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by mythopedia 1459 days ago
Can't speak to most of this, but:

> The term fiat derives from the Latin word fiat, meaning "let it be done" used in the sense of an order, decree or resolution.[0]

I know it's annoyingly pedantic, but I had to look it up because I had never heard the assertion that the word fiat comes directly from Genesis.

[0] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiat_money

2 comments

You are right.

The direct etymological connection to the phrase used in the Vulgate (4th century Latin translation of the bible) I was trying to make doesn't exist. At most a weak allusion. The latin word "fiat" ("let it be done") has different specific uses in English, I wasn't aware of, one of which is generally an arbitrary or authoritative command or order to do something; an effectual decree.[0]; which fits the bill much better (:

[0]https://en.m.wiktionary.org/wiki/fiat#English

Yes, JFYI, "fiat lux" redirects to "Let there be light":

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Let_there_be_light

and represent probably the most reknown two words of the Latin Bible (depending on which version it may be "sit lux").