Blogging the Vulgate

Genesis 2:10

2010-06-25T22:13:00.000-04:00

Et fluvius egrediebatur de loco voluptatis ad irrigandum paradisum, qui inde dividitur in quatuor capita.

New Vocabulary:
fluvius, noun
egredi, 3ci dep. verb
inde, adv.
quattuor or quatuor, num. adj.
caput, noun

Grammar:
fluvius egrediebatur de loco voluptatis ad irrigandum paradisum = independent clause:
Subject: fluvius
Intransitive verb: egrediebatur (imperfect pass.)

de loco voluptatis and ad irrigandum* paradisum = prepositional phrases modifying egrediebatur.

qui inde dividitur in quatuor capita = (subordinate) relative clause:
Antecedent: fluvius
Subject: qui
Transitive verb: dividitur (present pass.)

in quatuor capita = prepositional phrase modifying dividitur.

Notes:
* When the gerund would have an object in the accusative, the gerundive is generally used instead, as it is here. (A&G §503)

And a river went out of the place of pleasure to water paradise, which from thence is divided into four heads.

Genesis 2:9

2010-06-25T21:36:00.000-04:00

Produxitque Dominus Deus de humo omne lignum pulchrum visu, et ad vescendum suave: lignum etiam vitæ in medio paradisi, lignumque scientiæ boni et mali.

New Vocabulary:
humus, noun
pulcher, adj.
suavis, adj.
scientia, noun
malus, adj.

Grammar:
produxit Dominus Deus de humo omne lignum pulchrum visu*, et ad vescendum suave: lignum etiam vitæ in medio paradisi, lignumque scientiæ boni et mali = independent clause:
Subject: Dominus Deus
Transitive verb: produxit (perfect)
Direct objects: lignum (x3)

de humo and in medio paradisi = prepositional phrases modifying produxit.

Notes:
* The supine in -u denotes an action in reference to which the quality (here pulchrum) is asserted. (A&G §510)

And the Lord God brought forth of the ground all manner of trees, fair to behold, and pleasant to eat of: the tree of life also in the midst of paradise: and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.

Genesis 2:8

2010-06-24T00:35:00.000-04:00

Plantaverat autem Dominus Deus Paradisum voluptatis a principio: in quo posuit hominem quem formaverat.

New Vocabulary:
plantare, verb
paradisus, noun
voluptas, noun

Grammar:
plantaverat Dominus Deus Paradisum voluptatis a principio = independent clause:
Subject: Dominus Deus
Transitive verb: plantaverat (pluperfect)
Direct object: Paradisum

a principio = prepositional phrase modifying plantaverat.

in quo posuit hominem = (subordinate) relative clause:
Antecedent: Paradisum
Transitive verb: posuit (perfect)
Direct object: hominem

quem formaverat = (subordinate) relative clause:
Antecedent: hominem
Transitive verb: formaverat (pluperfect)
Direct object: quem

And the Lord God had planted a paradise of pleasure from the beginning: wherein he placed man whom he had formed.

Genesis 2:7

2010-06-24T00:05:00.002-04:00

Formavit igitur Dominus Deus hominem de limo terræ, et inspiravit in faciem eius spiraculum vitæ, et factus est homo in animam viventem.

New Vocabulary:
formare, verb
limus, noun
de, prep. (+abl.)
inspirare, verb
spiraculum, noun
vita, noun

Grammar:
formavit Dominus Deus hominem de limo terræ = independent clause:
Subject: Dominus Deus
Transitive verb: formavit (perfect)
Direct object: hominem

de limo terræ = prepositional phrase modifying formavit.

inspiravit in faciem eius spiraculum vitæ = independent clause:
Transitive verb: inspiravit (perfect)
Direct object: spiraculum

in faciem eius = prepositional phrase modifying inspiravit.

factus est homo in animam viventem = independent clause:
Subject: homo
Transitive verb: factus est (perfect pass.)

in animam viventem = prepositional phrase modifying factus est.

And the Lord God formed man of the slime of the earth: and breathed into his face the breath of life, and man became a living soul.

Genesis 2:6

2010-06-23T00:45:00.002-04:00

Sed fons ascendebat e terra, irrigans universam superficiem terræ.

New Vocabulary:
sed, conj.
fons, noun
ascendere, 3c verb
ex or e, prep. (+abl.)
irrigare, verb
superficies, 5d noun

Grammar:
fons ascendebat e terra = independent clause:
Subject: fons
Intransitive verb: ascendebat (imperfect)

e terra = prepositional phrase modifying ascendebat.

irrigans universam superficiem terræ = participial phrase modifying fons.

But a spring rose out of the earth, watering all the surface of the earth.

Genesis 2:4-5

2010-06-22T23:30:00.003-04:00

(4) Istæ sunt generationes cæli et terræ, quando creata sunt, in die quo fecit Dominus Deus cælum et terram: (5) Et omne virgultum agri antequam oriretur in terra, omnemque herbam regionis priusquam germinaret: non enim pluerat Dominus Deus super terram, et homo non erat qui operaretur terram:

New Vocabulary:
iste, demonstr. pron.
generatio, noun
quando, adv.
dominus, noun
virgultum, noun
ager, noun
antequam, adv.
oriri, dep. verb
regio, noun
priusquam, adv.
non, adv.
enim, postpos. conj.
pluere, 3c verb
operari, dep. verb

Grammar:
istæ sunt generationes cæli et terræ = independent clause:
Subject: istae
Copulative verb: sunt (present)
Predicate noun: generationes

quando creata* sunt = (subordinate) temporal clause:
Transitive verb: creata sunt (perfect pass.)

in die = prepositional phrase modifying sunt.

quo** fecit Dominus Deus cælum et terram: et omne virgultum agri ... omnemque herbam regionis = (subordinate) relative clause:
Antecedent: die
Subject: Dominus Deus***
Transitive verb: fecit (perfect)
Direct objects: caelum, terram, virgultum, and herbam

antequam oriretur in terra = (subordinate) temporal clause:
Intransitive verb: oriretur (imperfect subj.)****

in terra = prepositional phrase modifying oriretur.

priusquam germinaret = (subordinate) temporal clause:
Intransitive verb: germinaret (imperfect subj.)****

non pluerat Dominus Deus super terram = independent clause:
Subject*****: Dominus Deus
Intransitive verb: pluerat (pluperfect)

super terram = prepositional phrase modifying pluerat.

homo non erat = independent clause:
Subject: homo
Intransitive verb: erat (imperfect)

qui operaretur terram = (subordinate) relative clause:
Antecedent: homo
Subject: qui
Transitive verb: operaretur (imperfect subj.******)
Direct object: terram

Notes:
* Neuter because it belongs to two nouns of different genders that signify nonliving things. (A&G §287.3)

** Ablative of time.

*** In Gen. 1:1-2:3, the Hebrew word used for God is אלהים (Elohim, translated into Latin as Deus.) Here the Hebrew words are יהוה אלהים (Yahweh Elohim, translated into Latin as Dominus Deus.)

**** Imperfect subjunctive after antequam or priusquam because the verb implies purpose or expectancy. (A&G §551.b)

***** Impersonal verb used personally with the name of a divinity. (A&G §208.a Note)

****** Relative clause of characteristic.

(4) These are the generations of the heaven and the earth, when they were created, in the day that the Lord God made the heaven and the earth: (5) And every plant of the field before it sprung up in the earth, and every herb of the ground before it grew: for the Lord God had not rained upon the earth; and there was not a man to till the earth.

Genesis 2:3

2010-06-22T22:39:00.000-04:00

Et benedixit diei septimo; et sanctificavit illum: quia in ipso cessaverat ab omni opere suo quod creavit Deus ut faceret.

New Vocabulary:
sanctificare, verb
quia, conj.
cessare, verb

Grammar:
benedixit diei septimo = independent clause:
Intransitive verb: benedixit (perfect)
Indirect object: diei

sanctificavit illum = independent clause:
Transitive verb: sanctificavit (perfect)
Direct object: illum

quia in ipso cessaverat ab omni opere suo = (subordinate) causal clause:
Intransitive verb: cessaverat (pluperfect)*

in ipso and ab omni opere suo = prepositional phrases modifying cessaverat.

quod creavit Deus = (subordinate) relative clause:
Antecedent: opere
Subject: Deus
Transitive verb: creavit (perfect)
Direct object: quod

ut faceret = (subordinate) final clause:
Transitive verb: faceret (imperfect subj.)
Direct object: opere

Notes:
* Indicative because the reason is given on the authority of the writer or speaker (as opposed to the authority of someone else, in which case the subjunctive would be used.) (A&G §540)

And he blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.

Genesis 2:2

2010-06-22T18:58:00.001-04:00

Complevitque Deus die septimo opus suum quod fecerat: et requievit die septimo ab universo opere quod patrarat.

New Vocabulary:
complere, 2c verb
septimus, ord. num. adj.
opus, 3d noun
requiescere, 3c verb
patrare, verb

Grammar:
complevit Deus die septimo opus suum = independent clause:
Subject: Deus
Transitive verb: complevit (perfect)
Direct object: opus

die septimo = noun phrase modifying complevit.*

quod fecerat = (subordinate) relative clause:
Antecedent: opus
Transitive verb: fecerat (pluperfect)
Direct object: quod

requievit die septimo ab universo opere = independent clause:
Intransitive verb: requievit (perfect)

die septimo = noun phrase modifying requievit.*

ab universo opere = prepositional phrase modifying requievit.

quod patrarat = (subordinate) relative clause:
Antecedent: opere
Transitive verb: patrarat (pluperfect)**
Direct object: quod

Notes:
* Ablative of time. (A&G §423)

** Contracted perfect stem (patrarat = patraverat). (A&G §181)

And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made: and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had done.

Genesis 2:1

2010-06-22T15:41:00.001-04:00

Igitur perfecti sunt cæli et terra, et omnis ornatus eorum.

New Vocabulary:
igitur, conj.
perficere, 3ci verb
ornatus, 4d noun

Grammar:
perfecti* sunt cæli et terra, et omnis ornatus eorum = independent clause:
Subjects: caeli, terra, and ornatus
Transitive verb: perfecti sunt (perfect pass.)

Notes:
* Masculine to agree with the closest of the three subjects, caeli, which is masculine in the plural. (A&G §106.b)

So the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the furniture of them.

Genesis 1:31

2010-06-22T13:42:00.000-04:00

Viditque Deus cuncta quæ fecerat: et erant valde bona. Et factum est vespere et mane, dies sextus.

New Vocabulary:
valde, adv.
sextus, ord. num. adj.

Grammar:
vidit Deus cuncta = independent clause:
Subject: Deus
Transitive verb: vidit (perfect)
Direct object: cuncta

quæ fecerat = (subordinate) relative clause:
Antecedent: cuncta
Transitive verb: fecerat (pluperfect)
Direct object: quae

erant valde bona = independent clause:
Copulative verb: erant (imperfect)
Predicate adjective: bona

factum est vespere et mane = independent clause:
Transitive verb: factum est (perfect pass.)

dies sextus = noun phrase.

And God saw all the things that he had made, and they were very good. And the evening and morning were the sixth day.

Genesis 1:29-30

2010-06-22T04:46:00.004-04:00

(29) Dixitque Deus: Ecce dedi vobis omnem herbam afferentem semen super terram, et universa ligna quæ habent in semetipsis sementem generis sui, ut sint vobis in escam: (30) Et cunctis animantibus terræ, omnique volucri cæli, et universis quæ moventur in terra, et in quibus est anima vivens, ut habeant ad vescendum. Et factum est ita.

