«Mysteria in Psalmis»: Origen and Jerome as Interpreters of the Psalter. (original) (raw)

Published in: Studia Patristica, Vol. CIII: The Bible in the Patristic Period, ed. by Mariusz SZRAM and Marcin WYSOCKI, Peeters, Leuven-Paris-Bristol CT 2021, pp. 59-86.

A comparative analysis of Origen’s «Homilies on the Psalms» and Jerome’s «Tractatus in Psalmos» proves that Jerome does not substantially plagiarise the Alexandrian. Although partially acquainted with Origen’s interpretation, Jerome introduces into his own exegesis a personal agenda and distinct sensitivities. We could even say that, in spite of his mostly cursory and, at first sight, simple-looking comments, the learned biblical scholar is, to some extent, more present in the preaching of Jerome, thanks especially to his frequent recourse to the Hebrew text, his propensity for etymologies and his display of historical erudition nurtured by the Bible. Moreover, the fact that Jerome does not rely on Origen alone, but now and then has recourse to other commentators of the Psalter, is additional proof of independence. Among these interpreters, one should point in particular to Eusebius of Caesarea and Didymus. Moreover, we are allowed to surmise the influence of other mediators of the eastern patristic exegesis to the Latin world, such as Hilary of Poitiers, Eusebius of Vercelli and Ambrose.