The Weber-Gryson Biblia Sacra Vulgata, Editio Quinta: A Scholarly Masterwork

The "Biblia Sacra Vulgata," edited by Robert Weber and Roger Gryson, in its fifth edition (Editio Quinta), stands as a pinnacle in the study of the Latin Bible, known as the Vulgate. This version, published by the Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, has become the definitive scholarly text for those engaged in the study of Latin biblical manuscripts, theology, and the history of textual transmission.

Historical Context

The Vulgate, translated by St. Jerome at the end of the 4th century AD, has been the authoritative Latin version of the Bible for much of Western Christianity. Over centuries, the text underwent numerous revisions and editions, with the Weber-Gryson edition representing a modern culmination of this scholarly endeavor. The first edition was published under Robert Weber's direction in 1969, with subsequent revisions leading to the fifth edition in 2007 under the guidance of Roger Gryson.

Key Features of the Editio Quinta

  • Textual Reconstruction: This edition is not merely a reprint but a critical reconstruction of the Vulgate's text based on the best available manuscripts. It aims to reflect the oldest and most accurate Latin text possible, incorporating corrections and variants from previous editions, including the Oxford and Rome editions of the Vulgate.

  • Critical Apparatus: One of the most valuable aspects is the extensive critical apparatus, which provides a wealth of variant readings from significant Latin manuscripts. This apparatus allows scholars to see how the text has evolved and how different regions or periods interpreted the same passages.

  • Variants and Orthography: The text maintains much of the medieval Latin orthography, using historical spellings and line breaks rather than modern punctuation, which is crucial for understanding the Vulgate's historical development.

  • Comprehensive Coverage: It includes all the books traditionally part of the Latin Vulgate, with both the Psalms according to the Gallican Psalter and the Psalms according to Jerome's translation from the Hebrew (Psalterium iuxta Hebraeos), although only the latter is commonly included in this edition for practical reasons.

  • Scholarly Rigor: The edition has undergone rigorous review and update processes, reflecting the latest in textual criticism and manuscript discoveries.

Usage and Impact

  • Academic Research: The Weber-Gryson Vulgate serves as a primary source for scholars engaged in the study of Latin biblical texts, textual criticism, and the history of biblical translation. It's used in seminaries, universities, and research institutions globally.

  • Liturgical and Ecclesiastical Use: Although the New Vulgate has become the official text for the Catholic Church, the Weber-Gryson edition remains invaluable for those interested in historical liturgy or the study of pre-modern biblical texts within a Catholic context.

  • Educational Tool: It's a key resource for students of Latin, theology, and biblical studies, offering a direct connection to the historical evolution of biblical texts in Latin.

The Weber-Gryson Biblia Sacra Vulgata, Editio Quinta, embodies scholarly excellence in biblical studies. It's not just an edition of the Vulgate but a gateway to understanding the complexities of biblical transmission, translation, and interpretation over centuries. For anyone dedicated to the study of the Bible in its Latin form, this edition is indispensable, providing both the text and a deep dive into the historical and textual nuances of one of Christianity's foundational documents.