Connecticut Symbols, State Motto

See State Seal

Adopted in 1784 .

Language: Latin

Focus: Religious

"Qui Transtulit Sustinet" has been translated as: "He who transplanted continues to sustain." The motto, has been associated with the various versions of the seal from the creation of the Saybrook Colony Seal. While the origin of the motto is uncertain, the late Charles J. Hoadly, a former State Librarian, suggested in an article entitled "The Public Seal of Connecticut," which appeared in the 1889 edition of the Connecticut State Register and Manual, that we look to the 80th Psalm as a possible source. "Thou hast brought a vine out of Egypt: thou hast cast out the heathen, and planted it."

The motto of Connecticut, "Qui Transtulit Sustinet," means (He who transplanted continues to sustain.) It is an adaptation of Psalms 79:3 of the Latin Vulgate Version of the Bible, which reads, de Aegypto transtulisti, Ejicisti gentes et Plantasti eam.

There are four states with mottos that mention "God." Most people would probably regard them as being religious mottos:

1. Arizona: "Ditat Deus" This means "God Enriches in Latin."
2. Florida: "In God We Trust." -- identical to the current national motto
3. Ohio: "With God, All Things Are Possible." This is a direct biblical quotation from the King James Version of Matthew 19:25-26: "When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved? But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible."
4. South Dakota: "Under God, The People Rule."

There are three other states with mottos that make reference to "God."

1. Colorado: "Nothing Without Providence"
2. Connecticut: "He Who Transplanted Still Sustains"
3. Maine: "I Direct"