What is the Vulgate and when was it created?

The Vulgate is a late-4th-century Latin translation of the Bible. It is primarily the work of Saint Jerome, who was commissioned by Pope Damasus I in 382 to revise the existing Latin Gospels used by the Roman Church. Jerome later expanded this revision and translation to encompass most of the books of the Bible.

How did the Vulgate become the standard Bible text in the Western Church?

Over the centuries following its creation, the Vulgate was progressively adopted by the Western Church, eventually eclipsing the older *Vetus Latina* texts. By the 13th century, it was commonly referred to as the *versio vulgata*, meaning the 'version commonly used'.

What is the Catholic Church's official stance on the Vulgate?

The Catholic Church officially affirmed the Vulgate as its authoritative Latin Bible at the Council of Trent (1545-1563). While there wasn't a single definitive edition at that time, later official editions like the Sixtine Vulgate (1590) and the Clementine Vulgate (1592) were promulgated. The Vulgate continues to be used in the Latin Church.

When was the term 'Vulgata' first used to describe Jerome's translation?

The earliest known use of the term 'Vulgata' to refer to Jerome's new Latin translation dates back to the 13th century, attributed to Roger Bacon.

What was the significance of Robert Estienne's 1538 Latin Bible edition?

Robert Estienne's 1538 Latin Bible edition was significant because it coupled the popular Vulgate translation with more recent Latin translations by scholars like Pagninus and Beza, indicating a comparison and evaluation of different biblical texts.

Is the entire Vulgate translation solely the work of Jerome?

No, the Vulgate is considered a composite collection and not entirely Jerome's work. While the majority of the translation is attributed to him, it also includes *Vetus Latina* texts that Jerome did not revise or translate himself.

What was Jerome's initial commission regarding the Bible?

Jerome was initially commissioned by Pope Damasus I in 382 to revise the *Vetus Latina* text of the four Gospels, using the best available Greek manuscripts as his reference.

What are the theories regarding the authorship of the New Testament portions of the Vulgate that Jerome did not revise?

The Latin translations of the New Testament books outside the Gospels are thought to be revisions of *Vetus Latina* texts. Potential authors or groups suggested include Rufinus the Syrian (an associate of Pelagius), Tyrannius Rufinus, Pelagius himself, or Pelagian groups, though specific evidence for any single author is lacking.

Which books were included in the Vulgate as *Vetus Latina* translations that Jerome did not revise?

Several books from the *Vetus Latina* Old Testaments, which Jerome did not revise, were commonly included in the Vulgate. These include 1 and 2 Maccabees, Wisdom, Sirach (Ecclesiasticus), Baruch, and the Letter of Jeremiah.

From which languages did Jerome translate the books of the Old Testament for the Vulgate?

Jerome translated most of the books of the Jewish Bible, including the Hebrew Book of Psalms, directly from Hebrew. He also translated the books of Tobit and Judith from Aramaic versions, the Additions to Esther from the Common Septuagint, and the Additions to Daniel from the Greek of Theodotion.

How did Jerome mark the additions to the Books of Daniel and Esther in his translation?

Jerome marked the additions to the Book of Daniel (the Song of the Three Children, the Story of Susanna, and the Story of Bel and the Dragon) with an obelus (a mark like a dagger) to distinguish them from the main text. He did similarly for the Additions to Esther, gathering them at the end of the book and marking them with an obelus.

What is the 'Hebraica Veritas' and how did Jerome view it?

The 'Hebraica Veritas' refers to the 'Hebrew truth,' meaning the original Hebrew text of the Old Testament. Jerome strongly preferred the Hebrew text over the Greek Septuagint, believing the Hebrew version more accurately prefigured Christ and contained passages quoted in the New Testament that were absent in the Septuagint.

What was the order of Gospels in most *Vetus Latina* gospel books, and how did Jerome change it in the Vulgate?

Most *Vetus Latina* gospel books followed the 'Western' order of Matthew, John, Luke, Mark. Jerome adopted the 'Greek' order of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John for his revision in the Vulgate.

What is the significance of Jerome's use of the *per cola et commata* layout technique?

Jerome utilized the *per cola et commata* technique, which involved placing each major clause of a text on a new line. This method aimed to improve readability and understanding by visually separating the clauses and their associated phrases.

What did Jerome's prologue to Ezra state about the relationship between the Hebrew Bible and the Septuagint?

In his prologue to Ezra, Jerome contrasted the 'twenty-four elders' of the Hebrew Bible with the 'Seventy interpreters' of the Septuagint, reflecting his preference for the Hebrew text and its perceived accuracy.

Which specific books did Jerome translate from Aramaic for the Vulgate?

Jerome translated the books of Tobit and Judith from Aramaic versions for his Vulgate translation.

What was the primary source for Jerome's revision of the Vulgate Gospels?

Jerome's work on the Gospels was a revision of existing *Vetus Latina* versions, using Greek manuscripts that he considered the best available as his reference.

How did the Vulgate's rendering of 'High priest' differ across the Gospels?

The Vulgate's translation of 'High priest' varied: it was rendered as *princeps sacerdotum* in Matthew, *summus sacerdos* in Mark, and *pontifex* in John.

What is an example of Jerome incorporating a reading into the Vulgate that reflected a specific doctrinal interpretation?

An example is Jerome's rewording of 'our daily bread' to *supersubstantialem* at Matthew 6:11, which suggests a particular theological understanding of the phrase.

What was the impact of the *Vetus Latina* on the Vulgate's content?

The Vulgate is a composite collection because it includes *Vetus Latina* texts that Jerome did not revise. These unrevised *Vetus Latina* translations were incorporated into the Vulgate for books like Wisdom, Sirach, 1 and 2 Maccabees, Baruch, and the Letter of Jeremiah.

What did Jerome's *Prologus Galeatus* (or *Galeatum principium*) say about the Old Testament canon?

In the *Prologus Galeatus*, Jerome described the Old Testament canon as consisting of 22 books, which he identified with the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet. He also numbered them as 24, associating them with the 24 elders mentioned in the Book of Revelation.

What was the Catholic Church's position on the Vulgate at the Council of Trent regarding its authenticity?

At the Council of Trent, the Vulgate was declared to be 'authentic' for public lectures, disputations, sermons, and expositions, meaning it was to be held as authoritative and not rejected under any pretext. This decision was based on its long and approved usage within the Church.

What did Pope Pius XII declare about the Vulgate's freedom from error?

In his encyclical *Divino Afflante Spiritu*, Pope Pius XII declared the Vulgate to be 'free from any error whatsoever in matters of faith and morals.' He clarified that this authenticity was juridical, based on its long usage, rather than strictly critical or philological.

What are the three official editions of the Vulgate produced by the Catholic Church?

The Catholic Church has produced three official editions of the Vulgate: the Sixtine Vulgate (1590), the Clementine Vulgate (1592), and the *Nova Vulgata* (1979).

What is the *Codex Amiatinus* and its significance?

The *Codex Amiatinus*, dating from the 8th century, is the earliest surviving manuscript of the complete Vulgate Bible. It is considered a highly important witness to the text of the Vulgate.

Who were the key figures involved in the Carolingian period revisions of the Latin Bible?

The two most prominent figures involved in revising Latin Scriptures during the Carolingian period were Alcuin of York and Theodulf of Orleans.

What was Alcuin of York's main contribution to the Vulgate?

Alcuin of York oversaw the creation of a Latin Bible edition presented to Charlemagne in 801, which contained the Vulgate version. His revision primarily focused on correcting grammatical errors, orthography, and punctuation, and his edition became highly influential for centuries.

What book did Theodulf of Orleans add to his Bible edition that later became part of the Vulgate?

Theodulf of Orleans included the Book of Baruch in his Bible edition, which was not present in Alcuin's edition. This version of the Book of Baruch was later incorporated into the Vulgate.

By the 9th century, what had largely replaced the *Vetus Latina* as the standard Latin Bible?

By the 9th century, due to the success of editions like Alcuin's, the Vulgate had largely replaced the *Vetus Latina* as the most widely available edition of the Latin Bible.

What were *correctoria* in the context of late medieval Vulgate manuscripts?

*Correctoria* were lists of approved readings assembled by institutions like the University of Paris, Dominicans, and Franciscans, intended to address and standardize the variants found in Vulgate manuscripts.

What was significant about the Stephanus edition of the Vulgate published in 1555?

Robert Stephanus's 1555 edition was significant as it was the first complete Bible to include full chapter and verse divisions, becoming a standard reference text for late 16th-century Reformed theology.

What is the *Nova Vulgata* and how does it differ from the historical Vulgate?

The *Nova Vulgata* (or Neo-Vulgate) is the official Latin edition of the Bible published by the Holy See for contemporary use in the Roman Rite. It is not a critical edition of the historical Vulgate but rather a revision based on modern critical Hebrew and Greek texts, aiming for a style closer to Classical Latin.

How can one distinguish between different online versions of the Vulgate based on the spelling of 'Eve'?

Online versions of the Vulgate can be identified by the spelling of 'Eve' in Genesis 3:20: 'Heva' indicates the Clementine Vulgate, 'Hava' indicates the Stuttgart edition, and 'Eva' indicates the *Nova Vulgata*.

What was the purpose of Jerome's prologue to the Pauline epistles, known as *Primum quaeritur*?

The prologue *Primum quaeritur* defends the Pauline authorship of the Epistle to the Hebrews, which is notable because it directly contradicts Jerome's own views on the matter, suggesting Jerome did not write this prologue.

What did Jerome's prologues to the Old Testament emphasize regarding the Septuagint?

A recurring theme in Jerome's Old Testament prologues was his preference for the *Hebraica Veritas* (Hebrew truth) over the Septuagint. He defended this preference, believing the Septuagint text itself contained errors, not just those introduced by copyists.

What was Jerome's view on the accuracy of the Septuagint?

Jerome came to believe that the Septuagint text was flawed, with some mistakes being inherent to the original text produced by the translators, not merely errors made by copyists.

What did Augustine of Hippo say about Jerome's translation of the Old Testament?

Augustine of Hippo acknowledged Jerome's translation of the Old Testament directly from Hebrew, calling him a 'master of all three tongues.' However, Augustine also emphasized the need for the Latin Church to align with the Greek Church and pressed Jerome for his Hexaplar Latin translation, a request Jerome deferred.

What is the *Sixtine Vulgate*?

The *Sixtine Vulgate*, issued in 1590 under Pope Sixtus V, was the first official Bible edition recommended by the Council of Trent. However, it was later recalled and replaced due to perceived printing inaccuracies.

What is the *Clementine Vulgate*?

The *Clementine Vulgate*, published in 1592 under Pope Clement VIII, replaced the *Sixtine Vulgate* and became the standard Bible text for the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church until 1979. It is also known as the Sixto-Clementine Vulgate.

What was the critical value of Jerome's translation of the Hebrew Bible?

Jerome's translation of the Hebrew Bible was considered valuable for reconstructing the state of the Hebrew text as it existed in his time. Paleographer Frederic Kenyon noted that while some parts were paraphrastic, others were so literal they were unintelligible, indicating varied translation approaches.

What was the *Codex Fuldensis* and its unique characteristic regarding the Gospels?

The *Codex Fuldensis*, dating to around 545 AD, contains most of the New Testament in the Vulgate version. However, its four Gospels are presented as a harmonized, continuous narrative derived from the *Diatessaron*, a different arrangement than Jerome's Gospel text.

What was the primary goal of the Oxford University Press's critical edition of the Vulgate New Testament?

The Oxford University Press's critical edition, known as the *Oxford Vulgate*, aimed to produce a text representative of the earliest Vulgate copies and to summarize the most common manuscript variants, addressing the inaccuracies found in existing editions.

What is the *Stuttgart Vulgate*?

The *Stuttgart Vulgate*, first published in 1969 and updated since, is a critical edition of the complete Vulgate. It was created based on the Oxford and Rome editions but with independent manuscript examination, and it is considered a standard edition used by scholars.

What is the significance of the Vulgate's influence on the English language?

The Vulgate significantly influenced the English language, particularly in religious terminology, by introducing many Latin words that were adopted with little change in meaning or spelling, such as 'creatio,' 'salvatio,' and 'justificatio.'

What was the role of the *Vetus Latina* in the Vulgate's development?

The *Vetus Latina* played a crucial role as the source material for Jerome's revisions of the Gospels and provided unrevised translations for several other books included in the Vulgate, making the Vulgate a composite text.

How did the Council of Trent's decree on the Vulgate's authenticity differ from modern concepts of inerrancy?

The Council of Trent declared the Vulgate 'authentic' based on its long usage, not necessarily asserting absolute inerrancy in every detail. Pope Pius XII later clarified that its authenticity meant it was 'free from any error whatsoever in matters of faith and morals,' emphasizing a juridical rather than a purely critical or philological sense.

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Introduction

A Landmark Translation

The Vulgate, a late-4th-century Latin translation of the Bible, stands as a monumental achievement in textual history. Primarily the work of Saint Jerome, it became the standard Bible text for the Western Church for over a millennium, profoundly shaping Western civilization.

