“Deus Vult” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on September 9, 2024 by Isabella Claire

The slang phrase “deus vult” is not used frequently because many don’t even know it exists, let alone what it means. However, since you are here, it probably means you are someone who has heard or seen it used before and were wondering what it means. You’re fortunate that your search has led you to this page. Here you will find the meaning of this term, the origin of this term, and some options meanings if there are any in existence.

“Deus Vult” Meaning

  • “Deus Vult” is a Latin phrase meaning “God wills it.”
  • It was famously used as a rallying cry during the First Crusade in the 11th century, expressing the belief that the Crusaders’ actions were in accordance with God’s will.
"Deus Vult" Meaning
“Deus Vult” Meaning – Created by 7ESL

What Does “Deus Vult” Mean?

“Deus Vult” is a Latin phrase that translates to “God wills it” in English. It became a rallying cry during the First Crusade (1096–1099) after Pope Urban II used it in his speech at the Council of Clermont in 1095, urging Christians to reclaim the Holy Land from Muslim rule. The phrase was adopted as a powerful slogan representing divine approval for the crusaders’ mission.

Over time, “Deus Vult” has been used in various contexts, often signifying a belief that a particular action or cause has divine sanction. However, in modern times, the phrase has also been associated with controversial and politicized uses.

In essence, “Deus Vult” conveys the idea that an action or cause aligns with God’s will or divine intention.

Origin of “Deus Vult”

The phrase was first used in 1095 during the First Crusade. The phrase was the battle cry of the Christian Crusaders led by Pope Urban II at the Council of Cleremont.

Related Terms to Deus Vult

Here are several terms related to “Deus Vult,” which are often associated with the Crusades, religious fervor, or medieval Christian ideology:

  1. Crusade: Military expeditions initiated by Western European Christians in the Middle Ages, especially aimed at reclaiming the Holy Land from Muslim control. The term has since broadened to mean any vigorous campaign for a cause.
  2. Holy War: A war declared or waged for a religious purpose, often believed to be sanctioned by a divine power. In the context of the Crusades, “Holy War” was used to describe the armed efforts of Christians to reclaim Jerusalem and other sacred sites.
  3. Pope Urban II: The Pope who launched the First Crusade in 1095 with his speech at the Council of Clermont, where “Deus Vult” was popularized as a rallying cry.
  4. Pilgrimage: A religious journey to a sacred place. During the Crusades, many participants viewed their participation as a form of pilgrimage, combining both spiritual and martial objectives.
  5. Cross of the Crusaders: A symbol often worn by Crusaders, usually a red cross on white background, which identified them as participants in the Crusades. This symbol is tied to the religious fervor of the period.

Conversation Examples

A text conversation between two friends.

  • Friend 1: Many wars have been started throughout history in the name of God.
  • Friend 2: That’s because those people believed deus vult.
  • Friend 1: They believe what?
  • Friend 2: They believe God wills it which they use as a reason for starting a war.

An online discussion between two Facebook users.

  • User 1: I want this promotion so badly.
  • User 2: Well it will happen for you deus vult.
  • User 1: What do you mean?
  • User 2: It will happen for you if God wills it. He may have other plans though so you will have to wait and see.
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