What is the meaning of Semper Fi?

Question

It is my understanding that Semper Fi means 'Always Faithful'.

It can also mean 'Always Fidelis'. I ask a similar question in R&S if there was a difference between 'Faithfulness' and 'Fidelity'... and I got a few answers. Is it possible to be Semper Fi without Faith? I ask sincerely in humility and I ask in faith that I will get some good answers to this question in the Military Section from those hoo know. Thank you for your comments... and may God Bless.

Answer 1

It's Semper Fidelis or Always Faithful.

Answer 2

According to Merriam-Webster's online dictionary...  Fidelity is the state of being of one who is faithful.   So it's just two forms of the same word.

You are correct.. "Semper Fidelis" is latin for "Always Faithful"...

Copy from the dictionary site....

FIDELITY

1 a: the quality or state of being faithful

synonyms (fidelity, allegiance, fealty, loyalty, devotion, piety) mean faithfulness to something to which one is bound by pledge or duty. fidelity implies strict and continuing faithfulness to an obligation, trust, or duty <marital fidelity>.  

Answer 3

'Semper Fi' is the short version of the Latin phrase: Semper Fidelis, which directly translates to : Always Faithful.

I don't understand the wording of the second half of your question, in particular "is it possible to be Semper Fi without Faith"  Does that mean you have no faith in God or a higher power and are wondering if that precludes you from being "Always Faithful" or do you mean something else?  

I always understood "Semper Fidelis" to mean to me that I was Always Faithful to the Marine Corps and Honoring it's name in my actions.

Hope this helps!

Answer 4

It is a Latin expression used as the Marine Corps motto: Semper Fidelis.

Which as you have correctly stated means 'Always Faithful'.

Semper, always or ever

Fidelis, Faithful

As to the different between 'Faithfulness' and 'Fidelity'! well the root is exactly the same!

However the concepts are a little different!

'Faithfulness' has more to do with following a path of trust in words! (non material)



Where 'Fidelity'. seem to suggest more trust in actions! (material)

It is good to ask and seek to know ;-))

Answer 5

Really dont know.Surprised nobody could satisfy you in R&S!

Answer 6

Before you take too much stock in my answer, please know that I am not a member of the military, nor do I have any close relatives who are.

But I wanted to address the question of "Semper Fi without Faith".

I do believe that you can be "faithful" without having faith in any Deity. This phrase, for the military, relates to always being faithful to your country, your military branch, your unit, and your fellow soldiers/sailors. I think that we all have faith in something, even if it is not in a deity. I have faith that the sun will rise tomorrow. I have faith that my employer will issue my paycheck on time. Yes, I am sometimes disappointed when my faith involves another human, but I can still have that faith.

I can also have faith in myself, that I will always be faithful to who I am, and to the individual I want to become. So yes, I think you can be faithful without having some kinds of faith.

Blessings!

Soror Katherine

Answer 7

It stands for Always Faithful. The marines just have that brotherhood and closeness to them. They truly believe in 'never leave a fellow soldier behind'. Semper Fidelis is the full saying of it, they just shorten it to Semper Fi.