaea (325 AD) and expanded at the Council of Constantinople (381 AD). The final clause concerning the resurrection and eternal life affirms belief in the general resurrection—when all the dead shall rise—and the life everlasting in the age to come. The first-person singular “exspecto” (I await) makes this profession intensely personal: each believer individually affirms their hope in the resurrection.
Olivier Messiaen (1908–1992), the devout Catholic composer, titled one of his greatest orchestral works Et exspecto resurrectionem mortuōrum (1964), commissioned to commemorate the dead of both World Wars. The piece translates this credal affirmation into musical meditation on death and resurrection.
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Meditātiō in Tempore Adventūs
The following fifteen sentences form a coherent spiritual meditation on waiting for the Lord during Advent, drawn from the rich tradition of Catholic devotional literature.
169.16a Veni come-2SG.IMPV Domine Lord-VOC Iēsū Jesus-VOC et and nōlī do-not-wish-2SG.IMPV tardāre to-delay-INF
169.16b Veni (/ˈve.ni/) come-2SG.IMPV Domine (/ˈdo.mi.ne/) Lord-VOC Iēsū (/ˈje.zu/) Jesus-VOC et (/et/) and nōlī (/ˈno.li/) do-not-wish-2SG.IMPV tardāre (/tar.ˈda.re/) to-delay-INF
169.17a In in hīs these-ABL.PL diēbus days-ABL.PL Adventūs of-Advent-GEN tē you-ACC exspectāmus we-await-1PL.PRES Domine Lord-VOC
169.17b In (/in/) in hīs (/his/) these-ABL.PL diēbus (/ˈdi.e.bus/) days-ABL.PL Adventūs (/ad.ˈven.tus/) of-Advent-GEN tē (/te/) you-ACC exspectāmus (/eks.pek.ˈta.mus/) we-await-1PL.PRES Domine (/ˈdo.mi.ne/) Lord-VOC
169.18a Corda hearts-ACC.PL nostra our-ACC.PL parāmus we-prepare-1PL.PRES dum while exspectāmus we-await-1PL.PRES adventum coming-ACC tuum your-ACC
169.18b Corda (/ˈkor.da/) hearts-ACC.PL nostra (/ˈnos.tra/) our-ACC.PL parāmus (/pa.ˈra.mus/) we-prepare-1PL.PRES dum (/dum/) while exspectāmus (/eks.pek.ˈta.mus/) we-await-1PL.PRES adventum (/ad.ˈven.tum/) coming-ACC tuum (/ˈtu.um/) your-ACC
169.19a Sīcut just-as cervus deer-NOM dēsīderat longs-for-3SG.PRES ad for fontēs springs-ACC.PL aquārum of-waters-GEN.PL sīc so anima soul-NOM mea my-NOM exspectat awaits-3SG.PRES tē you-ACC Deus O-God-VOC
169.19b Sīcut (/ˈsi.kut/) just-as cervus (/ˈtʃer.vus/) deer-NOM dēsīderat (/de.ˈzi.de.rat/) longs-for-3SG.PRES ad (/ad/) for fontēs (/ˈfon.tes/) springs-ACC.PL aquārum (/a.ˈkwa.rum/) of-waters-GEN.PL sīc (/sik/) so anima (/ˈa.ni.ma/) soul-NOM mea (/ˈme.a/) my-NOM exspectat (/eks.ˈpek.tat/) awaits-3SG.PRES tē (/te/) you-ACC Deus (/ˈde.us/) O-God-VOC
169.20a Lūx light-NOM in in tenebrīs darkness-ABL.PL lūcet shines-3SG.PRES et and nōs we-NOM eam it-ACC.F exspectāmus we-await-1PL.PRES
169.20b Lūx (/luks/) light-NOM in (/in/) in tenebrīs (/ˈte.ne.bris/) darkness-ABL.PL lūcet (/ˈlu.tʃet/) shines-3SG.PRES et (/et/) and nōs (/nos/) we-NOM eam (/ˈe.am/) it-ACC.F exspectāmus (/eks.pek.ˈta.mus/) we-await-1PL.PRES
169.21a Virgō virgin-NOM Marīa Mary-NOM Fīlium Son-ACC Deī of-God-GEN in in silentiō silence-ABL exspectābat was-awaiting-3SG.IMPF
169.21b Virgō (/ˈvir.go/) virgin-NOM Marīa (/ma.ˈri.a/) Mary-NOM Fīlium (/ˈfi.li.um/) Son-ACC Deī (/ˈde.i/) of-God-GEN in (/in/) in silentiō (/si.ˈlen.tsi.o/) silence-ABL exspectābat (/eks.pek.ˈta.bat/) was-awaiting-3SG.IMPF
169.22a Iōsēph Joseph-NOM iūstus righteous-NOM cum with fidē faith-ABL magna great-ABL mystērium mystery-ACC salūtis of-salvation-GEN exspectāvit awaited-3SG.PERF
169.22b Iōsēph (/jo.ˈzef/) Joseph-NOM iūstus (/ˈjus.tus/) righteous-NOM cum (/kum/) with fidē (/ˈfi.de/) faith-ABL magna (/ˈma.ɲa/) great-ABL mystērium (/mis.ˈte.ri.um/) mystery-ACC salūtis (/sa.ˈlu.tis/) of-salvation-GEN exspectāvit (/eks.pek.ˈta.vit/) awaited-3SG.PERF
169.23a Simeōn Simeon-NOM senex old-man-NOM cōnsōlātiōnem consolation-ACC Isrāēlis of-Israel-GEN exspectābat was-awaiting-3SG.IMPF
169.23b Simeōn (/si.ˈme.on/) Simeon-NOM senex (/ˈse.neks/) old-man-NOM cōnsōlātiōnem (/kon.so.la.tsi.ˈo.nem/) consolation-ACC Isrāēlis (/is.ra.ˈe.lis/) of-Israel-GEN exspectābat (/eks.pek.ˈta.bat/) was-awaiting-3SG.IMPF
169.24a Anna Anna-NOM prophētissa prophetess-NOM in in templō temple-ABL diē by-day noctuque and-by-night redemptōrem redeemer-ACC exspectābat was-awaiting-3SG.IMPF
169.24b Anna (/ˈan.na/) Anna-NOM prophētissa (/pro.fe.ˈtis.sa/) prophetess-NOM in (/in/) in templō (/ˈtem.plo/) temple-ABL diē (/ˈdi.e/) by-day noctuque (/nok.ˈtu.kwe/) and-by-night redemptōrem (/re.demp.ˈto.rem/) redeemer-ACC exspectābat (/eks.pek.ˈta.bat/) was-awaiting-3SG.IMPF
169.25a Ecce behold iam now venit comes-3SG.PRES quem whom-ACC exspectābāmus we-were-awaiting-1PL.IMPF
169.25b Ecce (/ˈek.ke/) behold iam (/jam/) now venit (/ˈve.nit/) comes-3SG.PRES quem (/kwem/) whom-ACC exspectābāmus (/eks.pek.ta.ˈba.mus/) we-were-awaiting-1PL.IMPF
169.26a Stella star-NOM oriētur shall-rise-3SG.FUT.PASS ex out-of Iācōb Jacob-ABL et and gentēs nations-NOM.PL eam it-ACC.F exspectābunt shall-await-3PL.FUT
169.26b Stella (/ˈstel.la/) star-NOM oriētur (/o.ri.ˈe.tur/) shall-rise-3SG.FUT.PASS ex (/eks/) out-of Iācōb (/ˈja.kob/) Jacob-ABL et (/et/) and gentēs (/ˈdʒen.tes/) nations-NOM.PL eam (/ˈe.am/) it-ACC.F exspectābunt (/eks.pek.ˈta.bunt/) shall-await-3PL.FUT
169.27a Rōrāte drop-dew-2PL.IMPV caelī O-heavens-VOC.PL dēsuper from-above et and nūbēs clouds-NOM.PL pluant let-rain-3PL.PRES.SUBJ iūstum the-righteous-one-ACC
169.27b Rōrāte (/ro.ˈra.te/) drop-dew-2PL.IMPV caelī (/ˈtʃe.li/) O-heavens-VOC.PL dēsuper (/de.ˈsu.per/) from-above et (/et/) and nūbēs (/ˈnu.bes/) clouds-NOM.PL pluant (/ˈplu.ant/) let-rain-3PL.PRES.SUBJ iūstum (/ˈjus.tum/) the-righteous-one-ACC
169.28a Excitā stir-up-2SG.IMPV Domine Lord-VOC potentiam power-ACC tuam your-ACC et and venī come-2SG.IMPV ut that salvōs saved-ACC.PL nōs us-ACC faciās you-make-2SG.PRES.SUBJ
169.28b Excitā (/ek.ˈʃi.ta/) stir-up-2SG.IMPV Domine (/ˈdo.mi.ne/) Lord-VOC potentiam (/po.ˈten.tsi.am/) power-ACC tuam (/ˈtu.am/) your-ACC et (/et/) and venī (/ˈve.ni/) come-2SG.IMPV ut (/ut/) that salvōs (/ˈsal.vos/) saved-ACC.PL nōs (/nos/) us-ACC faciās (/ˈfa.tʃi.as/) you-make-2SG.PRES.SUBJ
