Requiem Aeternam in Latin — Text, Translation & Meaning
Requiem aeternam (“Eternal rest”) is the Introit of the Requiem Mass, the Mass for the Dead — the prayer that asks God to grant the departed eternal rest and perpetual light. Its opening words give the whole Mass its name.
On this page you will find the full Latin text, a line-by-line English translation, the meaning, the origin and a pronunciation note:
- the full Latin text of the Requiem aeternam
- the English translation, line by line
- meaning, origin and ecclesiastical pronunciation
If you want not only to pray the Requiem aeternam but also to read and understand the Latin, you will find it as a reading in the Lapicida app — opened up word by word.
How does the Requiem aeternam go in Latin?
The Requiem aeternam begins “Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine, et lux perpetua luceat eis” — “Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.” It is the Introit of the Requiem Mass.
Requiem aeternam — Latin text with a line-by-line translation
Here is the full Introit Requiem aeternam (Latin on the left, English on the right):
| Latin | English |
|---|---|
| Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine, et lux perpetua luceat eis. | Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. |
| Te decet hymnus, Deus, in Sion, et tibi reddetur votum in Ierusalem: | A hymn is due to thee, O God, in Zion, and to thee a vow shall be paid in Jerusalem: |
| exaudi orationem meam, ad te omnis caro veniet. | hear my prayer, unto thee all flesh shall come. |
| Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine, et lux perpetua luceat eis. | Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. |
Grammar note for learners: dona and luceat are petitions — dona is an imperative (“grant”), luceat a subjunctive of wish (“may it shine”). eis is the dative “to them.” The middle verse quotes Psalm 65.
Meaning: rest and light for the dead
The Requiem aeternam asks two things for the departed: requies (rest) and lux perpetua (perpetual light) — the peace and the vision of God. The central verse (“A hymn is due to thee, O God, in Zion…”) is taken from Psalm 65, before the opening plea returns. The same words form the versicle Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine throughout the Office of the Dead.
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How you read it in the app — word by word
In the Lapicida app the Requiem aeternam is set up as a reading: the full Latin text opened up word by word — with vocabulary help, form analysis and translation. Open the reading in the app.
Origin and pronunciation
The Requiem aeternam is the Introit of the Missa pro defunctis (Mass for the Dead) in the Missale Romanum; its first word, requiem, gives the Requiem Mass and the many musical settings (Mozart, Verdi, Fauré) their name. The opening line echoes the ancient book 4 Esdras.
Pronunciation (Church Latin): Requiem = “REH-kwee-em”; luceat = “LOO-cheh-at” (c before e is “ch”); caro = “KAH-ro.”
The versicle Requiem aeternam replaces the Gloria Patri in the Office of the Dead. See also the Agnus Dei (in a Requiem: dona eis requiem) and the Pater Noster.
Frequently asked — Requiem aeternam
What does Requiem aeternam mean?
Requiem aeternam means ‘eternal rest’. The full line is ‘Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine’ — ‘Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord’ — a prayer for the dead.
Where does Requiem aeternam come from?
It is the Introit (opening chant) of the Requiem Mass, the Mass for the Dead, in the Missale Romanum. Its opening word gives the whole Mass its name.
How do you say ‘eternal rest grant unto them’ in Latin?
Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine, et lux perpetua luceat eis: ‘Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.’
When is the Requiem aeternam prayed?
At funerals and Masses for the Dead, and as a recurring versicle throughout the Office of the Dead (in place of the Gloria Patri).
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