Historical Context

Commissioned by Pope Damasus I in 382 AD, Jerome was initially tasked with revising the existing Latin Gospels used by the Roman Church. This revision evolved into a comprehensive translation project encompassing most of the biblical books, drawing from Greek and Hebrew sources.

Enduring Significance

Its adoption by the Catholic Church, notably affirmed at the Council of Trent, cemented its status as the authoritative Latin Bible. The Vulgate's influence extended beyond theology, permeating literature, art, and the very development of the English language.

Authorship and Textual Composition

Jerome's Primary Role

Saint Jerome, a scholar fluent in Latin, Greek, and Hebrew, is credited with the majority of the Vulgate's translation. His meticulous work, particularly his direct translation from Hebrew for the Old Testament, was groundbreaking for its time.

A Composite Work

While Jerome's contribution is central, the Vulgate is recognized as a composite text. It includes revisions of earlier Latin translations, known as the Vetus Latina, and some texts not directly translated by Jerome, particularly in the New Testament and certain deuterocanonical books.

Jerome revised the Vetus Latina Gospels based on Greek manuscripts. For the rest of the New Testament, the revisions are attributed to other scholars, possibly Pelagian circles or Rufinus the Syrian, using Alexandrian text-type Greek manuscripts. Several Vetus Latina translations of deuterocanonical books, such as Tobit, Judith, Wisdom, Sirach, Baruch, and the Letter of Jeremiah, were also incorporated without direct revision by Jerome.

Jerome's Prologues

Jerome authored prefaces (prologues) for many of his translations, offering insights into his methodology, his preference for the Hebraica veritas (Hebrew truth), and his defense against critics. These prologues became integral to many Vulgate manuscripts.

Content and Structure

Canonical Scope

The Vulgate canon, as affirmed by the Council of Trent, includes 72 books: 45 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament. This canon incorporated deuterocanonical books, which were part of the Vetus Latina tradition but not found in the Hebrew Bible.

Old Testament: Includes books like Tobit, Judith, Wisdom, Sirach (Ecclesiasticus), Baruch, 1 & 2 Maccabees, and additions to Esther and Daniel, alongside the books of the Hebrew canon. Jerome translated Tobit and Judith from Aramaic.

New Testament: Consists of the four Gospels, Acts of the Apostles, Pauline epistles, Catholic epistles, and the Book of Revelation.

The Psalter Versions

The Book of Psalms saw multiple Latin versions associated with Jerome. The Versio Romana, a revision of an earlier Vetus Latina, was the first attempt. This was followed by the Versio Gallicana, a translation from the Greek Hexapla Septuagint, which became the most common version. Jerome also produced a Versio juxta Hebraicum, a translation directly from the Hebrew.

Textual Variants

Like other ancient texts, Vulgate manuscripts exhibit variations due to scribal practices. Efforts were made throughout history to standardize and purify the text, leading to various editions and scholarly attempts to reconstruct Jerome's original work.

Council of Trent and Official Authority

Affirmation of Authenticity

At the Council of Trent (1545–1563), the Vulgate was declared the "authentic" Latin Bible. This designation, based on its long usage and acceptance within the Church, meant it was to be held as authoritative in public discourse and theological matters.

Nuances of "Authentic"

The Council's use of "authentic" did not imply inerrancy in a modern critical sense but rather its legitimate and established use in the Church. Pope Pius XII later clarified that the Vulgate was "free from any error whatsoever in matters of faith and morals," emphasizing its juridical rather than purely critical authority.

Official Editions

The Catholic Church has produced three official editions: the Sixtine Vulgate (1590), the Clementine Vulgate (1592), and the Nova Vulgata (1979). The Clementine edition served as the standard for centuries until the promulgation of the Nova Vulgata, which is based on modern critical editions of the original languages.

Manuscripts and Early Editions

Surviving Witnesses

Numerous manuscripts containing or reflecting the Vulgate survive. The Codex Amiatinus (8th century) is the earliest complete manuscript. Other significant early witnesses include the Codex Fuldensis and Carolingian-era revisions by scholars like Alcuin and Theodulf of Orleans.

The Dawn of Printing

The advent of printing revolutionized the dissemination of the Vulgate. The Gutenberg Bible (c. 1455) was the first major printed edition. Early printed editions often reproduced available manuscripts, with later Renaissance scholars like Erasmus and Robert Estienne producing critical editions.

Gutenberg Bible (c. 1455): The first major printed edition, renowned for its beauty.

Erasmus's Edition (1516): Corrected to align better with Greek and Hebrew texts.

Robert Estienne's Editions (1540s-1550s): Critical editions that influenced later standardized versions.

Sixtine Vulgate (1590): The first official Catholic edition, later recalled due to perceived inaccuracies.

Clementine Vulgate (1592): The revised and standardized official edition, used for centuries.

Modern Critical Editions

Scholarly efforts in the 19th and 20th centuries led to critical editions aiming to reconstruct the earliest Vulgate texts. Notable among these are the Oxford Vulgate (Wordsworth and White) and the Benedictine Vulgate (Weber/Gryson), which informed the Stuttgart Vulgate.

Evolution of Editions

Sixtine & Clementine

The Sixtine Vulgate (1590) was the first official Catholic edition, but it was soon replaced by the Clementine Vulgate (1592). The Clementine edition became the standard for Roman Catholic use, remaining so until the late 20th century.

Nova Vulgata

Promulgated in 1979 by Pope John Paul II, the Nova Vulgata is a revision based on modern critical editions of the original biblical languages. It aims for greater fidelity to the source texts and a style closer to Classical Latin, serving as the current official Latin Bible for the Roman Rite.

Scholarly Standards

The Stuttgart Vulgate (Weber-Gryson edition) represents a significant modern critical edition, drawing from extensive manuscript research. It provides a scholarly standard for studying the Vulgate's textual history and variations.

Influence on Western Culture

Shaping Language

The Vulgate significantly influenced the development of the English language, particularly in religious and scholarly vocabulary. Many Latin terms from the Vulgate, such as 'creatio', 'salvatio', and 'justificatio', were adopted directly or adapted into English.

Artistic and Cultural Impact

For centuries, the Vulgate served as a primary source for ecclesiastical art, architecture, hymns, paintings, and mystery plays. Its narratives and theological concepts were deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of medieval and early modern Europe.

Theological Foundation

As the standard text for Western Christianity, the Vulgate provided the foundation for theological discourse, liturgy, and devotional practices for over a thousand years. Its consistent presence ensured a shared scriptural basis across diverse regions and communities.

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References

Canons and Decrees of the Council of Trent, The Fourth Session, 1546

Fourth Session, April 8 1546.

Mt 16:22

Gasquet, F.A. (1912). Revision of Vulgate. In the Catholic Encyclopedia. New York: Robert Appleton Company. Retrieved July 25, 2022.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Vulgate Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not a theological or historical advisory. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional academic research, theological consultation, or historical analysis. Always refer to primary sources and consult with qualified scholars for specific needs.

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The Vulgate: Foundation of Western Scripture

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Introduction ℹ️

📜 A Landmark Translation

🌍 Historical Context

🏛️ Enduring Significance

Authorship and Textual Composition ✍️

👨‍🎨 Jerome's Primary Role

🧩 A Composite Work

📖 Jerome's Prologues

Content and Structure 📚

📜 Canonical Scope

🎶 The Psalter Versions

➡️ Textual Variants

Council of Trent and Official Authority ⚖️

📜 Affirmation of Authenticity

🧐 Nuances of "Authentic"

✨ Official Editions

Manuscripts and Early Editions 📜

📜 Surviving Witnesses

🖨️ The Dawn of Printing

🔬 Modern Critical Editions

Evolution of Editions 🔄

👑 Sixtine & Clementine

✨ Nova Vulgata

📊 Scholarly Standards

Influence on Western Culture 💡

🗣️ Shaping Language

🎨 Artistic and Cultural Impact

⛪ Theological Foundation

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

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References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Introduction

A Landmark Translation

Historical Context

Enduring Significance

Authorship and Textual Composition

Jerome's Primary Role

A Composite Work

Jerome's Prologues

Content and Structure

Canonical Scope

The Psalter Versions

Textual Variants

Council of Trent and Official Authority

Affirmation of Authenticity

Nuances of "Authentic"

Official Editions

Manuscripts and Early Editions

Surviving Witnesses

The Dawn of Printing

Modern Critical Editions

Evolution of Editions

Sixtine & Clementine

Nova Vulgata

Scholarly Standards

Influence on Western Culture

Shaping Language

Artistic and Cultural Impact

Theological Foundation

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice