Taize has spawned a unique style of worship music that reflects the meditat… Read Full Bio ↴Taize has spawned a unique style of worship music that reflects the meditative nature of the community. Taize music emphasizes simple phrases, usually lines from Psalms or other pieces of the Bible, repeated and sometimes also sung in canon. The repetition is intended to aid meditation and prayer. More about the music and prayer of Taize can be found on the community's website.

Gloria in excelsis deo
Taizé Lyrics

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Gloria in excelsis Deo
Et in terra pax hominibus bonæ voluntatis.
Laudamus te,
Benedicimus te,
Adoramus te,
Glorificamus te,
Gratias agimus tibi propter magnam gloriam tuam,
Domine Deus, Rex cælestis,

Deus Pater omnipotens.
Domine fili unigenite, Iesu Christe,
Domine Deus, Agnus Dei,
Filius Patris,
Qui tollis peccata mundi,
Miserere nobis;
Qui tollis peccata mundi,
Suscipe deprecationem nostram;
Qui sedes ad dexteram Patris,
Miserere nobis.
Quoniam Tu solus sanctus,
Tu solus Dominus,
Tu solus Altissimus, Iesu Christe,

Cum Sancto Spiritu in gloria Dei Patris.
Amen

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Taizé's "Gloria in excelsis Deo" are a Latin hymn of praise to God. The first two lines declare "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of good will." The following lines continue to offer praise and worship to God in various forms, including blessing, adoration, and thanking Him for His great glory. The hymn also acknowledges Jesus Christ as Lord and God, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, and the one who sits at the right hand of the Father. The final verses declare that Jesus Christ is the only Holy One, the only Lord, and the only Most High, and that He is glorified with the Father and the Holy Spirit.

Overall, the hymn offers a powerful declaration of praise and worship to God, acknowledging His greatness, His mercy, and His salvation offered through Jesus Christ. The hymn's use of Latin adds to its traditional and reverent tone, inviting listeners to reflect on the depth and richness of this ancient language of liturgy and prayer. The various repetitions throughout the hymn also serve to reinforce the power and importance of the various statements of faith and worship.

Line by Line Meaning

Gloria in excelsis Deo
Glory to God in the highest

Et in terra pax hominibus bonæ voluntatis.
And on earth peace to people of good will.

Laudamus te,
We praise You,

Benedicimus te,
We bless You,

Adoramus te,
We adore You,

Glorificamus te,
We glorify You,

Gratias agimus tibi propter magnam gloriam tuam,
We give You thanks for Your great glory,

Domine Deus, Rex cælestis,
Lord God, Heavenly King,

Deus Pater omnipotens.
God, Almighty Father.

Domine fili unigenite, Iesu Christe,
Lord Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son,

Domine Deus, Agnus Dei,
Lord God, Lamb of God,