Via, Veritas, Vita

The motto as it appears on the arms of the city of Arad, Romania.

Via, Veritas, Vita (Classical Latin: [ˈwi.a ˈweːritaːs ˈwiːta], Ecclesiastical Latin: [ˈvi.a ˈveritas ˈvita]) is a Latin phrase meaning "The Way, The Truth, The Life" in English. It is taken from the Bible, and was spoken by Jesus Christ in reference to himself. It has since been used as motto by various educational institutions and governments.

History

John 14:6 sign along U.S. Route 66 in Shamrock in Wheeler County, Texas

It is found in verse 6 of chapter 14 of the Gospel of John, as part of Christ's Farewell Discourse during the Last Supper:

"5Thomas said to him, ‘Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?’ 6Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.’"(New Revised Standard Version)

In the Latin Vulgate, it is written as via et veritas et vita.[1]

Usage as a motto

Government

Educational institutions

The motto also appears on the arms of the University of Glasgow in Scotland.

Higher education

Secondary education

It is also the motto of some Canossian schools:

See also

Notes and references

  1. ↑ www.latinvulgate.com Latin Vulgate side-by-side: John and www.fourmilab.ch Latin Vulgate: John

External links

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