Re: Fiat Lux

MK> Fiat lux = 'Let there be light' in Latin.
MK> I am confused how this statement works.  Lux is obviously light, but
MK> what is fiat?  It seems to be a command of some sort.  Does Latin then
MK> have a verb for 'to allow to be'?  Or is there some sort of 'allowative'
MK> mood or voice?  Maybe fiat is an interjection, a la 'lo'.
MK> Then again, it could be that the Vulgate translates this phrase utterly
MK> wrong.
MK> Note that Young's Literal Translation gives this as
MK> "Let light be"
MK> .

MK> -M

the translation is not exact.
fiat is subjunctive,present tense,3. person of fieri=to happen.
"light should happen"
the subjunctive was commonly used as snob appeal for the imperative , so
"make light happen !" or "Turn on the light! " .



"rurmlor entflöt, fluppseveri trimel akre wopel larf."
- alte redensart