Benedictus

Benedictus is a Latin term meaning “blessed.” It functions as an adjective or noun in religious and literary contexts and is etymologically related to benedicere, “to bless,” from bene (“well”) and dicere (“to say”).

In Christian tradition, Benedictus is best known as the canticle of Zechariah, found in Luke 1:68–79. Often called the Canticle of Zechariah, the blessing-poem begins with the words “Benedictus Dominus Deus Israel” and prophesies the coming redemption and the role of John the Baptist.

In liturgical use, Benedictus appears in Western Christian rites as a canticle associated with prayer and worship. It is recited or sung as part of the Divine Office (especially in Morning Prayer, Lauds) and is also incorporated in various Mass settings as a musical movement or hymn. Because of its distinctive text, the Benedictus has been a frequent source for composers writing liturgical music, spanning multiple eras and styles.

Musically, the Benedictus has become a standard designation for movements based on this canticle within Catholic, Anglican, and other liturgical and sacred works. These settings range from simple choral pieces to large-scale oratorios and Mass movements, illustrating the canticle’s enduring role in Western sacred music.

As a given name, Benedictus has been used in Latin and medieval European contexts and may appear in historical records and hagiographies. The term remains in use today in liturgical, musical, and scholarly contexts to denote the blessing or the canticle itself.