169.29a Dum while medium middle-ACC silentium silence-ACC tenērent were-holding-3PL.IMPF.SUBJ omnia all-things-NOM.PL Verbum Word-NOM tuum your-NOM dēsiluit leapt-down-3SG.PERF dē from caelō heaven-ABL
169.29b Dum (/dum/) while medium (/ˈme.di.um/) middle-ACC silentium (/si.ˈlen.tsi.um/) silence-ACC tenērent (/te.ˈne.rent/) were-holding-3PL.IMPF.SUBJ omnia (/ˈom.ni.a/) all-things-NOM.PL Verbum (/ˈver.bum/) Word-NOM tuum (/ˈtu.um/) your-NOM dēsiluit (/de.ˈzi.lu.it/) leapt-down-3SG.PERF dē (/de/) from caelō (/ˈtʃe.lo/) heaven-ABL
169.30a Hodiē today Chrīstus Christ-NOM nātus born-NOM.PERF.PASS.PTCP est is-3SG.PRES quem whom-ACC mundus world-NOM exspectābat was-awaiting-3SG.IMPF Salvātor Savior-NOM appāruit appeared-3SG.PERF
169.30b Hodiē (/ˈo.di.e/) today Chrīstus (/ˈkris.tus/) Christ-NOM nātus (/ˈna.tus/) born-NOM.PERF.PASS.PTCP est (/est/) is-3SG.PRES quem (/kwem/) whom-ACC mundus (/ˈmun.dus/) world-NOM exspectābat (/eks.pek.ˈta.bat/) was-awaiting-3SG.IMPF Salvātor (/sal.ˈva.tor/) Savior-NOM appāruit (/ap.pa.ˈru.it/) appeared-3SG.PERF
169.16 Veni, Domine Iēsū, et nōlī tardāre. “Come, Lord Jesus, and do not delay.”
169.17 In hīs diēbus Adventūs tē exspectāmus, Domine. “In these days of Advent, we await you, Lord.”
169.18 Corda nostra parāmus dum exspectāmus adventum tuum. “We prepare our hearts while we await your coming.”
169.19 Sīcut cervus dēsīderat ad fontēs aquārum, sīc anima mea exspectat tē, Deus. “As the deer longs for springs of water, so my soul awaits you, O God.”
169.20 Lūx in tenebrīs lūcet, et nōs eam exspectāmus. “The light shines in the darkness, and we await it.”
169.21 Virgō Marīa Fīlium Deī in silentiō exspectābat. “The Virgin Mary awaited the Son of God in silence.”
169.22 Iōsēph iūstus cum fidē magna mystērium salūtis exspectāvit. “Righteous Joseph awaited the mystery of salvation with great faith.”
169.23 Simeōn senex cōnsōlātiōnem Isrāēlis exspectābat. “The aged Simeon was awaiting the consolation of Israel.”
169.24 Anna prophētissa in templō diē noctuque redemptōrem exspectābat. “Anna the prophetess was awaiting the redeemer in the temple day and night.”
169.25 Ecce iam venit quem exspectābāmus! “Behold, now he comes whom we were awaiting!”
169.26 Stella oriētur ex Iācōb, et gentēs eam exspectābunt. “A star shall rise out of Jacob, and the nations shall await it.”
169.27 Rōrāte, caelī, dēsuper, et nūbēs pluant iūstum. “Drop down dew, O heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain the righteous one.”
169.28 Excitā, Domine, potentiam tuam, et venī ut salvōs nōs faciās. “Stir up your power, Lord, and come, that you may save us.”
169.29 Dum medium silentium tenērent omnia, Verbum tuum dēsiluit dē caelō. “While all things held middle silence, your Word leapt down from heaven.”
169.30 Hodiē Chrīstus nātus est quem mundus exspectābat; Salvātor appāruit. “Today Christ is born whom the world was awaiting; the Savior has appeared.”
