Topical Encyclopedia The term "Itala" refers to an ancient Latin version of the Bible, which played a significant role in the early transmission of the Scriptures in the Western Church. The Itala is often associated with the Old Latin translations of the Bible that predate the Vulgate, the latter being the more standardized Latin translation completed by Jerome in the late 4th century.Historical Context The Itala emerged during a time when Latin was becoming the dominant language of the Western Roman Empire. As Christianity spread throughout the Roman world, there was a growing need for Latin translations of the Scriptures to accommodate the linguistic shift from Greek to Latin among the Christian communities in the West. The Itala, therefore, represents one of the earliest efforts to make the Bible accessible to Latin-speaking believers. Characteristics The Itala is not a single, uniform translation but rather a collection of various Old Latin texts. These translations were likely produced by different translators at different times and places, leading to a diversity of readings and textual variations. The Itala includes translations of both the Old and New Testaments, though the quality and style of translation can vary significantly between books. Influence and Legacy The Itala played a crucial role in the liturgical and theological life of the early Western Church. It was used in worship, teaching, and theological debates. Church Fathers such as Augustine of Hippo frequently referenced the Itala in their writings. Augustine himself noted the existence of multiple Latin translations, which he collectively referred to as the "Itala," and he praised one particular version for its accuracy and fidelity to the original texts. The Itala's influence persisted until the widespread adoption of Jerome's Vulgate, which eventually became the authoritative Latin text of the Bible for the Western Church. Despite the Vulgate's dominance, the Itala's legacy continued, as it provided a foundation for the development of Latin biblical scholarship and contributed to the textual tradition that informed later translations. Scriptural References While specific quotations from the Itala are not directly available in modern translations like the Berean Standard Bible , the Itala's influence can be seen in the textual history of the Bible. For example, the Itala's readings may have informed the textual decisions made by Jerome in his translation work, which in turn influenced subsequent translations and the transmission of biblical texts. Theological Significance The Itala is significant not only for its role in the history of biblical translation but also for its impact on the theological development of the early Church. By providing Latin-speaking Christians with access to the Scriptures, the Itala facilitated a deeper engagement with the biblical text and contributed to the shaping of Western Christian thought and doctrine. In summary, the Itala represents an important chapter in the history of the Bible's transmission, reflecting the early Church's efforts to make the Word of God accessible to all believers, regardless of language. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) An early Latin version of the Scriptures (the Old Testament was translated from the Septuagint, and was also called the Italic version).International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ITALA, VERSIONit'-a-la. Library Among Versions a Preference is Given to the Septuagint and the ... Now among Translations Themselves the Italian Itala is to be ... The Early Versions Examined, and Found to Yield Unfaltering ... The Early Versions Examined, and Found to Yield Unfaltering ... The Fire of Love --Book I On Christian Doctrine. Index of Subjects. On Christian Doctrine In Four Books. Order of the New Testament Books. Ancient Versions of the New Testament. That He Himself is Both Judge and King. Thesaurus Itala... also called the Italic version). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ITALA, VERSION. it'-a-la. See LATIN VERSION, THE OLD; VULGATE. ... /i/itala.htm - 6k Vulgate Manasses (1 Occurrence) Latin (2 Occurrences) Version Nasbas Ox (197 Occurrences) Odomera It (67710 Occurrences) Italian (1 Occurrence) Resources Itala: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |