Saint Jerome and Jewish Tradition Chapter Fourteen

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

PART THREE SAINT JEROME AND JEWISH TRADITION CHAPTER FOURTEEN JEWISH TRADITIONS IN JEROME’S COMMENTARY ON JEREMIAH AND THE TARGUM OF JEREMIAH Jerome had an innate flair for languages. He lived at a time when the linguistic cleavage between East and West was deepening: few Christians in the East ever had known any Latin; and fewer and fewer in the West now knew any Greek. By his ‘indefatigable’ study of Hebrew Jerome turned himself into a near-unique phenomenon at any period in the history of the early Church—a ‘trilingual’ (competent in Latin, Greek, and Hebrew).1 If this alone were true of St. Jerome, it would be remarkable enough in itself, since it enabled him to produce his famous Latin translation of the Bible, the Vulgate. But St. Jerome is renowned, not only for his translation of the Bible but also for his commentaries on the Biblical books; indeed, in many respect he remains as a model exegete, with his careful attention to text, language, context, and exposition.2 Particularly impressive in these commentaries is his knowledge and use of Jewish exegetical traditions; indeed, he often frankly acknowl- edges his debt to the Jews.3 In this, he was helped by his understanding of Hebrew, and his learning of Syriac, which had been forced upon him by his sojourn in the desert of Chalcis.4 He also knew Aramaic, although it would seem that he found this language easier to read than 1 H.D.F. Sparks, ‘Jerome as Biblical Scholar’, in The Cambridge History of the Bible, ed. P.R. Ackroyd and C.F. Evans, vol. 1 (Cambridge, 1970), p. 517. 2 For general information on St. Jerome as commentator, see J.N.D. Kelly, Jerome: His Life, Writings, and Controversies (London, 1975), pp. 141–167; H.D.F. Sparks, op. cit., pp. 535–541; A. Penna, Principi e carattere dell’ Esegesi di S. Gerolamo (Rome, 1950); and F. Cavallera, S. Jérôme: Sa Vie et son Oeuvre (Louvain, 1922). 3 See, for example, the list of references cited by Sparks, op. cit., p. 539; S. Krauss, article ‘Jerome’, Jewish Encyclopaedia vol. 7 (New York, 1904), pp. 115–118; A. Penna, op. cit., pp. 6–10; G. Bardy, ‘Saint Jérôme et ses Maitres Hebreux’, Revue Bénédictine 46 (1934), pp. 145–164; S. Krauss, ‘The Jews in the Works of the Church Fathers’, Jewish Quarterly Review 6 (1894), pp. 225–261; H. Grätz, ‘Hagadische Elemente bei den Kirchenvätern’, Monatsschrift fur Geschichte und Wissenschaft des Judenthums 3 (1854), pp. 311–318. 4 For the details, see Kelly, op. cit., p. 49; Krauss, ‘Jerome’, p. 115..

Copy Link

Recommended publications

St. Polycarp Feast: February 23
St. Polycarp Feast: February 23 Facts Feast Day: February 23 Imagine being able to sit at the feet of the apostles and hear their stories of life with Jesus from their own lips. Imagine walking with those who had walked with Jesus, seen him, and touched him. That was what Polycarp was able to do as a disciple of Saint John the Evangelist. But being part of the second generation of Church leaders had challenges that the first generation could not teach about. What did you do when those eyewitnesses were gone? How do you carry on the correct teachings of Jesus? How do you answer new questions that never came up before? With the apostles gone, heresies sprang up pretending to be true teaching, persecution was strong, and controversies arose over how to celebrate liturgy that Jesus never laid down rules for. Polycarp, as a holy man and bishop of Smyrna, found there was only one answer -- to be true to the life of Jesus and imitate that life. Saint Ignatius of Antioch told Polycarp "your mind is grounded in God as on an immovable rock." When faced with heresy, he showed the "candid face" that Ignatius admired and that imitated Jesus' response to the Pharisees. Marcion, the leader of the Marcionites who followed a dualistic heresy, confronted Polycarp and demanded respect by saying, "Recognize us, Polycarp." Polycarp responded, "I recognize you, yes, I recognize the son of Satan." On the other hand when faced with Christian disagreements he was all forgiveness and respect. One of the controversies of the time came over the celebration of Easter.