New Vocabulary:
ecce, demonstr. adv.
dare, verb
vos, pers. pron.
afferre, irreg. verb
esca, noun
cunctus, adj.
volucris, noun
vesci, 3c dep. verb

Grammar:
dixit Deus: Ecce dedi vobis omnem herbam afferentem semen super terram, et universa ligna quæ habent in semetipsis sementem generis sui, ut sint vobis in escam: et cunctis animantibus terræ, omnique volucri cæli, et universis quæ moventur in terra, et in quibus est anima vivens, ut habeant ad vescendum = independent clause:
Subject: Deus
Transitive verb: dixit (perfect)
Direct object: “Ecce dedi vobis omnem herbam afferentem semen super terram, et universa ligna quæ habent in semetipsis sementem generis sui, ut sint vobis in escam: et cunctis animantibus terræ, omnique volucri cæli, et universis quæ moventur in terra, et in quibus est anima vivens, ut habeant ad vescendum”

ecce dedi vobis omnem herbam afferentem semen super terram, et universa ligna ... et cunctis animantibus terræ, omnique volucri cæli, et universis = independent clause:
Transitive verb: dedi (perfect)
Direct objects: herbam and ligna
Indirect objects: vobis, animantibus, volucri, and universis

afferentem semen = participial phrase modifying herbam.

super terram = prepositional phrase modifying afferentem.

quæ habent in semetipsis sementem generis sui = (subordinate) relative clause:
Antecedent: ligna
Subject: quae
Transitive verb: habent (present)
Direct object: sementem

in semetipsis = prepositional phrase modifying habent.

ut sint vobis* in escam = (subordinate) final clause:
Intransitive verb: sint (present** subj.)

in escam = prepositional phrase modifying sint.

quæ moventur in terra = (subordinate) relative clause:
Antecedent: universis
Subject: quae
Transitive verb: moventur (present pass.***)

in terra = prepositional phrase modifying moventur.

in quibus est anima vivens = (subordinate) relative clause:
Antecedent: universis
Subject: anima
Intransitive verb: est (present)

ut habeant ad vescendum**** = (subordinate) final clause:
Transitive verb: habeant (present** subj.)
Direct objects: herbam and ligna

factum est ita = independent clause:
Transitive verb: factum est (perfect pass.)

Notes:
* Dative of reference, indicating the person or thing that is (dis)advantaged by the action performed. (A&G §376) Or, dative of possession. (A&G §373)

** The perfect indicative is a secondary tense, but it allows a primary sequence (i.e. the present or perfect tense in the dependent clause) when present time is in mind, as is the case here. (A&G §485.a)

*** Passive voice with reflexive meaning.

**** ad + the accusative of the gerund denotes purpose. (A&G §506)

(29) And God said: Behold I have given you every herb bearing seed upon the earth, and all trees that have in themselves seed of their own kind, to be your meat: (30) And to all beasts of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to all that move upon the earth, and wherein there is life, that they may have to feed upon. And it was so done.

Genesis 1:28

2010-06-22T00:44:00.002-04:00

Benedixitque illis Deus, et ait: Crescite et multiplicamini, et replete terram, et subiicite eam, et dominamini piscibus maris, et volatilibus cæli, et universis animantibus, quæ moventur super terram.

New Vocabulary:
subicere, 3ci verb
dominari, dep. verb
animans, noun

Grammar:
benedixit illis Deus = independent clause:
Subject: Deus
Intransitive verb: benedixit (perfect)
Indirect object: illis

ait: Crescite et multiplicamini, et replete terram, et subiicite eam, et dominamini piscibus maris, et volatilibus cæli, et universis animantibus, quæ moventur super terram = independent clause:
Transitive verb: ait (present)
Direct object: “Crescite et multiplicamini, et replete terram, et subiicite eam, et dominamini piscibus maris, et volatilibus cæli, et universis animantibus, quæ moventur super terram”

crescite = independent clause:
Intransitive verb: crescite (present imp.)

multiplicamini = independent clause:
Transitive verb: multiplicamini (present pass.* imp.)

replete terram = independent clause:
Transitive verb: replete (present imp.)
Direct object: terram

subiicite eam = independent clause:
Transitive verb: subiicite (present imp.)
Direct object: eam

dominamini piscibus maris = independent clause:
Intransitive verb: dominamini (present imp.)**
Indirect objects: piscibus, volatilibus, and animantibus

quæ moventur super terram = (subordinate) relative clause:
Antecedent: animantibus
Subject: quae
Transitive verb: moventur (present pass.*)

super terram = prepositional phrase modifying moventur.

Notes:
* Passive voice with reflexive meaning.

** Passive in form, but active in meaning because dominari is a deponent verb. (A&G §190)

And God blessed them, saying: Increase and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it, and rule over the fishes of the sea, and the fowls of the air, and all living creatures that move upon the earth.

Genesis 1:27

2010-06-22T00:02:00.000-04:00

Et creavit Deus hominem ad imaginem suam: ad imaginem Dei creavit illum, masculum et feminam creavit eos.

New Vocabulary:
ille, demonstr. pron.
masculus, adj.
femina, noun

Grammar:
creavit Deus hominem ad imaginem suam = independent clause:
Subject: Deus
Transitive verb: creavit (perfect)
Direct object: hominem

ad imaginem suam = prepositional phrase modifying creavit.

ad imaginem Dei creavit illum = independent clause:
Transitive verb: creavit (perfect)
Direct object: illum

ad imaginem Dei = prepositional phrase modifying creavit.

masculum et feminam creavit eos = independent clause:
Transitive verb: creavit (perfect)
Direct object: eos
Predicate accusatives*: masculum and feminam

Notes:
* Verbs of making may take a predicate accusative. (A&G §393)

And God created man to his own image: to the image of God he created him: male and female he created them.

Genesis 1:26

2010-06-21T22:35:00.002-04:00

Et ait: Faciamus Hominem ad imaginem, et similitudinem nostram: et præsit piscibus maris, et volatilibus cæli, et bestiis, universæque terræ, omnique reptili, quod movetur in terra.

