Canon and the Ancient Christian Bible — Ancient Translations

Old Latin Bible Translations

From the second century

Latin-speaking Christians translated biblical books from Greek before the standardized influence of Jerome's Vulgate.

Full Account

As Christianity expanded in North Africa and the western Roman world, Greek was increasingly inaccessible to ordinary worshipers. Multiple Latin translations arose, often with differing vocabulary and readings.

Church writers such as Tertullian and Cyprian preserve evidence of these forms. Old Latin manuscripts and quotations are valuable witnesses, but they must be evaluated individually because no single Old Latin Bible existed.

Historical Significance

Old Latin versions made Scripture accessible in the western church and supplied the textual environment Jerome later revised.

People, Places and Sources

Key people: Anonymous translators; Tertullian; Cyprian
Key places: North Africa; Italy; western Roman Empire
Languages: Greek, Latin