What is the meaning (translation) of: Sator arepo tenet opera rotas?

Question

What is the meaning (translation) of: Sator arepo tenet opera rotas?

Question #65359. Asked by benedikt.
Last updated Dec 01 2016.

Arepo
Answer has 6 votes

Currently Best Answer

Arepo

Answer has 6 votes.

Currently voted the best answer.

I believe I have solved the Sator Arepo mystery. See my paper/conjecture at:

http://www.waggish.org/2003/sator-arepo-tenet-opera-rotas/
/satorarepotenetoperarotas.html

I believe it is an ironic aphorism meaning "God holds the plough, but you turn the furrows." It is a comment on two kinds of fate that govern our lives. cheers//John T. Cullen

Response last updated by LadyNym on Dec 01 2016.
May 01 2008, 12:02 AM

Sign in or Create Free User ID to participate in the discussion

Answer 1

This is an example of a word square.

"Two possible translations of the phrase are 'The sower Arepo holds the wheels with effort' and 'The sower Arepo leads with his hand (work) the plough (wheels).'"

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

What is the meaning (translation) of: Sator arepo tenet opera rotas?

Other Similar Questions & Answers

Related FunTrivia Quizzes