New Vocabulary:
homo, noun
ad, prep. (+acc.)
imago, noun
similitudo, noun
noster, poss. pron.
piscis, noun
universus, adj.
movere, 2c verb

Grammar:
ait: Faciamus Hominem ad imaginem, et similitudinem nostram: et præsit piscibus maris, et volatilibus cæli, et bestiis, universæque terræ, omnique reptili, quod movetur in terra = independent clause:
Transitive verb: ait (present)
Direct object: “Faciamus Hominem ad imaginem, et similitudinem nostram: et præsit piscibus maris, et volatilibus cæli, et bestiis, universæque terræ, omnique reptili, quod movetur in terra”

faciamus Hominem ad imaginem, et similitudinem nostram = independent clause:
Transitive verb: faciamus (present subj.*)
Direct object: Hominem

ad imaginem and (ad ...) similitudinem nostram = prepositional phrases modifying faciamus.

præsit piscibus maris, et volatilibus cæli, et bestiis, universæque terræ, omnique reptili = independent clause:
Intransitive verb: praesit (present subj.*)
Indirect objects: piscibus, volatilibus, bestiis, terrae, and reptili

quod movetur in terra = (subordinate) relative clause:
Antecedent: reptili
Subject: quod
Transitive verb: movetur (present pass.**)

in terra = prepositional phrase modifying movetur.

Notes:
* Hortatory subjunctive.

** Passive voice with reflexive meaning.

And he said: Let us make man to our image and likeness: and let him have dominion over the fishes of the sea, and the fowls of the air, and the beasts, and the whole earth, and every creeping creature that moveth upon the earth.

Genesis 1:25

2010-06-21T22:10:00.000-04:00

Et fecit Deus bestias terræ iuxta species suas, et iumenta, et omne reptile terræ in genere suo. Et vidit Deus quod esset bonum,

Grammar:
fecit Deus bestias terræ iuxta species suas, et iumenta, et omne reptile terræ in genere suo = independent clause:
Subject: Deus
Transitive verb: fecit (perfect)
Direct objects: bestias, iumenta, and reptile

iuxta species suas and in genere suo = prepositional phrases modifying fecit.

vidit Deus quod esset bonum = independent clause:
Subject: Deus
Transitive verb: vidit (perfect)
Direct object: “quod esset bonum”

quod esset bonum = (subordinate) object clause:
Copulative verb: esset (imperfect subj.)
Predicate adjective: bonum

And God made the beasts of the earth according to their kinds, and cattle, and every thing that creepeth on the earth after its kind. And God saw that it was good.

Genesis 1:24

2010-06-21T20:15:00.001-04:00

Dixit quoque Deus: Producat terra animam viventem in genere suo, iumenta, et reptilia, et bestias terræ secundum species suas. Factumque est ita.

New Vocabulary:
iumentum, noun
bestia, noun

Grammar:
dixit Deus: Producat terra animam viventem in genere suo, iumenta, et reptilia, et bestias terræ secundum species suas = independent clause:
Subject: Deus
Transitive verb: dixit (perfect)
Direct object: “Producat terra animam viventem in genere suo, iumenta, et reptilia, et bestias terræ secundum species suas”

producat terra animam viventem in genere suo, iumenta, et reptilia, et bestias terræ secundum species suas = independent clause:
Subject: terra
Transitive verb: producat (present subj.*)
Direct objects: animam, iumenta, reptilia, and bestias

in genere suo and secundum species suas = prepositional phrases modifying producat.

factum est ita = independent clause:
Transitive verb: factum est (perfect pass.)

Notes:
* Hortatory subjunctive.

And God said: Let the earth bring forth the living creature in its kind, cattle and creeping things, and beasts of the earth, according to their kinds. And it was so done.

Genesis 1:23

2010-06-21T14:03:00.002-04:00

Et factum est vespere et mane, dies quintus.

New Vocabulary:
quintus, ord. num. adj.

Grammar:
factum est vespere et mane = independent clause:
Transitive verb: factum est (perfect pass.)

dies quintus = noun phrase.

And the evening and morning were the fifth day.

Genesis 1:22

2010-06-21T13:42:00.005-04:00

Benedixitque eis, dicens: Crescite, et multiplicamini, et replete aquas maris: avesque multiplicentur super terram.

New Vocabulary:
benedicere, 3c verb
crescere, 3c verb
multiplicare, verb
replere, 2c verb
avis, noun

Grammar:
benedixit eis, dicens: Crescite, et multiplicamini, et replete aquas maris: avesque multiplicentur super terram = independent clause:
Intransitive verb: benedixit (perfect)
Indirect object: eis

dicens: Crescite, et multiplicamini, et replete aquas maris: avesque multiplicentur super terram = participial phrase modifying the subject of benedixit.

crescite = independent clause:
Intransitive verb: crescite (present imp.)

multiplicamini = independent clause:
Transitive verb: multiplicamini (present pass.* imp.)

replete aquas maris = independent clause:
Transitive verb: replete (present imp.)
Direct object: aquas

aves multiplicentur super terram = independent clause:
Subject: aves
Transitive verb: multiplicentur (present pass. subj.**)

super terram = prepositional phrase modifying multiplicentur.

Notes:
* Passive voice with reflexive meaning. multiplicentur could be construed in that sense, as well.

** Hortatory subjunctive.

And he blessed them, saying: Increase and multiply, and fill the waters of the sea: and let the birds be multiplied upon the earth.

Genesis 1:21

2010-06-21T04:14:00.003-04:00

Creavitque Deus Cete grandia, et omnem animam viventem atque motabilem, quam produxerant aquæ in species suas, et omne volatile secundum genus suum. Et vidit Deus quod esset bonum.

New Vocabulary:
cetus, noun
grandis, adj.
omnis, adj.
motabilis, adj.

Grammar:
creavit Deus Cete grandia, et omnem animam viventem atque motabilem ... et omne volatile secundum genus suum = independent clause:
Subject: Deus
Transitive verb: creavit (perfect)
Direct objects: Cete*, animam, and volatile

secundum genus suum = prepositional phrase modifying creavit.

quam produxerant aquæ in species suas = (subordinate) relative clause:
Antecedent: animam
Subject: aquae
Transitive verb: produxerant (pluperfect)
Direct object: quam

in species suas = prepositional phrase modifying produxerant.

vidit Deus quod esset bonum = independent clause:
Subject: Deus
Transitive verb: vidit (perfect)
Direct object: “quod esset bonum”

quod esset bonum = (subordinate) object clause:
Copulative verb: esset (imperfect subj.)
Predicate adjective: bonum

Notes:
* cete = κητη, the plural accusative form of the Greek noun κητος (Latin cetus, or cetos).

And God created the great whales, and every living and moving creature, which the waters brought forth, according to their kinds, and every winged fowl according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.

Genesis 1:20

2010-06-20T11:46:00.000-04:00

Dixit etiam Deus: Producant aquæ reptile animæ viventis, et volatile super terram sub firmamento cæli.

New Vocabulary:
etiam, conj.
producere, 3c verb
reptile, noun
anima, noun
vivere, 3c verb
volatile, noun

Grammar:
dixit Deus: Producant aquæ reptile animæ viventis, et volatile super terram sub firmamento cæli = independent clause:
Subject: Deus
Transitive verb: dixit (perfect)
Direct object: “Producant aquæ reptile animæ viventis, et volatile super terram sub firmamento cæli”

producant aquæ reptile animæ viventis, et volatile super terram sub firmamento cæli = independent clause:*
Subject: aquae
Transitive verb: producant (present subj.**)
Direct objects: reptile and volatile

super terram = prepositional phrase modifying producant.

sub firmamento cæli = prepositional phrase modifying producant.

Notes:
* animae is genitive, limiting reptile. The genitive can be used to denote quality when it is modified by an adjective (as it is here by viventis, a participle serving as an adjective). (A&G §345)

** Hortatory subjunctive.

God also said: Let the waters bring forth the creeping creature having life, and the fowl that may fly over the earth under the firmament of heaven.

Genesis 1:19

2010-06-20T11:17:00.002-04:00

Et factum est vespere et mane, dies quartus.

New Vocabulary:
quartus, ord. num. adj.

Grammar:
factum est vespere et mane = independent clause:
Transitive verb: factum est (perfect pass.)

dies quartus = noun phrase.

And the evening and morning were the fourth day.

Genesis 1:17-18

2010-06-20T10:54:00.001-04:00

(17) Et posuit eas in firmamento cæli, ut lucerent super terram, (18) Et præessent diei ac nocti, et dividerent lucem ac tenebras. Et vidit Deus quod esset bonum.

New Vocabulary:
ponere, 3c verb
is, demonstr. pron.

Grammar:
posuit eas in firmamento cæli = independent clause:
Transitive verb: posuit (perfect)
Direct object: eas*

in firmamento cæli = prepositional phrase modifying posuit.

ut lucerent super terram = (subordinate) final clause:
Intransitive verb: lucerent (imperfect subj.)

super terram = prepositional phrase modifying lucerent.

(ut ...) præessent diei ac nocti = (subordinate) final clause:
Intransitive verb: praeessent (imperfect subj.)
Indirect objects: diei and nocti

(ut ...) dividerent lucem ac tenebras = (subordinate) final clause:
Transitive verb: dividerent (imperfect subj.)
Direct objects: lucem and tenebras

vidit Deus quod esset bonum = independent clause:
Subject: Deus
Transitive verb: vidit (perfect)
Direct object: “quod esset bonum”

quod esset bonum = (subordinate) object clause:
Copulative verb: esset (imperfect subj.)
Predicate adjective: bonum

Notes:
* eas presumably refers to both luminaria and stellas, but it agrees with the gender of stellas because it’s closer. (A&G §287)

(17) And to rule the day and the night, and to divide the light and the darkness. And God saw that it was good. (18) And the evening and morning were the fourth day.

Genesis 1:16

2010-06-20T10:01:00.001-04:00

Fecitque Deus duo luminaria magna: luminare maius, ut præesset diei: et luminare minus, ut præesset nocti: et stellas.

New Vocabulary:
duo, card. num.
magnus, adj. (comp. maior)
praeesse, verb
parvus, adj. (comp. minor)
stella, noun

Grammar:
fecit Deus duo luminaria magna ... et stellas = independent clause:
Subject: Deus
Transitive verb: fecit (perfect)
Direct objects: luminaria and stellas

luminare maius ... et luminare minus = noun phrases in apposition* to luminaria.

ut præesset diei = (subordinate) final clause:
Intransitive verb: praeesset (imperfect subj.)
Indirect object**: diei

ut præesset nocti = (subordinate) final clause:
Intransitive verb: praeesset (imperfect subj.)
Indirect object**: nocti

Notes:
* A&G §282.a

** A&G §370

And God made two great lights: a greater light to rule the day; and a lesser light to rule the night: and the stars.

Genesis 1:14-15

2010-06-19T23:47:00.005-04:00

(14) Dixit autem Deus: Fiant luminaria in firmamento cæli, et dividant diem ac noctem, et sint in signa et tempora, et dies et annos: (15) Ut luceant in firmamento cæli, et illuminent terram. Et factum est ita.

New Vocabulary:
luminare, noun
atque or ac, conj.
signum, noun
tempus, 3d noun
annus, noun
ut, conj.
lucere, 2c verb
illuminare, verb

Grammar:
dixit Deus: Fiant luminaria in firmamento cæli, et dividant diem ac noctem, et sint in signa et tempora, et dies et annos: ut luceant in firmamento cæli, et illuminent terram = independent clause:
Subject: Deus
Transitive verb: dixit (perfect)
Direct object: “Fiant luminaria in firmamento cæli, et dividant diem ac noctem, et sint in signa et tempora, et dies et annos: ut luceant in firmamento cæli, et illuminent terram”

fiant luminaria in firmamento cæli = independent clause:
Subject: luminaria
Transitive verb: fiant (present pass. subj.*)

in firmamento cæli = prepositional phrase modifying fiant.

dividant diem ac noctem = independent clause:
Transitive verb: dividant (present subj.*)
Direct objects: diem and noctem

sint in signa et tempora, et dies et annos = independent clause:
Intransitive verb: sint (present subj.*)

in signa et tempora, et dies et annos = prepositional phrase** modifying sint.

ut luceant in firmamento cæli = (subordinate) final clause:
Intransitive verb: luceant (present subj.***)

in firmamento cæli = prepositional phrase modifying luceant.