[Show full text]
Fathers of the Church, Part 2: the Latin (Or Western) Fathers
Fathers of the Church, Part 2: The Latin (or Western) Fathers A previous In Focus explored some of the great Fathers of the Eastern, or Greek, Church. This week the Latin (Western) Fathers are highlighted. While there is no official list of the Fathers, since the fifth century the criteria for selection has been that the individuals lived holy lives, were orthodox in their teachings and writings, lived during antiquity (the first through seventh centuries) and have been approved by the Church. According to some historians, there are more than 100 total Church Fathers (East and West); many of the same names are found on the different lists. The Fathers helped define, establish and promote the dogmas of the Catholic faith. They not only explained and advanced Christianity, but they stood against those who would defame, deny or exploit our Lord, Jesus Christ. This author is not able to adequately measure or describe the sanctity of these men, who were popes, bishops, theologians, apologists and writers. Some are saints, and all gave themselves in the service of the Lord. Here are a handful among the giants from the Western Church who have the title Church Father. They are categorized by those who lived just before the Council of Nicea, those in the era of Nicea and those after the council, up through the seventh century. Part one about the Greek (Eastern) Church Fathers was published Jan. 21 and can be found at: bit.ly/fatherspart1. Ante-Nicea Fathers Tertullian (c. 155-220) Tertullian Public domain The Fathers of the Western Church begin with Tertullian in the second century.
[Show full text]
Ancient Times (A.D
The Catholic Faith History of Catholicism A Brief History of Catholicism (Excerpts from Catholicism for Dummies) Ancient Times (A.D. 33-741) Non-Christian Rome (33-312) o The early Christians (mostly Jews who maintained their Jewish traditions) o Jerusalem’s religious establishment tolerated the early Christians as a fringe element of Judaism o Christianity splits into its own religion . Growing number of Gentile converts (outnumbered Jewish converts by the end of the first century) . Greek and Roman cultural influences were adapted into Christianity . Destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem in A.D. 70 (resulted in the final and formal expulsion of the Christians from Judaism) o The Roman persecutions . The first period (A.D. 68-117) – Emperor Nero blamed Christians for the burning of Rome . The second period (A.D. 117-192) – Emperors were less tyrannical and despotic but the persecutions were still promoted . The third period (A.D. 193-313) – Persecutions were the most virulent, violent, and atrocious during this period Christian Rome (313-475) o A.D. 286 Roman Empire split between East and West . Constantinople – formerly the city of Byzantium and now present- day Istanbul . Rome – declined in power and prestige during the barbarian invasions (A.D. 378-570) while the papacy emerged as the stable center of a chaotic world o Roman Emperor Constantine issued the Edict of Milan in A.D. 313 which legalized Christianity – it was no longer a capital crime to be Christian o A.D. 380 Christianity became the official state religion – Paganism was outlawed o The Christian Patriarchs (Jerusalem, Antioch, Alexandria, Rome, and Constantinople) .
[Show full text]
Year of Saint Joseph
DIOCESE OF SACRAMENTO Office of Worship 2110 Broadway, Sacramento, CA 95818 - 916-733-0211 - [email protected] Year of Saint Joseph On the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception in 2020, Pope Francis has released an apostolic letter about Saint Joseph and declared a “Year of St. Joseph” from December 8, 2020 to December 8, 2021. The letter, Patris Corde (“a Father’s heart”) was released on the 150th anniversary of the proclamation of Saint Joseph as patron of the Universal Church. It can be found here: http://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/apost_letters/documents/papa-francesco-lettera- ap_20201208_patris-corde.html The Diocese of Sacramento is observing this Year in many ways. Journey with Joseph Pilgrimage We will soon be announcing Saint Joseph pilgrimage sites across the Diocese. Indulgence The Apostolic Penitentiary issued a decree on December 8, 2020, formally announcing the decision of Pope Francis to celebrate the Year of Saint Joseph through December 8, 2021. Special opportunities to receive a plenary indulgence were also included, subject to the usual conditions: sacramental confession, reception of Holy Communion, prayer for the intentions of the Pope, and total detachment to all sin, including venial sin. Due to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Holy See made provision in its decree that persons who are currently unable to go to Mass or confession because of public health restrictions may defer reception of those two sacraments until they are able to do so. Those who are sick, suffering, or homebound may also receive the plenary indulgence by fulfilling as much as they are able and by offering their sorrows and sufferings to God through Saint Joseph, consoler of the sick and patron saint for receiving a good death.
[Show full text]
Church Fathers / Episode 13 / St. Ambrose of Milan
Church Fathers / Episode 13 / St. Ambrose of Milan Video Audio <<CAM 1>> Hello and Welcome to this edition of Wisdom of the Fathers. The Catholic faith is one of rich Att. Picture of the Church (1). intellectual tradition … stretching all the way back to the time of Christ. When Christ ascended into Heaven … He Att. Picture of the Ascension (2). left us a church that was in its infancy … in its self-understanding. This infancy created a NEED within in Att. Picture of the Bible (3). the church for individuals to RISE UP and think about … pray over … and meditate upon what God was revealing. The answer to this NEED was the Church Att. Picture of Church Fathers (4). Fathers … certain individuals who were intellectual giants … gifted with the ability to either break down an article of faith into its simplest form or develop it further. They did this so we ordinary Catholics could understand the fullness of what Att. Picture of Catholics in the Pews (5). Jesus was trying to purport to us in sacred scripture and apostolic tradition … also known as the Deposit of Faith. In this thirteenth and final episode we’re Att. Picture of Ambrose of Milan (6). going to talk about St. Ambrose of Milan ... a well-respected Church Father. <<CAM 2>> Now … before we get into the fine points of his life … let’s step back for one split second and measure the influence of this man. 1 St. Ambrose of Milan was a bishop … a Type on …”Bishop … Philosopher … philosopher … a theologian … a religious Theologian … Religious Leader … leader … a teacher … a catechumen … a Teacher … Catechumen … Lawyer … trained lawyer … and a writer.
[Show full text]
Dublin Jerome School Profile
Dublin City Schools Dublin Jerome High School 8300 Hyland Croy Road • Dublin, Ohio 43016 614-873-7377 • 614-873-1937 Fax • http://dublinjerome.net Principal: Dr. Dustin Miller CEEB: 365076 School & District Dublin is a rapidly growing, upper-middle class, suburban, residential community located northwest of Columbus, Ohio. The majority of the residents are professional and business people employed in Columbus. Dublin Jerome High School is a four-year high school, with an enrollment of 1,580 students in grades 9-12. This 2015-16 school year is the twelfth year for DJHS, which anticipates a graduating class of 370 students. Dublin Jerome is fully accredited by both the State of Ohio Department of Education and North Central Association of Secondary Schools and Colleges. Jerome High School has 120 certificated staff. Of these, 90 have a master’s degree. Counseling Staff & Ratio Mrs. Lisa Bauer 9th-12th A-E Mrs. Jennifer Rodgers 9th-12th F-K Mr. Aaron Bauer 9th-12th L-Rh Mr. Andy Zweizig 9th-12th Ri-Z Mrs. Karen Kendall-Sperry 9th-12th A-Z Enrichment Specialist Graduation Requirements The curriculum at Dublin Jerome is comprehensive, including Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, honors, occupational, vocational and adjusted programs. Twenty-one units of credit are required for graduation. Specific requirements include 5 elective courses and the following: 4 units English 4 units Math 1/2 unit Health 1 unit Fine Arts 3 units Social Studies 3 units Science 1/2 unit Phys. Ed. Honors / Advanced Placement Honors opportunities are available in English I, II, III, College Composition I, College Composition II, Algebra II, Geometry, Precalculus, Spanish IV and V, Latin Poetry or Latin Literature, and Japanese IV.
[Show full text]
Life with Augustine
Life with Augustine ...a course in his spirit and guidance for daily living By Edmond A. Maher ii Life with Augustine © 2002 Augustinian Press Australia Sydney, Australia. Acknowledgements: The author wishes to acknowledge and thank the following people: ► the Augustinian Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel, Australia, for support- ing this project, with special mention of Pat Fahey osa, Kevin Burman osa, Pat Codd osa and Peter Jones osa ► Laurence Mooney osa for assistance in editing ► Michael Morahan osa for formatting this 2nd Edition ► John Coles, Peter Gagan, Dr. Frank McGrath fms (Brisbane CEO), Benet Fonck ofm, Peter Keogh sfo for sharing their vast experience in adult education ► John Rotelle osa, for granting us permission to use his English translation of Tarcisius van Bavel’s work Augustine (full bibliography within) and for his scholarly advice Megan Atkins for her formatting suggestions in the 1st Edition, that have carried over into this the 2nd ► those generous people who have completed the 1st Edition and suggested valuable improvements, especially Kath Neehouse and friends at Villanova College, Brisbane Foreword 1 Dear Participant Saint Augustine of Hippo is a figure in our history who has appealed to the curiosity and imagination of many generations. He is well known for being both sinner and saint, for being a bishop yet also a fellow pilgrim on the journey to God. One of the most popular and attractive persons across many centuries, his influence on the church has continued to our current day. He is also renowned for his influ- ence in philosophy and psychology and even (in an indirect way) art, music and architecture.
[Show full text]
The Principal Works of St. Jerome by St
NPNF2-06. Jerome: The Principal Works of St. Jerome by St. Jerome About NPNF2-06. Jerome: The Principal Works of St. Jerome by St. Jerome Title: NPNF2-06. Jerome: The Principal Works of St. Jerome URL: http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf206.html Author(s): Jerome, St. Schaff, Philip (1819-1893) (Editor) Freemantle, M.A., The Hon. W.H. (Translator) Publisher: Grand Rapids, MI: Christian Classics Ethereal Library Print Basis: New York: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1892 Source: Logos Inc. Rights: Public Domain Status: This volume has been carefully proofread and corrected. CCEL Subjects: All; Proofed; Early Church; LC Call no: BR60 LC Subjects: Christianity Early Christian Literature. Fathers of the Church, etc. NPNF2-06. Jerome: The Principal Works of St. Jerome St. Jerome Table of Contents About This Book. p. ii Title Page.. p. 1 Title Page.. p. 2 Translator©s Preface.. p. 3 Prolegomena to Jerome.. p. 4 Introductory.. p. 4 Contemporary History.. p. 4 Life of Jerome.. p. 10 The Writings of Jerome.. p. 22 Estimate of the Scope and Value of Jerome©s Writings.. p. 26 Character and Influence of Jerome.. p. 32 Chronological Tables of the Life and Times of St. Jerome A.D. 345-420.. p. 33 The Letters of St. Jerome.. p. 40 To Innocent.. p. 40 To Theodosius and the Rest of the Anchorites.. p. 44 To Rufinus the Monk.. p. 44 To Florentius.. p. 48 To Florentius.. p. 49 To Julian, a Deacon of Antioch.. p. 50 To Chromatius, Jovinus, and Eusebius.. p. 51 To Niceas, Sub-Deacon of Aquileia.
