E Pluribus Unim - Out of Many, One

As a symbol of the United States, the Latin phrase e pluribus unum means “out of many, one.”[1]

E pluribus unum represents the ideals of the U.S. This phrase represents America, its culture, and its history.

In 1776, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams sought to identify the United States by creating a Great Seal. Translating the ideals and aspirations of an emerging nation proved to be no small task. It wasn’t until 1782 that the Great Seal was adopted by Congress. On June 20^th of that year, Charles Thomson (who sketched the final design) described the colors, images, and words which would represent the country in this iconic symbol.

• A shield of 13 stripes covers the breast of a majestic eagle. This shield represents the original 13 states joined into one, supporting the chief—or top section of the shield—uniting the whole and representing Congress. The red and white stripes are united by the blue chief and the chief relies on the union’s strength.
• The arrows and olive branch in the eagle’s talons denote war and peace. Following the long struggle for independence, the seal would ratify a peace treaty between America and Britain, recognizing the U.S. as a sovereign nation. In pursuit of peace, the eagle faces its right toward the olive branch, an ancient symbol of peace.
• The 13 silver stars above the eagle’s head breaks through the clouds in a sky of blue glory. This constellation represents a new state taking its place among other sovereign powers.
• In the eagle’s beak unfurls a banner scroll inscribed “E pluribus unum.”

This imagery depicts the Vision Statement for America. Yet “E pluribus unum” is not the official motto of the United States. “Out of the many, one” served only as an unofficial motto for years.  But when the United States began using another phrase on all currency, Congress passed a law making that our nation’s official motto. That phrase is “In God We Trust.”

When we gather as a nation on the National Day of Prayer, we lift our hearts and our voices to heaven … to ask our Sovereign Lord and Savior to once again bless this land and its people. During a time when division and dissension seem to be the order of the day, would you join me in praying “E pluribus unum”? Not just for our nation, but for our world?

For out of the world of many nations, came One who was destined to die in our place, to save us from our sins. The Bible says, “… there is a great difference between Adam’s sin and God’s gracious gift. For the sin of this one man, Adam, brought death to many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through this other man, Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:15 NLT).

In Him—in Jesus, we do trust. Let us take the time today to praise and pray … to worship, trust, and obey. May God bless America and may America bless God.

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[1] Mohn, Elizabeth. 2016. "E Pluribus Unum." Salem Press EncyclopediaTopic Overviews Public Libraries, EBSCOhost (accessed March 31, 2017).