(ut ...) illuminent terram = (subordinate) final clause:
Transitive verb: illuminent (present subj.***)
Direct object: terram

factum est ita = independent clause:
Transitive verb: factum est (perfect pass.)

Notes:
* Hortatory subjunctive.

** signa, tempora, dies, and annos are all objects of the preposition in in this phrase.

*** This is a clause of purpose (a.k.a. a final clause), so the verb is subjunctive. (A&G §531)

(14) And God said: Let there be lights made in the firmament of heaven, to divide the day and the night, and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days and years: (15) To shine in the firmament of heaven, and to give light upon the earth. And it was so done.

Genesis 1:13

2010-06-19T23:07:00.003-04:00

Et factum est vespere et mane, dies tertius.

New Vocabulary:
tertius, ord. num. adj.

Grammar:
factum est vespere et mane = independent clause:
Transitive verb: factum est (perfect pass.)

dies tertius = noun phrase.

And the evening and the morning were the third day.

Genesis 1:12

2010-06-19T22:29:00.003-04:00

Et protulit terra herbam virentem, et facientem semen iuxta genus suum, lignumque faciens fructum, et habens unumquodque sementem secundum speciem suam. Et vidit Deus quod esset bonum.

New Vocabulary:
proferre, irreg. verb
habere, 2c verb
quisque, indef. pron.*
sementis, noun
secundum, prep. (+acc.)
species, 5d noun

Grammar:
protulit terra herbam virentem, et facientem semen iuxta genus suum, lignumque faciens fructum, et habens unumquodque sementem secundum speciem suam = independent clause:
Subject: terra
Transitive verb: protulit (perfect)
Direct objects: herbam and lignum

facientem semen = participial phrase modifying herbam.

iuxta genus suum = prepositional phrase modifying facientem.

faciens fructum and habens unumquodque sementem = participial phrases modifying lignum.

secundum speciem suam = prepositional phrase modifying habens.

vidit Deus quod esset bonum = independent clause:
Subject: Deus
Transitive verb: vidit (perfect)
Direct object: “quod esset bonum”

quod esset bonum = (subordinate) object clause:
Copulative verb: esset (imperfect subj.)
Predicate adjective: bonum

Notes:
* unumquodque = unum + quodque. Adjectival as opposed to substantive; in the latter case it would be unumquidque. (A&G §148, §151.g)

And the earth brought forth the green herb, and such as yieldeth seed according to its kind, and the tree that beareth fruit having seed each one according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.

Genesis 1:11

2010-06-19T13:37:00.008-04:00

Et ait: Germinet terra herbam virentem, et facientem semen, et lignum pomiferum faciens fructum iuxta genus suum, cuius semen in semetipso sit super terram. Et factum est ita.

New Vocabulary:
aiere, defect. verb
germinare, verb
herba, noun
virere, 2c verb
semen, noun
lignum, noun
pomifer, adj.
fructus, 4d noun
iuxta, prep. (+acc.)
genus, 3d noun
suus, poss. pron.
sui, pers. pron.
met, eclitic suffix attached to pers. pronouns
ipse, demonstr. pron.

Grammar:
ait: Germinet terra herbam virentem, et facientem semen, et lignum pomiferum faciens fructum iuxta genus suum, cuius semen in semetipso sit super terram = independent clause:
Transitive verb: ait (present*)
Direct object: “Germinet terra herbam virentem, et facientem semen, et lignum pomiferum faciens fructum iuxta genus suum, cuius semen in semetipso sit super terram”

germinet terra herbam virentem, et facientem semen, et lignum pomiferum faciens fructum iuxta genus suum = independent clause:
Subject: terra
Transitive verb: germinet (present subj.**)
Direct objects: herbam and lignum

facientem semen = participial phrase modifying herbam.

faciens fructum = participial phrase modifying lignum.

iuxta genus suum = prepositional phrase modifying faciens.

cuius semen in semetipso sit super terram = (subordinate) relative clause***:
Antecedent: fructum****
Subject: semen
Intransitive verb: sit (present subj.*****)

in semetipso and super terram = prepositional phrases modifying sit.

factum est ita = independent clause:
Transitive verb: factum est (perfect pass.)

Notes:
* With the verb aiere, the present tense is generally used in place of the perfect.

** Hortatory subjunctive.

*** semetipso = se + met + ipso. Although semen is the grammatical subject of the relative clause, the logical subject here seems to be the antecedent (i.e. fructum****). In a subordinate clause, a reflexive pronoun like semetipso can sometimes refer to a person or thing that is neither the subject of the relative clause nor the subject of the main clause. That appears to be the case here, as the seed would be within the fruit, not within itself. (A&G §300 note)

**** This is an educated guess. The antecedent could be lignum, or perhaps even genus.

***** This is presumably a relative clause of characteristic, which would explain why the verb is subjunctive. (A&G §535)

And he said: Let the earth bring forth the green herb, and such as may seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after its kind, which may have seed in itself upon the earth. And it was so done.

Genesis 1:10

2010-06-18T22:59:00.004-04:00

Et vocavit Deus aridam, Terram, congregationesque aquarum appellavit Maria. Et vidit Deus quod esset bonum.

New Vocabulary:
congregatio, noun
mare, noun

Grammar:
vocavit Deus aridam, Terram = independent clause:
Subject: Deus
Transitive verb: vocavit (perfect)
Direct object: aridam*
Predicate accusative: Terram

congregationes aquarum appellavit Maria = independent clause:
Transitive verb: appellavit (perfect)
Direct object: congregationes
Predicate accusative: Maria

vidit Deus quod esset bonum = independent clause:
Subject: Deus
Transitive verb: vidit (perfect)
Direct object: “quod esset bonum”

quod esset bonum = (subordinate) object clause:
Copulative verb: esset (imperfect subj.)
Predicate adjective: bonum

Notes:
* terram aridam

And God called the dry land, Earth; and the gathering together of the waters, he called Seas. And God saw that it was good.

