History & Biographies

St. Jerome: The Greatest Translator of the Bible and Defender of Scripture

Priest and Doctor 
•Feast day: September 30
•340-420

St. Jerome, one of the greatest scholars in Church history, was born in Stridon, a town in the region of Dalmatia, around 340 AD. Known for his sharp intellect and fiery temperament, Jerome dedicated his life to the study and translation of the Bible, leaving a lasting impact on the Church and its teachings.

Early Life and Education

Jerome was born into a Christian family, though he only fully embraced Christianity after being baptized in Rome at the age of 18. In Rome, he immersed himself in the study of classical literature, particularly enamored with Cicero, the great Roman orator, and other pagan philosophers. His rigorous education, guided by pagan tutors, sharpened his skills in rhetoric and grammar, making him one of the most educated men of his time.

A Vision that Changed Everything

In 374, during a serious illness, Jerome had a life-changing vision. He found himself standing before the judgment seat of Christ, where he was accused of being more devoted to the works of Cicero than to Christ. The Lord’s words, “You are a Ciceronian, not a Christian,” struck Jerome to the core. Deeply moved, he committed himself entirely to Christ, abandoning his earlier passions to embrace a life of asceticism and Christian scholarship.

A Life of Penance and Study

Shortly after this pivotal experience, Jerome withdrew to the desert of Chalcis in Syria, where he lived as a hermit for several years. During his time there, he endured physical hardship and engaged in deep study, learning Hebrew—a language rarely studied by Western Christians at the time. This decision not only helped him understand the Scriptures in their original context but also equipped him for the monumental task that lay ahead.

Service to Pope Damasus and the Church

After his time in the desert, Jerome was ordained as a priest. Around 382, he was summoned to Rome by Pope Damasus I, who recognized his talent and appointed him as his secretary. During this period, Jerome began his great work of revising the Latin translations of the Bible. The existing Latin versions were full of inconsistencies and errors, and Pope Damasus entrusted Jerome with the task of creating a more reliable and unified text.

The Vulgate: A Masterpiece of Translation

In 385, Jerome left Rome and settled in Bethlehem, where he spent the rest of his life. He took up residence near the cave where Jesus was born, establishing a monastery and dedicating himself to his translation work. Over the next 40 years, Jerome meticulously translated the Old and New Testaments from their original Hebrew and Greek into Latin. This translation, known as the Vulgate (meaning “common” or “popular” version), became the standard Bible for the Western Church for over a millennium and remains the official Latin text of the Catholic Church to this day.

Jerome’s approach to translation was marked by a commitment to accuracy and fidelity to the original texts. He often consulted Jewish scholars to ensure his translations of the Hebrew Scriptures were precise, reflecting his dedication to understanding the Scriptures as deeply as possible. His famous quote, “Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ,” emphasizes the importance he placed on the study of the Bible for all Christians.

Compassion for Refugees

In 410, when Rome fell to the Visigoths, many refugees fled to the Holy Land, reaching Bethlehem in search of safety. Despite his scholarly temperament and his preference for solitude, Jerome opened his heart to those in need. He put aside his scholarly pursuits to aid the displaced, stating, “Today we must translate the words of the Scriptures into deeds.” His compassion for the suffering was a testament to his deep Christian love and commitment to living out the Gospel.

Legacy and Death

Jerome’s work was not without controversy. His sharp tongue and uncompromising approach to heresy earned him both admirers and detractors. He wrote extensively, producing numerous biblical commentaries, letters, and polemical works, often challenging those he saw as opponents of orthodox Christian belief. Despite his sometimes contentious personality, his contributions to Christian theology and biblical scholarship were unparalleled.

Jerome passed away on September 30, 420, in Bethlehem. Exhausted by years of penance, scholarly work, and service, he died in the cave where he had lived and labored for decades. His remains were later moved to Rome, and he was buried in the Basilica of St. Mary Major. Jerome is venerated as a Doctor of the Church, and his feast day is celebrated on September 30.

St. Jerome’s legacy as the translator of the Bible and a fierce defender of Scripture endures to this day. His monumental achievement in translating the Bible into Latin made the Word of God accessible to millions, shaping Christian thought and devotion for centuries. Jerome’s life reminds us of the importance of dedicating ourselves fully to the pursuit of truth, and of allowing our love for Christ to transform both our minds and our hearts.