St. Jerome

Definition

St. Jerome was a Christian scholar, translator, and theologian known for his translation of the Bible into Latin, known as the Vulgate. His work greatly influenced Christian thought and biblical scholarship in the Roman Empire and beyond, playing a crucial role in the development of Christian culture and education.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. St. Jerome was born around 347 AD in Stridon, which is located in present-day Croatia, and he became a priest around 378 AD.
2. His translation of the Bible into Latin, the Vulgate, was commissioned by Pope Damasus I in 382 AD to create a standard biblical text for the Church.
3. St. Jerome's extensive writings included commentaries on the Bible, letters, and works on theology, making him one of the most prolific writers of his time.
4. He is recognized as a Doctor of the Church due to his significant contributions to Christian literature and biblical studies.
5. St. Jerome's feast day is celebrated on September 30th in the Western Christian calendar.

Review Questions

• How did St. Jerome's translation of the Bible impact Christian education and culture in the Roman Empire?
  • St. Jerome's translation of the Bible into Latin, known as the Vulgate, had a profound impact on Christian education and culture by making scripture more accessible to the clergy and laity alike. It provided a standardized text that could be used across various regions, facilitating a unified approach to teaching and understanding Christian doctrine. This accessibility allowed for greater theological discourse and helped to establish a foundation for biblical literacy among Christians in the Roman Empire.
• Analyze how St. Jerome's role as a translator influenced his relationships with other Church Fathers and early Christian thinkers.
  • St. Jerome's role as a translator positioned him as a significant figure among other Church Fathers, creating both collaboration and contention in early Christian circles. His rigorous scholarly methods sometimes led to disagreements with contemporaries like St. Augustine, particularly regarding theological interpretations and scriptural exegesis. However, his translation work also earned him respect, as it laid the groundwork for subsequent biblical scholarship and contributed to shared theological discussions among early Christian thinkers.
• Evaluate St. Jerome's lasting legacy on Christian thought and biblical scholarship in both historical and contemporary contexts.
  • St. Jerome's legacy on Christian thought and biblical scholarship is immense, continuing to influence both historical perspectives and modern theological debates. His Vulgate translation set a precedent for future translations of scripture, emphasizing the importance of accuracy in biblical interpretation. Additionally, his writings have been pivotal in shaping doctrines that are still relevant today, making him a key figure not only in early Christianity but also in ongoing discussions about scripture interpretation and theological education within various Christian denominations.

Related terms

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

Church Fathers: Early Christian theologians whose writings and teachings shaped the doctrine and practices of the early Church, including figures like St. Augustine and St. Jerome.

Patristics: The study of the early Church Fathers and their writings, which helped to define early Christian theology and church doctrine.