Genesis 1:9

2010-06-18T22:07:00.008-04:00

Dixit vero Deus: Congregentur aquæ, quæ sub cælo sunt, in locum unum: et appareat arida. Et factum est ita.

New Vocabulary:
vero, postpos. adv./conj.*
congregare, verb
locus, noun
apparere, 2c verb
aridus, adj.**

Grammar:
dixit Deus: Congregentur aquæ, quæ sub cælo sunt, in locum unum: et appareat arida = independent clause:
Subject: Deus
Transitive verb: dixit (perfect)
Direct object: “Congregentur aquæ, quæ sub cælo sunt, in locum unum: et appareat arida”

congregentur aquæ ... in locum unum = independent clause:
Subject: aquae
Transitive verb: congregentur (present pass. subj.***)

in locum unum = prepositional phrase modifying congregentur.

quæ sub cælo sunt = (subordinate) relative clause:
Antecedent: aquae
Subject: quae
Intransitive verb: sunt (present)

sub cælo = prepositional phrase modifying sunt.

appareat arida = independent clause:
Subject: arida
Intransitive verb: appareat (present subj.***)

factum est ita = independent clause:
Transitive verb: factum est (perfect pass.)

Notes:
* In Gen. 1:1-9, the words et, autem, que, quoque, and vero are all used to translate the Hebrew prefix -ו (which has such meanings as and, but, or, etc.) at the beginning of each verse. In these same nine verses (except in Gen. 1:2, where δε is used), the Septuagint uses only the conjunction και to translate -ו.

** According to L&S, arida means terra arida in this verse.

*** Hortatory subjunctive.

God also said: Let the waters that are under the heaven, be gathered together into one place: and let the dry land appear. And it was so done.

Genesis 1:8

2010-06-18T14:13:00.002-04:00

Vocavitque Deus firmamentum, Cælum: et factum est vespere et mane, dies secundus.

New Vocabulary:
vocare, verb
secundus, adj.

Grammar:
vocavit Deus firmamentum, Cælum = independent clause:
Subject: Deus
Transitive verb: vocavit (perfect)
Direct object: firmamentum
Predicate accusative: Caelum

factum est vespere et mane = independent clause:
Transitive verb: factum est (perfect pass.)

dies secundus = noun phrase.

And God called the firmament, Heaven; and the evening and morning were the second day.

Genesis 1:7

2010-06-18T05:26:00.010-04:00

Et fecit Deus firmamentum, divisitque aquas, quæ erant sub firmamento, ab his, quæ erant super firmamentum. Et factum est ita.

New Vocabulary:
qui, rel. pron.
sub, prep. (+abl. or +acc.)
hic, demonstr. pron.*
ita, adv.

Grammar:
fecit Deus firmamentum = independent clause:
Subject: Deus
Transitive verb: fecit (perfect)
Direct object: firmamentum

divisit aquas ... ab his = independent clause:
Transitive verb: divisit (perfect)
Direct object: aquas

ab his = prepositional phrase modifying divisit.

quæ erant sub firmamento = (subordinate) relative clause:
Antecedent: aquas
Subject: quae
Intransitive verb: erant (imperfect)

sub firmamento = prepositional phrase modifying erant.

quæ erant super firmamentum = (subordinate) relative clause:
Antecedent: his
Subject: quae
Intransitive verb: erant (imperfect)

super firmamentum = prepositional phrase modifying erant.

factum est ita = independent clause:
Transitive verb: factum est (perfect pass.)

Notes:
* his (as opposed to illis) because it refers to a thought which follows; namely, the thought expressed in the following relative clause. (A&G §297.a, e.)

And God made a firmament, and divided the waters that were under the firmament, from those that were above the firmament, and it was so.

Genesis 1:6

2010-06-18T04:19:00.006-04:00

Dixit quoque Deus: Fiat firmamentum in medio aquarum: et dividat aquas ab aquis.

New Vocabulary:
quoque, postpos. conj.
firmamentum, noun
medium, noun

Grammar:
dixit Deus: Fiat firmamentum in medio aquarum: et dividat aquas ab aquis = independent clause:
Subject: Deus
Transitive verb: dixit (perfect)
Direct object: “Fiat firmamentum in medio aquarum: et dividat aquas ab aquis”

fiat firmamentum in medio aquarum = independent clause:
Subject: firmamentum
Transitive verb: fiat (present pass. subj.*)

in medio aquarum = prepositional phrase modifying fiat.

dividat aquas ab aquis = independent clause:
Transitive verb: dividat (present subj.*)
Direct object: aquas

ab aquis = prepositional phrase modifying dividat.

Notes:
* Hortatory subjunctive.

And God said: Let there be a firmament made amidst the waters: and let it divide the waters from the waters.

Genesis 1:5

2010-06-18T02:06:00.007-04:00

Appellavitque lucem Diem, et tenebras Noctem: factumque est vespere et mane, dies unus.

New Vocabulary:
appellare, verb
dies, 5d noun
nox, noun
vesper, 3d noun
mane, indecl. noun
unus, num. adj.

Grammar:
appellavit lucem Diem, et tenebras Noctem = independent clause:
Transitive verb: appellavit (perfect)
Direct objects: lucem and tenebras
Predicate accusatives*: Diem and Noctem

factum est vespere et mane = independent clause**:
Transitive verb: factum est (perfect pass.)***

dies unus = noun phrase.****

Notes:
* Because appellare is a verb of naming, it can take a predicate accusative indicating that which a direct object was named. (A&G §393)

** vespere and mane are examples of ablative singular neuter (or, less commonly, feminine) nouns being used adverbially. (A&G §214.e)

*** factum est is how Greek εγενετο and Hebrew ויהי (both of which are present here in the Septuagint and Masoretic Text, respectively) are translated into Latin. It is generally translated into English as “it came to pass.” (Nunn §121)

**** This noun phrase, set apart from the rest of the sentence, matches the Hebrew version. So either this is a Hebraism, or the Hebrew version is ungrammatical. The numeral is cardinal (as opposed to ordinal) in the Greek and Hebrew versions, as well.

