O Radix Jesse

By now some of you might be thinking that the O Antiphon words are sounding kind of familiar, even though you’re not really up on your Gregorian Chant.

In fact, these antiphons are some of the earliest attested antiphons in the Divine Office, being mentioned in passing in the works of Saint Boethius in the early sixth century.

They’re rooted deep in the culture of western civilization, and over the centuries they’ve been adapted for new uses in varied ways.

Even the original chants have variations.

The version of the O Antiphons that we’re listening to is the Solemn Tone. There are also less ornate versions in the Monastic Tone and the Simple Tone.

ORadix Jesse, qui stas in signum populórum,
super quem continébunt reges os suum,
quem Gentes deprecabúntur:
veni ad liberándum nos, jam noli tardáre.

Englished:

OFlower of Jesse’s stem, you have been raised up as a sign for all peoples;
kings stand silent in your presence;
the nations bow down in worship before you.
Come, let nothing keep you from coming to our aid.