Latin Bibles as Linguistic Documents

Abstract

Abstract Abstract: The linguistic form of Latin biblical texts is strongly conditioned by its Greek models and exhibits postclassical and subliterary traits. It became an important component of the crystallization of Christian Latinity in Late Antiquity, was crucial in ecclesiastical life throughout the Middle Ages, and continued to wield great influence into the Modern era. This chapter considers the technical aspects of Latin biblical language: the borrowing of Greek and Hebrew words; the creation of semantic calques and other coinages; the addition of nuances to existing Latin words. Many peculiarities of grammar, morphology, and syntax may be traced to the Latin Bible, especially the Vetus Latina; such developments are frequently reflected in Romance languages. Certain constructions, mostly of Hebrew origin, gave rise to a “biblical style,” which was deliberately deployed by certain writers. The failure of Humanist attempts to classicize the Latin Bible show how deeply its language had become embedded in Christian discourse.