And he called the light Day, and the darkness Night; and there was evening and morning one day.

Genesis 1:4

2010-06-18T01:45:00.004-04:00

Et vidit Deus lucem quod esset bona: et divisit lucem a tenebris.

New Vocabulary:
videre, 2c verb
quod, conj.*
bonus, adj.
dividere, 3c verb
ab, a, abs, prep. (+abl.)

Grammar:
vidit Deus lucem quod esset bona = independent clause:
Subject: Deus
Transitive verb: vidit (perfect)
Direct objects: lucem and “quod esset bona”**

quod esset bona = (subordinate) object clause:
Copulative verb: esset (imperfect*** subj.****)
Predicate adjective: bona

divisit lucem a tenebris = independent clause:
Transitive verb: divisit (perfect)
Direct object: lucem

a tenebris = prepositional phrase modifying divisit.

Notes:
* Subordinate clauses beginning with quod, quia, or quoniam are often used in Eccl. Latin as the direct object of verbs of saying, thinking, or perceiving, in place of the accusative + infinitive construction. The subject of the object clause is sometimes moved (in imitation of a Greek construction) into the main clause and put in the accusative case (i.e. lucem quod esset bona = quod lux esset bona.) The word order here also parallels the Hebrew version. (Collins §43, Nunn §114)

** An indirect statement functions grammatically as a noun. (Collins §43)

*** Following the rule for sequence of tenses. (A&G §482 et seq.)

**** In a “quod”-clause such as this, the verb can be either indicative or subjunctive without a change in meaning. (Nunn §114)

And God saw the light that it was good; and he divided the light from the darkness.

Genesis 1:3

2010-06-18T01:31:00.004-04:00

Dixitque Deus: Fiat lux. Et facta est lux.

New Vocabulary:
dicere, 3c verb
que, enclitic conj.
facere, 3ci verb (irreg. in the pass. voice)
lux, noun

Grammar:
dixit Deus: Fiat lux = independent clause:
Subject: Deus
Transitive verb: dixit (perfect)
Direct object*: “Fiat lux”

fiat lux = independent clause:
Subject: lux
Transitive verb: fiat (present pass. subj.**)

facta est lux = independent clause:
Subject: lux
Transitive verb: facta est (perfect pass.)

Notes:
* A verb of speaking can take a direct quotation like this as its direct object. (Collins §59)

** Hortatory subjunctive. (A&G §439)

And God said: Be light made. And light was made.

Genesis 1:2

2010-06-18T01:19:00.009-04:00

Terra autem erat inanis et vacua, et tenebræ erant super faciem abyssi: et Spiritus Dei ferebatur super aquas.

New Vocabulary:
autem, postpos. conj.
esse, irreg. verb
inanis, adj.
vacuus, adj.
tenebrae, pl. noun
super, prep. (+abl. or +acc.)
abyssus, noun
spiritus, 4d noun
ferre, irreg. verb
aqua, noun

Grammar:
terra erat inanis et vacua = independent clause:
Subject: terra
Copulative verb: erat (imperfect*)
Predicate adjectives: inanis and vacua

tenebræ erant super faciem abyssi = independent clause:
Subject: tenebrae
Intransitive verb: erant (imperfect*)

super faciem abyssi = prepositional phrase modifying erant.

Spiritus Dei ferebatur super aquas = independent clause:
Subject: Spiritus
Transitive verb: ferebatur (imperfect* pass.**)

super aquas = prepositional phrase modifying ferebatur.

Notes:
* A&G §470 et seq.

** The passive voice can often have a reflexive meaning in Latin (similar to the Greek middle voice), as is the case here. (A&G §156.a)

And the earth was void and empty, and darkness was upon the face of the deep; and the spirit of God moved over the waters.

Word Order

2010-06-18T01:08:00.001-04:00

Unlike in Classical Latin, where the word order emphasizes certain words, the word order in the Vulgate—at least in Genesis 1—closely follows that of the Hebrew version. For example, here's Genesis 1:1:

In principio creavit Deus cælum, et terram.
בראשית ברא אלהים את השמים ואת הארץ׃

Bearing in mind that Hebrew is read right-to-left, בראשית ≈ in principio, ברא ≈ creavit, אלהים ≈ Deus, את השמים ≈ caelum, and ואת הארץ ≈ et terram.

Genesis 1:1

2010-06-18T00:45:00.005-04:00

In principio creavit Deus cælum, et terram.
(The Latin version in bold at the top will always be from the Clementine Vulgate.)

New Vocabulary:
in, prep. (+abl. or +acc.)
principium, noun
creare, verb
deus, noun
caelum, noun
et, conj.
terra, noun

Grammar:
in principio = prepositional phrase modifying creavit.

creavit Deus cælum, et terram = independent clause:
Subject: Deus
Transitive verb: creavit (perfect*)
Direct objects: caelum and terram

Notes:
* A&G §473 et seq.

In the beginning God created heaven, and earth.
(The English version in italics at the bottom will always be from the Douay-Rheims Bible.)

Abbreviations

2010-06-17T12:00:00.000-04:00

2c = 2nd conjugation
3c = 3rd conjugation
3ci = 3rd conjugation, i-stem
3d = 3rd declension
4d = 4th declension
5d = 5th declension
A&G = Allen & Greenough’s New Latin Grammar
abl. = ablative
acc. = accusative
adj. = adjective
adv. = adverb
card. = card.
Collins = Collins’ A Primer of Ecclesiastical Latin
conj. = conjunction
defect. = defective
demonstr. = demonstrative
dep. = deponent
eccl. = ecclesiastical
Gen. = Genesis
imp. = imperative
indef. = indefinite
irreg. = irregular
L&S = Lewis & Short’s A Latin Dictionary
num. = numeral
Nunn = Nunn’s An Introduction to Ecclesiastical Latin
ord. = ordinal
pass. = passive
pers. = personal
pl. = plural
poss. = possessive
postpos. = postpositive
prep. = preposition
pron. = pronoun
rel. = relative
subj. = subjunctive