Agnus Dei

Agnus Dei

Excavations: Agnus Dei Ashlar, 11C
Agnus Dei, the Lamb of God. Central ashlar of the reconstructed portal dubbed Arch A, dating from the late 11th century, in the museum of excavations beneath Bitonto Cathedral, Puglia, Italy. A total of 52 ashlars were discovered stacked beneath the right side of the nave; they originally formed three portals. Based on their style, they were probably made in a French workshop. Image credit: Holly Hayes.

The imagery of a lamb in the New Testament is built upon how lambs were used in the Old Testament. Lambs were among the animals that were sacrificed by the ancient Israelites as an atonement for humanity's sins. Sacrificial lambs took the place of a human sinner, absorbing the cost of sin, which is death. The New Testament teaches that as animals took the place of people in the sacrificial system, so Jesus takes the place of sinners when he dies for their sins upon the cross.

The symbolism of the lamb, used by Christians today can have different meanings:

  • In general, the lamb represents Jesus, "the Lamb of God" (Agnus Dei).

  • Standing with a banner, the lamb represents the risen Christ triumphant over death.

  • Standing with a cross and a gash in its side, it symbolizes the passion of Christ.

  • Seated on a throne or a book, the lamb represents the judgment of Christ.

Because the lamb is humble, gentle, and innocent, lambs are sometimes engraved on the tombstones of children.

Related Bible Verses The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! (John 1:29)

Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they sang: "Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!" (Rev 5:11-12)

References

    - Color illustration at top left by Walter E. Gast.

    • Patricia S. Klein, Worship without Words: The Signs and Symbols of Our Faith (2000).
    • Carolle E. Whittenmore, ed., Symbols of the Church.
    • W.E. Post, Saints, Signs, and Symbols.
    • George Wells Ferguson, Signs & Symbols in Christian Art.
    • Frederick Rest, Our Christian Symbols.