What is the meaning of Agnus Dei?

Answer

Agnus Dei is a Latin term. When translated into English, it means “Lamb of God.”

The biblical foundation for this symbolism is found in John 1:29: “John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!’” and in Revelation 5:9–14, where the Lamb who has been sacrificed is worshipped: “‘You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God people from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.’ Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they were saying: ‘Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!’ Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: ‘To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!’ The four living creatures said, ‘Amen,’ and the elders fell down and worshipped.”

The symbolism in Revelation 5 represents both the sacrifice and the triumph of Christ, the Lamb. He is not only the sacrificed Agnus Dei but also the triumphant, resurrected, conquering Agnus Dei.

The term Agnus Dei has acquired a semi-technical status in church history and liturgy and can denote two things:

1. A depiction of a lamb with a halo and carrying a cross or banner. This symbol for Christ is frequently seen in church art and stained glass windows.

2. A prayer to Christ, which is a part of the Roman Catholic liturgy.

• In Latin: “Agnus Dei, qui tolis peccata mundi, miserere nobis. Agnus Dei, qui tolis peccata mundi, dona nobis pacem.”

• In English:“Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us. Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, grant us peace.”

Singer and songwriter Michael W. Smith has written and arranged a modern hymn named Agnus Dei. The song, featuring the refrain, “Worthy is the Lamb,” has gained popularity in churches.

While Catholics and Evangelicals acknowledge that Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, there is a noteworthy difference in application:

In Roman Catholic theology, the Agnus Dei is a plea for mercy akin to seeking leniency before a judge, uncertain of the final outcome. For the faithful Catholic, this prayer is part of the cycle of sin, confession, and penance through which grace is gradually infused, leading the sinner to become righteous enough for God to justify saving them.

For the Evangelical who has placed trust in Christ for salvation, the Agnus Dei prayer, as articulated in the liturgy, would carry a different significance. The Evangelical understands that they have already received mercy and are reconciled with God through faith in Christ. Therefore, for them, this prayer would adopt a tone of gratitude for the blessings already bestowed. Perhaps the following wording would better reflect sound theology: “Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, thank you for your mercy on us. Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, thank you for your peace.”