📖 Biblical Definition
Jerome (c. 342-420) was the Christian biblical scholar whose Latin translation of the Bible (the Vulgate) became the standard Bible of the Western church for a millennium. Educated in Rome, baptized as an adult, lived as a hermit in Syria, served as secretary to Pope Damasus, then settled in Bethlehem (386) where he completed the Vulgate over twenty years. He insisted on translating the Old Testament from Hebrew (hebraica veritas) rather than the Septuagint — a controversial decision in his day.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
Christian biblical scholar (c. 342-420); translator of the Latin Vulgate.
expand to see more
Born Stridon (Roman Dalmatia); educated in Rome under Donatus; baptized as adult around 366. Hermit in the Syrian desert; learned Hebrew there. Secretary to Pope Damasus (382-385); settled in Bethlehem 386.
The Vulgate translation occupied roughly 405-405. Jerome translated the Old Testament directly from Hebrew (against contemporary scholarly preference for the Greek Septuagint), insisting on the hebraica veritas (Hebrew truth). His commentaries cover most of the Bible.
📖 Key Scripture
Deuteronomy 6:4 — "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD."
Psalm 119:105 — "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."
2 Timothy 3:16 — "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness."
John 1:14 — "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Modern Bible readers benefit from Jerome's decision to translate from Hebrew without knowing it; the Vulgate's influence shaped a millennium of Western theology.
expand to see more
Augustine and Jerome corresponded about the translation choice. Augustine preferred the Septuagint (apostolic-era usage); Jerome argued for the Hebrew original. Jerome's position prevailed in the long run, and modern Old Testament translations all work from Hebrew (with Septuagint and other versions consulted).
Jerome's prose is sharp and sometimes acerbic; his letters to friends and opponents are vivid. His Letter 22 to Eustochium on virginity, his contests with Rufinus, and his vivid biblical exegesis remain readable.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Greek name with Latin transmission.
expand to see more
Greek Hieronymos — hieros (sacred) plus onoma (name); ‘sacred name’.
Note: one of the four Latin Doctors of the Church.
Usage
"Hebraica veritas — the Hebrew truth."
"Translated the Old Testament directly from Hebrew."
"Modern Bibles still descend from his translation choices."