Latin Vocabulary: Holy Spirit

by Anonymous

Dear Latin Teacher,

What is the Latin for Holy Spirit (Holy Ghost) in noun form, not as part of a larger phrase?


Dear Anonymous,

The Latin for Holy Spirit is Spiritus Sanctus.

It stands for the Holy Ghost in Christian Latin. The literal meaning is breath, life force, or soul.

One caveat: Spiritus is a fourth declension noun. So it declines as follows:

Spiritus Sanctus = Holy Spirit (as Subject)
Spiritus Sancti = of the Holy Spirit
Spiritui Sancto = to/for the Holy Spirit
Spiritum Sanctum = Holy Spirit (as Direct Object)
Spiritu Sancto = from, with, in, by the Holy Spirit

Although you didn't ask for Latin phrases, here are the two most famous containing the Holy Spirit:

In nomine Patris et Filii et Spiritus Sancti
In the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost

Dominus vobiscum! Et cum spiritu tuo!
The Lord be with you! And also with your spirit!

Hope this helps, and thanks for asking a Latin teacher!

Sincerely,

John

See more Latin roots

Return to Vocabulary Lesson Plans