169.16 Veni, Domine Iēsū, et nōlī tardāre.
169.17 In hīs diēbus Adventūs tē exspectāmus, Domine.
169.18 Corda nostra parāmus dum exspectāmus adventum tuum.
169.19 Sīcut cervus dēsīderat ad fontēs aquārum, sīc anima mea exspectat tē, Deus.
169.20 Lūx in tenebrīs lūcet, et nōs eam exspectāmus.
169.21 Virgō Marīa Fīlium Deī in silentiō exspectābat.
169.22 Iōsēph iūstus cum fidē magna mystērium salūtis exspectāvit.
169.23 Simeōn senex cōnsōlātiōnem Isrāēlis exspectābat.
169.24 Anna prophētissa in templō diē noctuque redemptōrem exspectābat.
169.25 Ecce iam venit quem exspectābāmus!
169.26 Stella oriētur ex Iācōb, et gentēs eam exspectābunt.
169.27 Rōrāte, caelī, dēsuper, et nūbēs pluant iūstum.
169.28 Excitā, Domine, potentiam tuam, et venī ut salvōs nōs faciās.
169.29 Dum medium silentium tenērent omnia, Verbum tuum dēsiluit dē caelō.
169.30 Hodiē Chrīstus nātus est quem mundus exspectābat; Salvātor appāruit.
Key Grammatical Features:
Imperatives with “nōlī” (169.16, 169.28): The construction nōlī + infinitive forms a negative command: nōlī tardāre = “do not delay.”
Temporal Clauses with “dum” (169.18, 169.29): Dum (while) introduces temporal clauses. In 169.29, dum + imperfect subjunctive (tenērent) suggests contemporaneous action with a main verb in perfect tense.
Comparison with “sīcut...sīc” (169.19): This correlative structure means “just as...so”: Sīcut cervus...sīc anima mea.
Future Passive “oriētur” (169.26): Third conjugation deponent/passive future: orior, orīrī, ortus sum (to rise). The future is oriētur (it shall rise).
“Rōrāte” and Jussive Subjunctive (169.27): From Isaiah 45:8, this Advent antiphon uses imperative rōrāte (drop dew!) and jussive subjunctive pluant (let them rain).
“Dum medium silentium” (169.29): From Wisdom 18:14-15, this phrase describes the cosmic silence at Christ’s nativity. The subjunctive tenērent is in a temporal clause with past time reference.
Relative Clause “quem exspectābāmus” (169.25, 169.30): Accusative relative pronoun quem (whom) as direct object of exspectābāmus/exspectābat.
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Difficult Words from This Lesson: -
exspectō = /eks.ˈpek.to/ -
exspectāmus = /eks.pek.ˈta.mus/ -
exspectantēs = /eks.pek.ˈtan.tes/ -
resurrectionem = /re.sur.rek.tsi.ˈo.nem/ -
mortuōrum = /mor.tu.ˈo.rum/ -
Adventūs = /ad.ˈven.tus/ -
cōnsōlātiōnem = /kon.so.la.tsi.ˈo.nem/ -
mystērium = /mis.ˈte.ri.um/ -
silentiō = /si.ˈlen.tsi.o/
Audio Reference: For authentic Ecclesiastical Latin pronunciation, listen to recordings of Gregorian chant from Solesmes Abbey or the Sistine Chapel Choir.
Common Errors for English Speakers: -
Pronouncing “x” as /z/ instead of /ks/ -
Saying “eks-SPEK-to” with English vowels instead of pure Italian-style vowels -
Missing the /tsi/ pronunciation in words like resurrectionem -
Pronouncing final “-um” as English “um” instead of pure /um/
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The Ecclesiastical Latin Reading Course follows the Latinum Institute methodology, designed for autodidactic learners who wish to read and understand the rich liturgical, theological, and devotional literature of the Catholic Church.
Methodology: The interlinear construed text format—presenting Latin text with word-by-word glossing—allows learners to build comprehension systematically without relying on translation. The Duplex Method provides both direct script-to-meaning access (line a) and phonetic guidance (line b), enabling learners to read aloud correctly while understanding.
Vocabulary System: This course follows the Dickinson Core Vocabulary list, progressing through the 1000 most frequent Latin words. Each lesson introduces a new word while reinforcing previously learned vocabulary through authentic ecclesiastical texts.
Authentic Sources: Examples are drawn from the Vulgate Bible, the Roman Missal, patristic writings, and traditional Catholic prayers—ensuring that learners encounter Latin as it has been used for centuries in the Church’s living tradition.
Self-Contained Lessons: Because each lesson employs interlinear glossing, every sentence is fully accessible regardless of the learner’s prior vocabulary. This makes the course ideal for independent study.
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✓ Lesson 169 Ecclesiastical Latin complete
Exspectāmus Dominum. We await the Lord.
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