Historical story

What is the motto of the Templars?

The reputation of the Order of the Templars is known throughout the world. These monk knights impress and intrigue. However, they marked the history of Christianity with their courage, but also their values. These values ​​exalt through the motto of the Templars "Non nobis, Domine, non nobis, sed nomini tu da gloriam" . I take you to discover the history of this currency.

"Non nobis, Domine, non nobis, sed nomini tu da gloriam", the motto of the Templars

The motto of the Templars is the very reflection of the heart of their organization. Their battle standard reads "Non nobis, Domine, non nobis, sed nomini tu da gloriam" which means “Not for us, Lord, not for us, but for the glory of your name” . Several expressions have been attributed to them over the years, but this motto of the Templars is their official motto, the one displayed for all to see and which governs their daily actions.

But the motto of the Templars was not invented by the Order itself. "Non nobis, Domine, non nobis, sed nomini tu da gloriam" is from Psalm 113:9 according to Vulgate numbering . This psalm corresponds to 115:1 of the King James Version. This motto of the Templars was also used by the English people, who recited this prayer after the meal.

Even if this motto is not specific to them, it is today intimately linked to the Order of the Temple. It accurately reflects what the Templars, those soldier monks , have the mission of defending the Holy Land against Muslims.

A motto in the name of religion

The history of the Templars begins with the crusades. To know the dates of the crusades , I invite you to discover this article. With their armor and their sword in hand, these knights are however very different from the others. The Order of the Temple is an organization that is both religious and military . This Order of a very particular kind is nevertheless the most powerful of all the Christian West.

While "classic" Knights seek only glory and personal prestige, Templars do not aim for personal fortune. They do not care about their honor, and act only in the name of God, their Lord. Their headquarters are in Jerusalem, the Templars work to protect pilgrims . The motto of the Templars reflects exactly what drives them on a daily basis, that is to say, to defend the Holy Land and protect its pilgrims.