Mihi autem nimis

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This antiphon (138:17 in the Vulgate or 139 in the Hebrew numbering) is used for feasts of several apostles as well as being the offertory for the Conversion of St. Paul (Catholics are allowed to use the propers Jan 25, 2009 in place of those for Ordinary Time 3 to celebrate Paul's jubilee aniversary. It being a Mendelssohn year as well, it is not clear there will be a marked increase in demand for Mihi autem settings!) 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:

as well as by Dufay (Missa S. Jacobi), Isaac (CC3), Thomas Stolzer, Carissimi (SSB & bc), Adolf Hasse (with orchestra) and Flor Peeters (SATB & organ).

The offertory Mihi autem adhaerere (psalm 73) from the mass of St. Francis, has been set for men's voices by Franz Liszt. <references/>

Original text and translations

Psalm 139.17 [138.17]
Note that modern translations of this verse tend not to mention "friends" at all, making the reason for its appointment for saint's days somewhat obscure.


Latin.png Latin text

Mihi autem nimis honorificati sunt amici tui, Deus,
nimis confortatus est principatus eorum.


English.png English translation

But to me, O God, how honoured are your friends!
How much has their principality been strengthened!


German.png German translation

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