Bible Dictionaries

1910 New Catholic Dictionary

O Antiphons

Recited from 17 to December 23, inclusive at the Magnificat in Vespers, one being said each day. They are written in poetic, scriptural prose, it is not known when or by whom, but they date at the latest from the 9th century. The antiphons address Our Lord under scriptural titles and conclude with a petition to the coming Saviour. Their opening words are:

O Sapientia (O Wisdom), O Adonai, O Radix Jesse (O Root of Jesse), O Clavis David (O Key of David), O Oriens (O Orient), O Rex Gentium (O King of the Gentiles), O Emmanuel.