homileticus

Homileticus is a Latin adjective meaning pertaining to homiletics, the field concerned with the study and practice of preaching. Used in classical and medieval Latin theological writing, it serves to classify writings, topics, or instructors that deal with sermon composition, delivery, and the pastoral aims of preaching, rather than with doctrine or exegesis alone.

Etymology and scope. The term derives from the Greek word homiletikos, from homilia meaning discourse or sermon, transmitted through Latin. In scholarly contexts, a homileticus text would address aspects of sermon preparation, rhetorical style, audience adaptation, and ethical or pastoral considerations within preaching. It may appear in the form of libri homiletici or tractatus homiletici in Latin works, signaling material intended to guide preachers.

In modern usage, homiletics describes both theory and practice: how sermons are structured, how biblical texts are explained for preaching, and how delivery and rhetoric affect communication with congregations. The adjective homileticus thus functions to describe material related to this discipline or to designate a focus on preaching in Latin-language sources. The term is more common in Latin titles or scholarly discussions, while English-language scholarship typically uses homiletics or homiletic rather than the Latin form.

See also: Homiletics, Sermon, Preaching, Rhetoric, Exegesis.