The phrase "ecce homo" is a Latin way of saying "behold the man". In IPA phonetic transcription, the pronunciation of "ecce homo" is [ˈɛk.kɛ ˈho.mo]. The letter "c" in "ecce" is pronounced as a "k" sound because in Latin, "c" is always pronounced like a "k" when followed by an "e". The double "cc" in "ecce" is pronounced as a single "k". The "h" in "homo" is pronounced in the same way as in English.
Ecce Homo is a Latin phrase that translates to "Behold the Man" in English. It is a biblical expression that originates from the Gospel of John, specifically in chapter 19, verse 5. This phrase is significant in Christian theology because it represents the moment when Pontius Pilate presents Jesus Christ, clad in a crown of thorns and mockingly robed in a purple cloak, to the crowd before his Crucifixion.
In a broader context, "Ecce Homo" has gained a more general meaning beyond the religious sphere. It is used to describe any artwork, literature, or depiction that showcases the suffering or vulnerability of a human being. The phrase encapsulates the concept of presenting the human condition in a state of affliction, emphasizing the common struggles and vulnerabilities shared by all individuals.
In contemporary culture, "Ecce Homo" has also become associated with the artistic work of the 19th-century painter, Antoni Gaudí. His unfinished masterpiece, the Basilica and Expiatory Church of the Holy Family, located in Barcelona, Spain, is commonly referred to as the "Sagrada Família" or the "Ecce Homo." This association stems from Gaudí's intention to create a cathedral that would represent Jesus Christ as the ultimate example of suffering humanity.
Overall, "Ecce Homo" encapsulates the biblical scene of Pilate presenting Jesus to the crowd before his Crucifixion, as well as the broader concept of portraying the human condition in a state of vulnerability and suffering that extends beyond religious contexts.
The word "Ecce Homo" is derived from Latin.
The word "Ecce" means "behold" or "here is" in Latin, while "Homo" means "man" or "human". So, when combined, "Ecce Homo" translates to "behold the man" or "here is the man".
The phrase "Ecce Homo" gained significant popularity and historical significance due to its use in the Bible. In the New Testament, during the trial of Jesus Christ before Pontius Pilate, Pilate presents Jesus to the crowd and says, "Ecce Homo", referring to Jesus as the accused man. This phrase has come to symbolize the moment of Jesus' public humiliation and suffering before his crucifixion.