Non Nobis Domine

[Cabeelibob]

“Non Nobis Domine” as I understand, means "Not unto us, Lord.
Is this correct?

Assuming that is what it literally means, what does it mean in terms of its context?
When did people say this and why?
What is it’s spiritual meaning?

I hope my questions make sense.

 

[Fauken]

“Non Nobis Domine” as I understand, means "Not unto us, Lord.
Is this correct?

Pretty much.

Assuming that is what it literally means, what does it mean in terms of its context?

What is it’s spiritual meaning?

It’s from Psalm 113.

“113:9 Not to us, O Lord, not to us; but to thy name give glory.
113:10 For thy mercy, and for thy truth’s sake: lest the Gentiles should say: Where is their God?
113:11 But our God is in heaven: he hath done all things whatsoever he would.
113:12 The idols of the Gentiles are silver and gold, the works of the hands of men.
113:13 They have mouths and speak not: they have eyes and see not.
113:14 They have ears and hear not: they have noses and smell not.
113:15 They have hands and feel not: they have feet and walk not: neither shall they cry out through their throat.
113:16 Let them that make them become like unto them: and all such as trust in them.”

When did people say this and why?

Besides it being in the Bible, it was the motto for the Templar Order in the twelfth century.

 

[Cabeelibob]

So its like saying, “Don’t give us glory, Lord, Give it to yourself.”

 

[Fauken]

Yeah, I think so.

 

[BartholomewB]

Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness. Psalm 115:1 (NIV)

In the Knox translation of the Vulgate (link below, Latin and English) it appears as Psalm 114/115 verse 9.

http://newadvent.com/bible/psa113.htm

If you’re thinking of the battlefield scene in Kenneth Branagh’s Henry V, the musical setting is by Patrick Doyle: