Latin Vulgate

Definition

The Latin Vulgate is a late 4th-century Latin translation of the Bible that became the standard text for Western Christianity. It was translated by St. Jerome and is significant as it was widely used in the Roman Catholic Church, influencing biblical scholarship and the development of various translations, including the King James Bible.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Latin Vulgate was commissioned by Pope Damasus I to provide a standardized Latin text of the Bible for the Western Church.
2. St. Jerome translated the Old Testament directly from Hebrew texts, whereas he relied on the Greek Septuagint for parts of the Old Testament.
3. The Vulgate was recognized as the official Latin version of the Bible by the Council of Trent in the 16th century.
4. Many later translations of the Bible into vernacular languages drew on the Latin Vulgate, making it a key text in biblical scholarship.
5. The Latin Vulgate's influence extended beyond theology, impacting literature, art, and culture throughout Europe during the Middle Ages and beyond.

Review Questions

• How did St. Jerome's approach to translation influence later biblical translations?
  • St. Jerome's approach to translation was pivotal because he emphasized direct translation from Hebrew for the Old Testament, while also considering Greek sources like the Septuagint. This method set a precedent for future translators to engage more closely with original texts rather than relying solely on existing translations. The Latin Vulgate's widespread acceptance helped shape expectations for accuracy and fidelity in subsequent translations, including those into vernacular languages.
• Discuss the impact of the Latin Vulgate on Christian doctrine and biblical scholarship.
  • The Latin Vulgate significantly impacted Christian doctrine and biblical scholarship by providing a uniform text that facilitated theological discourse within the Church. Its authority was solidified when it was adopted as the official biblical text by the Council of Trent, which shaped Catholic teaching and practices. Additionally, its widespread use ensured that interpretations and commentaries were based on a common scripture, influencing centuries of theological thought and scholarly work.
• Evaluate how the translations stemming from the Latin Vulgate reflect cultural changes in Europe during the Renaissance.
  • The translations stemming from the Latin Vulgate reflect significant cultural changes during the Renaissance by illustrating a shift towards individual engagement with scripture and an emphasis on humanism. As scholars began to translate biblical texts into vernacular languages, they encouraged literacy and personal interpretation among laypeople. This democratization of religious texts paralleled broader Renaissance ideals emphasizing human experience and knowledge, marking a departure from strictly ecclesiastical authority over scripture and fostering an environment conducive to reform movements that challenged traditional doctrines.

Related terms

St. Jerome: A Christian scholar and translator who produced the Latin Vulgate, he is known for his work in translating biblical texts from Hebrew and Greek into Latin.

Septuagint: An ancient Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, which was widely used in the early Christian Church and served as one of the sources for the Latin Vulgate.

King James Bible:

An English translation of the Bible commissioned in 1604 and published in 1611, which was influenced by earlier translations, including the Latin Vulgate.