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Christanity

St. Jerome's Doubts About the Jews' Distortion of the Old Testament

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Saint Jerome wrote this letter to Marcella from Rome in the year 384. The letter, despite its brevity, is important in understanding the conflict of translations between Jews and Christians. We notice in this letter that Jerome discovers the distortion, after he had doubts about the version translated by the Jew Aquila.

Jerome’s letter to Marcella

There are two reasons for the brevity of this letter. The first reason is that it expresses my impatience, and the second reason is extreme preoccupation. I do not have time for small matters.

You asked about the important matter that prevented me from writing to you. So let me tell you that for some time I have been busy comparing Aquila’s translation of the Old Testament with the Hebrew manuscripts to see if the Jews changed the texts because of their hatred of Christ. I tell you frankly as a friend, I have found some differences that support our beliefs after I finished reviewing the books of the prophets, Solomon and the Psalms, as well as the books of the king. I am currently busy with the book of Exodus, which the Jews call Shamoth (these are names) because they are the first words of the book. After finishing it, I will start with the book of Leviticus.

Now you see how I cannot allow correspondence to prevent me from my work, but I do not want my friend Creintius to travel the distance in vain, so I have enclosed two letters with this short letter, one to your sister Paula and another to her son Eustachium. Read the letters, and if you find them useful or enjoyable, consider what is in them addressed to you also.

I hope that Albina, your mother and my mother, are in good physical health. I say physically because I have no doubt about her spiritual health. Give her my greetings and prayers, and watch over her with double tenderness as a Christian and as a mother also.

NPNF2-06. The Principal Works of St. Jerome, Volume 32, NPNF2-06 .

https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/3001032.htm

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https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/3001032.htm

CHURCH FATHERS: Letter 32 (Jerome)

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