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 significantly influenced the development of biblical studies and the Latin Church, making the Scriptures accessible to a wider audience and impacting Christian theology and education for centuries.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. St. Jerome was born around 347 AD in what is now Croatia and later moved to Rome, where he became an influential figure in early Christianity.
2. He is recognized as a Doctor of the Church, a title given to saints whose writings are considered to have great importance for teaching and defending the faith.
3. His translation work, particularly the Vulgate, was crucial in unifying the Latin-speaking Church and standardizing biblical texts across Europe.
4. St. Jerome also wrote extensively on theology, scripture interpretation, and asceticism, addressing issues relevant to both church leaders and laypeople.
5. He faced criticism for his sometimes controversial views and sharp criticisms of contemporary Christian practices, but he remains a respected figure for his dedication to scripture.

Review Questions

• How did St. Jerome's translation of the Bible contribute to the accessibility of Scripture for Christians?
  • St. Jerome's translation, known as the Vulgate, made the Bible available in Latin, which was the common language of the Western Roman Empire. This allowed more Christians, including clergy and laypeople, to access the Scriptures directly rather than relying on Greek or Hebrew texts. The Vulgate's widespread use helped standardize biblical teachings across the Latin-speaking Church, influencing Christian education and theology significantly.
• What were some challenges St. Jerome faced during his work on the Vulgate and how did these challenges shape his contributions to biblical scholarship?
  • St. Jerome faced numerous challenges, including opposition from other scholars who preferred existing translations and criticisms from church leaders regarding his methods and interpretations. He was often at odds with certain theological perspectives of his time, which shaped his approach to scriptural interpretation and drove him to defend his translation choices vigorously. These challenges ultimately led him to produce a work that was more rigorously researched and contextually aware, thus enhancing its scholarly value.
• Evaluate St. Jerome's overall impact on Christian theology and biblical scholarship in relation to the early Church Fathers.
  • St. Jerome's contributions had a profound impact on Christian theology and biblical scholarship by bridging linguistic gaps and making Scriptures widely accessible through his Vulgate translation. Unlike many early Church Fathers who primarily focused on theological debates or pastoral care, Jerome emphasized rigorous textual analysis and translation accuracy. His approach laid foundational principles for future biblical exegesis and translation efforts, making him a central figure in shaping how Scripture was understood and taught in subsequent centuries.

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 and leaders whose writings shaped the doctrine and practices of the early Church, including St. Jerome.

Exegesis:

The critical interpretation and explanation of biblical texts, a field in which St. Jerome made significant contributions through his translations.