[Show full text]
St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School Vision Statement
St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School School Handbook Effective August, 2016 1 STA 8/2016 St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School Vision Statement With the combined efforts of the church, school families, and faculty, Saint Thomas Aquinas School will guide a diverse student body toward becoming responsible, faith-filled, caring citizens and independent learners. St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School Mission Statement At Saint Thomas Aquinas School, our mission is to create opportunities for students to grow spiritually, academically, socially and physically in a safe environment. Students will grow spiritually. At Saint Thomas Aquinas School, the church, school families and faculty will provide an understanding of the basic tenets of our Catholic Faith which encourages students to participate in the sacraments, embrace Christian values, and serve others,. Students will grow academically. At Saint Thomas Aquinas School, faculty will provide a rich curriculum utilizing technology, and other differentiated teaching techniques which accommodates all styles of learning, encourages critical thinking, and fosters a love of learning. Students will grow socially. At Saint Thomas Aquinas School, the church, school families and faculty will provide opportunities for students to interact with a diverse community of people in an environment which encourages tolerance, empathy, respect, and a sense of belonging. Students will grow physically. At Saint Thomas Aquinas School, the church, school families and faculty will provide guidance to students in making lifestyle
[Show full text]
Holy Fathers 7Th Council
October 14, 2012 Sunday Sermon Fr Ambrose Young Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple Skete The Holy Fathers of the 7th Council Titus 3:8-15 Luke 8:5-15 In the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. On this Sunday the Church celebrates the Holy Fathers of the Seventh Ecumenical Council and asks us to reflect upon that Council and also the whole concept we Orthodox have of what we constantly refer to as “the Holy Fathers”. This Council of the Church—the last general universal Council of Holy Orthodoxy--was held in the year 787 and dealt with the whole controversy surrounding the use of sacred images or icons. This is an important Council for us to know about because in the West, at the time of the Protestant Reformation, images in churches were severely criticized and in many cases destroyed and forbidden. To this day most Protestant churches are very bereft and bare of sacred imagery other than the Cross, and some do not even have a Cross. Mormons even see the Cross as an emblem of shame and do not make use of it in their churches and temples, nor do they wear a cross. Even some very modern Catholic Churches—perhaps in order not to offend Protestants?—have gone in the direction of stripping themselves of sacred art of all kinds. But in Orthodoxy we continue to preserve and cherish our rich tradition of iconography and other forms of sacred art, seeing these as both theologically and spiritually necessary and also an essential component of ancient Christian civilization.
[Show full text]
From a Treatise on John by Saint Augustine, Bishop Saint Augustine
From a treatise on John by Saint Augustine, bishop Saint Augustine of Hippo Augustine of Hippo: (13 November 354 – 28 August 430 AD), was a Roman African, Manichaean, early Christian theologian, doctor of the Church, and Neoplatonic philosopher from Numidia whose writings influenced the development of the Western Church and Western philosophy, and indirectly all of Western Christianity. After exploring many religions and philosophies he became a Catholic in his thirties. He was the bishop of Hippo Regius in North Africa and is viewed as one of the most important Church Fathers of the Roman Catholic Church for his writings in the Patristic Period. Among his most important works are The City of God, De doctrina Christiana, and Confessions. Two kinds of life The Church recognizes two kinds of life as having been commended to her by God. One is a life of faith, the other a life of vision; one is a life passed on pilgrimage in time, the other in a dwelling place in eternity; one is a life of toil, the other of repose; one is spent on the road, the other in our homeland; one is active, involving labor, the other contemplative, the reward of labor. The first kind of life is symbolized by the apostle Peter, the second by John. All of the first life is lived in this world, and it will come to an end with this world. The second life will be imperfect till the end of this world, but it will have no end in the next world. And so Christ says to Peter: Follow me; but of John he says: If I wish him to remain until I come, what is that to you? Your duty is to follow me.
[Show full text]
“We Do Not Pray to Change Divine Decree, but Only to Obtain What God Has Decided Will Be Obtained Through Prayer.” - St
“We do not pray to change divine decree, but only to obtain what God has decided will be obtained through prayer.” - St. Thomas Aquinas, Summa theologiae Common Catholic Prayers: The Our Father Our Father, Who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen. The Hail Mary Hail Mary, Full of Grace, The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of death. Amen. The Apostle’s Creed I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son Our Lord, Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into Hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into Heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting. Amen. The Glory Be Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
[Show full text]