A Little Latin - Lesson 1

This week’s little lesson: Structure

Unlike English, Latin is an inflected language, meaning that word endings change to indicate meaning rather than word order. For example, in English, “The man sees the dog” and “The dog sees the man” have different meanings because of word order. In Latin, however, the words themselves change: "Vir canem videt" (The man sees the dog) and "Canis virum videt" (The dog sees the man). The subject and object are determined by the endings, not their position in the sentence. This structure gives Latin both precision and elegance, making it a powerful language for theology and philosophy. 

This week’s Vocabulary Word — GOD — Deus/Dei/Deo/Deum

Explanation of Usage

1. Nominative (Deus) – Subject of the Sentence

   • Used when God is doing something.

   • Example: "Deus mundum creavit." ("God created the world.")

2. Genitive (Dei) – Possession ("Of God")

   • Used when something belongs to God or is from God.

   • Example: "Filii Dei" ("The Sons of God").

3. Dative (Deo) – Indirect Object ("To/For God")

   • Used when something is given to God or offered for Him.

   • Example: "Deo gratias." ("Thanks be to God.")

4. Accusative (Deum) – Direct Object ("God" as the object)

   • Used when God is the one receiving the action.

   • Example: "Credo in Deum Patrem." ("I believe in God the Father.")

5. Ablative (Deo) – "By, With, From God"

   • Used to indicate means, accompaniment, or separation.

   • Example: "Cum Deo omnia possibilia sunt." ("With God, all things are possible.")

6. Vocative (Deus) – Direct Address (Calling on God)

   • Used when speaking directly to God (same as nominative for Deus).

   • Example: "Deus meus, adiuva me!" ("My God, help me!")

   • Example: "Domine Deus, miserere nobis!" ("Lord God, have mercy on us!")