Is the "we" in the Nicene Creed actually some kind of singular?

Is the "we" in the Nicene Creed actually some kind of singular?

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| PentecostalTheology.com

The Nicene Creed begins with Πιστεύομεν ("we believe"), however, many English translations have instead "I believe" which follows the ancient Latin text which begins Credo ("I believe"). So, one wonders why the church fathers would translate Πιστεύομεν as credo.

I know that in classical Latin sometimes first person plurals are used to indicate an intensive or highly personal singular. Is that what is happening here and the Greek first plural is actually a singular intensive?

1 Comment

  • Reply March 28, 2026

    Don Warrington

    My response to this–which should clear up this mystery– is here!

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