St. Jerome: A Life of Scripture, Scholarship, and Holiness

Fr. Scott A. Haynes

 

St. Jerome (c. 347–420), one of the most influential Church Fathers, is primarily remembered for his monumental work on the Latin Vulgate, his ascetic lifestyle, and his indomitable love for Scripture. His life, filled with intellectual vigor and devotion to the ascetic life, left a profound impact on the Church and subsequent generations of scholars. Jerome’s brilliance, dedication, and often fiery personality continue to inspire admiration among saints, popes, and scholars alike.

 

Personality: A Passionate and Combative Soul

 

St. Jerome’s personality was as intense as his scholarly pursuits. He was known for his fiery temper and sharp wit, which he directed not only at heretics but also at those who disagreed with him on even the smallest matters. His polemical writings are filled with incisive, and at times harsh, rhetoric. Yet, his sharpness was rooted in his fervent zeal for orthodoxy and the truth of Scripture.

 

One of the most well-known anecdotes about Jerome's combative nature comes from his frequent clashes with fellow theologians. In particular, his debate with St. Augustine of Hippo over the interpretation of certain Biblical texts, especially concerning the translation of the Book of Jonah, demonstrates both his intellectual rigor and his unwillingness to yield. Despite their differences, however, Jerome and Augustine maintained mutual respect, with Augustine recognizing Jerome's unmatched skill in Biblical scholarship.

 

St. Jerome’s intensity extended to his asceticism. He withdrew from the pleasures of Roman society, seeking solitude in the desert of Chalcis in Syria. There, he subjected himself to rigorous fasting, prayer, and study of Hebrew. Jerome’s time in the desert profoundly shaped his spiritual outlook, and his later monastic life in Bethlehem mirrored this devotion to asceticism. His dedication to self-denial led Pope Benedict XVI to describe him as "a model of an ascetic hermit who completely dedicated himself to Christ" (Benedict XVI, General Audience, November 14, 2007).

 

The Vulgate: His Monumental Contribution to Biblical Scholarship

 

Jerome’s most enduring contribution to the Church is his translation of the Bible into Latin, known as the Vulgate. Commissioned by Pope Damasus I in 382, Jerome undertook the task of revising and correcting earlier Latin translations of the Scriptures, which had become fragmented and inconsistent. Over the next several years, Jerome applied his formidable knowledge of Hebrew, Greek, and Latin to the task, eventually producing a complete Latin Bible.

 

Jerome’s translation was revolutionary in its faithfulness to the original texts. He worked diligently from Hebrew and Greek manuscripts, ensuring accuracy and consistency. This was no small feat, as he was often challenged by others who preferred older, familiar translations. Jerome’s rigorous scholarly method, however, prevailed, and the Vulgate became the standard Bible for the Western Church for over a millennium. St. Augustine, despite his earlier disagreements with Jerome, praised the work, acknowledging its significance: "For what Jerome learned, he gave to the Church; what he had received from the Spirit, he shared with us" (Letters, 82.35).

 

In subsequent centuries, the Vulgate was affirmed as the authoritative text of Scripture by several popes. At the Council of Trent (1545–1563), the Vulgate was declared the official Latin text of the Bible, and Pope Pius XII, in his encyclical Divino Afflante Spiritu, lauded Jerome’s work: "He who devoted his whole life to the study of the Scriptures made them, by his translation, available to the whole Latin-speaking Church" (Divino Afflante Spiritu, 1943).

 

Bethlehem: Jerome’s Spiritual and Scholarly Haven

 

Jerome’s spiritual journey eventually led him to Bethlehem, where he spent the last three decades of his life. After several years of wandering between Rome and various monastic communities, Jerome settled in Bethlehem around 386. There, with the support of his close friend St. Paula, he founded a monastery where he could focus on his scriptural work, particularly his translation of the Bible.

 

Bethlehem held a deep spiritual significance for Jerome, as it was the birthplace of Christ. For him, living and working in this sacred place was an unparalleled privilege. He would later write, "I will not desert the holy land; I will not forget the cave where the Creator was born" (Letters, 46.2). The presence of the cave of the Nativity undoubtedly inspired his theological reflections and writings on the Incarnation.

 

Jerome’s Bethlehem monastery became a hub for intellectual and spiritual activity. Scholars from across the Christian world visited him there, seeking his counsel on scriptural matters. His scholarly rigor, combined with his deep spiritual life, made his monastery a place of pilgrimage for those who desired both knowledge and holiness.

 

His Esteemed Reputation Among Jewish Scholars

 

One of the more surprising aspects of Jerome’s life is his close relationship with Jewish scholars. His mastery of Hebrew, which he painstakingly acquired during his time in the desert of Chalcis and later perfected in Palestine, earned him the respect of many Jewish intellectuals. Jerome often sought their expertise in understanding the nuances of the Hebrew Scriptures, particularly when translating the Old Testament.

 

Jerome’s interactions with Jewish scholars were rare for his time, as the relationship between Jews and Christians in the late fourth century was often fraught with tension. Nevertheless, Jerome’s genuine respect for their knowledge of the Hebrew Scriptures transcended such divisions. He wrote in a letter, "I have learned from the Hebrews themselves, and what I have gained by questioning them, I impart to others" (Letters, 36.12). This cross-religious collaboration demonstrates Jerome’s humility as a scholar, despite his fierce character in other areas.

 

His respect for the Jewish understanding of Scripture was not without controversy. Some of his contemporaries accused him of betraying the Christian tradition by relying too heavily on Jewish interpretations. Jerome, however, remained steadfast in his belief that a true understanding of the Old Testament required a deep knowledge of Hebrew, which the Jews had preserved.

 

Miracles Associated with St. Jerome

 

While Jerome is primarily known for his scholarship, several miracles have been associated with him, both during his lifetime and after his death. One of the most famous stories is the account of a lion that Jerome purportedly tamed. According to tradition, a lion came limping into Jerome's monastery in Bethlehem with a thorn in its paw. The saint, with great compassion, removed the thorn and tended to the animal's wound. In gratitude, the lion became Jerome’s loyal companion, serving the monastery by guarding its herds.

 

This story, though likely apocryphal, became a popular part of Jerome’s iconography, with the lion often depicted by his side in paintings and sculptures. The tale reflects Jerome’s reputation as a man of great compassion, as well as his connection to the natural world, a theme often found in the lives of saints.

 

Posthumously, Jerome’s intercession has been credited with various miracles. His relics, in particular, have been venerated for their healing properties. For centuries, pilgrims have sought healing and protection through devotion to St. Jerome, especially at sites where his relics are kept.

 

The Whereabouts of His Remains and the Translation of His Relics

 

St. Jerome died in Bethlehem in 420. Initially, his remains were buried in a tomb near the Church of the Nativity. However, as devotion to the saint grew, so too did interest in his relics. Over time, several translations of his remains took place.

 

It is traditionally believed that in the early Middle Ages, some of Jerome’s relics were transferred to Rome and placed in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. This move was intended to honor the saint by placing his remains in a major pilgrimage site in the Eternal City. However, other relics of the saint remained in the Holy Land and continue to be venerated by local Christians and pilgrims alike.

 

The translation of Jerome’s relics to Rome was accompanied by reports of miraculous occurrences. Several chroniclers note that during the transfer, many pilgrims who accompanied the relics experienced healing from various ailments, further affirming the saint’s powerful intercession.

 

High Regard by Saints and Popes

 

St. Jerome's profound influence on the Church and Christian scholarship has been acknowledged by numerous saints and popes throughout the centuries. Pope Benedict XV, in his encyclical Spiritus Paraclitus, hailed Jerome as a model of Biblical scholarship and a defender of the faith: "Jerome stands as a beacon for all future generations of the faithful who wish to understand the Scriptures in their fullness" (Spiritus Paraclitus, 1920).

 

St. Augustine, despite his initial disagreements with Jerome, ultimately recognized his towering intellect and contribution to the Church, stating, "Jerome is a man learned in all tongues, whose work has become the common treasure of the Church" (Letters, 104.3). This recognition from one of the Church’s greatest theologians attests to Jerome’s unparalleled expertise in Biblical studies.

 

St. Jerome’s influence remains strong even today. In 2020, the Church marked the 1600th anniversary of Jerome's death and emphasized his relevance: "Jerome’s love for the word of God, his tireless labor in service of Sacred Scripture, continues to offer an example and a challenge to all who seek to draw nearer to the mystery of Christ" (Scripturae Sacrae Affectus, 2020).

 

Conclusion

 

St. Jerome's life was one of extraordinary intellectual and spiritual commitment. His dedication to the study of Scripture, his translation of the Bible into Latin, and his ascetic life in Bethlehem all testify to his profound love for Christ and the Church. His contributions to Biblical scholarship have left an indelible mark on Christian history, while his sharp personality and deep humility in seeking truth reveal a man profoundly devoted to God. St. Jerome’s accomplishments, particularly the creation of the Latin Vulgate, forever changed the course of Christian scholarship. His high regard among Jewish scholars and his collaboration with them reflect his openness to learning and his commitment to accuracy in Scriptural translation.

 

Jerome’s influence extends far beyond his time, with saints, popes, and scholars continually extolling his intellectual and spiritual legacy. His connection to Bethlehem, his passion for asceticism, and the miracles associated with him, both during his life and after his death, reveal a saint whose life was wholly dedicated to the glory of God.

 

From his sharp wit and fiery debates to his quiet devotion in the sacred town of Bethlehem, St. Jerome remains a figure of towering intellect, boundless energy, and deep faith. His life’s work serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking the truth, no matter the personal cost, and his reverence for Scripture continues to inspire the faithful.

 

Primary Sources

 

Augustine of Hippo. Letters. In Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers: First Series, Vol. 1. Edited by Philip Schaff. Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1887.

 

Jerome. Letters. In Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers: Second Series, Vol. 6. Edited by Philip Schaff and Henry Wace. Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1893.

 

Jerome. Apology Against Rufinus. In Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers: Second Series, Vol. 3. Edited by Philip Schaff and Henry Wace. Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1892.

Encyclicals

Benedict XV. Spiritus Paraclitus. September 15, 1920. Accessed September 22, 2023. 

https://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xv/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_ben-xv_enc_15091920_spiritus-paraclitus.html.

 

Benedict XVI. General Audience: St. Jerome. November 14, 2007. Accessed September 22, 2023. 

https://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/en/audiences/2007/documents/hf_ben-xvi_aud_20071114.html.

 

Pius XII. Divino Afflante Spiritu. September 30, 1943. Accessed September 22, 2023. 

https://www.vatican.va/content/pius-xii/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_p-xii_enc_30091943_divino-afflante-spiritu.html.

 

Secondary Sources

 

Bokenkotter, Thomas S. A Concise History of the Catholic Church. New York: Image Books, 2004.

 

Kelly, J.N.D. Jerome: His Life, Writings, and Controversies. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, 1998.

 

Rebenich, Stefan. Jerome. London: Routledge, 2002.

 

Wright, F.A. Jerome: Selected Letters. Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1933.