Jerome

Jerome, also known as Jerome of Stridon, was an early Christian priest, theologian, translator, and historian. He lived from around the year 342 to 420 and is best known for translating the Bible into Latin. This translation, called the Vulgate, became very important for many people who used Latin.

Jerome worked hard to translate the Old Testament directly from Hebrew texts instead of using older Greek versions. He also wrote many commentaries and essays about the Bible and Christian life. His teachings often focused on how people, especially women, could live devoted lives following Jesus.

Because of his important work, Jerome is recognized as a saint in several Christian churches, including the Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Lutheran Church, and the Anglican Communion. His special day for celebration is September 30th.

Early life

Eusebius Sophronius Hieronymus, known as Saint Jerome, was born in Stridon around 342–347 AD. He came from Illyrian ancestry and was not baptized until later in life in Rome, where he studied under teachers like Aelius Donatus. During his time as a student, Jerome felt deep guilt over his actions and sought peace by visiting the sepulchers of martyrs and the Apostles.

Jerome eventually converted to Christianity and decided to live a simpler life. He spent time in the desert of Chalcis, near Antioch, where he studied and wrote. He also began learning Hebrew and translated parts of an ancient Hebrew Gospel into Greek. Later, he served under Pope Damasus I in Rome, where he revised important religious texts and was admired by many, especially women dedicated to a life of faith.

Scholarly works

Translation of the Bible (382–405)

Main article: Vulgate

Jerome was a learned scholar who could read Greek. He began learning Hebrew and later moved to Jerusalem to study Jewish writings more deeply. A kind person named Paula helped him stay in a monastery in Bethlehem, close to the Church of the Nativity, which was built by Emperor Constantine where many believe Jesus was born.

Jerome started by fixing the old Latin version of the New Testament, called the Vetus Latina. He then worked on translating the Hebrew Bible directly from Hebrew, instead of using a Greek version called the Septuagint that others had used before. This was a big change, as most Christians at the time, like Augustine, preferred the Septuagint. Jerome finished this important work in 405.

De Viris Illustribus

Main article: De Viris Illustribus (Jerome)

Between 392 and 393, Jerome wrote a book called De Viris Illustribus (On Illustrious Men), which told the stories of important Christian writers from very early times up to his own day. He wrote this book to show the achievements of these writers, especially because some people thought Christian writing wasn’t very good at the time.

Biblical onomastica

Further information: Interpretationes nominum Hebraicorum

Jerome also made two helpful lists for understanding the Bible. One was called Liber de Nominibus Hebraicis, which explained the meanings of names in the Bible. The other was a updated version of a list of Bible places made by Eusebius.

Commentaries (405–420)

For the next fifteen years, Jerome wrote explanations of many parts of the Bible. In these writings, he often talked about why he chose to translate from Hebrew instead of other versions. His explanations followed Jewish traditions and included deep, thoughtful ideas.

Historical and hagiographic writings

Jerome as a historian

Jerome wrote a book called Chronicon, which was a updated version of a earlier work by Eusebius. Even though it contained some mistakes, it became very important in Latin Christianity.

Letters

Jerome wrote many letters on many different topics. In his letters, he talked about learning, giving advice, comforting people, and discussing important issues of his time. Because he spent time in Rome with wealthy families, he often wrote to women who had promised not to marry, giving them advice on how to live their lives.

Theological writings

Eschatology

Jerome wrote about what he believed would happen in the future according to the Bible. He talked about a powerful figure called the Antichrist, who would come when the Roman Empire fell. He believed this Antichrist would be a person, not a devil or demon, and would try to act like God.

Jerome also talked about different groups of people who invaded places like Gaul, such as Quadi, Vandals, Sarmatians, Alans, Gepids, Saxons, Burgundians, Allemanni, and Pannonians.

Soteriology

Jerome did not agree with a set of beliefs called Pelagianism. He believed that people who turned away from their faith would face punishment, but it would not last forever.

Reception by later Christianity

Jerome wrote a huge amount of work, second only to Augustine of Hippo in ancient Latin Christianity. The Catholic Church honors him as the special protector of translators, librarians, and organizers of knowledge.

Jerome’s translations of the Bible into Latin became very important. They were part of the Vulgate, which later became the official Bible used in the church. The Council of Trent in 1546 said the Vulgate should be used in teaching and speaking about the Bible.

The Church of England remembers Jerome on September 30.

In art

Saint Jerome, a wise and important Christian teacher, is often shown in artwork with a lion. This comes from a story about him healing the lion’s paw while living in the desert. Artists usually paint him either in his study with books or in a desert landscape. Sometimes they show him studying under a rock or in a cave.

In many paintings, Jerome looks thoughtful and serious, often holding a book or a cross. Some artworks remind us that life on Earth is short and that we should think about what truly matters. He is also sometimes shown with an owl, a symbol of wisdom, and tools for writing. There are many famous paintings and statues of Jerome made by artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Albrecht Dürer, and El Greco.

Dedications

Two cathedrals honor this important person, one located in Ica and the other in Quebec. Many churches also carry his name. In addition, there is St. Jerome's University in Ontario and St. Jerome's College of Arts and Science in Tamil Nadu. An airport in Split, called Split Saint Jerome Airport, is named after him as well.