Topical Bible: Language: Latin

◄ Language: Latin ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Latin, an ancient Italic language, holds a significant place in the history of Christianity and the transmission of the Bible. As the liturgical language of the Roman Catholic Church, Latin has been instrumental in the dissemination and preservation of biblical texts throughout the centuries.

Historical Context

Latin originated in the region of Latium, around the city of Rome, and became the dominant language of the Roman Empire. With the expansion of the empire, Latin spread across Europe, North Africa, and parts of the Middle East. By the time of the early Christian church, Latin was the lingua franca of the Western Roman Empire, facilitating communication and administration.

Latin and the Bible

The most notable Latin translation of the Bible is the Vulgate, completed by St. Jerome in the late 4th century AD. Commissioned by Pope Damasus I, Jerome's translation aimed to provide a reliable and accessible version of the Scriptures for the Latin-speaking church. The Vulgate became the standard Bible of the Western Church for over a millennium and was declared the official Latin Bible of the Roman Catholic Church by the Council of Trent in the 16th century.

Influence on Christian Theology and Worship

Latin has profoundly influenced Christian theology, liturgy, and scholarship. Many foundational theological works, including those of Augustine, Aquinas, and other Church Fathers, were written in Latin. The language's precision and structure made it an ideal medium for theological discourse and doctrinal formulation.

In worship, Latin was the language of the Mass and other liturgical rites in the Roman Catholic Church until the reforms of the Second Vatican Council in the 1960s, which allowed for the use of vernacular languages. Despite this shift, Latin remains the official language of the Roman Rite, and many traditional hymns, prayers, and chants continue to be sung in Latin.

Latin Phrases in the Bible

While the original texts of the Bible were written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, Latin phrases and terms have become embedded in Christian tradition. For example, the phrase "Gloria in excelsis Deo" (Glory to God in the highest) is derived from the angelic proclamation in Luke 2:14, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests" .

Legacy and Modern Usage

The legacy of Latin in Christianity is evident in the continued use of Latin terms and phrases in theological discourse, ecclesiastical documents, and liturgical settings. Latin remains a subject of study in seminaries and theological institutions, preserving its role as a bridge to the rich heritage of Christian thought and tradition.

In summary, Latin has played a crucial role in the history of the Bible and the Christian church. Its influence extends beyond the Roman Catholic tradition, impacting Protestant and Orthodox Christianity through shared theological concepts and historical texts. The enduring presence of Latin in Christian worship and scholarship underscores its significance as a language of faith and tradition.

Nave's Topical Index

Luke 23:38
And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
Nave's Topical Index

John 19:20
This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was near to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin.
Nave's Topical Index

Greek

4515. Rhomaisti -- in Latin
... in Latin. Part of Speech: Adverb Transliteration: Rhomaisti Phonetic Spelling:
(hro-mah-is-tee') Short Definition: in the Latin language Definition: in the ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4515.htm - 6k

915. barbaros -- barbarous, barbarian
... Greek nor Latin Definition: a foreigner, one who speaks neither Greek nor Latin;
as adj ... used for all (), ie anyone not adopting the Greek language (culture); a ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/915.htm - 7k

Library

He Delighted in Latin Studies and the Empty Fables of the Poets ...
... Book I. Chapter XIII."He Delighted in Latin Studies and the Empty Fables of the
Poets, But Hated the Elements of Literature and the Greek Language. 20. ...
/.../the confessions and letters of st/chapter xiii he delighted in latin.htm

I am Told that He Also Carps at Me for the Translation I have ...
... it is written Nescu Bar; and I have given it in my commentary, Adore the Son; and
then, when I translated the whole Psalter into the Latin language, as if I ...
/.../19 i am told that.htm

From the Latin.
... From the Latin. 24. ... to adapt our understanding to the rule of religion, and so to
think of the words of the Holy Spirit as not to deem the language the ornate ...
//christianbookshelf.org/origen/origen de principiis/from the latin.htm

Language of the New Testament. 1 in the Character of the Original ...
... the significant fact that of the long list of names in the sixteenth chapter of
Romans, the greater number belongs to the Greek language, not to the Latin. ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxiv language of the.htm

Apocryphal Gospels.
... Some think that Latin was the original language, on the ground that Pilate would
make his report to the Emperor in that, the official, language. ...
/.../unknown/apocrypha of the new testament/part i apocryphal gospels.htm

Introduction.
... The question then occurs at once, Why did not the new life, instilled into the Greek
as well as into the Latin language by Christianity, seize the grand ...
//christianbookshelf.org/neale/hymns of the eastern church/introduction.htm

The New Testament
... come into common use. All these versions or partial versions in the English
language were made from the Latin. But after the Turks ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter i the new testament.htm

For Eight Years Gregory Has Given up the Practice Of
... Argument I."For Eight Years Gregory Has Given Up the Practice of. Oratory, Being
Busied with the Study Chiefly of Roman Law and the Latin Language. ...
/.../argument i for eight years gregory.htm

How Tiberius was Affected when Informed by Pilate Concerning ...
... [274] In his apology for the Christians, [275] which was written by him in the Latin
language, and has been translated into Greek, [276] he writes as follows ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter ii how tiberius was affected.htm

Chapter ix.
... might have put the word ragged where he has placed "Raca," and not have used a word
which, on the one hand, has no existence in the Latin language, and, on the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/our lords sermon on the mount/chapter ix.htm