St. Jerome

Definition

St. Jerome was a Christian scholar and translator best known for his Latin translation of the Bible, known as the Vulgate, during the late 4th and early 5th centuries. His work played a crucial role in medieval bilingualism, as it made biblical texts accessible to a wider audience and influenced the development of vernacular translations across Europe.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. St. Jerome was born in 347 AD in Stridon, which is believed to be in modern-day Croatia or Slovenia, and died in 420 AD.
2. His translation of the Bible, the Vulgate, was commissioned by Pope Damasus I and became crucial for biblical study in the Western Christian tradition.
3. St. Jerome's emphasis on using original Hebrew and Greek texts for his translations set a precedent for future biblical scholars.
4. He is also known for his extensive writings on theology, including letters, commentaries, and biblical exegesis, which contributed to early Christian thought.
5. St. Jerome's feast day is celebrated on September 30th, and he is recognized as one of the four Latin Church Fathers, alongside Augustine of Hippo, Ambrose, and Gregory the Great.

Review Questions

• How did St. Jerome's work contribute to the accessibility of biblical texts during medieval times?
  • St. Jerome's translation of the Bible into Latin, known as the Vulgate, significantly increased the accessibility of biblical texts during medieval times. Prior to his work, many people relied on Greek or Hebrew versions that were less understood by lay audiences. By providing a standardized Latin translation that was widely disseminated, St. Jerome enabled a broader audience to engage with Christian scripture and fostered literacy among clergy and laity alike.
• Analyze how St. Jerome's approach to translation influenced later biblical scholarship in both Latin and vernacular languages.
  • St. Jerome's method of translating the Bible from original Hebrew and Greek texts rather than relying solely on previous translations set a new standard for biblical scholarship. His insistence on accuracy paved the way for future translators who sought to create reliable texts in both Latin and emerging vernacular languages across Europe. This approach emphasized fidelity to original texts and ultimately led to increased efforts to translate religious materials into languages spoken by the general populace during later periods.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of St. Jerome's Vulgate on religious practices and literacy throughout medieval Europe.
  • The long-term impact of St. Jerome's Vulgate on religious practices and literacy in medieval Europe was profound. By establishing a consistent Latin text for scripture use in liturgy and study, it shaped theological discourse for centuries within the Catholic Church. Additionally, as vernacular translations began to emerge, St. Jerome's Vulgate served as a benchmark for translators seeking to make scripture accessible to non-Latin speakers, promoting literacy and encouraging religious engagement among laypeople across various regions.

Related terms

Vulgate: The Latin version of the Bible translated by St. Jerome, which became the standard text for the Roman Catholic Church and was widely used throughout the Middle Ages.

Bilingualism: The ability to speak and understand two languages fluently, which was common among scholars and religious leaders in medieval Europe as they navigated between Latin and local vernaculars.

Council of Trent: An ecumenical council held in the 16th century that reaffirmed the importance of the Vulgate as the official biblical text of the Catholic Church, impacting future translations and biblical scholarship.