St. Jerome

Definition

St. Jerome was a Christian scholar and translator, best known for his Latin translation of the Bible, known as the Vulgate. His work was crucial in the transmission and reception of Classical texts during the Middle Ages, as he not only translated the scriptures but also commented on various works, influencing theological and literary traditions in the Christian world.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. St. Jerome was born around 347 AD in Stridon, a town located on the border of modern-day Croatia and Slovenia.
2. He was a prominent figure in the early Christian Church, recognized for his scholarly approach to scripture and his ability to engage with both classical texts and Christian doctrine.
3. The Vulgate, completed around 405 AD, became the authoritative Latin text of the Bible in Western Christianity and played a key role in shaping theological discussions throughout the Middle Ages.
4. St. Jerome's commentaries on various biblical books helped to clarify Christian teachings and were widely read and referenced by later theologians and scholars.
5. His feast day is celebrated on September 30th, and he is recognized as a Doctor of the Church due to his significant contributions to Christian literature and scholarship.

Review Questions

• How did St. Jerome's translations influence the transmission of Classical texts during the Middle Ages?
  • St. Jerome's translations, especially his work on the Vulgate, played a significant role in preserving Classical texts as they were integrated with Christian teachings. By translating scriptures into Latin, he made them accessible to a broader audience within the Roman Empire, leading to a fusion of classical thought with Christian theology. This accessibility helped ensure that both Classical literature and Christian texts were transmitted through medieval education systems.
• Discuss St. Jerome's role within Patristics and how his work reflected the relationship between Classical literature and early Christianity.
  • St. Jerome is often considered a key figure in Patristics due to his extensive writings that engage deeply with both Classical literature and Christian teachings. His scholarly approach included critical examinations of classical texts alongside biblical scriptures, which allowed him to articulate a Christian worldview that acknowledged and respected earlier philosophical traditions. This interplay between classical thought and early Christian doctrine significantly influenced how later scholars approached theological questions.
• Evaluate St. Jerome's impact on textual criticism and its importance for future biblical scholarship.
  • St. Jerome's meticulous approach to translating the Bible laid foundational principles for textual criticism, as he compared multiple sources and manuscripts to create an accurate text. His emphasis on linguistic precision and context set a precedent for future scholars who would seek to understand biblical texts within their historical and cultural frameworks. This practice not only enhanced biblical scholarship but also underscored the importance of rigorous analysis in preserving literary works from antiquity.

Related terms

Vulgate: The Latin version of the Bible translated by St. Jerome, which became the standard text for the Catholic Church for many centuries.

Patristics: The study of the early Christian writers known as the Church Fathers, whose works contributed to the development of Christian doctrine and theology.

Textual Criticism: The scholarly study of manuscripts and texts to establish their original form and meaning, an important practice that St. Jerome engaged in during his translations.