Mihi autem nimis

This antiphon (138:17 in the Vulgate or 139 in the Septuagint) is used for feasts of several apostles as well as being the offertory for the Conversion of St. Paul. The chant is found on p 1206 of the Liber usualis as the introit for St. Andeas, using vv. 1-2 for the verse and again as the offertory on p. 1207.

It has been set by:

• Tallis (AATBB) and
• Palestrina (SAATB or SATTB)

Original text and translations

Latin text

Mihi autem nimis honorificati sunt amici tui, Deus,

nimis confortatus est principatus eorum.

(Ps 138,17)

English translation

But to me thy friends, O God, are made exceedingly honourable:
their principality is exceedingly strengthened.!

(Ps 138:17, Reims-Douay translation)

How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God!
How great is the sum of them!

(Ps 139:17, King James)

German translation

Aber wie köstlich sind vor mir, Gott, deine Gedanken!
Wie ist ihrer so eine große Summe!

(Luther, 1545)