The Medieval Bible — Western Christian Bible

The Latin Vulgate Shapes Western Christianity

c. AD 500-1500

Jerome's translations and revisions, combined with other Latin biblical books, became the standard Bible of the medieval western church.

Full Account

The Vulgate supplied the biblical language of Latin worship, theology, preaching, education, and art. Many laypeople encountered its words through liturgy and sermons even when they could not read a complete Bible.

Repeated copying produced local differences and mixtures with Old Latin readings. Medieval scholars attempted corrections, demonstrating both the text's central authority and awareness of scribal variation.

Historical Significance

The Vulgate dominated western biblical culture and became the principal source for many early European vernacular translations.

People, Places and Sources

Key people: Jerome; medieval scribes; teachers and clergy
Key places: Western Europe; monasteries; cathedral schools
Languages: Latin